These areas below are ripe with adventure if you know where to look — each with eclectic offerings and hidden gems. Find more places in Colorado Springs to explore.
Central Colorado Springs
Central COS is smack-dab in the middle of Colorado Springs. This area is a main thoroughfare, but make sure to stop and stay awhile.
Why you should visit: The central area boasts vast urban trails in Palmer Park, shopping of all kinds and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Security-Widefield
Situated between Colorado Springs and Fountain, Security-Widefield is a community with plenty of unexpected delights to discover.
Why you should visit: Security-Widefield is a haven for bird-watching, live music and farm fun.
Eastern Plains
The Eastern Plains in the Pikes Peak Region include several small rural towns east of Colorado Springs. It’s wide open and worth the detour.
Why you should visit: In the Eastern Plains, you’ll discover working ranches, petting zoos like Wishing Star Farm and the stunning Paint Mines Interpretive Park.
Fountain
The city of Fountain is Colorado Springs’ small, yet plentiful neighbor to the south.
Why you should visit: Fountain offers a beloved nature center, locally owned eateries and a laid-back atmosphere.
Black Forest
Black Forest’s rural community and endless ponderosa-pines views provide a peaceful getaway just outside of Colorado Springs proper.
Why you should visit: In Black Forest, there’s plenty of fresh air, artisanal farmers markets and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
EaDo
Head just a few blocks east of Tejon Street, and you’ll find East Downtown, or EaDo — a quieter side of Downtown and an easygoing place to walk and grab a bite
Why you should visit: East Downtown’s mom-and-pop shops, walkable streets and the bikeable Shooks Run Trail make for a peaceful way to spend the day.
Shop Till You Drop
These shopping areas have the perfect spots for souvenir-hunting.
Briargate
As Colorado Springs’ largest residential area, Briargate offers retail galore and family-friendly activities.
Why you should visit: Briargate's huge outdoor shopping center — The Promenade Shops at Briargate — and beautiful parks like Cottonwood Creek make the neighborhood a destination for families and shopaholics alike.
Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City (OCC) was the first territorial capital of the state of Colorado, founded in 1859 during the gold rush. Today, it’s a beloved shopping and entertainment district on the west side of Colorado Springs.
Why you should visit: In OCC, unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and Victorian charm sit around every corner.
Florence & Penrose
Florence & Penrose are two rural towns outside of Cañon City. They may be quiet, but there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Why you should visit: Florence and Penrose have pumpkin patches, local wineries and cideries, and dozens of antique stores.
Main Tejon Corridor
Downtown is the heart of the city, with the area's shopping and dining concentrated along Tejon and adjacent streets. This active hub is referred to as the Main Tejon Corridor.
Why you should visit: The Tejon Corridor provides vibrant nightlife, artisan shops and galleries, and lots of restaurants.
Powers
The east side of Colorado Springs is often referred to as “over by Powers” because Powers Boulevard is a highway connecting that area’s many activities and businesses.
Why you should visit: The Powers area has excellent shopping in places like First & Main Town Center and American Classics Marketplace, neighborhood parks and great food options like Urban Egg and Bella’s Bagels.
For the Outdoor Adventurers
Take a hike on Pikes Peak Region trails.
Cañon City
Located about an hour outside of Colorado Springs, Cañon City is where small-town character meets big adventure.
Why you should visit: Cañon City is home to the stunning Royal Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas,” which you can explore by train, whitewater rafting, gondola, rock climbing and more.
Near Garden of the Gods Park
You’re likely already familiar with the breathtaking rock formations of Garden of the Gods Park, but the surrounding area holds lots of excitement, too.
Why you should visit: Local breweries, historical experiences like Rock Ledge Ranch and Flying W Ranch, plus beautiful views near the park’s entrance.
Tri-Lakes
North of Colorado Springs, you’ll find the Tri-Lakes area, which spans the communities of Monument, Palmer Lake and Woodmoor.
Why you should visit: In Tri-Lakes, you can take a relaxing stroll through downtown Monument, go for a hike or walk, bike, fish or cross-country ski at Palmer Lake.
Woodland Park
Drive a half hour into the mountains and you’ll get to Woodland Park, the
“City Above the Clouds.”
Why you should visit: The scenic small town of Woodland Park is a great place to enjoy hiking, camping and fun annual events, plus nearby attractions like the Dinosaur Resource Center.
Southwest
The Southwest region of Colorado Springs has a little bit of everything.
Why you should visit: Home to historical landmarks like The Broadmoor, the award-winning Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and some of the best outdoor recreation the city has to offer, this area is a favorite among locals.
Blast to the Past
When exploring these storied areas, you'll be surrounded by the rich history of the Pikes Peak Region.
Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek — just over an hour from Colorado Springs —was once a booming gold-rush town.
Why you should visit: Nowadays, Cripple Creek is a scenic destination full of casinos, historical excursions and free-roaming donkeys.
Victor
Victor, Cripple Creek’s neighbor to the south, is known as “The City of Gold Mines.”
Why you should visit: On Victor’s picturesque hiking trails, you can uncover mining history and discover the Rita the Rock Planter troll.
Southeast
The Southeast area of Colorado Springs is often a visitor’s first and last stop, as it’s home to the Colorado Springs Airport.
Why you should visit: This area has a diverse and delicious culinary scene, along with fascinating gems like the National Museum of WWII Aviation and the Airplane Restaurant.
Old North End
The Old North End area sits north of Downtown and includes several historical neighborhoods.
Why you should visit: For a fun day in the Old North End, take a leisurely walk or bike ride and admire Colorado College’s beautiful architecture and the surrounding Victorian homes. Cap it off with a cold one at Goat Patch Brewing Company or Whistle Pig Brewery.
Arts & Entertainment Abound
Whether you’re looking for punk music venues or refined art galleries, these neighborhoods have something that suits your taste.
Knob Hill
Teeming with creativity, the Knob Hill neighborhood is a hidden gem east of Downtown Colorado Springs.
Why you should visit: Knob Hill is a breeding ground for the city’s artists with a myriad of performance venues, unique art experiences and dozens of graffiti murals.
Green Mountain Falls
Green Mountain Falls and the small towns of the Ute Pass Communities sit along Ute Pass between Manitou Springs and Woodland Park.
Why you should visit: This scenic area is home to the Green Mountain Falls Skyspace immersive art experience, plus the annual Green Box Arts Festival.
Manitou Springs
Just west of Colorado Springs sits Manitou Springs, a quirky mountain town with rich history.
Why you should visit: Complete with breathtaking mountain views and mineral springs you can taste for yourself, Manitou is a Certified Colorado Creative District with galleries, public art and local makers around every corner.
Northern Communities
At the tip-top of Colorado Springs sits the Northern Communities, home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ford Amphitheater and tons of exciting venues.
Why you should visit: The Northern Communities is a flourishing entertainment hub for those looking to go on a group or family outing. Don’t miss the historical experiences offered at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry and Hosmer Visitor Center.
New South End
At the intersection of the past and present, The New South End of Downtown Colorado Springs was once the city’s Trolley District.
Why you should visit: There’s always a good time to be had in the New South End, whether at a Switchbacks soccer game at Weidner Field, antique shopping at Vintage Relics or grabbing a bite at one of the many locally owned restaurants.
Want More?
Find more things to do in Colorado Springs
Explore history and heritage in the Pikes Peak Region
Discover free and affordable family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs
