Colorado Springs, CO

Located within the city limits, the Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado Springs’ most spectacular landmarks, and admission is free. The unusual park boasts natural red rock formations that reach up to 300 feet in height. Among the best ways to explore it are through a Jeep or Segway tour, hiking trails, or by visiting the nature center’s dinosaur exhibit.

The Olympic Training Center is a must for sports fans. The facility, which is capable of housing up to 500 athletes and coaches at any one time, is the headquarters of the USA swimming and shooting teams. The 45-minute walking tours offer a fun, behind-the-scenes glimpse at Team USA hopefuls, who will likely compete in the upcoming games.

If you feel a need for speed, then plan a visit to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Not only is the academy a must for any lover of the movie “Top Gun” who’d like to see the impressive plane maneuvers first-hand, it’s also a functioning educational institution for future pilots.

Located on the side of the mountain, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only zoo of its kind in the United States. The zoo sits at an elevation of 6,800 feet and is the largest private zoo in the country. The exhibits are educational and the zoo has plenty of exhibits and play areas for children.

Pikes Peak, which famously inspired the lyrics to ‘America the Beautiful,’ is a practical getaway for families or solo hikers, regardless of your fitness level. The possibilities for adventure here are seemingly endless, from daredevil itineraries that include zip-lining and river rafting to a mellow day spent fishing on the lake. Explore towering red rock formations with numerous hiking trails and viewpoint pull-offs. Start your adventure at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center where you can learn all about the park, it’s critter inhabitants and how those red rocks got there.

Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling ride down the whitewater of the Arkansas River. Climb aboard a raft with one of our many professional rafting outfitters and choose your adventure – from mild, family floats to heart-pumping advanced trips, Colorado Springs has the perfect trip for you.

Strap in and soar across the Royal Gorge on the countries highest zipline. Hold on tight as you take in 360-degree views of the Arkansas River, 1000 feet below you. Don’t look down doesn’t apply here.

Stop by the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade. Located in the heart of town, this arcade has roughly 400 old-fashioned gaming machines – all still priced by the penny as they originally were.

Downtown Colorado Springs offers a variety of independent boutiques, shops, and restaurants that are all within walking distance. Places like Terra Verde and Halo Boutique offer tasteful women’s apparel, and there are also jewelry shops, bookstores, and even a coin gallery to be found.