Location: Golden
Top Things to do in Golden
What to do and see in Golden, Colorado (CO): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. Golden Mountain Guides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Fuel your desire for the outdoors with a once in a lifetime adventure with Golden Mountain Guides. Climb frozen crystalline water, dangle 1,000 feet off the ground, or learn new skills in a safe and scenic environment. Whether you're just learning or a seasoned climber looking for the next adventure, Golden Mountain Guides has the instruction to teach you the Fundamental Elements of Climbing.
2. Mountain Lux Candles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
We are currently open by reservation and for walk-in’s (space available). You can check available times and make a reservation from the link on our website, https://mountainluxcandles.com. ~ Our shop provides a unique "hands-on" experience allowing you to create a custom scented candle with a blend selected by you (we have over 80 fragrances to choose from and put together the way you want)! You can also craft your own scented wax tarts (for melters), room sprays, and reed diffusers. ~ In store, we also carry a large variety of pre-poured candles, gift-packs, note cards, and candle holders for purchase.
Reviewed By connier854 - Sedona, United States
We planned this as a post holiday event for the ladies in our family and it was perfect for our group (ages 35 - 80). They had a really nice selection of holders and worked with each of us to create a really beautiful scent that made us smile. A lovely business run by a charming family. The daughters, mom, dad - and I guess sons are involved too. It was a unique activity. The only heads up is that you have to let the candles rest for two hours. Which is actually not bad at all but we went in the evening and it closes at 7 so we had to go back to pick them up. We live in Denver, so not a big deal at all - but could be if you are traveling. If you want to pick them up the same day, just go a little earlier in the day. There are plenty of great shops up and down main street and several great restaurants to choose from to spend 2 hours. We went to Indulge Wine Bar. A perfect food option to pair with this activity - great food and service, a step up from many nacho and chicken wing options in the area.
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
This area is particularly good for snowshoers.
Reviewed By MrsButterfield - Denver, United States
If you're going to go here, go very early in the morning, especially on the weekend! It costs $9 for a day pass that you need to pick up upon entry into the park. They have plenty of hikes for all ski levels as well as ponds to go fishing. Make sure you bring a water bottle for hot days and always bring a rain jacket.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. White Ranch Park
9. Golden History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Golden History Museum has fully transformed into a warm, welcoming, and vibrant public space for uncovering and sharing our past. The renovation includes new programming spaces, a research center, a hands-on gallery for families with young children, and dynamic new exhibits that highlight the City’s collection of historic objects. With the vision of “always something new to discover,” the renovated Golden History Museum brings the behind-the-scenes practices of object discovery and preservation to the front of the house. Admission is free throughout 2019. Open six days; closed Tuesdays.
Reviewed By joyb464
We took our Iowa sister to the museum especially because she serves as a volunteer at a museum in Iowa. Though we have been there many times, we always enjoy seeing the displays again and always find something that we hadn't seen before. The volunteers are always friendly and helpful. You can find Golden honey to buy as well as books and other memorabilia.
10. Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By mhumbert2018 - Easley, United States
This is a very beautiful way to see the Rocky Mountains! Totally worth the time!! The snowy mountain scenery was amazing!!
