Historic Downtown Golden
Historic downtown Golden is the heartbeat of the city, with its vibrant streets nestled between several mountainscapes, including North Table, and alongside them, the rocky banks of Clear Creek.
Downtown is more than a former gold-rush-era town from the 1850s. Today, shoppers visit outdoor gear stores to pick up supplies for their next adventures while curious visitors stroll the streets to enjoy Golden’s public art, and friends gather to drink locally-crafted beer at the end of a day of fun and sun.
Golden’s historical architecture, Western-style atmosphere, and mountainous landscape give it the charm of a town that has learned to slow down life a little bit and enjoy every moment while embracing the future as a growing hub of community, culture, and innovation.
Get to Know Us
Walk under the “Welcome to Golden” arch, one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado, before strolling along Washington Avenue, past ice cream shops, cafés, and boutiques. The shopping experience in downtown Golden is as varied as our interests, with plenty of health and wellness stores, gear shops, and local art to keep anyone happy.
Enjoy a picnic or a game with friends at Parfet Park or hike along the banks of the water on the Clear Creek trail. There are over a dozen parks — and more than 250 acres — to choose from, all within the city of Golden.
Keep busy all day long as you explore downtown’s variety of attractions and museums. Discover Golden History Museum and Park, which takes you back in time to imagine traditional mountain life with its original 1870s homestead cabins. The Foothills Art Center lets you engage with local and global art exhibitions and dynamic programming. Or, if you want culture and fresh air together, take in Golden’s murals and statues that present storied scenes of the Old West on the public art walk.
Since 2001, the Golden Farmers Market has been a staple in the community, sharing locally-grown produce, handcrafted artisan goods, and friendly neighborhood connections on a weekly basis. Visit the farmers market at the Golden Library on Saturdays from June to October.
When it's time to rest up for the next day, sink into your plush bed at one of the many Golden, Colorado hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Eat, Drink & Enjoy
You won’t go hungry here. Golden has a variety of dining options for groups of all sorts. Enjoy fine dining and farm-to-table restaurant experiences that tap into locally-sourced ingredients, world-class chefs, and creative cocktail menus. Taste flavors from all over the world or find a cozy nook in an intimate restaurant for a romantic night out, just the two of you.
Get the group together for some post-hike beers at one of the laid-back and renowned Golden, CO, breweries. You can plan a chic evening with elevated cocktails and a mellow atmosphere or aim for a lively night out at a Golden tavern or bar once the sun goes down.
If you have the whole family in tow, there are so many dining options to please everyone, whether it’s pizza, sandwiches, bar-b-que, or burgers. For an alfresco dining experience, choose from one of the idyllic outdoor patios in town.
Come for the outdoors and stay for the vibrant downtown that’ll add a bit of culture, fun, and variety to any trip. Stop into the Golden Visitors & Information Center at 10th Street & Washington Avenue for more information.
Historic downtown Golden is a center of activity. View the “Welcome to Golden” Arch, one of the most photographed items in Colorado. Stroll the historic 12th Street Neighborhood with over 50 historic buildings including where Colorado legislators met when Golden was the territorial capital.
Explore Golden's downtown's parks: Parfet Park, Lions Park, and Clear Creek Whitewater Park and museums: Golden History Museum & Park, Mines Museum, Foothills Art Center, and the American Mountaineering Museum. Make sure to click on "add to trip builder" to plan your custom adventure!