Fun Things To Do In Golden CO: Denver Day Trip

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If you’re looking for a great day trip from Denver, then look no further than Golden, Colorado. This small town was once a booming gold rush town, although that’s surprisingly not where the name came from. It was actually named after a miner called Tom Golden. But these days there are more things to do in Golden CO than search for gold. This charming place at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and a great place to spend a day exploring some of Colorado’s history.

Where is Golden, Colorado?

Only 12 miles west of Denver, Golden is one of the easiest places to get to from the city. Freeway most of the way, it’s less than half an hour’s drive from downtown Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the USA’s best national parks, is a favorite final destination for many who visit Golden. Use Golden as a fun detour to a much longer Rockies adventure.

How To Get To Golden?

Given that Golden is in such a beautiful area that you will want to explore more of, a car is recommended to get here. That way you can make it a stop on your way to other popular locations like Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate State Park and even the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater.

If you don’t want to rent a car, or don’t have access to one, you can still get to Golden easily enough. From Union Station in Downtown Denver it’s about an hour of travel time. A combination of light rail and local bus will get you there pretty hassle free.

Top Things To Do In Golden, CO?

Despite being a relatively small town, there are many fun things to do in Golden CO. From outdoor activities, to historical attractions and delicious restaurants and breweries, Golden has it all.

Welcome To Golden Arch

The most iconic feature of the town has to be the official Welcome to Golden sign arching over the main street, Washington Ave. If you’re you’re looking for the most Instagrammable things to do in Golden CO then this is the place to be. With prominent pride of place in the busy downtown area you can’t miss the sign.

Golden History Museum

Where are the history nerds at? If you’re anything like me you’ll enjoy learning a bit more about the town of Golden the same as any place you might visit. Find out how Golden was incorporated and some of the local businesses and trades that made it unique all the way from the mid-1800s goldrush era.

The history museum also has some interactive activities for kids and a theater playing old videos and movies of the town. The best part? The museum is free, although donations are always welcomed. Bonus tip: Check out their free self-guided walking tour of the most important historic sites in town.

Clear Creek Trail

Clear Creek runs right through the town of Golden. There is a scenic trail running either side of it, connected by a pedestrianized footbridge close to the history museum. The trail also offshoots into various corners of the town along the water’s edge.

While the trail runs in either direction and is a total of 20 miles in length, the central portion of the trail near the main street is the most popular. It’s also the prettiest part since some of the outlying parts of the trail are a little closer to the highway. But this is one of the nicest things to do in Golden CO on a day trip.

Picnic In Parfet Park

If you like the sound of the Clear Creek Trail you’ll probably also enjoy a visit to Parfet Park. Adjacent to both Clear Creek and Washington Ave, Parfet Park is the best place to hang out in the nice weather.

With picture-perfect views and seasonal events, grab some takeout food or make up a picnic to enjoy in the park. Local’s Tip: If visiting in August, plan your visit on a Friday and take advantage of music and movie nights in the park. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Golden CO in the summer.

Golden History Park

While the Golden History Museum merely tells you about life in the past, the history park is where you get to experience it. This living museum has genuine buildings dating back to the 1800s. Check out the schoolhouse and what it would have been like living on a ranch in 19th Century Colorado.

Like the history museum, the history park is also free admission. As well as old buildings there are also chickens running free in the chicken coop, and tens of thousands of bees in hives on the property. This is definitely one of the most sustainable sites in Golden.

Visit A Brewery

Bet you can’t guess which famous brewery has had its brewery in Golden for 150 years. It’s Coors, one of the nation’s most popular beers. And while it might not be the most unique beer Colorado has to offer (they have a lot of great craft beer), beer lovers may enjoy a tour of the brewery.

The 30 minute tour walks you through the beer making process as well as the history of the brewery. See old photos and memorabilia, and end the tour with some tasters. Still thirsty for more? Visit a craft brewery in town such as Golden City Brewery or Mountain Toad Brewing. Beer recommendation: Try Mountain Toad’s seasonal Lavender Belgian golden ale.

Plan Some Water Activities

Clear Creek isn’t just for walking alongside, they do white water rafting tours as well as tubing. Rent or buy a tube in town, and walk to one end to start your float down the creek for at least an hour of fun.

Check out Golden River Sports for kayak lessons or rentals to brave the whitewater rapids. Even if you don’t want to participate, you can watch some of the more seasoned pros from the Clear Creek walk.

Where to eat in Golden

This small town is packed with delicious eateries. Start the day off right with a trip to the Golden Diner for a reasonably priced meal you won’t be able to finish, and a casual American diner experience. Cafe 13 is a great lunch spot with sandwiches, salads and plenty of baked goods including Gluten free options.

Visit a brewery or two for a mid-afternoon rest from all the walking. Most have a food truck within walking distance if you want some non-brewed sustenance. Then end your day with a feast at El Dorado Mexican Restaurant, a colorful local restaurant with a generous sized menu and incredible mountain views.

Stay in Golden a little longer

Not quite ready to leave Golden? Plan for longer than a day trip and explore more of the city. Book an overnight stay and see what else the area has to offer. Just outside of downtown Golden is the Colorado Railroad Museum. For anyone who likes trains (guilty!) it’s a great place to check out.

Also a visit to the national and state parks nearby should be high on anyone’s list. Golden Gate Canyon State Park has incredible rock climbing opportunities.

It wouldn’t be a trip to the West, wild or not, without a bit of cowboy history. You may have heard of Buffalo Bill – and I don’t mean the wings place. He was a buffalo hunter who traveled west and gained notoriety in the US and abroad. The museum tells of his story, and his respect for the Native Americans. And this is also where he is buried with his grave as the most visited place on site.

Plenty of things to do in Golden CO

Don’t miss out on a trip to Golden. Whether you’re spending a few days in Denver or longer in the Rocky Mountains, it’s a great place to stop off at. It’s an easy day trip and a really budget friendly place to visit with the whole family.

Learn about some Old West history, try some delicious food and local craft beers, and enjoy some incredible outdoor activities. Whatever you’re looking for don’t miss this golden opportunity to visit the town of Golden.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited Golden before? What are some of your favorite things to do in Golden CO?