Things To Do

Garden of the Gods

A must see! Take a casual drive around it or park within it to take an easy stroll with some gorgeous scenery. Did we mention it's free?

Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

We went here on our first date! Right in the middle of downtown and a great place to get lost for a couple of hours. A mix of indoor and outdoor games are available.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Cool cave tours and rides! South Park has made it known that Manbearpig resides here.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Beautiful renditions and models of the Ute tribe cliff dwelling that used to frequent this area.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

One of the more unique and environmentally conscious zoos we've ever experienced. Feed the giraffes or take a lift above the lions, tigers, and bears.. oh my!

Miramont Castle Museum

Right by our apartment, this charming castle is known to be haunted and adds a nice quick stop to your trip.

Glen Eyrie Castle

Right outside of Garden of the Gods this castle is known for sighting of wild turkeys, big horn sheep, and even the occasional black bear!

Bishop Castle

A bit of a drive away, but well worth it. Bishop Castle is an "elaborate and intricate" "one-man project" named after its constructor, Jim Bishop, that has become a roadside attraction. If you're craving adventure, love climbing rickety structures, or love hand written government grievances this is the place.

SunWater Spa

Located right in the center of Manitou, across from Memorial Park. Take a relaxing night in one of their natural-spring hot tubs by reserving one on their site. We recommend tub #5, it has the best view!

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

A beautiful drive through the pass brings you to the town of Buena Vista and Salida. Right in between is Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and resort. Sit by the river in natural hot springs, or cross the river to the adult section and enjoy the cascading pools!

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

A fair drive away in Calahan, the Paint Mines are a gorgeous area where the local Natives used to gather pigment for their paints. It's a unique experience with colorful stone features you'd have to see to believe.

Manitou Brewing Company

Cerberus Brewing Company

Smiling Toad Brewery

291 Whiskey

Delicious local whiskey, known for making some of the "best whiskey in the world".

Axe and the Oak Distillery

Some of our favorite whiskey and cocktails in a unique location! The distillery is in an old schoolhouse, with Bristol Brewing directly upstairs. Try their tobacco old-fashioned!

503W

Known for delicious asian-fusion and gin cocktails!

The Rabbit Hole

One of our favorite restaurants! If you're looking to treat yourself to an delicious meal, fun cocktails, and an unforgettable experience this is the place.

Border Burger Bar

Delicious burgers conveniently located in Manitou Springs by the Penny Arcade.

Ruffrano's Hell's Kitchen Pizza Manitou Springs

Decent pizza that claims to be as good as New York. You be the judge!

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

One of our favorite and more frequented spots. Delicious good and Oskar Blues beer to go along with it. What's not to love?

Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

An awesome location directly across from the Antlers hotel with some great pool tables. It's got a great rotating menu and tasty brews to pair with it!

Mountain Shadows Restaurant

Great breakfast spot! Known for huge cinnamon buns and heavy mimosas.

Mo's Diner & Lounge

Our favorite little breakfast dive. Parking in the back!

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain

Take a drive directly up Pikes Peak for a one-of-a-kind experience that will take your breath away! The Pikes Peak Highway is five minutes from Manitou, through the pass. Plan about 3-4 hours to drive to the top and back down. Costs vary depending on how many are in the vehicle.

Mueller State Park

One of the closest state parks with some simple hikes and spectacular views.

Hikes

Intemann Trail (Easy/moderate, 1.8 mi, Elevation Gain: 344 ft) Red Mountain (Moderate/hard, 2.5 mi, Elevation Gain: 944 ft) Williams Canyon (Easy, 3 mi) The Manitou Incline (Extreme, <1 mi, Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft) Siamese Twins (GOG) (Easy, 1 mi, Elevation Gain: <150 ft) Barr Trail (Moderate, 6.1 mi, Elevation Gain: 2,053 ft) Rainbow Falls (Very Easy, 0.2 mi) The Crags Trail (Moderate, 4.8 miles - located in Divide, it's where Joe proposed!) Seven Bridges Trail (Moderate, 3.8 miles, Elevation Gain: 1,046 ft) Red Rock Open Space (22 different trails, mostly easy, conveniently located)