Colorado Springs surprised me in the best kind of way. It’s rugged and scenic, but also full of charm and little moments that make you pause. One minute I was standing in front of a towering red rock formation, and the next I was sipping coffee in a quiet café tucked into a historic district. The air felt cleaner, the pace slower, and the sky just seemed bigger. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that gets under your skin—in a good way.”
Whether you’re chasing views, exploring local culture, or just need a deep breath and a dose of sunshine, Colorado Springs delivers all that and more with mountain air and a lot of heart.
Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs
For nature lovers: Garden of the Gods Park
The first time I saw Garden of the Gods in person, I had to stop walking just to take it in. Towering sandstone formations in shades of rust and rose pierced the sky, framed by the snow-capped Rockies in the distance. It was almost unreal. I remember whispering to myself, “How is this even free?”
I took the main trail loop and wandered through narrow passageways, archways, and open fields where rock climbers made their slow, steady way up the cliffs. The air smelled like sun-warmed earth and juniper. Every few steps seemed to bring a new perspective, a new angle, a moment that made me want to pause and just be still.
After a morning of walking, I stopped by the nearby Garden of the Gods Market & Café. I had their goat cheese and spinach omelet with crispy potatoes and a side of house-made sourdough toast. Sitting outside on the patio with the red rocks still visible in the distance made it feel like the perfect extension of the trail—nourishing, peaceful, and grounded.
Garden of the Gods At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Colorado Springs: ~10 minutes
- Vibe: Majestic, grounding, expansive
- Highlights: Scenic trails, rock climbing, visitor center
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 5 AM – 10 PM daily
- Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
For animal lovers: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo didn’t feel like any other zoo I’ve visited. Perched high on a mountainside, it offered sweeping views of the city below—along with an unforgettable animal experience. From the very beginning, it felt different. I remember standing at the giraffe feeding deck thinking, “I’m face to face with a giraffe... and we’re both enjoying this view.”
The zoo is built into the slope, so every turn of the path brought another layer of elevation and another animal habitat that felt tucked naturally into the landscape. I watched grizzly bears splash in a pool, hand-fed budgies in the aviary, and even rode the Mountaineer Sky Ride for a bird’s-eye view of it all. There was a sense of fun and openness everywhere.
Afterward, I grabbed lunch at the on-site Grizzly Grill, where I had a bison burger topped with white cheddar and caramelized onions, plus a side of kettle chips. I found a shaded table with a mountain view and let the altitude—and the day—sink in. It felt like the kind of zoo experience that sticks with you.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Colorado Springs: ~15 minutes
- Vibe: Playful, scenic, interactive
- Highlights: Giraffe feeding, Sky Ride, mountain views
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for cooler temps and active animals
- Cost: Around $30 for adults
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
- Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
For romantics: Glen Eyrie Castle
Glen Eyrie Castle felt like a surprise tucked into the base of the Rockies. It wasn’t just the architecture—turrets, stonework, and sweeping lawns—but the feeling of quiet that hung in the air. Originally built by the founder of Colorado Springs, the castle now welcomes guests for tea, tours, and overnight stays. I remember walking through the Great Hall and thinking, “This feels like Colorado’s secret fairytale.”
The guided tour was fascinating, filled with personal history and quirky architectural details. But it was the grounds that stayed with me—lush gardens, hidden trails, and deer grazing just beyond the castle steps. I lingered by the reflecting pond longer than I planned, not quite ready to leave.
Afterward, I had tea in the castle’s tea room. My favorite part was the cranberry orange scone served with lemon curd and clotted cream, alongside a pot of Earl Grey. It was quiet, elegant, and completely removed from the rush of the outside world.
Glen Eyrie Castle At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Colorado Springs: ~15 minutes
- Vibe: Romantic, peaceful, historic
- Highlights: Castle tours, afternoon tea, hiking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for garden blooms and cooler weather
- Cost: Around $12–$20 for tours or tea
- Hours: Varies by tour and event schedule
- Address: 3820 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
For outdoor adventurers: Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak had been on my bucket list for years, and when I finally stood at the summit, it felt like a dream. At 14,115 feet, the view was nothing short of stunning—layers of mountain ranges fading into the distance, clouds at eye level, and crisp air that felt like a reset button. I remember saying to myself, “This is the kind of view that quiets everything else.”
You can drive, hike, or take the cog railway to the top. I took the scenic railway, and the journey itself was part of the magic—pine forests, alpine meadows, and wildlife sightings along the way. At the summit, I explored the newly built visitor center, learned about the peak’s history, and—of course—tried the famous high-altitude donuts.
Yes, I ate a donut at 14,000 feet. And yes, it was warm, soft, and perfect. The combo of sugar and thin mountain air gave me a boost I didn’t know I needed. Sitting on a bench overlooking the world below, I felt light, clear-headed, and incredibly grateful.
Pikes Peak At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Colorado Springs: ~1 hour to the summit by car or train
- Vibe: Majestic, iconic, refreshing
- Highlights: Summit views, cog railway, high-altitude donuts
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or early fall for clear roads and weather
- Cost: Around $15 per person to drive, train tickets vary
- Hours: Access hours vary by season and weather
- Address: 5089 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809 (base entrance)
For art lovers: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
After days of climbing trails and chasing views, I was ready for something quieter—and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center delivered. Housed in a striking art deco building on the Colorado College campus, it felt both refined and welcoming. I remember stepping into the first gallery and thinking, “This is where I catch my breath.”
The collection was beautifully curated, with a blend of contemporary pieces, regional works, and Indigenous art that offered a deep sense of place. One room flowed into the next with thoughtful pacing, and I appreciated how the space let the artwork speak without shouting. It was peaceful and deeply inspiring.
Afterward, I stopped at the on-site café for a light lunch. I had a quinoa and roasted vegetable salad with lemon vinaigrette, paired with a sparkling water. I sat by the windows with my notebook open, feeling like the rhythm of the trip had slowed just enough to make space for reflection.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown: Less than 10 minutes
- Vibe: Quiet, sophisticated, reflective
- Highlights: Regional art, Native American collections, traveling exhibitions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for a peaceful experience
- Cost: Around $10 for adults
- Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM
- Address: 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
For hikers: Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space felt like a quieter cousin to Garden of the Gods—but with just as much beauty and even fewer crowds. I went in the late afternoon and the red cliffs absolutely glowed in the low light. I remember thinking, “This might be the most peaceful hike I’ve taken all week.”
The trails varied from easy strolls to more rugged climbs, with sandstone ridges, wildlife sightings, and even a small lake reflecting the sky. The air smelled like warm earth and pine, and I barely passed anyone on the trail. It was one of those places that gives you space to think—or not think at all.
After the hike, I stopped by Urban Steam on the way back to town for a pick-me-up. I had a nitro cold brew and their house-made banana bread, toasted and slathered with butter. Sitting on the patio with dusty hiking boots and a very satisfied appetite, I felt like I had officially earned that snack.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown: ~10 minutes west
- Vibe: Serene, spacious, natural
- Highlights: Scenic trails, red rock formations, dog-friendly areas
- Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or golden hour for soft light and cooler temps
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 5 AM – 9 PM daily
- Address: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Travel Tips: How to Get to Colorado Springs
- By Air: I usually fly into Colorado Springs Airport (COS)—it’s just 20 minutes from downtown. You could also land in Denver and make the 1.5-hour drive. I’ve done both depending on the deal.
- By Car: You can take I-25 straight down from Denver. I’ve made the drive many times—it’s smooth and scenic. If you’re coming from the south, it’s also a manageable 6-hour drive from Albuquerque.
- By Train/Bus: You can catch a Greyhound or Bustang bus right into town. I’ve used them when I didn’t feel like driving. Amtrak stops nearby if you want to turn it into a train trip.
Where to Stay in Colorado Springs
- Recommended for Luxury: The Broadmoor – I always splurge here when I want something truly special. You’ll love the mountain views, spa days, and the classic elegance.
- For Couples: The St. Mary’s Inn – If you want something romantic and walkable, this B&B is where I send friends. The Victorian charm really sets the mood.
- For Families: Great Wolf Lodge – I’ve seen families light up here. You get an indoor water park, games, dining—it’s all right there under one roof. Super fun if you're traveling with kids.
Final Thoughts on Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs left me feeling recharged in a way I didn’t see coming. There’s something special about a place where mountain trails, wildlife encounters, art museums, and historic castles can all coexist without competing for your attention. I came for the views, but I left with moments—quiet ones, breathtaking ones, and everything in between.
This city knows how to offer both adventure and stillness. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, there’s always another trail to hike, another story to learn, or another bite to savor. Colorado Springs gives you space to explore—and space to breathe. And that’s a gift I’ll never forget.