15 Best Things to Do in Lakewood (CO)
Nestled just west of Denver, Lakewood, Colorado, is a vibrant city often overlooked but bursting with outdoor adventure, cultural gems, and delightful local experiences. Forget the notion that it’s just a Denver suburb; Lakewood is a destination in itself, offering a perfect blend of urban convenience and Rocky Mountain proximity. Imagine spending your mornings hiking scenic trails with breathtaking views, your afternoons exploring unique art districts or charming local farms, and your evenings savoring craft brews or delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
What makes Lakewood truly special is its incredible diversity – from vast open spaces and serene lakes to bustling shopping districts and historic sites, there’s something for every traveler. To make the most of your visit, consider coming in late spring or early fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in all the city has to offer. Get ready to discover a side of Colorado you never knew existed!
💰 Travel Cost Overview
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $80 – $120 | $150 – $250 | $280 – $400+ |
| Food & Dining (per day) | $45 – $75 | $75 – $135 | $150 – $300+ |
| Transportation (per day) | $6 – $15 (local bus) | $40 – $80 (car rental) | $60 – $100+ (car rental, ride-shares) |
| Activities & Attractions (avg. entry fees/tours) | $0 – $15 | $15 – $40 | $40 – $80+ |
| Total Daily Budget | $130 – $220 | $280 – $450 | $530 – $880+ |
| Weekly Budget Estimates | $910 – $1540 | $1960 – $3150 | $3710 – $6160+ |
Bear Creek Lake Park
Bear Creek Lake Park is a sprawling outdoor oasis that truly embodies Colorado’s natural beauty right within Lakewood’s city limits. Here, you will discover a vast reservoir perfect for a myriad of water activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to fishing for trout and bass. Beyond the lake, miles of multi-use trails wind through diverse landscapes, inviting hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to explore the serene prairies and riparian areas.
The park also boasts designated swimming beaches, picnic areas, and even an archery range, ensuring there’s an activity for every interest and energy level. What makes this park unique is its incredible accessibility combined with its wild feel; you can feel completely immersed in nature without traveling far from urban amenities. It’s an ideal spot for families seeking a day of outdoor fun, solo adventurers looking for a peaceful escape, or couples wanting a scenic backdrop for a romantic stroll. This area has been a vital natural resource for generations, providing both recreation and flood control for the Denver metropolitan area.
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Everitt Farms
Everitt Farms offers a delightful escape into the agricultural heart of Lakewood, providing a genuine farm-to-table experience that’s rare to find so close to a major city. This working farm invites you to connect with your food source, offering seasonal U-pick opportunities for various fruits and vegetables, depending on the time of year. Imagine plucking ripe berries directly from the vine or selecting fresh corn straight from the stalk! Beyond the U-pick fields, their farm stand is a treasure trove of locally grown produce, eggs, and artisanal products, often featuring honey from their own bees or homemade jams.
What makes Everitt Farms truly special is its commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement, often hosting educational workshops or family-friendly events like pumpkin patches in the fall. It’s a fantastic spot for families with young children eager to learn where their food comes from, foodies seeking fresh ingredients, or anyone looking for a wholesome, hands-on experience. The farm has been a beloved local institution for years, preserving a piece of Lakewood’s agricultural heritage.
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Lakewood Heritage Center
The Lakewood Heritage Center is much more than a museum; it’s a living history park that transports you back in time to explore the rich past of Lakewood and Jefferson County. Spread across several acres, the center features over a dozen historic buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, a classic 1920s gas station, and a charming farmstead, all meticulously preserved and furnished to reflect different eras. You can wander through these structures, imagining life in early Colorado, and gain a deep appreciation for the pioneers who shaped this region.
What truly sets this center apart is its vibrant events calendar, hosting everything from summer concerts and farmers markets to holiday celebrations and educational programs that bring history to life. It’s an excellent destination for history buffs, families looking for an educational outing, or anyone curious about the roots of the community. The center plays a crucial role in preserving local stories and artifacts, ensuring that the heritage of Lakewood continues to inspire future generations.
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Belmar Downtown District
Belmar Downtown District is the vibrant heart of Lakewood, a modern urban village designed for walking, shopping, dining, and entertainment. This isn’t just a mall; it’s a bustling outdoor complex featuring a mix of national retailers and unique local boutiques, interspersed with inviting plazas, public art installations, and a lively central park. You can spend hours browsing shops, catching a movie at the cinema, or simply relaxing by the fountain while people-watching.
What truly makes Belmar special is its dynamic atmosphere and community focus, often hosting free concerts, art walks, and seasonal festivals that draw crowds from all over. It’s a perfect destination for shoppers, foodies, families, or anyone looking for a lively urban experience without venturing into downtown Denver. Belmar was developed on the site of the former Villa Italia Mall, transforming a traditional indoor shopping center into a contemporary, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle hub that has revitalized Lakewood’s commercial core.
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William Frederick Hayden Park
William Frederick Hayden Park, often simply called Green Mountain, is Lakewood’s majestic outdoor playground, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Denver skyline, the vast plains, and the majestic Rocky Mountains. This expansive park is dominated by Green Mountain itself, providing a challenging yet rewarding network of trails popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. As you ascend, you’ll feel the city fade away, replaced by the sounds of nature and the invigorating mountain air.
What makes Hayden Park truly unique is its wild, natural feel so close to urbanity; you can spot various wildlife, including deer and raptors, making it a fantastic spot for nature observation. It’s an ideal destination for active adventurers, photographers seeking stunning vistas, or anyone looking to connect with Colorado’s iconic landscape. The park’s untouched nature is a testament to Lakewood’s commitment to preserving open space for public enjoyment, serving as a vital ecological corridor.
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Colorado Mills
Colorado Mills is a premier indoor outlet mall that offers a massive selection of stores, making it a shopper’s paradise in Lakewood. This expansive complex features over 100 retailers, ranging from high-end fashion brands to popular athletic wear, home goods, and electronics, all at outlet prices. Beyond the shopping, you’ll find a large food court with diverse dining options, a movie theater, and even entertainment venues like an arcade, providing a full day’s worth of activities under one roof.
What makes Colorado Mills unique is its sheer size and variety, ensuring that every member of the family can find something to enjoy, whether it’s hunting for bargains or simply seeking indoor entertainment on a hot or cold day. It’s an excellent destination for families, bargain hunters, or anyone looking for a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience. The mall has been a significant retail hub for the Denver metropolitan area since its opening, constantly evolving to meet consumer demands.
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Crown Hill Park
Crown Hill Park offers a serene and picturesque escape, providing a beautiful natural sanctuary for both humans and abundant wildlife. Centered around a large, scenic lake, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species of waterfowl and migratory birds making it their home. You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the paved and unpaved trails that encircle the lake, offering stunning views of the water with the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
The park also features a designated wildlife refuge area, emphasizing its commitment to conservation. What makes Crown Hill Park truly special is its tranquil atmosphere and the incredible opportunity for quiet contemplation or active recreation amidst nature, all within easy reach of the city. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, dog walkers (in designated areas), or anyone seeking a peaceful respite from urban life. The park has a rich history, originally serving as a cemetery before being transformed into the beloved public space it is today, balancing recreation with ecological preservation.
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Caution: Brewing Company
Caution: Brewing Company is a fantastic spot to experience Lakewood’s burgeoning craft beer scene, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere perfect for unwinding. This local brewery prides itself on crafting a diverse range of beers, from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and experimental seasonal brews, ensuring there’s a pour to suit every palate. You can enjoy a tasting flight to sample their offerings, settle in with a pint, or even grab a growler to take home.
What makes Caution: Brewing unique is its commitment to quality and community, often hosting local food trucks and organizing events like trivia nights or live music, creating a vibrant social hub. It’s an excellent destination for craft beer enthusiasts, groups of friends looking for a fun evening out, or solo travelers seeking a friendly local hangout. The brewery has built a loyal following since its inception, becoming a staple in the Lakewood community for its approachable beers and laid-back vibe.
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Harvest Mountain Farm Gardens
Harvest Mountain Farm Gardens offers a delightful and serene experience, inviting you to step into a beautifully cultivated space focused on sustainable living and community connection. While not a traditional U-pick farm, this spot often features a charming farm stand selling fresh, locally grown produce, herbs, and flowers, along with artisanal products from local makers. You might find unique heirloom varieties or handcrafted goods that reflect the bounty of Colorado.
What makes Harvest Mountain Farm Gardens truly special is its emphasis on education and wellness, sometimes hosting workshops on gardening, cooking, or holistic practices, making it more than just a place to buy goods. It’s a wonderful destination for those interested in sustainable agriculture, healthy living, or simply seeking a tranquil setting to gather fresh ingredients. This garden embodies a growing movement towards local food systems and community-supported agriculture, reflecting Lakewood’s commitment to green initiatives.
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Denver Federal Center Farmers Market
The Denver Federal Center Farmers Market is a vibrant seasonal market that brings the freshest produce and local goods directly to the Lakewood community. Hosted on the expansive grounds of the Denver Federal Center, this market transforms a quiet campus into a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide array of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, artisanal foods, and sometimes even crafts from local vendors. You can stroll through the stalls, chat with the farmers, and discover unique ingredients or prepared foods that highlight Colorado’s agricultural bounty.
What makes this farmers market special is its convenient location and the sheer quality of the local products available, making it a favorite weekly stop for residents. It’s an excellent destination for food lovers, those seeking healthy and organic options, or anyone who enjoys the lively atmosphere of a community market. This market plays a vital role in supporting local farmers and small businesses, fostering a stronger connection between consumers and their food sources.
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40 West Arts District
The 40 West Arts District is a dynamic cultural corridor that showcases Lakewood’s thriving artistic spirit. Stretching along West Colfax Avenue, this designated creative district is a vibrant tapestry of public art, including stunning murals, sculptures, and art installations that transform ordinary streets into an open-air gallery. You can wander through the district, discovering hidden gems around every corner, and pop into various galleries and studios to see local artists at work or purchase unique pieces.
What makes 40 West Arts truly unique is its grassroots energy and commitment to making art accessible to everyone, often hosting free art walks, festivals, and community events that invite participation. It’s an ideal destination for art enthusiasts, photographers, or anyone looking for an inspiring and visually stimulating experience. The district has revitalized a historic stretch of Colfax, turning it into a beacon for creativity and community engagement, reflecting Lakewood’s dedication to cultural enrichment.
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Great Frontier Brewing Company
Great Frontier Brewing Company is another standout in Lakewood’s craft beer scene, distinguishing itself with a focus on gluten-free and low-gluten beers, making it a welcoming spot for a wider range of beer lovers. This brewery offers a fantastic selection of innovative and flavorful brews that prove you don’t need gluten to craft exceptional beer. From refreshing pale ales to robust stouts, their tap list is constantly rotating with creative options.
You can enjoy a flight to taste their unique offerings, relax with a pint in their inviting taproom, or participate in one of their popular trivia or game nights. What makes Great Frontier truly special is its inclusive approach, providing high-quality options for those with dietary sensitivities without compromising on taste. It’s an excellent destination for anyone seeking delicious gluten-free beer, groups of friends, or those looking for a laid-back, community-focused brewery experience. They have carved a unique niche in the Colorado beer market, earning accolades for their dedicated gluten-free brewing process.
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13. Fox Hollow Golf Course
Fox Hollow Golf Course offers a premier golfing experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in Lakewood. This municipal course boasts 27 holes, divided into three distinct nine-hole layouts (The Canyon, The Links, and The Meadows), allowing for varied gameplay and challenges. You’ll find meticulously maintained fairways and greens, strategically placed bunkers, and water features that demand precision and skill.
What makes Fox Hollow truly special is its exceptional design that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering breathtaking views from many holes, along with top-notch practice facilities including a driving range and putting greens. It’s an ideal destination for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners looking to improve their game to seasoned players seeking a challenging round in a beautiful setting. The course has consistently been ranked among the best public courses in Colorado, a testament to its quality and scenic appeal.
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Kendrick Lake Park
Kendrick Lake Park is a charming urban park that provides a peaceful retreat centered around a picturesque lake, perfect for leisurely activities and enjoying nature. This well-maintained park is a local favorite for its walking paths that loop around the water, offering tranquil views and opportunities for birdwatching. You can often see ducks, geese, and other waterfowl gracefully gliding across the lake, making it a delightful spot for families with young children or anyone seeking a quiet moment outdoors.
The park also features playgrounds, picnic tables, and open grassy areas ideal for relaxation or a casual game. What makes Kendrick Lake Park special is its balance of recreational amenities with a serene natural setting, providing a convenient escape from the city bustle. It’s an excellent destination for families, dog walkers, joggers, or individuals looking for a calm spot to read or enjoy a picnic. The park has long served as a beloved community gathering place, offering a green lung within Lakewood’s residential areas.
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Bear Creek Greenbelt
The Bear Creek Greenbelt offers an extensive network of multi-use trails that provide a vital natural corridor through Lakewood, connecting various parks and open spaces along the scenic Bear Creek. This greenbelt is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, popular with walkers, runners, bikers, and even horseback riders, who can enjoy miles of paved and unpaved paths winding through riparian areas, open meadows, and wooded sections. You’ll encounter diverse wildlife, from various bird species to deer, and enjoy the soothing sounds of the creek as you traverse its length.
What makes the Bear Creek Greenbelt truly special is its accessibility and continuity; you can hop on the trail at numerous points and embark on an adventure that feels far removed from the urban environment, yet is easily reachable. It’s an ideal destination for active individuals, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a long, uninterrupted outdoor excursion. This greenbelt is a testament to Lakewood’s commitment to preserving natural spaces and providing recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors.
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Plan Your Visit
As you can see, Lakewood, Colorado, is a vibrant and diverse destination that truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture seeker, a food lover, or a family looking for fun. From the expansive trails of William Frederick Hayden Park to the unique art installations of the 40 West Arts District, and from the fresh flavors of Everitt Farms to the inviting taprooms of local breweries, your journey through Lakewood will be filled with memorable experiences. This guide has given you a glimpse into the rich variety and welcoming spirit of this often-underestimated city.
So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the authentic charm of Lakewood. With careful planning and the budget insights provided, you’re all set for an unforgettable Colorado adventure that promises both excitement and relaxation. Lakewood awaits your exploration!
