HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND IN GOLDEN, CO
For Christmas I bought my husband tickets to see his favorite band at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. If you haven’t been to the Red Rocks, you need to put it on your bucket list immediately! It was a life changing concert venue! I’m already stalking their website to find another band to go back for 😂.
We decided to stay in Golden (right outside of Denver) because it offered that small town charm, with tons of coffee shops, restaurants, and shops to check out! And Golden is only a short 15 mins to the Red Rocks Park!
We stayed at the Table Mountain Inn, which was on the Main Street of Golden and had a super cute southwestern charm to it! The rooms were big and clean, and it had a really good restaurant attached!
We got in late Friday night, so we started our weekend Saturday morning by walking around the corner to grab coffee at Cafe 13. Adorable coffee shop with a small brunch menu and delicious bakery items.
With our coffees we then walked about 3/4 mile to bonfire burritos for breakfast. It was such an adorable ramshackle type of place, with the NICEST people, and most delicious breakfast burritos and tacos we’ve ever had! 10/10!
After breakfast we spent some time strolling along the Main Street or Golden checking out all of the adorable local shops, admiring all of the local goods.
We freshened up, then wandered down to have a late lunch/early dinner at The Golden Mill - a food hall. This place was fantastic!! Fun atmosphere and great patio. When you arrive you get a card that is linked to your credit card. You use this card to make all of your drink/food purchases. It had 5 different restaurants to order food from. But best of all; they have a huge self serve drink station with 40 different beers/ciders/cocktails/wine on tap. You scan your card and pour yourself! All of the beers/drinks were local and really good! My favorites were the ruby red mule and moon berry sour!
After eating, drinking, and enjoying the view - we made our way to Red Rocks. Such an amazing concert! There were many food/drink stands to choose from before entering the amphitheater. (If you’re going in the shoulder months - dress WARM!). It was incredible!
The next morning we grabbed coffees and cinnamon rolls at a cafe across the street called Red Silo Coffee Roasters. (The cinnamon rolls were to die for!).
This was such a fun little weekend spot! I highly recommend Golden and the Red Rocks! Even if you aren’t able to get to a concert, you can still visit the park to hike during the day!
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Building on my fantastic weekend in Golden, CO, I've got a few more insider tips to make your trip even more incredible, especially if you're planning a visit to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre! First off, even if you can't snag tickets to a concert, Red Rocks Park itself is an absolute must-see. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering breathtaking views and fantastic hiking opportunities. You can walk the famed amphitheater steps for a unique workout or explore trails like the Trading Post Trail, which is a moderate 1.4-mile loop giving you stunning perspectives of the gigantic red rock formations. It's truly a natural wonder, and experiencing it during the day allows you to appreciate its geological grandeur without the concert crowds. Don't forget your camera – the views are spectacular! When it comes to getting around, Golden is wonderfully walkable, especially downtown where you'll find charming spots like Cafe 13 and Bonfire Burritos. However, for Red Rocks, you'll likely need a car or ride-share. Parking at Red Rocks for concerts can get busy, so consider arriving early or arranging transportation. If you're staying in Denver, there are often shuttle services available for popular shows, which can take the stress out of driving and parking. Beyond the amazing food at places like The Golden Mill and the delightful coffee from Red Silo Coffee Roasters, Golden offers plenty more to explore. If you're a beer enthusiast, you might want to check out the Coors Brewery Tour – it's a huge part of Golden's history. For outdoor lovers, the Clear Creek Whitewater Park is a popular spot for tubing and kayaking in the warmer months. You can also explore local history at the Colorado Railroad Museum or take a scenic drive up Table Mountain for more panoramic vistas of the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range. Finally, a quick word on timing and packing: Red Rocks concerts run primarily from spring through fall. Golden itself is lovely year-round, but activities like whitewater sports are seasonal. Regardless of when you visit, Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so layers are key! Even in summer, evenings can get cool, especially at higher elevations like Red Rocks. Always bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle – the altitude and dry air mean staying hydrated is super important. Hope these extra tips help you plan an unforgettable Golden and Red Rocks adventure! It's a truly unique Colorado destination that offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, outdoor beauty, and world-class entertainment.
