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Colorado Springs Travel Guide
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items The spots I actually go to, bring friends to, or think about long after I leave. Some are pretty. Some are weird. All are worth it.
Sections
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Rest Like Royalty: 6 Magical Stays in Colorado Springs
Let's Be Outside (Because, Colorado)
Coffee + Chill Vibes
Shop Local (and Leave With Something You Didn't Plan to Buy)
Where I Actually Eat (And Crave Later)
For the Vibe (Weird, Niche, and Totally Worth It)
Rest Like Royalty: 6 Magical Stays in Colorado Springs
Whether you're seeking mountain views, castle vibes, or spa-soaked luxury, these top-tier stays will enchant adventurers, romantics, and wanderers alike.
Step into a five-star fairytale. With its lakefront views, world-class spa, and timeless luxury, The Broadmoor feels like a grand castle tucked at the foot of the Rockies. Perfect for a regal retreat or romantic escape.
The Broadmoor
Overlooking the red rock spires of Garden of the Gods, this resort blends modern luxury with nature’s drama. Think private balconies, firelit cocktails, and a spa so relaxing it feels like a spell.
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club
Housed in a historic gold rush-era building downtown, this boutique beauty balances exposed brick, velvet textures, and luxe amenities. A goldmine of style in the city’s heart.
Mining Exchange Hotel
Craving nature and comfort? This mountain retreat has it all: lake access, sprawling trails, cozy fireplaces, and sweeping views. Great for families, couples, or a peaceful solo quest.
Colorado Springs Spa & Golf Resort | Cheyenne Mountain Resort
A modern boutique hotel with community spirit, Kinship blends Scandinavian simplicity with Colorado charm. Bonus: the rooftop hammocks and in-house craft café are perfect for daydreaming.
Kinship Landing
This charming B&B is all floral wallpaper, clawfoot tubs, and homemade breakfasts. If you’re into slow mornings, handwritten notes, and candlelit nostalgia, this is your enchanted inn.
Holden House Colorado Springs
Let's Be Outside (Because, Colorado)
Colorado Springs is literally built into the base of the mountains, so nature is kind of the whole thing. Whether you want a quick trail, full-on hike, or something pretty to drive through, these are the places I come back to over and over.
Free, epic, and very “wow.” It’s touristy for a reason. Massive red rock formations with paved and dirt trails — perfect for a morning walk or golden hour photos.
Garden of the Gods · Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Feels like a hidden world tucked into the mountains. Seven cascading waterfalls with beautiful views, especially after a hike up the 224 steps. Bonus: there's an elevator if you're not in the stair mood.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls · 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Because yes, you can drive to 14,000 feet. Whether you drive or take the cog railway, the views are unreal. On clear days you can see all the way to Kansas. Bring a jacket — even in summer, it’s chilly at the top.
Pikes Peak Hwy · Colorado
Garden of the Gods’ less-crowded sibling. Locals love this spot for hiking, biking, and just enjoying the quiet. Great trails and photo ops with way fewer people.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space · 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
It looks like someone hit Mars with a pastel filter. Colorful clay formations in the middle of nowhere. Surreal and super underrated.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park · 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
This canyon is pure magic: waterfalls, winding trails, and towering trees. Don’t miss Helen Hunt Falls, or head deeper into the canyon for solitude and mountain air that resets your soul.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park | City of Colorado Springs
Coffee + Chill Vibes
I fully believe coffee shops tell you everything you need to know about a city. These are my favorites — cozy, creative, and all with drinks that taste as good as the space looks.
My go-to when I want a real coffee shop vibe. Great light, great toast, even better lattes. Never too loud to think.
Switchback Coffee Roasters - Shooks Run · 330 N Institute St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Feels like a coworking space but with better coffee and cooler people. Local roasted beans and the breakfast sandwich slaps.
Loyal Coffee · 408 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Tucked-away spot with industrial vibes. The baristas are cool, the drinks are strong, and the playlist never misses.
Hold Fast Coffee Co · 2360 Montebello Square Dr Suite H1, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Technically a café, but the back patio? Heaven. Go for brunch and stay for the sunshine and mellow energy.
Good Neighbors Meeting House · 505 Columbia St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Shop Local (and Leave With Something You Didn't Plan to Buy)
I’m a sucker for a well-curated shop, especially when it’s full of local makers and one-of-a-kind finds. These are the places I go when I need a gift, a vibe reset, or just an excuse to treat myself.
Local art, jewelry, candles, stickers — it’s a good kind of overwhelming. Great place for gifts or just small things that make your day better.
Eclectic CO. · 214 1/2 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Fair trade everything, and the clothes are actually cute. Ethically made with a story behind every piece.
Yobel · 517 S Cascade Ave Ste E, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Home decor, wellness stuff, cards that make you feel seen. Basically where you go when you want to romanticize your life.
Terra Verde Boutique · 208 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
A cozy, winding indie bookstore with creaky shelves, handwritten staff picks, and entire corners dedicated to fantasy, metaphysics, and local authors. Come for a book—leave with a quest.
Hooked On Books - Colorado Springs
This boutique is like walking into a spell: desert tones, vintage denim, graphic tees, dried flowers, and handmade candles. It’s got that artsy-soft, Instagram-but-genuine feel that makes you want to move in.
Heartshake Studios
Part indie bookstore, part toy shop, part restaurant—and 100% local legend. You’ll find political stickers, tarot decks, thoughtful gifts, and an indoor vibe that says: Stay. Wander. Snack. Repeat.
Poor Richard's Bookstore - Colorado Springs
Where I Actually Eat (And Crave Later)
Colorado Springs has low-key great food. It’s not all breweries and burgers — these are the spots I think about randomly on a Tuesday and have to go back. Everything here is tried, tested, and “bring your friend from out of town” approved.
Eclectic, vibey, and kind of magical. Get the spicy coconut shrimp soup and a lavender cocktail. Great for date night or friend catch-ups.
Shuga's · 702 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Fancy-ish pizza without the attitude. I always order the fig + prosciutto and a glass of red. Instantly feel cooler.
White Pie Pizzeria · 330 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Elevated tacos that still feel casual. Always busy, always good. Patio is great in the summer, margaritas are very strong.
Dos Santos · 70 E Moreno Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Unreal pho. Cozy, fast, and flavorful. I crave it the second the temperature drops.
PHO BUDDY TOGO RESTAURANT · 1861 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Underground restaurant in a climbing gym (yes, really). Surprisingly delicious food, lots of veg-friendly options, and the vibe is unmatched.
The UTE Restaurant · 21 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
With carved wood beams, servers in dirndls, and a menu full of schnitzel and strudel, this place is like stepping into a fairytale tavern—just with more beer and polka.
Edelweiss German Restaurant
Enter through an unmarked stairwell downtown into a candlelit, subterranean wonderland. Gothic vibes, “Drink Me” cocktails, and rabbit art everywhere. Try the blackberry elk tenderloin—you won’t forget it.
The Rabbit Hole
Dive bar meets spellbook. It’s moody, tiny, and unapologetically weird. The menu is all plant-based comfort food and offbeat drinks like “No Gods, No Masters.” Pro tip: the mac is killer.
Burrowing Owl
For the Vibe (Weird, Niche, and Totally Worth It)
These are the places that don’t show up on the polished travel blogs — but they should. Think: vintage chaos, vampire bars, oddities shops, and hidden murals. If you like your trips with a side of strange, this section is for you.
It’s like walking into your cool older cousin’s basement in the ‘90s. Vintage tees, vinyl, horror merch, punk stuff. Unhinged in the best way.
The Leechpit Records and Vintage · 3020 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Taxidermy, antique apothecary bottles, a wall of dead things. Oddly peaceful if you’re into that sort of thing (I am).
Cronk Art and Curiosities · 104 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Nerd-themed brewery with board games and dino puns. Very chill, very Colorado.
Fossil Craft Beer Company · 2845 Ore Mill Rd #1, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
The game store of your 12-year-old dreams — but better. MTG, Pokémon, and all the figurines you swore you wouldn’t collect again.
The Yellow King Games and Hobbies · 1834 E Platte Ave #100, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Escape rooms with legit set design and just enough creep factor. Themes range from haunted hotels to time travel to post-apocalyptic labs. Good for groups, great if you’re slightly dramatic.
Escape the Place · 6436 S U.S. Hwy 85 87 Suite A, Fountain, CO 80817
Step back into 1984 (or earlier) — this arcade has rows of old-school pinball machines, penny games, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Bring cash and channel your inner Stranger Things kid.
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade · 930 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Slightly chaotic, deeply nostalgic. Think wall-to-wall toys, action figures, and nerd memorabilia from every decade. A total treasure hunt.
Iron Lion Collectibles · 8003 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Rows of preserved insects, massive beetles, and a huge bug sculpture greet you at the door. It’s a little creepy, a little fascinating, and 100% unforgettable.
May Natural History Museum
Built in 1895 by a French priest with a flair for drama. Now it’s a museum with creaky staircases, haunted vibes, and an eclectic tea room that feels like it was curated by a ghost librarian.
Miramont Castle Museum and The Queen's Parlour Tea Room
Wander & Explore
Some places are best discovered without a plan. These neighborhoods and hidden corners are perfect for walking around, grabbing a snack, and stumbling into something fun you didn’t expect.
Charming, walkable, and full of art shops and snack spots. Less touristy than downtown, but still has good energy.
Old Colorado City · Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Weird mountain town energy with mineral springs, arcades, witchy stores, and a ton of personality. Ride the incline if you hate yourself (kidding, kind of).
Manitou Springs · Colorado
A converted school turned brewery, coffee shop, bakery, and event space. Grab food, wander the halls, feel like you’re in a Pinterest board.
Ivywild School · 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Okay, it's not outdoors—but if you're into ancient wanderings, this museum is packed with fossils, skeletal reconstructions, and legit prehistoric awe. A quick drive and full of wonder.
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
Free to enter and full of unexpected corners—historic photos, Indigenous art, haunted energy, and rotating exhibits that spark curiosity. Plus, the building itself is a Victorian dream.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Even if you’re not staying, you can stroll the Broadmoor’s manicured paths, glittering lake, and flower-filled courtyards. Pretend you’re a noble with a secret. Grab coffee and enjoy the view.
The Broadmoor