Planning a trip to Colorado Springs? You're in for an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or adding Colorado Springs to a larger Colorado road trip, three days is enough time to experience many of the area's biggest highlights—if you know where to go.
As locals, we've created this itinerary to help you experience Colorado Springs beyond the typical tourist stops. You'll discover iconic attractions like Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs while also enjoying locally owned restaurants, award-winning coffee shops, public art, and unique experiences you won't find in every travel guide.
Let's get exploring!
Day 1: Explore Downtown Colorado Springs
Morning: Coffee & Local Shopping
Ease into your vacation with coffee from one of Colorado Springs’ outstanding local cafés.
Our favorites include:
- Story Coffee Company
- Loyal Coffee
- Wild Goose Meeting House
- Hold Fast Coffee Co.
Afterward, wander through the boutiques downtown. Favorites include:
- The Local Honey Collective
- Terra Verde Boutique
- Rocky Mountain Soap Market
- Ladyfingers Letterpress
- Eclectic Co.
Insider Tip: Download the free Otocast app to enjoy a self-guided public art tour through Downtown Colorado Springs' Certified Creative District.
Afternoon: Take a Food Tour
One of the best ways to begin your trip is with a Rocky Mountain Food Tour.
You'll sample multiple locally owned restaurants while learning about Colorado Springs history, architecture, murals, and hidden gems from an expert local guide. Better yet, you'll leave with plenty of restaurant recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Choose the tour that best fits your interests:
- Original Colorado Springs Food Tour – the perfect introduction to downtown - runs daily!
- Gold Medal Food Tour + Museum Experience – combines international cuisine with admission to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Wild West Burgers & Brews Tour - the perfect way to experience the city's award-winning beer scene and hearty, local flavors
- Sunset Tacos & Tequila Tour - toast to the weekend on this high energy tour that features tacos, margaritas and more
Insider Tip: Schedule your food tour on your first day. You'll discover restaurants and attractions you'll want to revisit during the rest of your trip.
Evening: Catch a Show
End your evening at the Pikes Peak Center, which hosts Broadway productions, comedians, concerts, symphonies, and touring performances throughout the year.
If you're staying downtown, both Kinship Landing and The Antlers Hotel are within walking distance.
Day 2: Garden of the Gods & Manitou Springs
Morning: Sunrise at Garden of the Gods
Few places in Colorado are as breathtaking as Garden of the Gods at sunrise.
Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures, easier parking, and dramatic morning light illuminating the famous red rock formations.
Popular easy walks include:
- Perkins Central Garden Trail
- Siamese Twins Trail
- Gateway Trail
Then starting at 10am on weekdays, don’t miss a unique local experience with Rocky Mountain Food Tours. Join the Manitou Market & Mineral Tasting Tour, where you'll sample artisan foods while learning the fascinating history behind Manitou's famous mineral waters.
Afternoon: Explore Manitou Springs
After your mid-morning tour with Rocky Mountain Food Tours, explore more of one of Colorado's most charming mountain towns.
Spend your afternoon:
- Shopping local boutiques
- Sampling Manitou's famous mineral springs
- Visiting the Penny Arcade
- Exploring local galleries
Rent an E-Bike
If you're looking for more adventure, consider renting an E-bike for 2-hours or 4-hours on your own!
Insider Tip: Every mineral spring tastes different because each contains a unique blend of naturally occurring minerals. Grab a spring map and find your favorite.
Evening: Brewery & Mineral Spa
Enjoy dinner and locally brewed beer at Manitou Brewing Company before ending the day soaking in a private mineral pool at SunWater Spa.
Watching the sun set over the mountains while relaxing in naturally heated mineral water is one of the best ways to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Day 3: Mountains, Museums & One Final Meal
Morning: Hit the Trail
Spend your final morning enjoying Colorado's incredible scenery.
Depending on your fitness level, we recommend:
- Manitou Incline (advanced)
- Red Mountain Trail
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Seven Bridges Trail
- Section 16 Trail
If hiking isn't your style, consider driving to the summit of Pikes Peak or riding the historic Cog Railway instead.
Insider Tip: Summer thunderstorms often develop after noon, so start your hike early and always bring plenty of water.
Afternoon: Discover Local History
After your outdoor adventure, spend a few hours exploring one of Colorado Springs' excellent museums.
Choose from:
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (free)
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
- Space Foundation Discovery Center
- Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Evening: One Last Colorado Springs Dinner
Finish your trip with one memorable meal. Some excellent choices include:
- Four by Brother Luck
- Ephemera
- The Rabbit Hole
- Shuga's
- Lumen8 Rooftop Social
If you'd rather enjoy a relaxed evening, stop by Ivywild School afterward for local drinks, dessert, or a craft beer before heading home.
Make the Most of Your Colorado Springs Vacation
Three days flies by in Colorado Springs, but this itinerary lets you experience the city's perfect blend of outdoor adventure, local food, history, and culture.
Whether you're hiking through Garden of the Gods, exploring Manitou Springs, riding to the summit of Pikes Peak, or discovering downtown's culinary scene on a Rocky Mountain Food Tour, you'll quickly see why so many visitors return year after year.
We hope to welcome you on one of our tours and help you experience Colorado Springs like a local.
Cheers, Samantha
