Things To Do in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs blends mountain scenery, lively neighborhoods and a long list of attractions into one very approachable city. You can spend the morning in red rock formations, the afternoon with giraffes and the evening in a downtown restaurant without driving hours between stops. If you are planning a visit or getting ready to move here, these ideas will help you build a trip that's fun and memorable.

Before we get started, we have other helpful articles and guides centered around all-things Colorado Springs including the best Colorado Springs neighborhoods (if you’re considering moving here), pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs, and if you’re a military family, why Fort Caron is one of the best bases for military families. 

And of course, when you’re ready to make the move to Colorado Springs, think STOR-N-LOCK for all your storage needs. We have great storage units in Colorado Springs that fit your every need. Ok, now back to our regular scheduled programming.

Garden of the Gods and Classic Colorado Scenery

Garden of the Gods is often the first place locals tell visitors to see, and it deserves that reputation. Towering red sandstone formations rise from the ground with Pikes Peak in the background, which makes it one of the most photographed spots in the region. The park is free to visit and offers paved paths, longer dirt trails and plenty of viewpoints where you can stop and take in the scene. Colorado tourism sources note that visitors can hike, bike and even ride horses through different areas of the park.

Plan at least a couple of hours here if you enjoy walking. Start at the main visitor area, follow the central paths through the rock formations and

then branch out to quieter side trails if you have more energy. Sunrise and late afternoon are especially pretty times to visit because the light hits the rocks in dramatic ways and temperatures tend to feel more comfortable.

Pikes Peak and High Country Views

Pikes Peak rises above Colorado Springs and gives the city much of its identity. It is sometimes called Americas Mountain and you can reach the summit by driving, taking a shuttle in season or boarding the cog railway from nearby Manitou Springs. The mountain tops out at more than 14,000 feet above sea level, so the views from the summit stretch far across the plains and into distant ranges.

A trip to the summit works well as a half day adventure. Plan for cooler temperatures at the top and bring water, snacks and layers. The official tourism site for the region notes that the Pikes Peak area is one of the most important attractions in all of Colorado Springs, right alongside Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Broadmoor Seven Falls

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a very different take on outdoor time. This zoo sits on the side of a mountain and creates exhibits that take advantage of the slope and views. It has earned national recognition and is especially famous for its large herd of giraffes that visitors can hand feed from a raised boardwalk. 

After a zoo visit, many people continue into nearby South Cheyenne Canyon to see Broadmoor Seven Falls. This series of waterfalls sits in a narrow canyon with dramatic walls on both sides. You can view the falls from the base or climb a long set of stairs to reach different vantage points. The falls are one of the more unique natural attractions near the city and show up often in lists of top things to do around Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs, Caves and Mountain Quirk

Manitou Springs sits a short drive west of Colorado Springs and brings a more relaxed, artsy atmosphere. The town has historic buildings, small  shops, arcades and mineral water springs that bubble up from the ground. Many visitors enjoy simply walking the main streets, grabbing saltwater taffy or ice cream and browsing galleries between short breaks on benches.

From Manitou, you can reach several other attractions that often appear on recommended activity lists. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers guided tours through limestone caves along with thrill rides and cliffside activities at the surface. Close by, the Manitou Incline attracts fitness fans who want a serious workout on steep railroad style steps that climb quickly up the hillside. The official city page for the Incline notes that it gains around 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile, which explains why it has such a reputation. 

Museums, History and Olympic Spirit

Colorado Springs carries the nickname Olympic City USA because it hosts the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and several training centers. Visitors can explore that side of the city at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum, which features interactive exhibits, athlete stories and modern architecture. It is a good pick for sports fans or families who want an engaging indoor activity that still feels very tied to local identity.

Beyond the Olympic story, the city holds several other museums that cover local history, art and aviation. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum introduces guests to the regions past and is located in a historic courthouse building downtown. The National Museum of World War Two Aviation highlights aircraft and artifacts in large hangars near the municipal airport. Lists of top attractions on major travel review sites regularly place these museums among the best non outdoor activities in the city.

Downtown Colorado Springs and Local Flavor

Downtown Colorado Springs has changed a lot over the past decade and now offers a pleasant balance of small city convenience and local flavor. Streets are lined with coffee shops, restaurants, taprooms and boutiques, and many buildings still show historic brickwork and older architectural styles. On many evenings you will find people walking between dinner spots and dessert places while live music drifts out from a nearby venue.

If you visit during warmer months you may run into farmers markets, art walks or small festivals that fill sections of downtown. Event calendars on the official Visit Colorado Springs site show a constant rotation of concerts, races, food events and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Walking the downtown core for an evening gives you a feel for how locals live when they are not on the trails or in the mountains.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs sits at higher elevation than many visitors expect, so it helps to take the first day at an easy pace. Drink water regularly, especially if you plan to hike or visit the summit of Pikes Peak. Sunscreen matters even on cooler days because the sun feels stronger at elevation. Comfortable shoes will make a bigger difference than you think by the end of the day.

Build some flexibility into your plan so you can adjust for weather. Storms can move in quickly during certain seasons, which might nudge you toward a museum or downtown activity instead of a long hike. If you mix outdoor time with indoor options you will get a wider sense of what Colorado Springs offers.