Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Golden, Colorado

Golden is a western suburb of Denver that serves as the seat of Jefferson County.

For beer enthusiasts nationwide, Golden has gained fame as the location of the Coors brewery, while also playing integral roles during the settlement and gold rush periods.

Situated at the foothills of the breathtaking Rockies, Golden serves as an ideal base for visitors, being centrally located between some of the state’s most remarkable natural and cultural attractions, including those in Denver.

Finding engaging activities is effortless, catering to the diverse ages and interests of your traveling companions.

Below are 15 activities to explore in and around Golden, Colorado.

1. Colorado Railroad Museum

Throughout the years, railroads have been pivotal in the history and development of Colorado.

The Colorado Railroad Museum, located on West 44th Avenue in Golden, is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and railroad admirers.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of exhibits featuring equipment, memorabilia, photographs, and firsthand narratives, alongside a historic rail yard that spans nearly 20 acres.

While locomotives and various unique rolling stock often attract the limelight, visitors may wish to view the welcome video inside prior to embarking on their self-guided exploration.

2. Coors Brewery

Currently, Colorado’s beer landscape is widely recognized for its burgeoning craft breweries, often found in even the most rural locations.

Historically, however, Coors dominated the scene and remains a cherished brand appreciated across the country.

The Coors brewery in Golden holds the title of the largest single-location brewery globally. For beer aficionados seeking an insightful experience into brewing, a guided tour would provide a unique opportunity to spend a few hours.

Tours encompass tastings for individuals of legal drinking age, alongside an array of intriguing historical memorabilia.

3. Café 13

For over two decades, Café 13 has been a favored establishment in Golden for individuals seeking nourishment after a long day.

Situated on Arapahoe Street, the restaurant offers breakfast and lunch options alongside an in-house bakery, coffee, and a comprehensive bar featuring a wide selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails.

The establishment also offers daily happy hour specials from 3 to 6 PM for those preferring a light refreshment.

Café 13 has recently undergone notable renovations, enhancing its contemporary aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere.

4. Golden Moon Distillery

While Colorado is predominantly celebrated for its vast array of craft and microbreweries, local distilleries have gained considerable recognition in recent years.

Founded in 2008 and located on Violet Street in Golden, Golden Moon Distillery prides itself on utilizing the highest quality ingredients and traditional distillation techniques along with age-old recipes.

Their product offerings include gin and absinthe, the latter being a mysterious green French spirit reputed to have mild hallucinogenic properties.

Guided tours and tastings are regularly available, so it is advisable to consult their online schedule.

5. Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve

Nestled at the base of the stunning Rocky Mountains, Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is conveniently located a short drive from Golden, making it a popular day trip for those seeking a mountain experience without the need for extensive travel.

The center encompasses over 100 acres, featuring interactive exhibits and an expansive network of trails, where visitors can encounter a variety of wildlife and breathtaking mountain vistas.

Wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and foxes abound, alongside numerous bird species including raptors, woodpeckers, and owls.

6. Barrels & Bottles Brewery

In Colorado, residents hold a fondness for both beer and dogs; for those who wish to enjoy both simultaneously, Barrels & Bottles Brewery offers an ideal setting.

As anticipated, Barrels & Bottles boasts an extensive beer selection ranging from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, with their frozen wine drinks having gained considerable popularity.

Previous patrons have noted the inviting outdoor patio and ample space accommodating canine companions. The brewery provides a relaxed ambiance where visitors can converse without the necessity of raising their voices over loud music.

7. Woody’s Woodfired Pizza

Whether in Italy, New York, or Golden, Colorado, woodfired pizza remains a delightful option for satisfying one’s appetite.

Since 1993, Woody’s Woodfired Pizza has been a local favorite, open daily from 11 AM to midnight.

The pizzeria offers a wide variety of toppings, alongside hearty burgers, spicy wings, and fresh salads.

For those who have recently toured the Coors brewery, Woody’s serves as an excellent post-tour destination, conveniently located just a mile away.

It’s particularly lively during game days, especially in football season, when big-screen televisions broadcast games from across the country.

8. Boettcher Mansion

The Boettcher Mansion, a historic residence established over a century ago, is situated on Colorow Road in Golden.

Constructed in 1917 using local timber and stone, it served as a summer retreat for a prominent local entrepreneur who equipped his luxurious home with the finest furnishings of the era.

The mansion has been preserved in near original condition, showcasing numerous artifacts, artwork, and housewares that epitomized luxury standards of the time.

Self-guided tours are offered on weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM, and the venue is also a favored location for special events.

9. Clear Creek History Park

Golden possesses an intriguing history that dates back to the early 19th century when the region was largely uncharted and wild.

Clear Creek History Park, situated on Arapahoe Street near downtown, features an impressive assemblage of historic structures including barns, cabins, and a one-room schoolhouse.

The park’s distinct sections are interconnected by well-marked pathways, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy fresh mountain air while learning about the area’s historical significance.

Additionally, actors in period attire engage in activities such as cooking and blacksmithing, enhancing the immersive experience.

10. Buffalo Bill Museum

William Cody, famously recognized as Buffalo Bill, is a captivating historical figure.

Born during the mid-1800s when Colorado was wild and teeming with buffalo, he gained notoriety as a buffalo hunter.

Buffalo Bill also established his theatrical production, The Wild West, which captivated audiences with equestrian feats and dramatic narratives of life in the Colorado wilderness.

The museum houses an extensive array of memorabilia relating to his life. Although primarily known for his buffalo hunting, his life holds historical significance deserving of attention from enthusiasts with a few hours to spare.

11. The Cussler Museum

Established by best-selling author Clive Cussler, the Cussler Museum caters to those with a keen interest in rare and vintage automobiles.

The museum’s collection showcases cars from various regions, predominantly manufactured from the early 20th century through the 1960s.

Boasting over 100 meticulously restored vehicles, the collection comprises brands that have not been produced in decades.

Located on West 69th Avenue in nearby Arvada, most visitors dedicate a few hours to explore before continuing their journey.

12. Indian Tree Golf Club

Featuring dramatic elevation changes and stunning landscapes, Colorado offers golfers a unique experience that is unparalleled elsewhere.

Located in Arvada, Indian Tree Golf Club boasts an 18-hole championship course that stretches over 7,000 yards from the long tees, significantly longer than many of its counterparts.

For those preferring a shorter outing, a 9-hole, par-3 option is available at just 1,100 yards.

Facility amenities include a driving range, practice putting and chipping areas, a well-stocked pro shop, and a year-round restaurant that remains open even during winter closures.

13. Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Aviation enthusiasts visiting the Golden area will find no better destination than Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

This museum features an impressive array of military and commercial aircraft housed within a vast hangar of nearly 200,000 square feet, displaying restored artifacts from nearly every period of aviation history.

Families accompanying children will appreciate the numerous interactive exhibits that provide both engagement and education. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents lead guided tours.

Be sure to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir before departing.

14. The Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities

The Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities serves as a comprehensive arts and entertainment venue comprising museums, galleries, theaters, and classrooms, providing a diverse array of instructional programs to the local community.

Established in the mid-1970s and situated on Wadsworth Boulevard in Arvada, the center is a brief drive from Golden.

The year-round programming features theatrical performances, recitals, contemporary and classical music presentations, as well as various art exhibitions and special events.

Seasonal holiday performances are especially popular and tend to sell out quickly, warranting early ticket purchases.

15. Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens, located a short distance from downtown Denver, comprise distinctly themed cultivated areas spread across more than 20 picturesque acres.

The amenities within the gardens include a conservatory, visitor center, and an amphitheater that hosts a beloved summer concert series.

Given the gardens’ expansive size, they can involve considerable walking, though the paths are paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Two on-site restaurants offer a great opportunity to recharge and unwind after a long day of exploration.

Picnicking is also permitted for those who prefer to dine in a natural ambience.