Welcome to Golden
Colorado’s idyllic escape
Named after its history as a gold rush town, Golden is a place one could imagine running to in pursuit of riches. It’s located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, which makes for scenic beauty and the kinds of views and activities for which Colorado is known. There’s so much to do and see in this small town, and its rich history adds a very nostalgic element.
What to Love
- A bucolic outdoors environment
- A small-town, close-knit community
- Scenic views at the base of the Rocky Mountains
Lifestyle
Golden is what you think of when you think of Colorado — it’s naturally beautiful, and so people here enjoy a very outdoorsy lifestyle. Whether they’re hiking, biking, or kayaking at Clear Creek White Water Park, they’re always taking advantage of the beauty that surrounds them. They’re also very convivial and enjoy supporting their local eateries and bars. Overall, life here is balanced and fun.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
For a relatively small town, Golden is rich in dining opportunities. Let’s start with Abejas: this upscale, New American restaurant has a cozy dining room, where you can enjoy their boutique wine list, craft cocktails, and flavorful dishes. For five-star Italian cooking, head to Bella Colibri. This elegant restaurant is a place where you can enjoy a long, leisurely meal and spend hours savoring a rich bottle of wine.
There are also a few more casual options, such as Cafe 13 and Sassafrass. Cafe 13 has coffee and fresh pastries, while Sassarass is popular for its outdoor patio and classic breakfast dishes. Bonfire Burritos is perfect for a lunchtime grab-and-go burrito, while Sherpa House and Thai Gold are excellent dinner options. Sherpa House serves authentic Nepalese food in a restaurant loaded with genuine artifacts and also serves as a culture center. Thai Gold is located in a 1907 Victorian home and has a beautiful patio for dining.
For more history-meets-dining, try Buffalo Rose. Established in 1985, it’s one of the five oldest bars in all of Colorado and has fun live music and a patio!
Things to Do
Golden is where history and nature meet to create a very lively, interesting place. A major destination is the Colorado Railroad Museum. This non-profit is located on over 15 acres of land and offers a full historic exhibit as well as train rides. Throw yourself back in time on a classic train while you learn about the railroad’s history. History buffs also enjoy the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. Learn about Buffalo Bill’s iconic journey from buffalo hunter to Wild West showman!
If you like beer, you’ll want to take the Coors Brewery Tour. Learn about the famous brand’s malting, brewing, and packaging processes as you sample their beer.
There’s also no shortage of opportunities to spend time outdoors in Golden. Lookout Mountain isn’t far and offers very popular trails for hiking (Windy Saddle Lookout Mountain Trail is a crowd-pleaser). South Table Mountain Park is another great hiking option. When you reach the peak of this mesa, you’ll have unparalleled views.
Golden is also close to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, where you can attend concerts by some of the biggest names in music. The amphitheater is built into a rock formation; soak up your surroundings while you jam out!
Schools
Golden is part of the Jefferson County School District, which is one of the top districts in Colorado. Excellent educational opportunities include:
- School of Mines, university, focus on energy and the environment
- Golden View Classical Academy, grades K-12, esteemed charter school
- Mitchell Elementary School, grades K-5, A- rating
- Free Horizon Montessori, grades PK-8, a Jefferson County Option School of Innovation