Choosing where to stay in Colorado Springs isn’t just about finding a place to sleep—it’s about picking the launchpad for your entire adventure. This city is more of a sprawling collection of unique districts than a single, compact downtown, and your home base will completely shape your experience. Do you want to walk to art galleries and cafes, or wake up to deer in your yard with trailheads just steps away?
This isn’t your average, generic guide. This is the real-deal breakdown of the city’s key neighborhoods, helping you find the perfect vibe and location for the trip you actually want to have.
Table of Contents
- Old Colorado City (OCC): For History Buffs & Boutique Shoppers
- Downtown Colorado Springs: For Urban Explorers & Foodies
- The Westside: For Mountain Adventurers & Scenery Seekers
- The Broadmoor & Southwest: For Luxury Seekers & Zoo Lovers
- Northgate & The Air Force Academy: For Modern Comfort & Family Space
- Frequently Asked Questions
Old Colorado City (OCC): For History Buffs & Boutique Shoppers
The Vibe: Imagine stepping back into the 1800s, but with better coffee and art galleries. Old Colorado City was the original capital of the Colorado Territory, and it still feels like a Wild West town that’s been lovingly polished. The main drag, Colorado Avenue, is lined with historic brick buildings housing independent art galleries, quirky boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s charming, incredibly walkable, and has a relaxed, creative energy.
Why You’ll Love It: This is the spot if you love being able to park your car and explore on foot. You can spend a whole day wandering through shops like the Man-Made Art Gallery, grabbing a fresh-baked pastry from La Baguette, and ending with a fantastic dinner at Paravicini’s Italian Bistro. It’s also the gateway to the west, putting you just a 5-10 minute drive from both Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Consider This: While OCC has great energy during the day, it’s not the city’s nightlife hub. Things quiet down significantly after 9 PM. It’s more about a great meal and a bottle of wine than finding a late-night cocktail bar.
Local Tip: Don’t miss the First Friday ArtWalk each month. The galleries stay open late, offer free wine and snacks, and the whole neighborhood comes alive. Also, the secret to a great lunch is hitting Pizzeria Rustica’s patio on a sunny day—it’s tucked away and feels like a little Italian escape.
Where to Stay in Old Colorado City
For a group that wants the best of both worlds—proximity to the charm of OCC and a private space to relax—a home base right on the edge of the neighborhood is ideal. You get easy access without being right in the middle of the foot traffic.
Our Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets property at 1112 Arch St is perfect for this. It’s literally a two-minute drive to the heart of Old Colorado City, sleeps up to 8 guests, and is pet-friendly. After a day of exploring, you can come back and gather around the fire pit with incredible views of Pikes Peak, making it the perfect end to a day in the historic district.
Downtown Colorado Springs: For Urban Explorers & Foodies
The Vibe: This is the energetic heartbeat of the city. Downtown Colorado Springs has undergone a massive revitalization and is now a hub of fantastic restaurants, craft cocktail bars, unique shops, and cultural attractions. It’s a grid of tree-lined streets with a mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Pikes Peak. It’s more “revitalized urban center” than “sleepy mountain town.”
Why You’ll Love It: Foodies, this is your zone. From the inventive underground dining at The Rabbit Hole to the bustling Tejon Street food scene, you’ll never run out of options. It’s also home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and America the Beautiful Park. If you want to be in the center of the action with the best walkability to dining and nightlife, Downtown is the clear winner.
Consider This: With energy comes noise and a bit of city grit. Parking can be a challenge (and often paid), and you’ll trade the quiet, nature-centric feel of other neighborhoods for urban convenience.
Local Tip: For the best coffee experience, head to Loyal Coffee on S. Tejon—it’s a local institution. For a unique night out, catch a show at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts and grab a pre-show cocktail at The Archives, a hidden, speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an alley.
The Westside: For Mountain Adventurers & Scenery Seekers
The Vibe: The Westside is less of a formally defined neighborhood and more of a sprawling, residential area nestled against the foothills between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. This is where you stay when your primary goal is to be as close to the mountains as possible. The streets wind up hills, homes have staggering views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, and trailheads are practically your neighbors. It’s quiet, scenic, and all about the outdoors.
Why You’ll Love It: The access is unbeatable. You’re minutes from the main entrance to Garden of the Gods, the turn-off for the Pikes Peak Highway, and the starting point for the grueling but rewarding Manitou Incline. It offers a more peaceful, “live like a local” experience compared to the tourist-heavy centers. You can go for a morning hike in Red Rock Canyon Open Space and be back at your rental for coffee before most visitors have even found parking.
Consider This: You will need a car. While you’re close to the big attractions, walkable shops and restaurants are scarce. You’ll be driving 10-15 minutes to Downtown or OCC for most of your meals and supplies.
Local Tip: Section 16 and Red Rock Canyon Open Space offer a fantastic, less-crowded alternative to the main loops in Garden of the Gods. The trails are just as stunning, and you’ll share them with more locals than tourists. For a post-hike bite, stop by The Mason Jar, a Westside institution famous for its comfort food and giant mason jars of iced tea.
Where to Stay on the Westside
The Westside is perfect for larger family gatherings or groups of friends who need a basecamp for their adventures. You want a place with plenty of space and amenities to enjoy after a long day of exploring the mountains.
The Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games located at 19 Clover Cir E is exactly that. This incredible property sleeps 11 and is an attraction in itself. After conquering the Manitou Incline, you can come home to a private sauna, a soak in the hot tub, a round of mini-golf in the backyard, or a pool tournament in the game room. It’s the ultimate Colorado Springs vacation rental for a group that plays hard and wants to relax even harder, all while being just minutes from the best trails in the city.
The Broadmoor & Southwest: For Luxury Seekers & Zoo Lovers
The Vibe: Elegant, established, and immaculate. This area is defined by the grand, historic Broadmoor Hotel and the beautiful, upscale homes that surround it. The streets are wide and leafy, the views are expansive, and there’s a sense of quiet prestige. It’s nestled right against Cheyenne Cañon, offering a perfect blend of manicured luxury and rugged nature.
Why You’ll Love It: If your itinerary includes the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (an absolute must-do), Seven Falls, or hiking in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, this is the most convenient location. You can also enjoy the public-facing amenities of The Broadmoor, like its world-class restaurants and iconic Golden Bee gastropub, without being a hotel guest. It feels removed from the hustle and bustle, offering a truly serene retreat.
Consider This: This is one of the priciest parts of town, and it’s very car-dependent. Aside from the hotel’s offerings, there are very few shops or restaurants within walking distance. It’s a place you drive to, not a place you wander from.
Local Tip: Even if you’re not staying at The Broadmoor, take a walk around the lake on the hotel grounds (it’s open to the public) for a beautiful, easy stroll. For a challenging and scenic hike, skip the crowds at Seven Falls and instead hike the Columbine Trail in the free-to-access North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
Northgate & The Air Force Academy: For Modern Comfort & Family Space
The Vibe: If you could sum up Northgate in a word, it would be “new.” This suburban community on the far north end of the city is characterized by modern homes, wide-open spaces, and family-friendly amenities. Its proximity to the United States Air Force Academy gives it a patriotic, orderly feel.
Why You’ll Love It: You get more for your money here. Vacation rentals in Northgate are often larger, newer, and have more amenities than similarly priced homes in the more historic parts of town. It’s fantastic for large families or multi-family groups. The access to I-25 is a major plus, making day trips to Denver or Castle Rock a breeze. It’s also close to attractions like the Great Wolf Lodge and Topgolf.
Consider This: You are a good 20-30 minute drive from the “classic” Colorado Springs attractions like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the Zoo. If your trip is focused on those iconic sights, you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in the car. The area lacks the unique character and history of OCC or Downtown.
Local Tip: The Santa Fe Trail runs right through this area, offering miles of flat, easy walking and biking paths—perfect for a family outing. For a surprisingly good meal, check out the restaurants in the Northgate Plaza; local favorites include Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Colorado Springs?
The “best” area truly depends on your travel style. For first-time visitors who want to be close to the iconic parks and have a charming, walkable home base, Old Colorado City or the Westside are fantastic choices. For those seeking nightlife, dining, and a central urban location, Downtown is ideal.
Is it better to stay in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs is a quirky, unique town with its own charm, but it can be extremely crowded, and parking is notoriously difficult. Staying in the Westside or Old Colorado City area of Colorado Springs gives you easy 5-10 minute driving access to everything in Manitou without the constant congestion right outside your door. You get the best of both worlds.
How many days do you need in Colorado Springs?
To see the main highlights like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo without feeling rushed, you should plan for at least 3 to 4 full days. If you want to add in more hiking, explore different neighborhoods, or take a day trip to the Royal Gorge, a 5 to 7-day trip is even better.
What is the most walkable part of Colorado Springs?
Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City are the two most walkable neighborhoods. Both feature concentrated areas of shops, restaurants, galleries, and parks that are perfect for exploring on foot.
Finding the right neighborhood is the first step to an unforgettable trip. Once you’ve picked your perfect spot, the rest of the adventure falls into place.
Ready to find your home base? Explore our curated collection of properties and book your Colorado Springs vacation rental direct with Springline Stays to get the best rates and local service.
The Broadmoor — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.
Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets — Book your stay →
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