A must-stop location on your way to or from the beach! This bar offers a great atmosphere, excellent local seafood, and the perfect mix of welcoming locals and fun tourists. Be sure the enjoy the beautiful Columbia waterfront once you have a nice buzz!
A beautiful park that provides the perfect escape from the city. The north entrance provides easy access to the lake and connects to great walking trails on the southern side.
A beautiful restaurant with an amazing staff and delicious Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you are a local looking to experience something new and exotic or a traveler looking for a world-class restaurant, An will undoubtedly exceed your expectations!
This hotel is in desperate need of renovation. The other La Quinta on the southern side is much better and still centrally located for many tourist attractions.
This is not a bad hotel, but the name is a little deceiving. It is a cheaper alternative for overflow from conferences at the Broadmoor, but there are many chain hotels in the area that can offer similar experiences.
The Incline is definitely not for the faint of heart! What used to be a railway to the top of the mountain is now a challenging hike popular with locals, Olympic athletes, and military personnel. It takes some physical stamina as well as determination to make it to the top, but the gorgeous views and sheer satisfaction make it worth it. It is about 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile with a false peak about 2/3rds of the way up. Barr Trail can be accessed from the top or from a cutoff about half way up the Incline (if you find yourself in over your head), and it makes for a really fun run down after a difficult hike up. Parking is available directly at the base for $5 (which goes to maintaining the trail) or for an hourly rate along the streets closer to downtown Manitou. Be sure to support the local businesses with a celebratory meal and/or an Incline t-shirt.
Overall, it's a great place to meet interesting people, but I would only recommend it to those really looking for a challenge.
This is the most incredible place on earth. The pictures do not do it justice. The park offers amazing views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains, framed by these amazing rock structures. The geologic history of the area is incredibly interesting. This is one of those places where the signs are actually worth reading.
The structures are actually compressed sand dunes from when the Western Interior Seaway covered much of the American west. The once-horizontal dunes were pressed into rocks and shifted vertically by the uplift of the Rocky Mountains over 300 million years ago. Even if geology is not your thing, anyone can appreciate the stunning views and easy walking paths throughout the park. Even if you can only spare the 10 minutes it takes to drive through the park, do not miss this opportunity.
Most of the park is handicap-accessible and perfect for families, dogs, bikes, and even rock climbers (with a permit from the visitor center of course).
Whether you're staying at the resort or just walking through property, the Broadmoor is like no other place on earth. The picturesque Prohibition-era resort is nestled at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. Everyone is treated with the utmost respect and friendliness. The history, architecture, and scenery are matched with five-star service, making this a truly world-class resort.
TIP: If you are just stopping by and would like to park in the underground parking lot for free, be sure to stop by the Penrose Heritage Museum to receive validated parking!
Pikes Peak inspired the "purple mountain majesties" line in "America the Beautiful" for a reason. Stunning views of the mountain can be seen from Colorado Springs and the rest of southern Colorado, but reaching the 14,000+ ft summit will make you feel like you are on top of the world.
There are three ways to reach the summit: the Cog Railway, driving up the same road that the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is held on each year, or hiking to the top along Barr Trail. The only free option is to hike to the top; however, hiking to the top (beginning with the Manitou Incline) should only be attempted in good weather and ONLY if you are acclimated to higher elevations. Please do your homework and train accordingly before attempting to summit any "Fourteeners" in Colorado.
Taking the Cog Railway up from Manitou Springs provides the opportunity to see many historic sites and wildlife along the way. The train is by far the easiest way to reach the summit, but its departure limits how much time you can spend at the summit. Tickets for the Cog Railway are about $35/person.
Driving in your own vehicle still requires that you pay a toll of $12/ person to help maintain the road and National Forrest, but it is well worth it to take the same road tackled each year by some of the best drivers in the world during the International Hill Climb. The Penrose Heritage Museum located at the Broadmoor explores the history and evolution of the Hill Climb. The museum has free entry and regular hours, and it offers a great solution for free validated parking at the Broadmoor!