Where to Stay in Colorado Springs: A Local's Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

So you’re coming to Colorado Springs. You’ve probably got a list of must-sees: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, maybe the Manitou Incline if you’re feeling brave. But the single biggest decision that will shape your trip isn’t what you’ll do, but where you’ll stay. Choosing the right neighborhood as your home base completely changes the vibe of your vacation.

Forget the bland chain hotels clustered along I-25. To really experience the Pikes Peak region, you need to pick a spot that matches your travel style. Are you looking for a historic, walkable neighborhood with art galleries and patios? Or a quiet retreat with epic mountain views and easy access to alpine trails?

This isn’t just another list of “things to do in Colorado Springs.” This is your guide to the city’s best neighborhoods, helping you find the perfect launchpad for your adventure.

Old Colorado City: Historic Charm and Artistic Soul
The Broadmoor & Southwest: Upscale Vistas and Unmatched Scenery
Manitou Springs: Quirky, Bohemian, and at the Foot of the Mountains
Downtown Colorado Springs: Urban Energy Meets the Rockies
Choosing Your Perfect Home Base
Frequently Asked Questions

Old Colorado City: Historic Charm and Artistic Soul

If your ideal vacation involves strolling down tree-lined streets, popping into independent art galleries, and sipping coffee on a sunny patio, Old Colorado City (OCC) is your spot. This was the original capital of the Colorado Territory, and it still feels like a town straight out of the Old West, complete with 19th-century brick buildings and a rich history. But today, it’s also the artistic heart of the city.

The Vibe: Relaxed, artsy, and incredibly walkable. The main drag, Colorado Avenue, is lined with boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and dozens of art galleries. It’s less about high-octane adventure and more about savoring the local culture.

What to Do in Old Colorado City

Gallery Hopping: You could spend a whole day exploring the art scene. Don’t miss the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery for its fascinating miniature city sculptures or the contemporary works at Hunter-Wolff Gallery.
Shop Local: Forget tourist traps. OCC is full of unique shops. Check out The Holly Leaf for year-round Christmas decor or Rocky Mountain Soap Market for locally made goods.
Eat and Drink: The food scene here is fantastic. Grab a life-changing pastry from La Baguette French Bakery. For dinner, Paravicini’s Italian Bistro is a loud, lively, and delicious local institution. My go-to order is the Veal Saltimbocca.
Proximity to Parks: The best part? You’re literally minutes from two of the city’s best parks. A 5-minute drive gets you to the otherworldly red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, and another 5 minutes gets you to Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a local favorite for hiking and rock climbing with fewer crowds.

Where to Stay in Old Colorado City

Staying here means you can leave the car behind for evenings out. It’s the perfect base for couples or small groups who value walkability and atmosphere. For a group of up to eight, a place like our Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets property at 1112 Arch St is ideal. You get the neighborhood feel while being just a two-minute walk from the heart of OCC, and you have a private fire pit to relax around after a day of exploring.

Local Tip: Parking in OCC can be tight, especially on weekends. Look for the free parking lot behind the main strip, between 25th and 26th street. It’s a game-changer.

The Broadmoor & Southwest: Upscale Vistas and Unmatched Scenery

Head south of downtown and the landscape opens up. Here, nestled against Cheyenne Mountain, you’ll find the city’s most prestigious and scenic neighborhood. Dominated by the legendary Broadmoor Hotel, this area is defined by grand homes, sweeping views of the city, and direct access to some of the area’s most spectacular natural attractions.

The Vibe: Quiet, luxurious, and nature-focused. The streets are wider, the lots are bigger, and the mountains feel like they’re in your backyard. This is where you stay when you want to feel a bit removed from the hustle while still being a short drive from everything.

What to Do in the Southwest

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: This isn’t your average zoo. Built on the side of a mountain, it’s famous for its incredible views and the largest giraffe herd in North America. The secret is to buy your lettuce and feed the giraffes by hand—it’s an unforgettable experience. The zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd.
Seven Falls: Hike up a stunning series of seven cascading waterfalls tucked into a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. You can climb the 224 steps alongside the falls for an incredible view from the top. It’s managed by The Broadmoor, so expect pristine conditions.
The Broadmoor Hotel: Even if you’re not a guest, you can explore the stunning grounds of this historic five-star resort. Walk around Cheyenne Lake, grab a cocktail at the hotel bar, or browse the high-end shops. It feels like stepping into another era.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park: A free alternative to Seven Falls, this city park offers miles of hiking trails, beautiful Helen Hunt Falls, and scenic drives up to the Starsmore Discovery Center.

Where to Stay in the Southwest

This neighborhood is perfect for families or larger groups seeking a memorable Colorado Springs vacation rental with top-tier amenities. You’ll find properties with more space, better views, and features that make your stay an experience in itself.

For example, our Stunning Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Game Room home at 26 Westmark is a prime example. It sleeps 11 and puts you in the heart of this scenic area, with a hot tub to soak in after a long day and a game room to keep everyone entertained.

If you’re looking for the ultimate family retreat, the Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games at 19 Clover Circle East is unparalleled. With your own private mini-golf course, sauna, and hot tub, it’s a destination in itself, perfectly situated to access the zoo, Seven Falls, and downtown.

Manitou Springs: Quirky, Bohemian, and at the Foot of the Mountains

Technically its own town, Manitou Springs is tucked in a canyon just west of Colorado Springs and has a personality all its own. It’s where the city’s mountain-town, bohemian spirit is on full display. Think colorful Victorian buildings, funky shops, and streets filled with artists, hikers, and tourists soaking up the unique atmosphere.

The Vibe: Eclectic, tourist-friendly, and a little bit weird (in the best way). It’s the gateway to Pikes Peak and the infamous Manitou Incline, so there’s always a buzz of energy from adventurers.

What to Do in Manitou Springs

Conquer the Manitou Incline: For the ultimate fitness challenge, tackle the Incline: a nearly 2,000-foot elevation gain in less than a mile, straight up the side of the mountain on old railway ties. Reservations are now required, so book in advance!
Pikes Peak Cog Railway: The classic way to summit “America’s Mountain.” This historic train chugs its way up to the 14,115-foot summit, offering breathtaking views without the high-altitude exertion. The depot is at 515 Ruxton Ave.
Taste the Mineral Springs: The town is named for its eight naturally carbonated mineral springs. Pick up a map and a tasting cup from the Visitor Center and walk around town sampling each one—they all have a distinct taste and were once believed to have healing properties.
Play at the Penny Arcade: A must-do for all ages. This massive, old-school arcade has everything from classic skeeball and pinball machines to hundreds of vintage games that still only cost a penny to play.

Local Tip: Parking in Manitou is notoriously difficult and expensive. The best strategy is to park for free at the lot near the high school on the east end of town (10 Hiawatha Gardens) and take the free shuttle bus that runs up and down Manitou Avenue.

Downtown Colorado Springs: Urban Energy Meets the Rockies

If you prefer city life with your mountain views, Downtown Colorado Springs is the place for you. Over the past decade, downtown has seen a huge revitalization. It’s now a vibrant hub of modern restaurants, craft breweries, unique museums, and beautiful parks, all set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.

The Vibe: Energetic, modern, and convenient. It’s the business and cultural center of the city, with a growing number of condos and a lively nightlife scene.

What to Do Downtown

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: This state-of-the-art museum is an absolute must-see. The interactive exhibits are incredible, offering a deep dive into the stories of Team USA’s athletes. It’s an inspiring experience for everyone. Find it at 200 S Sierra Madre St.
Explore Tejon Street: This is the main north-south artery of downtown, packed with the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. Catch a show at the Pikes Peak Center, have a craft cocktail at The Archives, or enjoy a fantastic dinner at The Rabbit Hole, a unique restaurant with an “Alice in Wonderland” theme.
Walk America the Beautiful Park: This large park on the west side of downtown is home to the stunning Julie Penrose Fountain and offers wide-open spaces with an unbeatable view of Pikes Peak. It’s a great spot for a picnic or to just relax.
Brewery Tour: The downtown area is a hotspot for craft beer. You can easily walk between several great breweries. Start at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, the city’s oldest brewpub, then head to Local Relic for some of the most creative beers you’ll ever taste.

Local Tip: Downtown parking is mostly metered or in paid garages. Download the ParkMobile app before you go; it makes paying for and extending your parking session a breeze without having to run back to the meter.

Choosing Your Perfect Home Base

So, which neighborhood is right for you?

Choose Old Colorado City if: You want a charming, walkable base with great food and easy access to Garden of the Gods.
Choose The Broadmoor/Southwest if: You’re looking for stunning views, a quieter atmosphere, and proximity to top attractions like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Seven Falls.
Choose Manitou Springs if: You love a quirky, bohemian vibe and plan to tackle the Incline or Pikes Peak.
Choose Downtown if: You thrive on urban energy, want to be close to museums and breweries, and enjoy a lively nightlife.

No matter where you choose to stay, this Colorado Springs travel guide shows you’re never far from the action. A 15-20 minute drive can get you from one neighborhood to the next, so your choice of home base is all about crafting the perfect atmosphere for your dream mountain getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Colorado Springs for families?

The Southwest area near The Broadmoor is fantastic for families. It’s close to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and North Cheyenne Cañon Park, and the vacation rentals in this area often have more space and family-friendly amenities like game rooms and large yards.

Do I need a car in Colorado Springs?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. While neighborhoods like Old Colorado City and Downtown are walkable within their boundaries, Colorado Springs is a sprawling city. To get between neighborhoods and to major attractions like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the zoo, you will definitely need a car.

What’s the most walkable neighborhood in Colorado Springs?

Old Colorado City is arguably the most walkable neighborhood for visitors. The main street, Colorado Avenue, is flat and packed with shops, restaurants, and galleries, allowing you to park your car and explore on foot for hours. Downtown is also very walkable, but it has a more urban, city-block feel.

How many days do you need to see Colorado Springs?

To comfortably see the main highlights without feeling rushed, plan for at least 3 to 4 full days. This gives you enough time to visit Pikes Peak, explore Garden of the Gods, spend a day at the zoo or in Manitou Springs, and enjoy one of the historic neighborhoods. A full week allows you to explore more deeply and at a more relaxed pace.

Ready to find your perfect home base in the Pikes Peak region? Skip the extra fees and get the best rates by booking your Colorado Springs vacation rental directly with us.

Explore our Colorado Springs properties and book your adventure today!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.