Visiting Colorado Springs For the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

Garden of the Gods is, without a doubt, one of the top attractions in Colorado Springs. The National Natural Landmark is filled with towering red sandstone rock formations, interspersed with vibrant green flora.

It’s also home to some of the best hikes near Colorado Springs for beginners, including the paved Perkins Central Garden Trail and the 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) Siamese Twins via Cabin Canyon Loop Trail. Both are ideal for positioning yourself at the heart of the red rock formations, while also getting your bearings with the local weather and altitude conditions.

Colorado locals love to trek to the highest mountains they can see—ones often dubbed “14ers” to indicate that they’re at least 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) high. While the vast majority of 14ers require strenuous hikes to reach the top, Pikes Peak makes it easy. Standing proudly at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters), this Colorado Springs mountain is accessible by train—by charming cog railway, to be specific—by car, and on foot, so nearly anyone can visit.

On reaching the peak, you'll feel like you’re at the top of the world. And don’t forget to pop inside the Summit House to grab one of the famous Pikes Peak piping hot donuts—they use a special recipe that counteracts the nearly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of altitude.

If you're seeking family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo should top your list. Holding the title of the highest zoo in the country, this establishment is home to more than 750 animals.

And, perhaps surprisingly given that it's situated in the Rocky Mountain foothills, the zoo is known for its giraffes, which seem to thrive despite the weather. You can even feed them a lettuce bundle or two yourself!

Insider tip: On the coldest days, many of the animals are brought inside. And while you can still visit them indoors, the stench is quite a bit stronger. Consider saving this particular attraction for a warm-weather trip to Colorado Springs.

Calling all history buffs and aeronautics aficionados! Colorado Springs’ National Museum of World War II Aviation is home to 4,000 artifacts and 28 fully restored WWII aircraft. Spot legendary planes including P-38 Lightnings, B-25 bombers, F4U Corsairs, and P-47 Thunderbolts.

Don’t miss the adjacent WestPac Restorations hangar, either, a workshop where you can watch technicians tune up similar aircraft just a few feet away. If you’re really lucky, you can even see these machines take to the sky on special Fly Days that take place throughout the summer and fall.

There’s no doubt that the Broadmoor Manitou Springs Incline—usually just called the Manitou Incline—is the toughest hike in town. While it’s among the coolest outdoor adventures near Colorado Springs, you do need to be both physically and mentally prepared before taking on the 2,768 railroad track steps and 2,000 feet (610 meters) of elevation gain in less than a mile.

If you successfully make it to the end, you won’t be disappointed. Not only will you feel like an absolute champion for taking on this high-altitude trek, but you’ll enjoy stunning views of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, and beyond.

Looking for an indoor activity in Colorado Springs? Visiting the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a fantastic option. The 60,000-square-foot (5,600-square-meter) space boasts an incredible collection of artifacts, including medals, jerseys, and one of just two complete collections of Olympic torches in the world.

But the highlight is the museum’s interactive, digital sports demos which let you "race" against world-class runners in a 98-foot (30-meter) dash or measure your archery skills against Team USA standards.

Did you know?: The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is one of the most accessible museums in the country, with everything from ASL translations to low-sensory versions of exhibits, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy it.

Like much of Colorado, Colorado Springs is home to a thriving craft beer scene. Among the favorite breweries dotted throughout the city are Cerberus Brewing Company, known for both its beer and its food (smoked brisket grilled cheese, anyone?); Goat Patch Brewing Company, which serves a great Scottish red ale; and Bristol Brewing Company, which offers the unique opportunity to drink in a (repurposed) elementary school.

While you’re welcome to hit them all up one after the other on a beer crawl, you can also visit these breweries like a local—as a stop after a day of hiking, cog railway riding, or museum visiting.

The Cave of Winds Mountain Park blends Colorado Springs’ beautiful natural landscapes with theme park thrills. The initial draw for many is the natural underground cave system, and while that’s part of the experience, it’s a rather small part.

Instead, get ready to spend your day tackling rope courses and scaling rock-climbing walls, panning for gemstones, and racing through the skies on a modified zipline through the stunning Williams Canyon. And don’t miss the Terror-dactyl: this adrenaline-pumping swing drops 150 feet (46 meters) into the canyon below in a matter of seconds.

Colorado Springs has two downtowns of sorts: one old and one new. For a brief period in the 1860s, Old Colorado City served as the capital of the Colorado Territory. Today, the neighborhood still exudes old-town charm, with historic brick storefronts, tree-lined sidewalks, local art galleries, and independent boutiques.

About 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away lies the new Downtown Colorado Springs. And as you’d expect from a modern-day downtown, it’s where you’ll find many of the best shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Pop into Eclectic Co to peruse handmade goods from local creatives, sip a craft cocktail at The Archives, and listen to dueling pianos at Louie Louie’s for the full downtown experience.