Travel Guide: Your Weekend in Golden, CO Planned
Why You Should Visit Golden, Colorado
Golden, CO is the ultimate destination for all types of adventurers and thrill seekers. It’s a vibrant mountain town located just 20 minutes outside of Denver that offers a little something for everyone. It’s the perfect place for family vacations, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. There’s so much to do here, you’ll probably have to plan multiple trips to experience it all!
For those who are visiting Golden, CO for the weekend, I planned the perfect itinerary just for you. It includes all the activities and attractions you don’t want to miss during your first visit to this wild western town.
Why Take My Word For It?
I’ve lived in Golden for about two years now and know it like the back of my hand. I’m sharing with you the best places to eat and some of the best things to do with insider tips. Nearly everything on this list is walkable from downtown Golden making this itinerary accessible for tourists visiting without transportation. Trust me, this is the only Golden, CO itinerary you’ll need — have a blast exploring the town where the west lives on.
Saturday
Morning
Breakfast at Cafe 13
Cafe 13 is one of my favorite cafes in Golden. They serve up a fantastic selection of lattes and coffee and offer a wonderful breakfast and lunch menu made with fresh ingredients. Not to mention, Cafe 13 is a paradise for pastry lovers — there’s something for every sweet tooth. Although it can get busy on the weekends, there’s plenty of seating both indoors and outside, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy a great meal.
Visit the Golden Farmers Market
For a small town, Golden has an amazing farmers market every Saturday from 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. weekly (June - October). Here you’ll find fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and artisan crafts in addition to food trucks. I usually always leave with a bag of cherries, freshly baked cookies, or quiche. Check out the full list of vendors here.
Tube Clear Creek
You can’t visit Golden, CO without floating down Clear Creek - it’s one of the most popular summer attractions in Golden. You can bring your own tubes or rent with Adventure West. I provide all the details you need to know about tubing Clear Creek in this blog post. This is a thrilling attraction you don’t want to miss out on.
Afternoon
Lunch at Golden Mill
Grab lunch at The Golden Mill - Golden’s most popular spot and a must-visit if you’re new to town. This bustling food hall offers a variety of cuisines alongside a self-serve draft beer wall, making it a favorite for food lovers and beer aficionados alike. Sit back, relax on the rooftop, and enjoy a delicious meal with a view of Clear Creek, right in the heart of Golden.
Explore the Shops in Downtown Golden
There’s so much to explore in downtown Golden, CO. From local clothing stores to outdoor stores to tea shops, this old western town has it all. Some personal favorites include Yo Colorado, Vital Outdoors, Old Barrel Tea Company, and Golden Goods. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat at Golden Sweets, Goozell, or Kona Bowls.
Evening
Dinner at the Old Capitol Grill and Smokehouse
For a hearty meal in a historic setting, look no further than the Old Capitol Grill and Smokehouse. Here you’ll find a menu filled with classic, high-caliber entrées - from rich smoked brisket to perfectly grilled steaks — all made with care and a heavy dose of western charm. Pair your meal with a local craft beer or a handcrafted cocktail, sit back, and take in the rich history that makes this spot a Golden favorite.
Live Music at Goosetown Station
End your first day in Golden with some live music at Goosetown Station, a laid-back venue that showcases a wide range of talented local artists. Whether you’re into folk, rock, bluegrass, or something more experimental, there’s usually something on the calendar to suit your vibe. With string lights, food trucks, and a rotating beer selection, Goosetown is the perfect place to relax, sip something local, and soak up the creative energy of the Golden community.
Sunday
Morning
Breakfast at Bonfire Burritos
These breakfast burritos are to die for! Check out the original Bonfire Burrito location in Golden, CO and eat a breakfast that will make your taste buds dance. Not to mention the atmosphere is as Colorado as it gets. I think I’ve had all of them at this point and my favorite is the Burro or the Deluxor. Don’t leave without trying their famous homemade green chili.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Let’s be honest, you know yourself better than I do. And although there are definitely things you don’t want to miss on your trip to Golden, CO, make time for what you enjoy most. Let me help you get started.
Here is a list of things you could do depending on your interests and the experience you’d like to have:
Afternoon
Lunch at Sherpa House
Experience a taste of the Himalayas! This Nepalese restaurant and cultural center is beautiful inside and out. The venue is designed to evoke a traditional Sherpa home from Nepal, complete with rustic decor, prayer flags, and a shrine room. While the authentic Nepalese cuisine is the main attraction, guests also love the serene, garden-like patio—an ideal spot to enjoy a meal when the weather is nice.
Coors Factory Tour
Beer is deeply woven into the culture of Golden, thanks largely to the Coors Brewery, which has called the town home since 1873. If you're a beer enthusiast or simply curious about how one of the world’s most iconic brews is made, the Coors Brewery Tour is a must. You'll get an inside look at the brewing process, learn about the company’s history, and see how Coors beer is crafted and distributed on a massive scale.
Evening
Dinner at Buffalo Rose
As one of Golden’s oldest establishments, eating here is like going back in time. If you’re looking for high quality, American western cuisine in the heart of Golden, look no further than Buffalo Rose. They have a well rounded menu with excellent food and unique items like elk and buffalo burgers. There’s also a wide range of seating options depending on the environment you’re looking for, whether that be inside, outside or at the bar.
Sunset Hike to Castle Rock
What better way to wrap up your weekend adventure than with a sunset ? Castle Rock, the iconic formation perched atop South Table Mountain, towers over the charming town of Golden and is visible from nearly every angle. The trailhead is conveniently located just outside downtown at the base of the mesa. To reach the top, follow the 1.4 mile Olivine Trail Loop, which winds its way to the top and offers a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of Golden.
