 The city of Colorado Springs is a top Colorado tourist attraction, and for good reason. With a thrilling history, endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits, and family-friendly attractions galore, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the iconic red rocks at Garden of the Gods are right next door! Today, we're sharing eight of our favorite things to do in Colorado Springs so you can make the most of your next trip. As Colorado wedding planners, we've assisted dozens of couples with planning a Colorado Springs destination wedding. Many of them opted to host a full wedding weekend here so their guests could enjoy the many attractions the city has to offer. If you're planning a similar event, we highly encourage linking to this guide on your wedding website. That way, your guests can use our recommendations as a starting point for planning their weekend activities! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Photo Courtesy of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo A trip to any location is never complete without a visit to the local zoo. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is unique as it’s built into the mountains surrounding Colorado Springs and treats guests to an up-close experience with animals of all kinds. Most notable for allowing visitors to feed their giraffes (as pictured here), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the #4 Best Zoo in North America per the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards. The zoo houses over 30 species of endangered animals and promotes awareness by fostering unique, up-close encounters with them (in addition to feeding the giraffes, elephant snack time is always popular). Not only is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo a great place to visit with kids of all ages, but it's also a beautiful and unique wedding venue! Take a look at our blog post featuring a Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wedding. The Broadmoor Resort & Spa Photo Courtesy of Broadmoor Resort The Broadmoor Resort & Spa is one of our all-time favorite locations in Colorado! It could be the result of 14+ years of experience planning and coordinating weddings at this gorgeous property, or its status as a top-rated destination (or both!). The Broadmoor is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort which boasts luxurious amenities (did someone say spa?), opportunities for outdoor pursuits like fishing and hiking, and world-class special events facilities. In other words, the Broadmoor has it all! A day in the life at the resort could include a trip to the spa, golfing on the 2025 U.S. Senior Open Course, ziplining, horseback riding, drinks and dinner at one of the five onsite restaurants, and finally a round of bowling to finish off the night. Whether you just need time away to relax and recover or you’re looking for an all-inclusive adventure, the Broadmoor is the place for you! The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak COG Railway Photo Courtesy of Cog Railway The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been operational since the 1880’s and was recently renovated. As a visitor, you’ll experience the sights and sounds of Pikes Peak from the comfort of one of the train's passenger cars as you listen to your conductor's stories from the railway's history. Then, you can head right into the Pikes Peak Visitors Center at the top to learn even more about this modern marvel that has carried tourists up and down the mountain for over a century. Did we mention that the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog railway is also the world’s highest and longest cog railroad? Don't miss this immersive experience on your next visit to Colorado Springs! Garden of the gods Photo Courtesy of Garden of the Gods How did those red rocks get there? Garden of the Gods is one of the many natural treasures Colorado has to offer, and is even registered as a National Natural Landmark. It's the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak region, plus it's FREE! Garden of the Gods offers a variety of activities that visitors of any age can enjoy. Some fun ways to explore the park include Jeep and segway tours, bike riding (rentals are available if you left yours at home!), and even front range climbing. The beauty of this attraction never ceases to amaze us—it's a can't-miss! Seven Falls, Colorado Springs' Famous Waterfall Photo Courtesy of The Broadmoor The Seven Falls Waterfall is another natural wonder in the Colorado Springs area. It's located only five minutes from the Broadmoor Resort and offers more than your typical sight-seeing experience. Visitors can opt to admire the falls from below or adventure up the 224 steps to discover the network of hiking trails just beyond. The waterfall rises over 181 feet from the canyon floor and is a truly spectacular sight! Moreover, Seven Falls boasts opportunities for shopping, guided hikes, and even a zip-lining adventure for the thrill-seekers in your party. U.S. Air force Academy Photo Courtesy of U.S. Air Force Academy The U.S. Air Force Academy is another Colorado Springs attraction that appeals to all ages. As a visitor, you're welcome to take a self-guided tour of the campus. Don't miss the Cadet Chapel, Arnold Hall, and the Field House! You may even be lucky enough to catch the Cadet Lunch Formation which occurs at noon as the cadets march to their mid-day meal. Because this is an operational Air Force Base, be sure to bring your driver’s license or another form of photo identification with you, as well as your car registration. Cave of the Winds Photo Courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs Colorado Springs' natural beauty isn't merely skin-deep! Cave of the Winds has been offering guided tours since 1881. The tours are family friendly and last from 45-60 minutes. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, head out on a Haunted Lantern Tour! These tours are longer, at about 90 minutes, and are best-suited for visitors who don't mind cramped spaces. If the darkness isn't for you, not to worry! Cave of the Winds also offers a variety of rides and attractions. Have some fun panning for gemstones, axe throwing, or riding on the Bat-A-Pult! Inside and out, Cave of the Winds is a quintessential Colorado Springs experience. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Photo Courtesy of USOPM Home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, Colorado Springs has affectionately been dubbed "Olympic City." Now, sports enthusiasts can take a deep dive into the history of the games at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum! The 60,000 square-foot facility is state-of-the-art, and boasts 12 distinct galleries with interactive elements that kids will love. Discover inspiring stories of resilience and determination, and hear from the athletes themselves about their journey to the top of the Olympic podium. Don't forget to stop in the Museum Shop afterwards to find a souvenir to take home! Whether you're headed to Colorado Springs for a destination wedding or your next family vacation, we hope this guide helps you take full advantage of your trip to this amazing mountain metropolis! Planning a stop in the Mile-High City? Don't miss our blog post highlighting the 12 Best Things to Do on a Weekend Trip to Denver.
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Angela Johnston
LET’S CONNECT TO START DESIGNING YOUR DISTINCTIVE COLORADO EVENT TODAY
Sapphire Celebrations combines the energy, perspective and creativity of two generations when planning weddings and events throughout Colorado. Founded by a mother and daughter team, Sapphire Celebrations reflects their Colorado heritage. With family roots dating back to 1907 and covering the northeastern plains and Rocky Mountain vistas, there is no team better qualified to plan your Colorado wedding or special event. Pamela and Angie are proud of the high level of service for which Sapphire Celebrations has come to be known. Two principal wedding designers and four event concierges take pride in exceeding the expectations of couples who entrust us with their wedding day. Archives
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