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

The neighborhood you choose in Colorado Springs can completely shape your vacation. It’s the difference between waking up to mountain views and a quiet cup of coffee, or being steps away from the buzz of a historic main street. Forget the generic hotel districts—let’s find the spot that feels like it was made for your trip. This isn’t just a list of places; it’s a guide to finding your perfect home base for exploring everything from Pikes Peak to the hidden local gems.

The Westside & Old Colorado City: Historic Charm and Trail Access
The Broadmoor Area: Upscale Serenity Meets Family Adventure
Downtown Colorado Springs: Urban Energy and Cultural Hubs
Manitou Springs: Quirky, Artsy, and at the Foot of Pikes Peak
Northgate & Northern COS: Modern Comforts and Air Force Academy Views
Frequently Asked Questions

The Westside & Old Colorado City: Historic Charm and Trail Access

Best for: History buffs, boutique shoppers, and those who want a walkable “main street” vibe with immediate access to incredible parks.

If you dream of starting your day with a stroll to a local bakery and ending it at a cozy wine bar, all within a nationally registered historic district, the Westside is your spot. Old Colorado City (OCC), the original capital of the Colorado Territory, is the heart of this area. Its main drag, Colorado Avenue, is lined with 19th-century brick buildings housing art galleries, unique shops, and some of the city’s best independent restaurants.

But it’s not just about history. The Westside is a gateway to outdoor adventure. You’re minutes from two of the city’s most beloved parks: Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. You can spend the morning hiking among iconic red rock formations and be back in OCC for a fantastic lunch without breaking a sweat.

What to Do Here

Explore Old Colorado City: Spend an afternoon popping into galleries like the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery and shops like The Olive Tap. Don’t miss Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a sweet treat.
Hike Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Often called the “local’s Garden of the Gods,” this park offers stunning rock formations, former quarries turned into ponds, and miles of dog-friendly trails that are typically less crowded.
Visit Garden of the Gods: It’s a must-see for a reason. Drive the loop, but make sure to park and walk the Perkins Central Garden Trail—it’s paved and accessible for all skill levels, offering jaw-dropping, up-close views of the fins.
Ghost Town Museum: Step back in time at this indoor museum that preserves a historic slice of the Old West. Find it at 310 S 21st St.

Where to Eat & Drink

Breakfast: Get to Bon Ton’s Cafe early for their legendary cinnamon rolls. It’s a true local institution.
Lunch: Cerberus Brewing Company has one of the best patios in the city, an incredible beer list, and a food menu that goes way beyond typical pub fare. The truffle fries are non-negotiable.
Dinner: For a special night out, Paravicini’s Italian Bistro serves up classic, hearty Italian dishes in a lively atmosphere. You’ll feel like family here.

Where to Stay on the Westside

For a group that wants to be right in the mix, staying near OCC is key. You get the neighborhood feel with all the convenience. A place like the Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets is an ideal setup. Located at 1112 Arch St, this Colorado Springs vacation rental is perfect for a group of up to 8. You can walk to the heart of Old Colorado City, and after a day of exploring, come back to a private backyard with a fire pit to enjoy the cool Colorado evenings. It’s the perfect blend of location and relaxation.

The Broadmoor Area: Upscale Serenity Meets Family Adventure

Best for: Families, luxury seekers, and anyone looking for a quiet, scenic retreat close to top-tier attractions.

Tucked into the southwest corner of the city at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, the Broadmoor area is defined by elegance and stunning natural beauty. Centered around the world-famous, five-star Broadmoor Hotel, the neighborhood features wide, tree-lined streets and beautiful homes with manicured lawns. It’s quiet, safe, and feels a world away from the city hustle, yet it’s home to some of the biggest attractions in Colorado Springs.

This is the ultimate neighborhood for a family trip that balances thrilling activities with peaceful downtime. You can spend the day feeding giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and then retreat to a comfortable home with spectacular views and premium amenities.

What to Do Here

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: America’s only mountain zoo is a must-do. The giraffe feeding experience, with the city sprawling below, is an unforgettable photo op. Get there right when they open to beat the crowds, especially in the summer. Find it at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd.
Seven Falls: Hike up the 224 steps alongside a series of magnificent waterfalls cascading down a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. If the stairs aren’t for you, an in-canyon elevator gets you to the top for the same incredible views.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park: A stunning city park that feels like a national park. Drive up the scenic byway to Helen Hunt Falls or tackle more strenuous hikes like the one to St. Mary’s Falls.
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun: Perched high on Cheyenne Mountain, this historic stone tower offers panoramic views that stretch for a hundred miles on a clear day. The drive up is part of the adventure.

Where to Eat & Drink

Casual Lunch: The Picnic Basket in the nearby Ivywild neighborhood is perfect for grabbing gourmet sandwiches to take on a hike in North Cheyenne Cañon.
Upscale Casual: The Golden Bee at The Broadmoor is a classic English-style pub with a nightly ragtime piano player and a fun, singalong atmosphere. It’s a great experience for a lively dinner.
Coffee: Sacred Ground Cafe is a local favorite for a morning coffee and pastry before heading up the mountain.

A Home Base for Epic Family Fun

The Broadmoor area is perfect for larger family gatherings where the vacation rental itself is part of the experience. After a long day of adventures, having a place with built-in entertainment is a game-changer. The Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games, located at 19 Clover, is exactly that. This incredible property sleeps 11 and is more than just a place to stay—it’s a private resort. With amenities like a mini-golf course, a sauna, a hot tub, and a game room, you might have a hard time convincing the kids to leave. It provides the perfect luxurious and fun-filled basecamp for exploring all the nearby Broadmoor-area attractions.

Downtown Colorado Springs: Urban Energy and Cultural Hubs

Best for: Foodies, museum-goers, and visitors who want to be in the center of the action.

Downtown Colorado Springs has undergone a major revitalization and is now a vibrant, bustling hub of culture, food, and entertainment. It’s a walkable grid of streets filled with public art, locally-owned shops, and an ever-growing list of top-notch restaurants and cocktail bars. If your idea of a perfect vacation involves trying a new restaurant every night and being able to walk to a museum or a park, Downtown is for you.

You’re also centrally located to reach almost any other part of the city within a 15-20 minute drive, making it a convenient base for wider explorations.

What to Do Here

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: This state-of-the-art, interactive museum is a world-class attraction. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the stories of the athletes and the incredible design of the building are captivating. Plan for at least 2-3 hours here. Located at 200 S Sierra Madre St.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts: Catch a show from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, a touring Broadway production, or a famous comedian at this beautiful venue.
Acacia Park: A lovely urban green space that hosts farmers’ markets in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. It’s a great spot to relax and people-watch.
First Friday Art Walks: If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, dozens of downtown galleries and studios open their doors for a city-wide art celebration.

Where to Eat & Drink

Food Hall: CO.A.T.I. U.S. is a trendy food hall built from shipping containers. It offers a huge variety of options, from street tacos to Korean fried chicken, plus a great bar. It’s the perfect solution for a group that can’t agree on what to eat.
Modern Dinner: The Carter Payne is a beautifully restored church that now houses a fantastic restaurant and taproom. The seasonal menu is always creative and delicious.
Speakeasy Cocktails: Find the blue light in the alley behind 30 E Pikes Peak Ave to enter Brooklyn’s on Boulder Street. This moody, intimate speakeasy makes some of the best craft cocktails in the city. My go-to is their classic Old Fashioned.

Manitou Springs: Quirky, Artsy, and at the Foot of Pikes Peak

Best for: Art lovers, spiritual seekers, and those tackling the Manitou Incline or Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

While technically its own town, Manitou Springs is nestled right against the west side of Colorado Springs and is an essential part of the visitor experience. Manitou has a personality all its own—funky, colorful, and a little eccentric. The downtown area is a tight collection of art galleries, crystal shops, and arcades filled with vintage games.

This is the home base for some of the region’s most famous challenges: the Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The town is famous for its eight naturally carbonated mineral springs, which you can taste at various public fountains as you walk around.

What to Do Here

Manitou Incline: For the supremely fit, this is the ultimate challenge. Gaining nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile, this trail made of old cog railway ties is a serious workout with an incredible payoff view. Important: You must make a free reservation online in advance.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway: The best way to get to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak without driving. The scenic ride takes you through multiple life zones, offering stunning views the entire way. Book tickets well in advance.
Walk and Shop: The main appeal of Manitou is simply wandering through its unique shops and galleries. Don’t miss the Penny Arcade for a dose of nostalgia.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Explore fascinating, centuries-old Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings that were relocated here for preservation.

Where to Eat & Drink

Post-Hike Meal: Manitou Brewing Company is the perfect spot to reward yourself after conquering the Incline. They have great burgers, tacos, and, of course, a solid lineup of craft beers.
Unique Dinner: The Cliff House at Pikes Peak offers a fine-dining experience in a beautiful, historic Victorian hotel. It’s perfect for a romantic or celebratory dinner.

Northgate & Northern COS: Modern Comforts and Air Force Academy Views

Best for: Visitors to the U.S. Air Force Academy, families who want modern amenities, and those looking for easy I-25 access for day trips.

The northern part of Colorado Springs, including the Northgate and Briargate areas, is characterized by newer, master-planned communities, modern shopping centers, and wide-open views of the Air Force Academy and the Front Range. If your trip is centered around an AFA event or you prefer the convenience of new restaurants and big-name stores, this is a great area to stay.

Its location right on I-25 makes it an excellent launchpad for day trips to Denver (about an hour north) or Castle Rock for outlet shopping. You’ll find lots of family-friendly entertainment options here, from movie theaters to trampoline parks.

What to Do Here

U.S. Air Force Academy: Visit the stunning Cadet Chapel (check for public access as it undergoes restoration), catch a Falcons football game, and explore the Visitor Center to learn about the life of a cadet.
Western Museum of Mining & Industry: Discover Colorado’s rich mining history through fascinating exhibits and demonstrations.
Scheels: This is more than just a sporting goods store; it’s an attraction. It features a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon aquarium, and wildlife displays.
Topgolf: A fun activity for all ages and skill levels, offering climate-controlled hitting bays, food, and drinks.

Where to Eat & Drink

Something for Everyone: The Promenade Shops at Briargate is an upscale outdoor mall with numerous dining options, from P.F. Chang’s to Ted’s Montana Grill.
Local Favorite: Back East Bar & Grill is the go-to spot for authentic Philly cheesesteaks and a relaxed, sports-bar atmosphere.
Brewery: Brass Brewing Company is a veteran-owned brewery with a loyal following and a great selection of beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For families, the Broadmoor area is fantastic due to its proximity to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Seven Falls, plus its quiet, safe atmosphere. The Westside is another great choice for families with slightly older kids who can enjoy the walkability of Old Colorado City and the easy access to Red Rock Canyon.

Is it better to stay in Downtown Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City?

It depends on the vibe you’re looking for. Stay in Old Colorado City if you prefer a quaint, historic, and more relaxed atmosphere with a “main street” feel and closer access to parks like Garden of the Gods. Stay in Downtown Colorado Springs if you want more of an urban energy, a wider variety of modern restaurants and bars, and walkability to major cultural attractions like the Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

How many days do you need to see Colorado Springs?

To comfortably see the main highlights like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo without feeling rushed, plan for at least 3 to 4 full days. If you want to add more hiking, explore multiple neighborhoods, and take a day trip, a 5 to 7-day stay is ideal.

Can you get around Colorado Springs without a car?

While Downtown and Old Colorado City are very walkable within their respective boundaries, a car is highly recommended for visiting Colorado Springs. Major attractions like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the zoo are spread out, and public transportation to these areas can be limited and time-consuming.

Choosing the right neighborhood is the first step to an unforgettable trip. No matter where you land, you’ll be surrounded by incredible scenery and endless opportunities for adventure. When you’re ready to find that perfect home away from home, we invite you to browse our properties and book direct with Springline Stays for the best rates and local service.

Old Colorado City — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.