Exploring Golden Colorado: A Guide to the Perfect Mix of Mountain Town and Suburb

Downtown Golden Colorado

Golden Colorado

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Golden Colorado is the perfect blend of a mountain town and a suburb. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Golden has something for everyone—explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and city-dwellers alike. With its close proximity to Denver and the mountains, Golden offers the best of both worlds. It has easy access to the city and all its amenities, while still providing the small-town charm and outdoor activities that make it a great place to live and visit. This guide will take you through all the best spots in Golden—from the iconic Coors Brewery to the hiking trails and mountain biking trails just outside town. You’ll find something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend or an adrenaline-filled adventure. With its unique blend of city and mountain, Golden is the perfect destination for your next trip.

Overview of Golden Colorado

Golden is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, where the Eastern Plains meet the foothills, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. You can experience the best of both the urban and outdoor lifestyle; Golden is just an hour away from the cultural hub of Denver, but it’s also close to the mountains, where you can experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Golden was established in 1859 as a mining town and later became the terminus of the Colorado Central Railroad. Although the railroads no longer run through the town, Golden’s original charm has been preserved throughout the decades. Golden is often referred to as the “Switzerland of America” and is sometimes referred to as “The City of Golden Opportunity” because of its rich history and thriving business community.

Historic Downtown Golden CO

Historic Downtown Golden is the heart of the city. It’s where you’ll find the iconic Golden Goliath statue, the beautiful Golden Public Library, as well as some of the best local shops and restaurants in the city. While many of the businesses in Historic Downtown are locally owned, you can also find a few chain stores and restaurants, creating a mix of both old and new. You’ll find everything from unique finds and specialty shops to delicious restaurants and coffee shops. Historic Downtown is a great place to walk around, grab a cup of coffee, and people-watch. If you’re looking for a souvenir or gift, you can find everything from art to clothing and even treats for your furry friends.

Coors Brewery

Since 1873, the Coors Brewery has been a staple of Golden. It’s the largest beer-producing brewery in the state and the company’s original brewery. More than 50% of their beer is still brewed at this location. In addition to their brewery, the Coors Brewery operates a free tour that takes you through the history of the brewery and shows you how beer is made. You can see the massive copper vats and learn about the process of making beer from start to finish. The tour ends with a tasting of four different beers, which you can buy in souvenir bottles. The tour is free, but you have to make reservations online in advance.

Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails in Golden Colorado

There are a number of hiking and mountain biking trails in and around Golden, including the Gold Trail, St. Mary’s Trail, and the Black Mountain trail. You can also hike to the top of Mount Evans (elevation 14,264 feet), which is just an hour drive from Golden and has beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. Mt. Evans is the highest road in the state and a popular hiking destination. The trail to the top is approximately 10 miles long, so make sure you pack enough water, food, and clothing to last the entire hike. Golden is also home to the Colorado Trail, a 500-mile trail that winds through the state and passes through Golden.

Golden Family-Friendly Activities

The Coors Visitor Center – The Coors Visitor Center is located inside the Coors Brewery and has free rotating exhibits and a gift shop where you can purchase beer or other merchandise. You can also take a free guided tour of the brewery and learn about the process of making beer. Make sure to try and sample a few beers at the end of the tour! Golden History Tour – The Golden History Tour is a self-guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Golden. There are 16 stops on the tour, each highlighting a different aspect of the city’s history. Golden Botanic Gardens – The Golden Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Golden, especially during the fall. It’s located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, so you can enjoy the beautiful view while strolling through the gardens.

Shopping & Restaurants in Golden

The Golden Trolley – The Golden Trolley is a free shuttle service that takes you around Historic Downtown Golden and drops you off at different shops and restaurants. Golden Shopping Center – The Golden Shopping Center is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city. It’s home to the Outdoor Megastore, the REI Co-op, and the Buffalo Exchange, where you can get great deals on fashion and other items. The Golden City Plaza is another popular shopping destination in the city. It’s home to a mix of local and chain stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Events and Festivals

Golden Fine Art and Wine Festival – The Fine Art and Wine Festival is an annual event that takes place in Historic Downtown Golden. There are dozens of artists selling their artwork and a handful of local wineries that have booths at the festival. You can sample wines from all different regions and purchase artwork from local artists. Golden Music Festival – The Golden Music Festival is a two-day event where you can listen to live music from artists across the United Golden State. Artists play a mix of country, bluegrass, and rock music. Golden Greek Festival – The Golden Greek Festival is a two-day event celebrating Greek culture and food. You can sample traditional Greek food, like gyros, souvlaki, and baklava.

Unique Features of Golden

Stover Park – Stover Park is a great place to spend time with your family. It’s adjacent to the Golden Public Library and has a small playground, a few tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Stover Park is free and open to the public, making it a great place to relax after exploring the city. Golden as a Great Place to Live – Golden was named one of the best places to live in Colorado, as well as one of the best small towns to live in.

Conclusion

There is something for everyone in Golden. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Golden is the perfect destination for your next trip. With its unique blend of city and mountain, Golden is the perfect destination for your next trip. Sneak away from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in the fresh mountain air of Golden. Explore the city’s history at the Coors Brewery, hike one of the trails near town, or spend some time at Stover Park. You can do it all in Golden!

Dan Skelly

Broker Owner Orson Hill Realty