🌄 Weekend Adventures Around Boulder, Arvada, Golden, Lakewood & Littleton
The Front Range is packed with adventure, culture, and charm. Here’s how to spend a perfect weekend exploring Boulder, Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, and Littleton — plus handy map links so you can plot your route.
🗺️ Boulder: Trails, Culture & Local Flavor
📍 Highlights
🥾 Chautauqua Park & the Flatirons: Gorgeous hikes with views and fresh mountain air.
🛍️ Pearl Street Mall: Shops, street performers, cafés — a great stroll for all ages.
🍺 Brewery stops: Avery Brewing, Upslope, or any local spot with a patio.
🔗 Map & Guides
Boulder Open Space & Trails Map (Interactive / PDF) — includes Betasso Preserve, Hall Ranch, and other trails. Boulder County
Boulder “Maps of Boulder” (Downtown, Trails, Neighborhoods) from BoulderVisitor site. Boulder Colorado USA
Boulder Attractions + Restaurants Map via Wanderlog — great for combining food + sightseeing. Wanderlog
🏘️ Arvada: Small-town Vibe & Hidden Gems
📍 Things To Do
Wander Olde Town Arvada: cute shops, local cafés, breweries, historical buildings.
Visit the Arvada Center for Arts & Humanities: exhibits, theater performances, workshops.
Try a cider or craft beer at a local taproom.
🛤️ Golden: Outdoors + History
📍 Must-Sees
🚂 Colorado Railroad Museum: 15-acre railyard, historic locomotives, train rides on select days. Colorado Railroad Museum+2Colorado Railroad Museum+2
🏕️ Clear Creek Trail: A relaxing walk (or tube float in summer) along the creek.
🏞️ Golden’s local hiking and kayaking opportunities via Clear Creek and nearby foothills.
🔗 Map & Directions
Colorado Railroad Museum map & driving directions. Colorado Railroad Museum+2Waze+2
Golden Visitor Center / “Plan Your Visit” page, which has maps of Golden + outdoors amenities. Visit Golden
🌳 Lakewood: Parks & Live Scenes
📍 What to Do
Paddle or picnic at Bear Creek Lake Park.
Shop / dine in the Belmar District — artsy, walkable, always something going on.
Catch an outdoor concert or event at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park or other venues.
🌿 Littleton: Quiet Charm + Nature
📍 Explore
Downtown Littleton: antique stores, boutiques, cozy eateries.
Hudson Gardens & Events Center: beautiful themed gardens, events, concert nights.
Chatfield State Park: reservoir, wildlife, sunsets — perfect end to the weekend.
✨ Choose Your Weekend Adventure
Not every weekend has to look the same. Here are a few fun ways to mix and match your outings across Boulder, Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, and Littleton:
🥾 The Outdoor Enthusiast
Morning hike at Chautauqua Park (Boulder)
Paddle or bike at Bear Creek Lake Park (Lakewood)
Sunset picnic at Chatfield State Park (Littleton)
🎭 The Culture Seeker
Explore galleries & shows at the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
Stroll historic Downtown Littleton for boutique shopping
Catch a concert at Hudson Gardens or Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
🍺 The Food & Drink Lover
Start with coffee + brunch on Pearl Street (Boulder) ☕
Sip craft beers at a brewery in Golden or ciders in Arvada 🍻
Enjoy dinner in Downtown Littleton at a farm-to-table spot
🚂 The Family Explorer
Ride miniature trains at the Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden)
Wander Pearl Street Mall (Boulder) for family-friendly fun
Spend time at Hudson Gardens or lakeside at Chatfield State Park