In Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region, there is no shortage of things to do, all within an hour’s drive from downtown. From the city to the suburbs, there are many communities with distinct influences and characteristics. Pick a direction — any direction! — and you will find places to go and things to do that satisfy your hunger for dining, shopping, and adventure.

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Where to go for fun and games

Northern Communities and Cripple Creek

Looking for a performance, amusement, or unexpected fun? The Northern Communities — made up of spots like North Gate and InterQuest — invite you to enjoy a concert at Ford Amphitheater, play games at Topgolf, and then reward yourself with a beverage at The Aviator rooftop bar at Hotel Polaris.

The open-air Ford Amphitheater offers an 8,000 capacity-state-of-the-art dining and entertainment experience that delivers unforgettable music (hosting about 40 shows annually) with unmatched views. It’s near everything longtime locals, newcomers, and visitors want to have close by — shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Topgolf is a fun spot to play golf in a whole new way: without any weather concerns, accompanied by food and drink, and with a fun, lively atmosphere!

For a fun evening out, order some shareable appetizers and exceptional craft cocktails at The Aviator rooftop bar, complete with an expansive view and patio. There may not be a better place to watch the sunset!

Meanwhile, Cripple Creek to the west takes gaming to a new level with 10 casinos to try your hand and see if you are in Lady Luck’s favor! Chamonix Casino Hotel is the newest, bringing a taste of Vegas luxury to the Rockies. After you win big, head to the historic Butte Theater to catch a laugh-out-loud melodrama or fun musical!

Where to go for quaint, historic charm

Victor, Manitou Springs, and the Old North End

Charming history is ample in Pikes Peak Region neighborhoods. Take the small mining town of Victor, a National Historic District, also known as “The City of Gold Mines.” Just 45 minutes from Colorado Springs, Victor offers a glimpse into centuries past – with 1890s mining structures, turn-of-the-century buildings, and opportunities to pan for gold at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum.

Four miles west of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs is another historic city. Travelers were originally drawn to this destination for its healing mountain air and natural mineral springs. Now in this quirky town you’ll find Main Street filled with art galleries, museums, restaurants and shops embedded in old-time architecture.

Rounding out this trifecta of historic districts is the Old North End, minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. This area includes historic neighborhoods like Patty Jewett, Roswell, Historic Uptown and Kitty Hawk, plus the Colorado College campus. Walk the area’s tree-lined streets to see the Victorian architecture of homes, mansions and cottages dating back to the 1870s. You can even visit the McAllister House Museum, the oldest house in Colorado Springs! You’ll also find Patty Jewett Golf Course, one of the oldest in the country, great restaurants in the Lincoln Center and quaint cafés.

Where to go for grand outdoor adventure

Woodland Park, Greater Garden of the Gods, and Southwest COS

It’s well known that Colorado is an outdoor recreation haven, and in the Pikes Peak Region, some of the best places to go are Woodland Park, Greater Garden of the Gods, and Southwest Colorado Springs.

Consider Woodland Park, 18 miles west of Colorado Springs, for a weekend escape. Its alias as the “City Above the Clouds” can be attributed to its position at 8,465 feet above sea level. With Pike National Forest in its backyard, this small Colorado mountain town boasts a myriad of trails and reservoirs to explore. Check out Mueller State Park, with more than 50 gorgeous hiking trails, and Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir and State Park for a 5-mile hike.

In the Greater Gardens of the Gods area, Garden of the Gods Park is a U.S. National Natural Landmark and is free to visit all year long! This popular hiking spot offers 21 miles of trails among the red rock formations created millions of years ago: the views are majestic; the history significant. Other nearby things to do include horseback riding with Academy Riding Stables, cycling with groups at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort and hiking around Ute Valley Park.

The Southwest neighborhoods like Ivywild, the Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain are ripe with outdoor adventure. Favorite activities include hiking at North Cheyenne Cañon Park, bringing your dog to Bear Creek Regional Park, and paddle boarding with Dragonfly Paddle Yoga on Quail Lake.

Where to go for live music and arts

Knob Hill and Tejon Corridor

The urban areas of Knob Hill and the Tejon Corridor attract the creative community of Colorado Springs. Visitors to the Knob Hill Urban Arts District will find more than 70 murals on the main thoroughfare of this eclectic, grass-roots arts community, two art galleries, and an art education center, along with live music venues and a popular record store. It’s a great, lesser-known place to experience a First Friday artwalk at galleries like Platte Collections, Disruptor Gallery inside Shutter & Strum and zoneFIVE, home of the Pikes Peak Arts Council.

The Tejon Corridor of Downtown Colorado Springs is the heartbeat of the city and where live music, arts, and nightlife thrive. There are some cool speakeasies like Allusion Cocktail Bar and The Archives, cabaret and bartender performances at La Burla Bee and ICONS, art galleries galore, and plenty of places to grab food and drink.

Where to go to savor the flavors

New South End, Southeast, and Old Colorado City

Foodies in the area, listen up: Colorado Springs and its surrounding areas are not just a feast for the eyes, but also the stomach! The New South End of Downtown Colorado Springs, which includes the Trolley District, will put you on the right track destined for eclectic menus. Here you’ll find a huge variety of options ranging from cafés like The Exchange, Homa, and Loyal Coffee, to fine dining like The Warehouse, Ephemera inside COATI, a rooftop restaurant at Lumen8 Rooftop Social and plenty more like tacos, ice cream and biscuits.

Head to the Southeast side of Colorado Springs and tantalize your taste buds with multicultural cuisine. This diverse neighborhood is home to everything from delicious donuts to African, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, soul food, tacos, and more! The area is a true melting pot worth exploring with friends and family. You can satisfy every craving from dawn to dusk.

In Old Colorado City, you’ll find cafés with picturesque patios, along with great places to grab fine wines, craft brews, and cocktails. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find it: this charming district offers elegant and casual restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. Afterward, indulge in a sweet treat from the award-winning Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. OCC isn’t only for two-legged friends; there’s even a restaurant with an attached dog park, Pub Dog Colorado!

Where to go to take it easy

Eastern Plains and Florence & Penrose

After all the get-out-and-go, it’s nice to head to the Eastern Plains with its welcoming working farms like Wishing Star Farm and Our Red Barn Ranch. This area is a relaxed and nostalgic place, harkening back to Colorado’s ranching roots and rustic charm. Spaces are wide open, and the air is fresh. While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, with the beautiful clay rock formations and acres of trails.

Continuing the quest for quaint communities to discover, you would be remiss if you didn’t check out Florence and Penrose. Florence is known as the “antiquing capital of Colorado,” while Penrose is home to several charming wineries and cideries. After a day of shopping and sipping, relax at the Desert Reef Hot Springs, a mountain oasis.

For more history, adventure, entertainment, culture, relaxation, food and drink, head to VisitCOS.com/areas and explore the interactive map.