2 Days in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs grips a special place in the hearts of many visitors, as a town of exquisite natural beauty, spectacular museums, friendly neighborhoods and quilt of top notch family attractions The city is also anchored by many fine hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and nightlife spots. From the heights of scenic Pikes Peak to the underground Cave of the wind, from the scintillating beauty of Garden of the Gods to the nation’s only mountain zoo – Colorado Springs is packed with charm, beauty and fun . With so much to see, you better speed up, not to miss a moment.

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Plan a holiday to Colorado Springs!

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Day 1 Colorado Springs Tour!

Breakfast at 8:00 AM

Colorado Springs offers so much to see and do, so you better plenish your system to take on the city exploration. You can head to Colorado Avenue at Bon Ton’s Cafe (2601 W Colorado Avenue) - a really good breakfast joint. There breakfast menu has lots of options and even offers a plenty of vegetarian choices. Make sure you be there between 6am to 8.30 am to enjoy their early bird specials. Or else stick to their old fashioned breakfast menu, which is simply awesome.

Garden of the Gods at 9:30 AM

When you’re done fueling up for the day, prepare to head out to Garden of the Gods to soak in the beauty of nature. You’ll be delighted to see the merge of distinct ecosystems – Foothills,Plains, mountains, all in one scenic venue. Venture into hiking, nature talks, bird watching, walks and biking. You can also take part in the guided tour if you want to dig a little deeper. Bring out your best camera and capture the ethereal beauty of the park – A photographer’s haven. The facility offers amenities, including Food/Beverage Service, Gift Shop, , Foreign Language Guide Available , Handicapped Parking, Internet Access, Restrooms,  Interpretive Displays, Maps & Brochures, Restaurant on site, RV Parking,  Retail Shop, Visitor Center on site

Address: 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Website: http://www.gardenofgods.com

U.S. Olympic Training Centers at 11:30 AM

Your next stop has to be U.S. Olympic Training Centers to witness where Olympic dreams initiated and molded and admire the young athletes in action. The huge complex comprises of practice facilities for different type of sports, two Olympic sixe swimming pools and a visitor’s center that serves as the information hub. You can participate in the guided tours that are available from Monday through Saturday.  Call ahead to find out about the tour schedule.

Address: 1750 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: 888-656-8687 & 719-866-4618
Website: www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Training-Centers-and-Sites/Colorado-Springs

Lunch at 1:00 PM

As you step out of the Olympic Center, you will find many restaurants around - Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian or American classic. To try some really good sesame chicken or Kung Pao chicken, stop by China Village (203 N Union Blvd). If classic American burger is what you're craving for, The Dive (3043 W Pikes Peak Ave) is the ideal place to be. Or enjoy a slice of Italy in  Leon Gessi Pizza (1806 Palmer Park Blvd)

Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame at 2:00 PM

Get ready to explore the interesting legends and vibrant history of the lives of the rodeo at the Museum of the American Cowboy and Pro Rodeo hall of Fame. The hall accommodates exhibits of the rodeo equipments, saddles, hats, chaps on display. You can start your tour in the Hall of Champions and then head to see the displays which showcase cowboy’s events and champions and many more rodeo personnel. Avail the group tour or guided tour to charm you with its rich western heritage.

Address: 101 Pro Rodeo Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Website: www.prorodeohalloffame.com

Colorado Springs Fine Art Museum at 3:30 PM

Art aficionados must absolutely visit Colorado Springs Fine Art Museum. The museum features top notch exhibits and fabulous galleries with more than 20,000 art works by renowned artists.  Some notable displays you can look out for are the collections of American Indian art and Latin American. After marveling the art, you can grab a delish bite at the eateries or get into some shopping at the gift shop.

Address: 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Website: www.csfineartscenter.org

Manitou Springs at 5:00 PM

You must stash away some time to visit Manitou Springs, which is located about 6 miles from Central Colorado Springs. This is a small historic town that is nestled at the foothills of Rocky Mountain.  If shopping is in your mind, there are scores of shops and funky boutiques to get into some splurging action. When its time to fuel up, step in any one of its fine cafes or restaurants. We recommend you stop at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade – An entertainment center that houses amazing collections of antique, coin operated rides, skeeball, pinball machines, trendy video games and much more. For more details about Manitou Springs, Click Here

Shop and Fun Time at Manitou Springs

There are heaps of charming shops and boutiques lined up along the streets of this lively town. For unique and quaint souvenirs, gifts and collectibles, stop by Mushroom Monday (937 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs). Wine lovers must absolutely swing by D'Vine Wine (934 Manitou Ave #108)for wine tasting, pick up a bottle of fine wine. And wrap up your fun day with a stop at Pikes Peak Chocolate and indulge in locally made Josh and John's ice cream (805 Manitou Ave).

Dinner at 8:30 PM

Enjoy a romantic and stellar dining experience at Cliff House at Pikes Peak and all that in a really affordable price. Recipient of many honorable culinary awars, this place will treate you with outstanding food, paired with superb drink options.

Address:  306 Canon Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Phone: (719) 785-2415
Website: www.thecliffhouse.com

Explore the Springs’ Night Scene at 10:00 PM

The night is still young in The Springs. For a fun night with lots of dance, music and drinks, drop by Underground Bar. The bar is divided into two floors, both upstairs and downstairs have DJ spinning really awesome music. You can hang out in their open patio.

Address: 110 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Website: www.sidengo.com/undergroundbars
Phone: 1 719-578-7771

Or,

To hang out with some of the hippiest venues in the town, swing by 15C Club. They serve outstanding martinis and also offer a superb cigar menu option.

Address: 15 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Phone: 1 719-635-8303

Day 1 Colorado Springs Tour Map Guide

Day 2 Colorado Springs Tour!

Breakfast at 7:00 AM

Enjoy a good morning with a wholesome breakfast at Pantry Restaurant (6980 Lake St, Green Mountain Falls). Their homemade bread coupled with your preferred breakfast choice and delicious coffee, are all that you need to kick start your day. Do not miss to sample their various types of bread.

Pikes Peak at 8:00 AM

Take your adventure to new heights. After a good breakfast, head to Pike Peaks and explore the natural beauty, fun activities , like hiking, biking and trekking up the twisted Pikes Peak Highway. Make sure to get a ride in the Pikes Peak Cog Railway that offers round trip ride up and down the mountain which lasts for about 3 hours and your ride is made even more resourceful with a narrative audio guide about the place. They welcome visitors from morning 7am.

Address: Cascade, Colorado 80809
Website: www.coloradosprings.gov

Cave of the Winds at 11:00 AM

After reaching the heights, take your journey to the underground at the Cave of the Winds. This thrilling experience will take you into the world of geology - a 500 million year old descent. You can also participate in one of their guided tours - 'discover tour or 'lantern tour.' Children are not allowed in these tours. You can also venture into the Wind Walker Challenge Course - a combination of zip line, maze, jungle gym, and ropes course.

Address: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, Colorado
Website: www.caveofthewinds.com

US Air Force Academy at 12:30 PM

If you've seen 'Top Gun' movie, this place will intrigue you even more. Speed, aircrafts, thrill and uniformed personnel are what await you at US Air Force Academy. Make your first stop at the visitor's center and gather all information about the academy. After that head to the Honor Court, Cadet Chapel, Falcon Stadium and also enjoy watching the impressive plane manuevers. You can visit the academy anytime between 8am and 6 pm, but the visitor's center remain open from 9am to 5pm.

Address: 4102 Pinion Drive, Air Force Academy, CO 80840
Website: www.usafa.af.mil/information/visitors

Lunch at 2:00 PM

After a tour of the Air Force Academy, look out for Ted’s Montana Grill (1685 Briargate Pkwy)at its vicinity. Here, you will enjoy a delectable lunch. They dish out delicious steaks, burgers, salads and much more. Stop by here to fully satiate your palate. For an Asian thai fare, visit Thai Mint (1725 Briargate Blvd). You must try their pad thai, red & green curry and drunken noodles.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo at 3:00 PM

You can explore the wild side of the Springs and get up close with exotic animals by visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Hemmed at an altitude of 6800 feet, this is the nation's only mountain zoo. With 800 animals and other activities to explore, you can easily spend good 2 to 3 hours hear. Hop on the Mountaineer Sky Ride to grasp a clear view of the zoo. Another high point among kids as well well elders is the giraffe exhibit, where you can hand feed and get personal with the animals.

Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-5755
Website: www.cmzoo.org

Seven Falls in Cheyenne Canyon at 5:00 PM

Whether its day or night, the spectacular view of the Seven Falls is simply captivating. Popularly known as 'the grandest mile of scenery,' the ethereal beauty of the place is just beyond any imagination. 224 steps will take you up to the top. As you wander beyond, you will come across inspiration point and grave of Helen Hunt. As the sun sets, the falls illuminate in different colors via computer-controlled multi-color lights. The sights of the beautiful humming birds add to the beauty of the place.

Address: 3440 North Cheyenne Canyon Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Website:  www.coloradosprings.gov

Spa at The Broadmoor at 7:00

After the energy draining city exploration, a visit to the spa at Broadmoor will treat you like an oasis in the desert. The blissful treatment in the exquisite decor will absolutely rejuvenate you. The skillfull spa practitioners use high end products and customized treatments to help you heal and renew. You can opt from several spa services available, including Facials/Skin Care, Manicures, Foot Treatments, Massages, Men's Services, Spa Parties, Pedicures and Wraps.

Address: 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: 719-634-7711
Website: http://www.broadmoor.com
 

Dinner at Old Colorado City at 8:30 PM

End your city tour with a delectable meal served at Thunder and Buttons. The atmosphere there is simply ravishing and even better is their food. Open your taste buds to Elk chilli mac and cheese, beef medallions, buffalo burger or opt for anything you prefer from the menu. Dine here once and this place will surely become one of your favorite eateries in COS.

Address: 415 W Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Phone: (719) 447-9888

80's Era Music at 10:30 PM

Do not end with just a dinner at Thunder and Buttons. After dinner, you can continue your fun night scene with awesome music from the 80s era and many cool events here. Browse its calender for any events, bingo nights, happy hours and more.

Address: 2415 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States
Phone: 1 719-447-9888
Website: www.thunderandbuttons.com

Day 2 Colorado Springs Tour Map Guide