Things To Do
Manitou Springs
This historic, eclectic mountain town is our absolute favorite place in Colorado, and you could easily spend a whole day getting lost in its charm! Nestled right at the base of Pikes Peak, it feels like stepping into a cozy mountain postcard. The town is famous for its natural mineral springs—we highly recommend grabbing a cup and tasting the different springs as you explore the historic streets. It is bursting with incredible local boutique shops, arcade museums, art galleries, and scenic creekside walks. Whether you want to grab a local craft brew, find the perfect souvenir, or just sit by the water with a hot coffee, Manitou completely captured our hearts, and we know you will fall in love with it too. It’s the perfect spot to spend your Friday afternoon or Saturday evening!
SunWater Spa
Ever been in a bathing suit in freezing temperatures? It sounds a little crazy, but trust us—there is nothing quite like soaking in a steaming, 100°F outdoor cedar tub while staring up at a snow-dusted mountain peak. It’s the ultimate Colorado winter tradition, giving you all the epic alpine views without having to freeze on a hiking trail. Pro-Tip: Tubs only hold about 4 to 6 people and require advance booking. If soaking isn't your thing, downtown Manitou Springs is just blocks away and packed with warm indoor shops and galleries to explore while others take a dip!
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Since you'll be seeing it at sunrise for our ceremony, we highly recommend coming back during the day to actually walk the paved trails! The massive, towering red rock formations against the blue mountain sky are absolutely breathtaking and look completely different under the midday sun. It is entirely free to enter and explore at your own pace. The spectacular Visitor & Nature Center features world-class interactive museum exhibits, a great café with panoramic views, and a massive gift shop where you can pick up authentic Colorado keepsakes. There are plenty of easy, flat paved walking paths winding through the heart of the iconic rocks, making it the perfect, accessible way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty without a strenuous hike. You can easily spend two to three hours here taking photos and taking in the views!
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
If you are looking for a classic Colorado adventure but want a total break from the December chill, head underground! The caverns naturally stay a comfortable 54°F year-round, making it a fantastic, wind-free spot to explore. It is a super unique way to see the flip side of the Rocky Mountains without needing to brave the winter wind. The last tour departs at 4 p.m. on Saturdays, so please plan accordingly!
Downtown Colorado Springs
If you're looking for a great spot to grab coffee, a local craft beer, or dinner on Friday night, head straight to Tejon Street in the heart of downtown. This vibrant district is highly walkable, incredibly charming, and lined with historic architecture, local tree-lined sidewalks, and a fantastic energy. It features a diverse mix of cozy indie coffee shops, celebrated local eateries, and upscale casual dining, making it the perfect spot for our family to gather the night before the wedding. Even better, it is located right next to our recommended hotel blocks and our post-ceremony brunch celebration spot, so you won't have to worry about long drives or navigation. Whether you want to stroll through local boutiques or just relax with a drink and watch the mountains, it's a wonderful place to spend an evening.
Gold Camp Road Scenic Overlook
Located just a short, scenic drive up into the front range along an old historic 1800s railway route, this roadside offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the entire Colorado Springs skyline, the surrounding red rock canyons, and the endless plains stretching out below. There is zero walking required to see the view—you literally pull right up, park the car, and step out onto a flat ledge for an incredible, unforgettable photo opportunity. The viewpoint looks absolutely magical in December when the city and mountains are dusted with fresh winter snow. It is completely free to visit, highly accessible, and lets you experience the dramatic grandeur of the Rockies and be back at your hotel within 30 minutes! Note: The road up to the overlook is paved and well-plowed by the city, but because mountain conditions can change quickly, we highly recommend carpooling in an AWD vehicle if there is fresh snow on the weekend forecast.