Golden, CO

Travel Guide

Golden
Golden showing snow, landscape views and mountains
Golden showing railway items and heritage elements
Golden showing landscape views and a city
Golden showing signage and railway items

This picturesque college city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is the final resting place of Buffalo Bill and is a great destination for lovers of the outdoors.

Situated just outside of Denver, this gold rush city has some of the best hospitality and outdoor fun in the region. Golden lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is surrounded by towering peaks and rolling hills. If you could use a break from the big city that Denver has become, book a getaway in this historic town with its laid-back western charm.

Discover the city’s heritage and history as you walk through its streets. There are three residential historical districts here offering examples of architecture from the past. Visit the 12th Street district to see a number of upper-middle class Victorian houses or Clear Creek for more modest homes from the era.

Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum to learn about the early settlers of the state and the importance of rail travel during the gold rush. Visit Coors Brewery, one of the largest single-site breweries in the world. Discover some local history at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave.

Clear Creek was once the source of much of the gold in the area but today is mostly used for water sports. See whitewater rafters traverse the course that runs through the center of town or give it a go yourself. Lessons, guided tours and gear are available from operators in town. You can also go horse riding, mountain biking and hiking in the mountains surrounding the town. Guided tours and gear rental for those activities are available from the Golden Visitors Center in the middle of town.

When you get hungry, stop at one of the local establishments. This is a college town, so there are many restaurants, bars and cafés offering affordable drinks and meals. The main street is where it is all happening but this town rarely gets overcrowded.

Golden can be reached by car, light rail or bus in less than half an hour from Denver. There is plenty of free parking around and accommodation is easy to arrange.

Where to stay in Golden

Great Mexican food. A step above the other burrito joints. Try the smothered Burrito.

Denver West

4/5(360 area reviews)

Mountain views, shopping, and restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Denver West. Make a stop by Colorado Mills Mall or Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Denver West
Golden

Downtown Golden

While visiting Downtown Golden, you might make a stop by sights like Clear Creek and Clear Creek History Park.

Downtown Golden
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Applewood West

3.5/5(49 area reviews)

Bordered by South Table Mountain, this community offers a scenic location just 10 miles west of downtown Denver. Enjoy the natural beauty and easy access to nearby Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, and West Pleasant View.

Applewood West
Great hike. Spikes and walking poles were very handy today on the snow packed trail.

Golden Gate Canyon

If you're spending some time in Golden Gate Canyon, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Clear Creek are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Gate Canyon
Panoramic taken of a glacier. Only took an hour to hike up to. Was surprisingly pleasant, sun was out, was unbelievably beautiful due to the brilliant sunshine against vast swaths of white.
#WinterWonders

Genesee

While there might not be top attractions in Genesee, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Genesee Park and Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Genesee
In case you were wondering what it looks like to stare at the #sun in the #mountains amidst the #forest #nederland #Colorado #WeekendGetaway

Coal Creek

Mountain views and restaurants are notable features of Coal Creek. You might consider a stop by Golden Gate Canyon State Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Coal Creek
Baymont by Wyndham Golden/Red Rocks

Baymont by Wyndham Golden/Red Rocks

2.5 out of 5
11909 W 6th Ave, Golden, CO
The price is ₩97,765 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩97,765
₩108,030 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Golden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Red Rocks ...
5.8/10 (1,290 reviews)
"This hotel was amazing!!! I would come back."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Golden/Red Rocks
Best Western Plus Denver West/Golden

Best Western Plus Denver West/Golden

3 out of 5
15059 West Colfax Avenue, Golden, CO
The price is ₩160,901 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
₩160,901
₩168,142 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Golden. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,486 reviews)
Exceeded expectations for the price
"A number of things in the room didn’t work. There was a floor lamp that didn’t work at all. It was plugged in and the bulb was fine, but the lamp didn’t work. Also, there was no remote for the TV so I couldn’t watch that at all. The breakfast was not very good and was not kept well stocked throughout ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Best Western Plus Denver West/Golden
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Golden

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Golden

3 out of 5
3301 Youngfield Service Rd, Golden, CO
The price is ₩84,809 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩84,809
₩97,107 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Golden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
4.8/10 (1,712 reviews)
Clean and well maintained. Friendly and helpful
"Clean and well maintained. Friendly and helpful service"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Golden
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott Bonvoy Sonder Bryant Apartments LoHi

Marriott Bonvoy Sonder Bryant Apartments LoHi

3 out of 5
2600 Bryant Street, Denver, CO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Ball Arena and Empower Field ...
9/10 Wonderful! (329 reviews)
"Its was a good place to stay."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Marriott Bonvoy Sonder Bryant Apartments LoHi
Sentral Union Station

Sentral Union Station

4 out of 5
1777 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (759 reviews)
Spacious, Clean, and Close to Everything
"We really enjoyed our stay here! The property was clean, spacious, and even nicer than we expected. The location was perfect — close to plenty of things to do and explore. We wish we’d had more time to enjoy all the amenities, but we hope to come back and stay again in the future!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Sentral Union Station
Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station

Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station

4 out of 5
1777 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (642 reviews)
"Room was large (two bedrooms) with full kitchen and washer & dryer. Pull out couch. Comfortable mattresses. AMAZING gym. Large pool. A great place to stay while visiting Denver."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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