Forget everything you think you know about picking a home base for your vacation. In Colorado Springs, your trip’s entire personality can change depending on which neighborhood you choose as your launchpad. Staying on the historic Westside offers a totally different vibe than a modern home up north near the Air Force Academy.
This isn’t just about finding a place to sleep; it’s about curating your perfect adventure. Do you want to walk to artisanal coffee shops and art galleries every morning? Or would you rather have sprawling mountain views from your back deck, just minutes from epic trailheads?
Let’s break down the main areas so you can find the perfect spot for your crew.
Table of Contents
- Old Colorado City: The Historic Charmer
- Downtown Colorado Springs: The Urban Heartbeat
- The Broadmoor Area: Mountain Grandeur & Classic Attractions
- Westside: The Adventurer’s Gateway
- Manitou Springs: The Quirky Mountain Neighbor
- Northgate & Briargate: The Modern Family Base
- Frequently Asked Questions
Old Colorado City: The Historic Charmer
Best for: Couples, foodies, and art lovers who want a walkable, historic experience.
Before Colorado Springs was Colorado Springs, there was Old Colorado City. This was the original capital of the Colorado Territory, and it still holds onto its rustic, Wild West charm with beautifully preserved 19th-century brick buildings. Today, those buildings house an incredible collection of independent art galleries, boutique shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
The main drag, Colorado Avenue, is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. You can spend an entire day popping in and out of shops, grabbing a locally roasted coffee at Carnelian Coffee Co. (2501 W Colorado Ave), and admiring bronze sculptures and landscape paintings.
Why You’ll Love It
The vibe here is laid-back and creative. It’s less about intense mountain scaling and more about savoring a good meal on a patio. The dining scene is a major draw. You can find everything from authentic Italian at Paravicini’s (2802 W Colorado Ave)—their Gnocchi alla Vodka is legendary—to inventive Spanish tapas at TAPAteria (2607 W Colorado Ave).
The location is also a strategic win. You are literally just a five-minute drive from the entrance to Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, making it easy to get your nature fix before retreating to the comforts of town.
A Local Tip
First Friday ArtWalks are a huge deal here. On the first Friday of every month (April-December), the galleries stay open late, offer free refreshments, and artists are often present to chat about their work. It’s a fantastic, free way to experience the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Where to Stay in Old Colorado City
For a group or family that wants to be immersed in this area, you need a home base that feels just as comfortable and unique as the neighborhood itself. Our Views | 2 mins to OCC | Fire Pit | Games | Pets property is the perfect fit. Located at 1112 Arch St, it’s just a stone’s throw from the action but offers a quiet retreat with a fire pit for evening relaxation and incredible views to wake up to. It’s the best of both worlds.
Downtown Colorado Springs: The Urban Heartbeat
Best for: Travelers who want city energy, museums, and a central location.
If your ideal vacation involves walking to a different restaurant every night, catching a show, and feeling the pulse of the city, Downtown Colorado Springs is your spot. It’s a clean, vibrant, and surprisingly scenic downtown, with the stunning silhouette of Pikes Peak visible from many street corners.
This is the cultural hub of the city. Here you’ll find the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. It’s also the epicenter of the local food and drink scene, moving beyond the tourist-focused spots into more inventive, chef-driven territory.
Why You’ll Love It
The sheer convenience is unmatched. You can park your car and explore on foot for days. Tejon Street is the main north-south artery, lined with local shops, fantastic eateries like The Skirted Heifer (204 N Tejon St) for incredible burgers, and third-wave coffee shops like Story Coffee Company, which is famously housed in a tiny house.
Downtown also offers excellent access to I-25, making it a great central point for exploring the entire Pikes Peak region, from the Air Force Academy to the north to Cheyenne Mountain in the south.
A Local Tip
Don’t sleep on the alleyways. Some of the best spots are tucked away off the main streets. The alley between Tejon and Cascade, just south of Kiowa, has some fantastic street art and leads to hidden gems like The Rabbit Hole, a unique underground restaurant with a whimsical theme.
The Broadmoor Area: Mountain Grandeur & Classic Attractions
Best for: Families seeking classic attractions and travelers who appreciate upscale, scenic surroundings.
Built around the legendary, five-star Broadmoor Hotel, this neighborhood on the southwest side of the city is defined by elegance and proximity to nature. The streets are wide and leafy, the homes are stately, and you’re nestled right against the foothills of Cheyenne Mountain.
This area is home to a trifecta of Colorado Springs’ most famous attractions: The Broadmoor Hotel itself, the stunning Seven Falls, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo. It feels a world away from the city’s hustle, yet it’s only a 10-15 minute drive from downtown.
Why You’ll Love It
The scenery is breathtaking. You’re constantly surrounded by the mountains, and the sense of being “away from it all” is palpable. It’s an ideal base for families because the zoo and Seven Falls can easily fill entire days. The hiking here is also fantastic, with trailheads in North Cheyenne Cañon Park (like the popular Helen Hunt Falls) just minutes away.
Even if you aren’t a guest at The Broadmoor, you can still walk the beautiful grounds, have a drink at one of their lakeside cafes, or visit the shops. It’s an experience in itself.
A Local Tip
When visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, buy your tickets online in advance for a specific time slot, as they often sell out. And don’t miss the chance to hand-feed the giraffes—the herd is one of the largest in the country, and the view from their enclosure overlooking the city is absolutely spectacular.
Where to Stay in The Broadmoor Area
To get the full experience of this scenic and family-friendly area, a vacation rental with space to spread out is a must. After a long day of feeding giraffes and climbing stairs at Seven Falls, having a private retreat is a game-changer. Our Stunning Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Game Room home, located at 26 Westmark, offers exactly that. It accommodates up to 11 guests and provides the ultimate relaxation with a private hot tub and game room, all while being just a short drive from these iconic attractions.
Westside: The Adventurer’s Gateway
Best for: Hikers, climbers, and anyone who wants immediate access to the trails.
The Westside is a broad term for the area west of I-25, nestled between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. It’s a residential area with a down-to-earth, outdoorsy feel. The biggest advantage of staying here is your unparalleled access to some of the region’s best parks and open spaces.
You’re never more than a few minutes’ drive from Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and the trails of Section 16 and Bear Creek Cañon Park. This is the place for people who plan to spend more time on dirt than pavement.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s the perfect blend of neighborhood quiet and adventure access. You can wake up, be on a trail within 10 minutes, and then grab a casual lunch at a local spot without dealing with major traffic. The views of the Garden of the Gods’ red rock fins and the imposing wall of Pikes Peak are a daily backdrop.
It’s also strategically positioned between the charm of Old Colorado City and the quirkiness of Manitou Springs, so you can easily explore both without being in the thick of the tourist crowds.
A Local Tip
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is often overlooked for its more famous neighbor, Garden of the Gods, but locals often prefer it. It has fewer crowds, is more dog-friendly, and offers equally stunning red rock formations. The Contemplative Trail is a perfect, easy loop for a morning walk.
Manitou Springs: The Quirky Mountain Neighbor
Best for: Travelers looking for a unique, bohemian, and highly walkable mountain town experience.
Technically its own city, Manitou Springs is tucked in a canyon at the base of Pikes Peak and is often considered a must-visit part of any Colorado Springs trip. The town has a completely different energy—eclectic, a bit hippie, and proudly unique. The downtown area is packed with art galleries, metaphysical shops, a classic penny arcade, and restaurants.
Manitou is famous for two things: the challenging Manitou Incline (a nearly 2,000-foot climb up an old cable car route) and its eight naturally carbonated mineral springs. You can walk through town with a cup and sample each one—they all taste different!
Why You’ll Love It
There’s nowhere else quite like it. The vibrant, free-spirited atmosphere is infectious. It’s a place where you can spend hours just wandering, exploring the hidden side streets, and enjoying the mountain scenery. It’s the starting point for both the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Pikes Peak Highway, making it the ultimate hub for summit-seekers.
A Local Tip
Parking in Manitou can be a serious challenge, especially on summer weekends. The secret is to either arrive very early (before 9 AM) or utilize the free shuttle. Park at the free lot at 10 Old Man’s Trail (Hiawatha Gardens) and take the shuttle (Route 33) which runs every 20 minutes and loops through town. It will save you a massive headache.
Northgate & Briargate: The Modern Family Base
Best for: Large families, groups visiting the Air Force Academy, and those who prioritize modern amenities and convenience.
The northern part of Colorado Springs is characterized by newer, master-planned communities, wide-open spaces, and fantastic, unobstructed views of the entire Front Range. This is a more suburban-feeling area, but what it lacks in historic charm, it more than makes up for in convenience and family-friendly amenities.
This is your home base if you’re in town for a U.S. Air Force Academy event, as the base’s north gate is right here. It’s also home to modern shopping centers like The Promenade Shops at Briargate, movie theaters, and large-scale entertainment venues.
Why You’ll Love It
For large groups, the homes in this area often offer more space and modern features. The access is incredible—you’re right on I-25, making it easy to shoot downtown, head north to Denver for a day trip, or access the eastern plains. You’re also close to attractions like the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and the Scheels sporting goods store, which is an attraction in itself with its indoor Ferris wheel.
A Local Tip
Fox Run Regional Park is a gem in this part of town. It has beautiful, ponderosa pine-filled trails, a lake, and multiple playgrounds. It’s a perfect spot for a low-key afternoon with the family without having to drive across town.
The Ultimate Home Base for a “Do It All” Trip
When your group is large and your itinerary is packed with activities all over the Pikes Peak region, you need a home base that’s more than just a place to sleep—it needs to be a destination in itself. Our Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games at 19 Clover Circle N is designed for exactly that. Centrally located with easy access to both the westside attractions and I-25, this home ensures that your downtime is as memorable as your adventures. With a private mini-golf course, sauna, hot tub, and game room, it’s the perfect Colorado Springs vacation rental to keep everyone entertained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Colorado Springs?
The “best” area truly depends on your travel style. - For Walkable Charm & Food: Old Colorado City is your best bet. - For City Life & Culture: Downtown Colorado Springs is ideal. - For Classic Attractions & Scenery: The Broadmoor area is perfect for families. - For Unbeatable Trail Access: The Westside is the adventurer’s choice. - For Modern Convenience & Large Groups: Northgate/Briargate offers spacious homes and easy access.
Is it better to stay in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs?
This is a classic dilemma. Stay in Manitou Springs if you want a quirky, walkable, mountain town experience and plan to focus on Pikes Peak and the Incline. Stay in Colorado Springs for a more central location to explore the entire region, a wider variety of dining and lodging options, and to feel more like you’re in a city. You can easily visit Manitou for a day trip from almost anywhere in Colorado Springs.
Do I need a car in Colorado Springs?
Yes, it is highly recommended. While some neighborhoods like Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Downtown are very walkable within themselves, the main attractions are spread out across a large area. To get to Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and various trailheads, you will need a vehicle.
What part of Colorado Springs is closest to Pikes Peak?
Manitou Springs and the Westside of Colorado Springs are the closest areas to the access points for Pikes Peak. The Pikes Peak Highway starts just west of Manitou Springs in Cascade, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway departs directly from Manitou.
Choosing the right neighborhood is the first step to an unforgettable trip. The next is finding the perfect home to come back to after a day of exploring. At Springline Stays, we believe your vacation rental should be a seamless part of your adventure.
Ready to find your perfect Colorado Springs home base? Book your stay directly with us and get the best rates and local service for your trip.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.
Pikes Peak — a must-visit near our Colorado Springs properties.
Stunning Mountain Views, Hot Tub, Game Room — Book your stay →
Epic Family Home: Mini-Golf, Sauna, Hot Tub, Games — Book your stay →