Location: Golden
Top Things to do in Golden
10 Free Things to do in Golden That You Shouldn't Miss
Golden is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat of Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. Golden lies along Clear Creek at the base of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush on June 16, 1859, the mining camp was originally named Golden City in honor of Thomas L. Golden. Golden City served as the capital of the provisional Territory of Jefferson from 1860 to 1861, and capital of the official Territory of Colorado from 1862 to 1867. In 1867, the territorial capital was moved about 12 miles (19 km) east to Denver City. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 18,867 in 2010.
Restaurants in Golden
1. State 38 Distilling
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Almost 150 years after Colorado was the 38th state admitted to the union, State 38 Distilling was established to celebrate the western beauty that is Colorado by hand crafting small batch spirits using only organic ingredients and crisp rocky mountain water, forging quality spirits by getting back to basics. We ONLY use Fair Trade 100% Organic Raw Blue Agave and Hand-Milled Grains as the bases for all our spirits.
2. Lookout Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Scenic mountain near Denver and home of the Buffalo Bill Cody gravesite and museum.
Reviewed By Peter_A_Morrell - Unionville, Canada
What a great idea to take a drive up the mountain to Lookout Mountain Park. During a trip to Golden, Colorado earlier this year I had a rare afternoon off and decided to check it out. Besides the amazing views, you'll find Buffalo Bills' Grave and Museum, the Pashaka Gift Shop, trails and yes the views. The 'Lookout' itself has a large area where you can see Denver and Golden and on a clear day, you can see miles and miles out to the surrounding areas and mountains. Be careful driving up the mountain and as I saw a couple of wrecks and abandoned cars along the way. The morning was overcast so many parts of the mountain round were still covered in ice, from the sides of the mountain that didn't get any sun in the morning. It was winter and the weather can change at any time like any other snow-covered mountain. Take your time driving the road. There is a couple of pull-offs on the road up to Lookout Mountain if you have to stop. As you get closer to the parking area, there are signs to clearly identify where you are and where to park. The same parking lot for the 'Lookout' is the same parking lot for Buffalo Bill's Grave, the Museum, the gift shop and the Lookout area. In the winter most of the trails are covered in snow and not accessible, I did see a few people coming from the trails. You will also see several TV and radio towers nearby. Luckily it was a clear day, and sunny when I arrived. I checked out all the sites and walked the perimeter of the lookout and spent a good amount of time there looking at the surrounding area. It is serene and picturesque so bring a good camera, if you have one. With everything to do up there even on a wintery day, you could spend a few hours up there. The Lookout Mountain is a great way to spend an afternoon. If you're ever in Golden put this on your list of things to do, you will not be disappointed.
3. Centennial Cone Park
4. Golden History Museum & Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Pioneer life in the hills and canyons near Golden was harsh, difficult, and not for the faint of heart. Most who survived in the beautiful, if inhospitable region, succeeded as farmers and ranchers. Relive the experience by exploring the blacksmith shop, log cabins, hay barn and root cellar. Visit with our heirloom-breed chickens and discover a buzzing beehive. On select days, interact with costumed interpreters who enliven the landscape with cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations. Step inside the one-room Guy Hill Schoolhouse and take a seat in a student’s desk, but don’t wisecrack to the school mistress! After your History Park visit, remember to check out the free (for all of 2019) Golden History Museum directly across Clear Creek.
5. Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By lindabB2983WR - Golden, United States
It is well displayed and with good notations about the collection. Entry is free. Golden is a charming, interesting town, with an art center, a history museum, and Coors Brewery, plus nice restaurants.
6. Mother Cabrini Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By mizzrosie31 - Colorado Springs, United States
A beautiful experience, soul touching. me and my husband decided last minute to travel here, we climed the 300+ steps to the shrine and each step was a learning and spiritual experience, we walked through the rosary garden, saying each prayer and attended mass. everything was beautiful and graceful.
7. Apex Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Carol12902 - Golden, United States
On the day I was there a young teacher was instructing second and third graders on proper trail etiquette. The students were excited but listening intently. This is a great park for hiking by oneself or with a group!
8. White Ranch Park
9. Golden City Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
This is the second largest brewery in Golden, a city that is also home to Coors beer.
Reviewed By cro63mag
this was a late july trek to the high plains for a red rock adventure. the weather was outstanding. this little gem is an easy walk from the the main strip in golden. parking is easy here. the folks here are super nice and informative. we even had a quick, 1/2 hour brew tour. the beers are great. i tried 4 of them. the wall of hops is amazing and quite a great landscaping feature. the simple courtyard promoted a little shade and a perfect place to eat. if you're hungry, a food truck is parked out front and it was delicious. i spent a tad bit of time inside, but this time of year, why bother.
10. Matthews/Winters Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 881robine - Denver, United States
We did this hike 3-4 times this winter. It is quiet and fun at the top. You can do up and down or we finally found how to do a 3-4 mile loop. Just be careful to go back to the parking lot you came from.
