The city of Lakewood is blessed with an abundance of gorgeous Colorado scenery, and with that in mind you may spend much of your time here outdoors enjoying all that this part of the United States has to offer. To that end, Lakewood has over 99 different parks to choose from, as well as greenbelts and nature trails, many of which are overlooked by the stunning Green Mountains in the background, which makes this the perfect choice if you love getting outside.
Lakewood may be a powerhouse of flora and fauna, but it is also no slouch when it comes to the arts, so much so that there is an entire district here dedicated to galleries and art installations, so if you are looking for a bit of culture then you won’t be disappointed in this city. As if that wasn’t enough, there is a recently redeveloped central area of Lakewood where you will find up and coming venues such as bars, cafes, breweries, and live music nights, proving that this city knows how to have a good time.
Lets explore the best things to do in Lakewood:
1. Bear Creek Lake Park
Source: flickrBear Creek Lake Park is the place to come if you are looking for a huge range of activities in one place.
The park is known for its 15 miles of trails that will take you all over the local area and provide you with some stunning views as well as a workout.
If you want to do something a little different, then there is also an archery range here where you can practice shooting a target, or you can also take advantage of the equestrian trails here and take in the landscape from the vantage point of a horse.
As if that wasn’t enough, the park is also home to the charmingly named Big Soda Lake where you can go boating or fishing.
2. Everitt Farms
Source: nationswellCome to Everitt Farms if you are looking to get outdoors and take in some of the best landscapes that Lakewood has to offer.
The farm here sprawls over 25 acres and the emphasis is on sustainable farming practices and crisp local produce.
As well as the farm itself, there is also a market area where you can buy fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, and there are also seasonal attractions that are fun for all the family.
Just some of these include a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and a Christmas tree lot in the winter months.
3. Lakewood Heritage Center
Source: acoloradocourtshipFor anyone interested in the history of Lakewood, a trip to the Lakewood Heritage Center is not to be missed.
Here you will get to see how Lakewood has evolved over the years, and the center is nestled in the center of picturesque Belmar Park.
You can see over 10 buildings of historical importance at the center and there are an amazing 30,000 items in the collection here.
There is also an amphitheater and a festival area where you can catch seasonal events, and a museum shop that makes the perfect place to pick up a souvenir called the 20th Century Emporium.
4. Belmar Downtown District
Source: continuumpartnersThe Belmar Downtown District of Lakewood is definitely the place to come for anyone looking to enjoy a night out in the city.
The area is relatively newly developed, and was finished in 2004, and now has over 80 businesses located in the area.
These include restaurants, cafes, and live music venues, and locals will tell you that this is where all the action is if you want to experience the best of Lakewood at night.
5. William Frederick Hayden Park
Source: alltrailsColorado is known for its gorgeous scenery, so if you want to experience this firsthand then you need to head out to William Frederick Hayden Park which is located on the majestic Green Mountains.
Hayden Park as it is often known as actually the second largest park in the Lakewood area, and to that end it sprawls over 2,400 acres, so you can enjoy some greenery and fresh air as you explore the many trails here.
You can hike or bike along the trails that cross all over the park, and some will take you up to an elevation of 6,800 feet if you fancy a challenge as well as some stunning views over the city of Denver.
The park is also known for its stunning flora and fauna, so make sure that you look out for mountain lions, deer, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and spectacular birds of prey such as hawks.
6. Colorado Mills
Source: simonColorado Mills is known for being the premium shopping spot in the city, and if you want to indulge in some retail therapy then make sure not to miss a trip here.
The mall spans an impressive 1,100,000 square feet of retail space and you will find over 90 different stores here selling clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items like home furnishings.
There are also restaurants if you fancy a bite to eat as well as some relaxed cafes and a scenic promenade that makes shopping here easy.
7. Crown Hill Park
Source: pinterestCrown Hill Park is often said by Lakewood residents to be one of the best parks in the city, and even though it is centrally located, you will still feel as if you are in the middle of nature.
The park has a lovely trail that will give you a workout and some stunning views at the same time, and there is an abundance of wildlife here, including an array of birds and even coyotes.
The park is popular with families and has a variety of play areas for children of different ages, so this is a good spot to visit if you are travelling with little ones.
8. Caution: Brewing Company
Source: coloradocraftbeershowThe brainchild of Danny and Betty, two beer enthusiasts, the Caution: Brewing Company was founded in 2009 and has been making delicious beer ever since.
The company makes a range of beers using unique ingredients not usually found in traditional brews, such as Asian ingredients, flowers, and other delicious additions, and you can visit the tap room here and see for yourself how the beer is made.
You can also buy some of the beers to take home as a souvenir or simply enjoy a cold glass at the end of your tour of the facility.
9. Harvest Mountain Farm Gardens
Source: facebookThe perfect place to come to learn about sustainable food practices in Colorado, the Harvest Mountain Farm Gardens is a hidden gem in the Lakewood area.
The gardens run a program to teach visitors and the local community all about food systems in the area, and you can come here for a tour to find out more about this impressive initiative as well as purchase the fresh produce grown on site.
10. Denver Federal Center Farmers Market
Source: lakewoodsentinelFor some of the freshest and most delicious produce in the local area, head to the Denver Federal Center Farmers Market.
The market takes place underneath open air pavilions and there are cozy picnic areas where you can sit and enjoy the local dishes sold here.
Just some of these include favorites such as freshly made crepes, or you can buy products to take home such as jams and jellies, fruit and vegetables, and other delights that are all sourced in and around the Lakewood area.
11. 40 West Arts District
Source: 40westarts40 West Arts District is known as the creative area of Lakewood, and to that end you will find over 120 businesses in this part of the city that are all dedicated to the arts in some way.
These include galleries and performing arts venues, as well as a wealth of public street art including murals and sculptures.
The area also has a number of bars and restaurants so that you can grab a bite to eat as you tour the district.
12. Great Frontier Brewing Company
Source: greatfrontierbeerThere are several craft breweries in the Lakewood area, but the Great Frontier Brewing Company is different in that it caters for those who may have issues with traditional beers.
This is down to the fact that the brews at the Great Frontier Brewing Company are, amazingly, gluten free or have reduced gluten in them, so if you have celiac disease or simply a gluten intolerance, then you can enjoy a cold glass here without feeling any ill effects.
13. Fox Hollow Golf Course
Source: golfcoloradoFox Hollow Golf Course is a delightful spot in the city that has a mix of courses that will suit all golfers from beginners to experienced players.
The courses are located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, meaning that golfers can enjoy gorgeous views here, and the terrain is also dotted with picturesque streams, lakes, and spectacular Colorado scenery.
14. Kendrick Lake Park
Source: yelpAnyone travelling with children should not miss the chance to check out one of the best parks in the city for kids, Kendrick Lake Park.
The park features a selection of play areas for children of different ages, and there are also delightful water features such as ponds filled with ducks and geese that are sure to please any little ones visiting.
If you want to take in the scenery on foot, then there is also a trail here that stretches for over a mile and is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors in Lakewood.
15. Bear Creek Greenbelt
Source: gohikecoIf you are looking for a nature trail close to the city, then the Bear Creek Greenbelt is the place to find it.
The greenbelt is one of the best loved areas of the city, and you can walk here on the clear pathways in both the summer and winter months.
The area is also a great place to spot local wildlife such as squirrels, coyotes, and hawks.
