Weekend Overview
Day 1: Coors tour, downtown exploration, brewery hopping. Day 2: Morning hike, Lookout Mountain, afternoon leisure. Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, beer lovers, anyone wanting a Colorado mountain-town experience.
A weekend in Golden gives you time to experience everything the town offers - the famous brewery, the charming downtown, the excellent hiking, and the relaxed mountain-town atmosphere. It's an easy trip from Denver (20 minutes), or you can stay overnight to maximize your time.
Day One: Beer, Downtown, Patios
Morning: Coors Brewery Tour
Start your weekend at the Coors Brewery. Book a morning tour slot (10am is ideal) to beat the crowds. The free tour takes 30-45 minutes, followed by complimentary samples in the tasting room. Even if you're not a Coors fan, the scale and history are impressive.
Late Morning: Walk to Downtown
It's about a 10-minute walk from the brewery to Washington Avenue. Work up an appetite and take in the views of the mountains.
Lunch: Downtown Golden
Hit one of the downtown restaurants. Bob's Atomic Burgers for casual, Abejas for upscale, or grab pizza at Woody's.
Afternoon: Explore Downtown
Walk Washington Avenue, browse the shops, take photos at the famous arch. Visit the geology museum at School of Mines (free) or the Golden History Museum.
Late Afternoon: Craft Brewery Crawl
Golden has excellent craft breweries beyond Coors. Hit Cannonball Creek for the best beer, then walk to Golden City Brewery for the legendary backyard patio.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks
Dinner at one of the downtown restaurants, then finish at The Golden Mill for creek-side drinks and sunset views. Summer evenings in Golden are perfect.
Day Two: Mountains, Views, Adventure
Early Morning: Hike
Start early (7-8am) before it gets hot. Options:
- North Table Mountain (moderate, 2-3 hours) - wildflowers and Denver views
- Lookout Mountain Nature Center (easy, 1-2 hours) - wildlife and quick mountain experience
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park (moderate-hard, 3-5 hours) - full mountain immersion if you want a bigger adventure
Mid-Morning: Lookout Mountain Sights
After your hike (or as your main morning activity), drive up Lookout Mountain. Visit Buffalo Bill's grave and museum, and stop at the Nature Center. The views of Denver and the Continental Divide are spectacular.
Lunch: Back Downtown
Head back to Golden for lunch. Try somewhere different from yesterday.
Afternoon Options:
- Tube Clear Creek if it's summer and conditions are right
- Walk the Clear Creek Trail and watch kayakers
- Visit Mother Cabrini Shrine for the stairway climb and views
- Play a round at Fossil Trace Golf Club with its dinosaur tracks
- Rent a bike and ride the Lookout Mountain climb or creek trail
Late Afternoon: Departure or Relaxation
Head back to Denver, or if you're staying another night, grab a final patio drink and watch the sunset light up the mountains.
Alternative Day Two: Relaxed Pace
If you'd rather sleep in and take it easy:
- Late breakfast/brunch at Windy Saddle or Sassafras
- Leisurely downtown shopping
- Coffee and people-watching
- Short walk along Clear Creek
- Early afternoon departure
Weekend Planning Tips
Book ahead: Reserve Coors tour and hotel (if staying) in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Saturday vs Sunday: Saturday is busier downtown. Sunday morning is quieter for hiking. Plan accordingly.
Weather: Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms. Do outdoor activities in the morning. Bring layers - mornings can be cool.
Pacing: Don't overschedule. Golden is about relaxation and enjoying the setting. Leave time to wander and linger on patios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay overnight or do this as day trips from Denver?
Staying overnight lets you fully relax and catch morning/evening light. But two separate day trips work fine if you're based in Denver.
Is this itinerary good for families?
Yes. Kids can do the Coors tour (no samples), the creek trail is fun, and Lookout Mountain has family-friendly hikes. Adjust intensity based on kids' ages.
What if I only have one day?
Do Day One as described, or mix elements of both days. See our day trip guide for condensed options.
Best time of year for this weekend?
May through October offers the best weather. Summer has tubing and patios. Fall has beautiful colors. Spring has wildflowers. Winter works but outdoor activities are limited.