Ten Best Things to Do in Golden

The closest mountain town to Denver, Golden offers four seasons of fun. Whether you're a committed ice climber, an adrenaline-fueled paraglider or your definition of "outdoorsy" is "drinking outside on patios," Golden has a slate of activities ideal for a day trip, a weekend staycation or  — especially if you're lucky enough to live there — just a few hours of shopping, dining or recreation.

Nestled in the Clear Creek valley between North and South Table Mountains (which are actually mesas) and Lookout Mountain, Golden still offers a taste of the Old West mining town it was when it sprang up during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in 1859. It served as the capital of Colorado Territory until Denver muscled in, moving the seat of power twenty miles to the east.

Today the city of around 20,000 is best known as the home of Coors Brewery (where you can tour the world's largest single-site brewery), and the prestigious Colorado School of Mines. Downtown Golden's colorful historic buildings now offer a wealth of shopping — especially if you're shopping for outdoor recreation — along with one-of-a-kind boutiques, interesting restaurants with sidewalk patios and whimsical public art.

Here are ten spots worth checking out when enjoying Golden. Bonus: Most of them are easily accessed without a car — the city's Ore Cart Shuttle Service runs from the RTD W Station to downtown.
The Golden Mill
1012 Ford Street
The 1860s structure that once served as the town's mill and feed store now serves up a delightful food hall experience overlooking the banks of Clear Creek. The airy two-story structure has an expansive rooftop, offering fire pits and only-in-Colorado views that seem straight out of a cowboy movie. Outstanding local chef Jesus Silva helms the food program, turning out exemplary Japanese fare at Sushi Sora, and there's also BBQ, chicken, tacos and New Zealand-style ice cream. A pour-your own beer wall keeps everyone nicely hydrated, and trivia, live music and games round out the fun.

New Terrain Brewing Company
16401 Table Mountain Parkway
Bluegrass, beer, bitchin' views, dogs and kids all named Bodie: it's pure Colorado and we are here for it — the establishment made our To 100 Bars list. Its Rise and Climb Kölsch also took home a gold medal in this year's inaugural Colorado Brewers Cup, and there are more than 20 brews on tap, with a nice selection of N/A offerings and even a gluten-free Blonde Ale from Holidaily, another local favorite. New Terrain is adjacent to the trailhead leading to North Table Mountain Park, so don't worry about helmet head or a little post-run sweat — you'll be in good company. There's at least one food truck seven days a week (sometimes more) and plenty of special events, including Yoga on Tap on Mondays and Music on the Mesa every Thursday.
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 West 44th Avenue
All aboard! Kids of all ages love trains, and the magic of railroads is alive and choo-chooing at the Colorado Railroad Museum. The 15-acre railyard has more than 100 locomotives and train cars of all sorts, and an absolutely adorable miniature railway that will especially delight the pint-sized set. Climb into a caboose, stroll through elegant passenger cars, learn something in the exhibit galleries and by all means do not skip the General Store, especially if you have a train enthusiast on your gift list. There are plenty of tours and opportunities to ride on the trains, check out the full calendar of rail-related events here.

Alchemy
1111 Miners Alley
It's not Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, but this new cozy apothecary-themed cocktail spot tucked down Miners Alley definitely has magical vibes. The site of the much-loved Golden Moon Speakeasy, Alchemy specializes in unique craft cocktails (and mocktails!) made from local spirits and in-house infusions. We're partial to the Chai AF, and beautifully spiced take on a classic Old Fashioned, but you can't really go wrong. Live music and friendly staff keep the good feelings flowing along with the libations.
Clear Creek
Downtown Golden
It's not a lazy river, but when the water's right, there's no finer way to spend a summer afternoon than tubing (or kayaking) on Clear Creek, which runs through the heart of Golden. The city even has its own whitewater park, which spans about seven blocks and offers a great place to challenge your skills. A number of operators offer tube and kayak rentals, or you can bring your own. If you prefer your water mild rather than wild, check out the pool and slides at Splash Aquatic Park. Rather stay dry and just enjoy water views? The Clear Creek Trail is an easy two-mile loop for walking, biking, blading or skateboarding.

Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
1100 Miners Alley
"Hey kids, let's put on a show!" "Sure," said the locals, and, just like that, a 76-year-old hardware store became the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, winning the title of Best New Theater in last year's Westword's Best Of. The old Meyer's Hardware is now home to the Miners Alley Playhouse, an Actors Equity Association theater. The new (old) building now serves as a community arts hub offering space for meetings, events and classes along with world premieres from local playwrights as well as performances of Tony-award-winning musicals and other shows. And the show(s) must go on: In the space where the Miners Alley Playhouse used to be, the newly opened Gnarly's Theater (1224 Washington Avenue) combines a funky vintage-themed arcade and toy museum along with a bar hosting comedy nights, magic shows and all manner of alternative performances.

Foothills Art Center at Astor House
1133 Arapahoe Street
When the grandly named Astor House opened in 1867, the sandstone structure was declared "the handsomest, as well as the most substantial hotel built in Colorado," by a local newspaper. (One of the oldest boarding houses/hotels in the west, it later boasted the city's first bathtub, at a cost of 25 cents per soak.) Now the historic structure is contributing to downtown Golden's arts hub, opening this past summer as the exhibition gallery for the Foothills Art Center. After perusing the current art exhibitions on display, stroll the grounds of the Golden History Park for a taste of life in the 1800s.
Bob's Atomic Burgers
1310 Ford Street
Build-your-own burgers (and fill out your own order ticket) at this retro-themed burger shack that's been beloved in Golden since 2012. Instead of traditional marketing, the owners focus on sponsoring local schools and community organizations. Located just across from Coors Brewery, Bob's serves up old-fashioned burgers (a 2024 Westword favorite), malts and milkshakes along with more modern offerings like veggie burgers and gluten-free buns. You can customize with plenty of free toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, fresh jalapeños, banana peppers) but we think bacon, guacamole and roasted mushrooms are well worth the $1.25 (each) upcharge.

Buffalo Rose
1119 Washington Avenue
The five historic buildings comprising the Buffalo Rose date from between 1870 to 1922, but a major 2019 remodel to the bar and restaurant and event venue kept the frontier feel while making upgrades like a new sky bar with a retractable glass roof along 12th Street and a state-of-the-art kitchen. We can never resist starting with the Three Amigos, warm tortilla chips with a winning combo of three-cheese queso, housemade guacamole and deliciously fresh salsa, perfect with the Ring of Fire Margarita, a let's-have-another concoction of Cazadores Reposado Tequila, lime, basil, cucumber, and jalapeño. The independently run and operated (no AEG fees here) Live@The Rose concert space has a ongoing lineup of music, including plenty of tribute bands sure to get you on the dance floor.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
92 Crawford Gulch Road
More than 12,000 acres of outdoor adventure can be found just fifteen miles from downtown at one of Colorado's most popular state parks. Make reservations to stay overnight in accommodations that range from backcountry primitive to full hook-up forty foot RV (there are cabins and yurts, too), or drop in to hike, bike or ride a horse on some of the 35 miles of trails. Gaze out over 100 miles of Continental Divide from Panorama Point, catch your dinner from one of the well-stocked ponds, or simply find your own path and bathe in the splendor of the forest.