Wondering what to do in Colorado Springs as an adult visitor? Whether you want to explore outdoors, eat and drink like a local, or dive into Olympics history, you’ll find plenty of fun and unique things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for adults.
Additionally, if you are planning a trip to Colorado Springs for the first time, you may be wondering what to pack for a Colorado trip or where to take a day trip. If that is indeed the case, I suggest you check out my other Colorado posts for additional trip-planning resources.
Also, if you are still looking for accommodations in Colorado Springs, I’ve listed my recommendations for the best Colorado Springs hotels for adults toward the end of this article.
Disclosure: This guide to fun activities in Colorado Springs for adults contains some affiliate links. When you click on or make a purchase via one of these links, I may earn a commission. Of course, this is at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products and services I have or would use.
Should You Visit Denver or Colorado Springs?
If you are planning a Colorado trip and debating between visiting Denver or Colorado Springs, you’ll want to take into consideration your budget, interests, and mode of transportation.
On the one hand, Denver is Colorado’s cultural hub. You’ll find more art, museums, professional sports, outdoor dining, and craft breweries there than in Colorado Springs.
However, Colorado Springs may appeal more if you are an adventure seeker or outdoors enthusiast.
With the awe-inspiring Pikes Peak as a backdrop, Colorado Springs offers abundant opportunities for hiking among red sandstone rock formations at the Garden of the Gods.
Plus, there are fun things to do in Colorado Springs for all ages and activity levels!
Personally, I recommend visiting both of Colorado’s two largest cities. Since Denver is about 70 miles (less than 1.5 hours driving) from Colorado Springs, you could visit Colorado Springs on a day trip from Denver. Or vice versa!
How Long Should You Visit Colorado Springs?
As I mentioned, you can certainly take a day trip to Colorado Springs from Denver. However, if you are considering traveling to Colorado Springs, you may wonder how long of a trip to plan.
I spent three days doing the five fun activities in Colorado Springs mentioned in the next section of this post. Therefore, I think Colorado Springs is perfect for a weekend getaway or a two-night stop on a longer Colorado vacation.
If you can stretch your trip to three to five nights, it would give you time for other things to do near Colorado Springs. For example, you could visit neighboring Manitou Springs or take a long hike elsewhere in the Pikes Peak region.
Don’t forget you can also take day trips during your Colorado Springs trip to other Front Range destinations such as Denver, Boulder, and/or Fort Collins!
Five Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs for Adults
When I visited Colorado Springs, I wanted to see Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods — two of the most beautiful places to see in Colorado Springs.
Once I was there, I realized I could have stayed longer than two nights. There was so much more to explore, eat, and drink!
During my 48 hours in Colorado Springs, I didn’t get to all the cool things to do in Colorado Springs. Yet, I certainly recommend the following fun Colorado Springs activities for adults to other solo travelers, couples, and adult groups visiting the Colorado Springs area.
Even families traveling with children can enjoy many of these recommendations, or — at least — the parents and grandparents can!
Browse the map below to pinpoint points of interest from this post!
See the Rocky Mountains from Pikes Peak
For the awe-inspiring view of the Colorado Rockies, blue sky, and “amber waves of grain” referenced in the poem-turned-patriotic-tune “America the Beautiful,” you should visit the summit of Pikes Peak.
Did you know that though “America’s Mountain” is perhaps the most famous of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak doesn’t have the highest peak in Colorado? At an elevation of 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is only the 31st tallest mountain in Colorado!
When I visited, I took the Pikes Peak Cog Railway from neighboring Manitou Springs. On the scenic ride up nine miles to the summit, I enjoyed views of golden Aspen trees, rocky terrain, and finally, distant mountain peaks.
The cog railway opened in 1891, but the trains, track, and visitor center atop Pikes Peak are new as of 2021. At the LEED-certified Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, you can explore educational exhibits about Pikes Peak’s history, geography, climate, recreation, and conservation.
Stopping into the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is a must for a “world-famous” doughnut. The doughnuts are fried to perfection thanks to a special recipe handed down since 1916 for frying doughnuts at 14,115 feet. In addition to fresh doughnuts, the visitor center also has restrooms, free Wi-Fi, water-filling stations, bicycle racks, and a gift shop.
In addition to riding the cog rail, there are two alternative options to reach the top — hiking and driving the Pikes Peak Highway.
It should be noted that the 13.5-mile hike up Pikes Peak takes experienced hikers 6-8 hours one way. Therefore, even with 156 turns along the way, driving is the most popular way to reach the summit.
If you don’t plan to have a vehicle or simply find driving the Pikes Peak Highway to be a bit too harrowing, you have another option. Take a Jeep tour of Pikes Peak, and leave the driving to a professional tour guide!
Alternatively, when weather permits, you can cruise down this majestic mountain on an exhilarating Pikes Peak bike tour.
Travel Tip: Before you visit Pikes Peak, you should be prepared for the change in altitude and temperature. I recommend staying hydrated, bringing water with you, and dressing in layers. For more tips on what to wear at Pikes Peak, check out my five tips for what to wear in Colorado!
Drink Local Craft Beer and Cocktails
With more than 20 breweries in the local area, Colorado Springs is undoubtedly a craft-beverage destination.
Explore the booming local microbrew scene on a Colorado Springs brewery tour of three craft breweries. You’ll sample beer flights paired with food tastings for a total of up to 10 beer tastings!
If you prefer cocktails over beer, a guided Colorado Springs cocktail tour will grant you VIP access to four of the city’s most unique bars. During the tour, you’ll sample delicious cocktails and indulge in light food pairings at each stop.
One must-visit spot to drink craft beverages in Colorado Springs is the Ivywild School, an elementary school repurposed as a community center/indoor market. While you’re there, I recommend sitting on the patio with a classy cocktail from the Principal’s Office or a microbrew from Bristol Brewery.
In downtown Colorado Springs, try tasting the German and English influence in one of the 10-12 brews at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company for more locally brewed craft beer.
Explore Garden of the Gods
The red rock formations at Garden of the Gods are stunning majestic natural wonders to see firsthand, making Garden of the Gods one of the best places to visit in Colorado Springs.
Best of all: Visiting Garden of the Gods is one of the best free things to do in Colorado Springs!
Without paying a penny for admission, you can take a silly photo “hoisting” Balanced Rock, walk the paved pathway between the gigantic red sandstone rock formations, or go for a hike.
Though visiting Garden of Gods is one of the many fun things to do in Colorado Springs for adults for free, you might consider spending some of your trip budget to enhance your Garden of the Gods experience.
Fo example, you could rent an e-bike to bike the trails or take a Segway tour.
You could also see Garden of the Gods on a Jeep tour of the natural landscape of Colorado Springs. With an entertaining cowboy as your driver and guide, you’ll also tour Helen Hunt Falls, popular landmarks, and secluded, harder-to-reach areas with rugged terrain.
In addition to taking sightseeing tours, hiking, and biking, you can go horseback riding and rock climbing at Garden of the Gods.
Dine at Local Eateries
Looking for places to eat in Colorado Springs? You’ll be sure to find some delicious food at local restaurants, convenient takeout options, and even outdoor dining on patios.
At the Wild Goose Meeting House, you can soak in the Colorado sunshine on the patio with a light and healthy lunch, locally-made coffee, Colorado craft beer, or a glass of wine.
For a hearty meal that pairs well with a microbrew, head to Phantom Canyon Brewing Company. You must try the Lager and Smoked Gouda soup!
You can also take a Colorado Springs food tour for mouthwatering tastings from five local restaurants. Among the foodie stops are a restaurant from former Top Chef contestant Brother Luck and a local ice cream shop known for its slow-churned Purple Mountain Majesty flavor.
Learn How U.S. Olympic Athletes Compete and Train
The U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is where some of the country’s top summer Olympic and Paralympic athletes train.
On a guided tour of the grounds, you’ll see the shooting range, an Olympic-size pool, the weightlifters’ training area, and gyms. You can also browse Olympics artifacts at the visitor center and pick up your Team USA apparel at the gift shop.
Colorado Springs is also home to the United States Olympics & Paralympics Museum. The 60,000-sq-ft museum houses 12 interactive exhibits highlighting Olympic history and American athletes’ achievements. You can ski like an Olympian, sprint to a photo finish, and see the largest collection of Olympic torches in the world
In addition to being one of the most interactive museums in the world, it’s also one of the most accessible with open captions, assisted listening, ramped exhibits, universal keypads, and full ADA compliance throughout the museum.
More Colorado Springs Things to Do for Adults
Viewing the natural beauty of the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, eating and drinking at local establishments, and learning about U.S. Olympians were my favorite activities in Colorado Springs.
However, you’ll find even more fun and unique things to do in Colorado Springs. Here are a few more top-rated activities for adults visiting Colorado Springs:
Hike the Manitou Incline
If you want to train like an Olympian while visiting Colorado Springs, climb the Manitou Incline. This 2,768-step hiking trail steeply rises 2,000 feet in elevation.
It’s a heart-pumping workout, and you’ll join a quest taken by Olympic athletes, elite runners, and hiking enthusiasts to reach the summit at 8,500 feet above sea level.
Though you won’t earn a gold medal, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Manitou Springs.
As capacity is limited, reservations are highly recommended for this unique hike near Colorado Springs. Reservations are free, and you should make your reservation online four to eight weeks in advance.
Tour the United States Air Force Academy
You can take a self-guided campus tour of this exclusive U.S. military academy that accepts only 1,400 new cadets each year. The 18,500-acre campus features mid-century modern architecture, a planetarium with an IMAX theater that hosts free public shows, and stunning mountain views.
Begin your campus tour at the Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the Air Force and cadet life through educational exhibits and a 14-minute film. This is also where you’ll find a gift shop to purchase USAF memorabilia and souvenirs.
During your self-guided campus tour, you won’t want to miss the Cadet Chapel. This U.S. National Historic Landmark is the most-visited man-made attraction in Colorado. With 17 150-foot spires, the Cadet Chapel is also the most recognized building on campus and is considered a prime example of modern American academic architecture.
Go Zip Lining in Colorado Springs
Are you a thrill seeker or looking for a unique way to take in the breathtaking views near Colorado Springs? Then get your adrenaline revved up on a high-flying adventure!
The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure Zip Line Tours
Just outside Colorado Springs, you can take in bird’s-eye views of the Broadmoor Seven Falls Park as you soar across zip lines ranging from 250 to 1,800 feet high! In fact, the Broadmoor Soaring Adventure has 10 zip lines split between two thrilling zip-line courses.
On the Woods Course Zip Line Tour, you’ll cruise above green pine-tree forests, a natural granite arch, and the cascading Midnight Falls.
Alternatively, set out on the Fins Course for a scenic adventure with five zip lines reaching up to 1,800-feet high, two suspension bridge walks, and a 180-foot rappel. It’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping!
Ziplining at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
At Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in nearby Manitou Springs, you can soar 35 mph across the two Frontier Zip Lines.
And, at a height of 80 feet above the canyon floor, you’ll have breathtaking mountain views as you do it!
In addition to zip lining, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers haunted lantern cave tours, a Via Ferrata rock-climbing tour, and the Terror-dactyl, a 150-foot plunge over a 200-foot cliff into the canyon below reaching speeds of 100 mph.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Another popular zip-lining destination near Colorado Springs is the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, home to the highest suspension bridge in the United States. During your visit, you can walk on its 1,257 wooden planks to cross the 1,260 span 956 feet above the Arkansas River.
Of course, if you came for zip lining, you won’t be disappointed. At 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River, the Cloudscraper Zip Line is the highest zip line in the country!
To access the zip line, you’ll first ride the Aerial Gondola across the Royal Gorge, taking in 360º views of the gorge and roaring river below. Then, you’ll soar through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” on a bucket-list-worthy zip line.
The hair-raising adventure doesn’t have to end there. The park also has a guided rock-climbing experience and the Royal Rush Skycoaster, a free fall reaching speeds up to 50 mph as you hang 1,200 feet over the Arkansas River.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Colorado Springs
Another unique way to get a bird’s-eye view is by taking a hot air balloon ride in Colorado Springs.
During your sunrise flight, you’ll take in the expansive view of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll want to keep an eye out for sightings of bighorn sheep and other wildlife, too!
Certainly one of the most romantic things to do in Colorado Springs, this hot air balloon experience ends with a champagne breakfast.
Go White Water Rafting
Near Colorado Springs are two popular destinations for white-water rafting on the Arkansas River — Bighorn Sheep Canyon and Royal Gorge Canyon. Both are about an hour’s drive southwest of Colorado Springs in Cañon City.
The stretch of the Arkansas River that winds through the desert of Bighorn Sheep Canyon is relatively gentle with Class II and III rapids. Rafting adventures here will be full of splashes and thrills, but you’ll also find calm moments to take in the scenery and wildlife. Therefore, Bighorn Sheep Canyon white-water rafting tours are recommended for beginners through intermediate-level rafters.
If you are experienced at white-water rafting, you may prefer the Class III-V rapids at Royal Gorge Canyon. On a Royal Gorge Canyon white-water rafting tour, you’re sure to get soaked as you navigate steep drops and other obstacles. You’ll also get an awesome view as you pass under the Royal Gorge Bridge.
Visit Glen Eyrie Castle
As you may have noticed by now, many of fun things to do in Colorado Springs for adults are outdoor recreational activities. However, if you are looking for indoor activities for adults in Colorado Springs, consider visiting Glen Eyrie Castle.
Built in 1881 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, this historic English Tudor-style castle features a tower, 67 rooms, and 24 fireplaces. You can step back in time by taking a guided castle tour, or stop in for afternoon tea at Glen Eyrie Castle.
Though it wasn’t home to royalty, you can fulfill your dream of staying overnight at a castle here. The Glen Eyrie Castle, now owned by the Christian organization The Navigators, also operates as a hotel. You can book your overnight castle accommodations here.
Find and book more fun things to do in Colorado Springs:
Where to Stay in Colorado Springs
As an adult who traveled solo to Colorado Springs, I highly recommend staying at the Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa. It’s an upscale boutique hotel with a full-service spa right in downtown Colorado Springs.
The building has been elegantly restored from its beginning in 1902 as a stock exchange for mining companies in the area. Yet hints of its past remain. In the lobby, you’ll find an antique piano and a gold bank vault door near the Italian marble fireplace.
Its downtown location is near many restaurants, bars, breweries, and attractions. I loved how I could walk to dinner from the hotel!
Additionally, this hotel is only a short drive from the area’s top attractions. It’s about a 20-25 minute drive from the Pikes Peak Cog Railway station in Manitou Springs, 15 minutes from Garden of the Gods, and five minutes from the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
The Mining Exchange is located at 8 South Nevada Avenue and offers valet parking.
More Colorado Springs Lodging Options
The Broadmoor is a luxurious spa resort in Colorado Springs. However, you’ll also find a luxury feel at a more budget-friendly nightly rate at The Lodge at Flying Horse.
If you are seeking a relaxing couples’ vacation, consider the upscale Garden of the Gods Club and Resort. The spa offers couples’ spa treatments and has a sauna and steam room. Additionally, rooms with deep soaking tubs and amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and a golf course provide ample opportunities to bond and relax together.
Colorado Springs also has romantic bed-and-breakfast lodging. Each room at the adults-only Holden House 1902 Bed and Breakfast has a fireplace to set a cozy, romantic mood.
Explore the map below to find more Colorado Springs hotels and vacation rentals:
Read These Posts Before Your Colorado Springs Trip
If you are traveling soon to Colorado Springs, you might like these other posts I’ve written about visiting Colorado:
- Five Tips for What to Wear in Colorado — The weather in Colorado can change quickly throughout the day, and you’ll need different clothing for the variety of activities Colorado offers. Unsure what to pack for all that? My post offers a few tips to get you started packing for your trip!
- Four Cities to Visit on Colorado’s Front Range — Wondering what the best day trips from Colorado Springs are? Other Front Range destinations are great destinations for day trips or to add to a Colorado road trip itinerary.
- New Belgium Brewery Tour — I highly recommend this free brewery tour to any craft beer drinkers headed to Colorado’s Front Range. It’s in Fort Collins, but it’s totally worth the drive from Colorado Springs.
- Hotel Boulderado — Foodies, tea drinkers, and craft beer lovers, make sure you get over to Boulder while in Colorado. When you do, definitely check out the historic Hotel Boulderado. Staying in a historic hotel is not every traveler’s cup of tea, but at least stop by to see the lobby’s unique glass ceiling and dine or drink at one of the hotel’s three culinary establishments.
Read More Travel Posts
- Things to do in Las Vegas for Non-Gamblers
- Five Things to Do in Boston on Your First Visit
- Top 10 Things to Do in Toronto
- 10 Culinary Experiences to Savor in Atlanta
- 10 Best Things to Do in Naples, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida Weekend Getaway Guide
Planning a trip? Save this post to your Colorado travel board on Pinterest to easily reference again!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Nov. 4, 2017. It was most recently updated on Jan. 4, 2024.
Blushy Darling
I’d love to visit Colorado! It looks so much fun and the food seams tasty
mayuri
Such a well crafted article! Love all the recommendations. Will use them on my travels 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Sherrie Fabrizi Allbritten
Colorado is a gorgeous state! I used to go to Boulder every summer. I have Neve been to Colorado Springs- but would love to go! Thanks for all the great insight and information.
Chasing Krista
LOVE THIS! I have never been to Colorado and I don’t know why, clearly by the looks of your photos it is just gorgeous! I need to go! Thank you for sharing this!!
mackinawroad
Very helpful and great information, Erin! It sounds like a perfect two days. The hotel information was great- so helpful to have it broken down into different categories.
tanamerarumbai
Our family loves Colorado and we’ve been to Colorado Springs several times. There’s always something new to find out for the next trip. Like Ivywild School you mentioned above.
HannahBee Beauty
LOVE THIS! My family and I are trying to get to Colorado this year! I am most excited about the places to eat hahah thank smoked gouda soup is right up my alley! yummmmmm
Lyndsey Piccolino
so many great tips! I’ve never been to Colorado but now I have a road map for when I do! thanks!
AliciaEatsHerWay
Love Garden of the Gods! Pro tip- go on a weekday- it gets crowded.
erinklema
That’s a great tip, Alicia! I think I was there on a Sunday. It wasn’t too busy, but there are definitely other visitors in the background of my photos at Balanced Rock.
I'm Busy Being Awesome
Great post! That view from Garden Of The Gods is INCREDIBLE. I really appreciate your advice about how long to stay. I always wonder how much time I need to “get it all in” when I travel somewhere. It is really helpful to have an insider’s perspective in that regard 🙂
erinklema
I didn’t want to overwhelm this post with photos of Garden of the Gods, but trust me, there are many amazing views in that park. It’s hard to believe admission to the park is entirely free! I also always wonder about how long to stay in a city to truly experience it. In Colorado Springs’ case, you need at least two nights, in my opinion. I stayed in Colorado Springs as a stopping point between Denver and heading into the mountains on my road trip, but you could also center a whole vacation around this city.
Kristin Jones
My husband and I have been talking about going to Colorado for what feels like forever! This was defiantly super helpful!
erinklema
I’m so glad you found this post helpful, Kristin! I spent 10 days road tripping around Colorado, and it was such a fun trip. The views are stunning along the Front Range and in the mountains. Plus, Colorado is a great state for food and, if you like it, craft beer.