Brandi’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This is iconic to Colorado Springs. It is free to visit and close by.
82 locals recommend
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
This is iconic to Colorado Springs. It is free to visit and close by.
Developed area around some waterfalls. There is a restaurant at the base. There is an entrance fee. Best to visit at night when it is lit up.
339 locals recommend
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
1045 Lower Gold Camp RdDeveloped area around some waterfalls. There is a restaurant at the base. There is an entrance fee. Best to visit at night when it is lit up.
Gas up and drive, or hop on the Cog Rail. Incredible views from above 14,000 feet. Bring warm layers, even in the middle of summer the peak can be very cold.
681 locals recommend
Pikes Peak Summit House
Gas up and drive, or hop on the Cog Rail. Incredible views from above 14,000 feet. Bring warm layers, even in the middle of summer the peak can be very cold.
Several tours available - book in advance if you can as they do fill up. Or plan to get there early to browse the gift shop before your tour.
464 locals recommend
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
100 Cave of the Winds RdSeveral tours available - book in advance if you can as they do fill up. Or plan to get there early to browse the gift shop before your tour.
Food scene
Four by Brother Luck
321 N Tejon StThis is a Top Chef restaurant and won't disappoint!
Great vegetarian options, but also many satisfying choices for the meat lover. The orange almond french toast is fantastic.
104 locals recommend
Adam’s Mountain Cafe
26 Manitou AveGreat vegetarian options, but also many satisfying choices for the meat lover. The orange almond french toast is fantastic.
Great dining experience with quality food. If you go very hungry, you will spend a lot of money as the shared plates are small. But it is worth the price if you are prepared.
59 locals recommend
TAPAteria
2607 W Colorado AveGreat dining experience with quality food. If you go very hungry, you will spend a lot of money as the shared plates are small. But it is worth the price if you are prepared.
If you’re looking for a nice, classic steakhouse, this is your place.
45 locals recommend
Famous Steak House
31 N Tejon StIf you’re looking for a nice, classic steakhouse, this is your place.
Free wine tasting - need I say more? Wine is reasonably priced, so bring one home or enjoy a glass at the cafe. It also functions as a quaint coffee shop, so it’s the perfect place to take a few moments to rest and recharge.
65 locals recommend
Colorado Mountain Brewery at the Roundhouse
600 South 21st StreetFree wine tasting - need I say more? Wine is reasonably priced, so bring one home or enjoy a glass at the cafe. It also functions as a quaint coffee shop, so it’s the perfect place to take a few moments to rest and recharge.
Neighborhoods
Such a fun neighborhood to window shop, pick up some souvenirs, and people watch! Very charming. There is free parking and a shuttle near the beginning of the town, otherwise get ready to hunt for a spot.
649 locals recommend
Manitou Springs
Such a fun neighborhood to window shop, pick up some souvenirs, and people watch! Very charming. There is free parking and a shuttle near the beginning of the town, otherwise get ready to hunt for a spot.
Hiking Trails
Section 16 Trailhead
Gold Camp RoadGreat 5.5 mile loop. Nice scenery, not crowded.
I like to go at early to watch the sunrise from the top, but for first timers or less advanced hikers, give yourself a lot of time and bring a lot of water. It's a 2000 ft. climb in 3/4 mile. Take the Barr trail back down, which is a couple miles of switchbacks.
228 locals recommend
The Incline
The InclineI like to go at early to watch the sunrise from the top, but for first timers or less advanced hikers, give yourself a lot of time and bring a lot of water. It's a 2000 ft. climb in 3/4 mile. Take the Barr trail back down, which is a couple miles of switchbacks.
You'll find much smaller crowds than at Garden of the Gods, though the experience is very much the same. This is also great if you want more of a hike than just walking around concrete paths like at GOTG.
430 locals recommend
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
3550 W High StYou'll find much smaller crowds than at Garden of the Gods, though the experience is very much the same. This is also great if you want more of a hike than just walking around concrete paths like at GOTG.