Lakewood, Colorado Travel Guide
City City in Colorado known for its parks
Lakewood sits against Denver’s western suburbs with access to foothills trails, Bear Creek Lake Park and a small but lively craft-brewery scene. It’s a practical base for day trips into the Rockies.
Why Visit Lakewood, Colorado? #
Lakewood appeals to travelers who want Colorado outdoors without staying in the high country: Bear Creek Lake Park offers boating and trails, while Belmar’s pedestrian streets provide shopping and farm-to-table dining. Arts lovers find performances and exhibitions at the Lakewood Cultural Center, and numerous bike paths connect neighborhoods to open space. Close proximity to the foothills and Denver gives visitors options for mountain day trips or urban nights out.
Who's Lakewood, Colorado For?
Excellent if you want easy Rocky Mountain access without Denver’s bustle. Bear Creek Lake Park, Mount Falcon and several Jefferson County trail systems are minutes away, plus tree-lined neighborhoods and lakes for paddling and birdwatching.
Great springboard for mountain biking, trail running and quick alpine-day trips. Red Rocks and Golden’s trails are a short drive, while local foothill routes deliver solid singletrack and scramble opportunities for experienced hikers.
Belmar’s walkable dining scene and new restaurants around Wadsworth Avenue serve quality gastropub fare, tacos and coffee shops. You won’t find Denver’s density, but there are noteworthy bakeries, breweries and neighborhood wine bars to discover.
Family-friendly neighborhoods, playgrounds and community pools make Lakewood practical for an easy suburban stay. Belmar offers a lakeside plaza, kid-friendly events and cinemas, while nearby parks provide outdoor weekends without long drives to the mountains.
Top Things to Do in Lakewood, Colorado
All Attractions ›
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- Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Open-air concert venue carved from sandstone with exceptional acoustics and scenic hiking trails.
- Bear Creek Lake Park - Large reservoir and trails offering boating, fishing, picnic areas, and mountain views.
- Belmar - Former mall transformed into walkable district packed with shops, restaurants, outdoor plazas.
- Green Mountain Park - Short but steep hikes lead to summit overlook with panoramic Denver skyline views.
- Lakewood Cultural Center - Performance theater and gallery hosts local plays, concerts, and community arts programming.
- Casa Bonita - Thematic Mexican restaurant featuring cliff-diving shows, arcade games, and immersive decor.
- Lakewood Heritage Center - Cluster of restored historic buildings interpreting local pioneer life and community history.
- Edgewater Public Market - Indoor market with local food stalls, craft coffee, and rotating community events.
- Sloan's Lake Park - Large urban lake great for jogging, kite flying, and skyline photography at sunset.
- Colorado Mills - Outlet mall offering big-brand discounts, entertainment options, and an IMAX cinema complex.
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) - Alpine trails, elk sightings, and dramatic mountain scenery; Estes Park sits roughly two hours away.
- Boulder (Chautauqua Park & Pearl Street) - Short drive to Boulder for Flatirons hikes, outdoor climbing, and Pearl Street shopping.
- Golden - Historic downtown Golden, Coors Brewery tour, and Clear Creek whitewater activities nearby.
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway - High-altitude road reaches alpine lakes and a summit overlook above tree line.
- Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) - Iconic red rock formations and easy trails, about an hour and a half drive.
Where to Go in Lakewood, Colorado #
Belmar
Belmar is Lakewood’s most obvious hangout: a compact town-centre remake with restaurants, cinemas and occasional street festivals. It’s the go-to for dinner and a movie, plus arts events at the Cultural Center. Expect a suburban-meets-downtown feel that’s easy to navigate on foot.
Top Spots
- Belmar Town Center - Open-air shopping and dining hub with year-round activity.
- Lakewood Cultural Center - Rotating arts shows, performances and community events.
- Belmar Park - Small green space that often hosts pop-up markets.
Bear Creek / Green Mountain
This is the outdoor side of Lakewood: large parks, reservoirs and hills for hiking and biking. It’s where families and trail runners come to get away from the city. No nightlife here - come for views, exercise and quiet picnic spots.
Top Spots
- Bear Creek Lake Park - Big reservoir, trails and mountain-biking routes.
- Green Mountain Open Space - Hiking with skyline views over the metro area.
- Bear Creek Trail - Family-friendly for walks and dog owners.
Colorado Mills / West Lakewood
A practical, car-first neighborhood dominated by a large mall and surrounding chain hospitality. It’s useful if you’re hunting bargains or need common national services. Not much charm, but convenient for families and budget stays close to major routes into Denver.
Top Spots
- Colorado Mills - Big indoor outlet-style mall with national retailers.
- Nearby chain restaurants - Reliable dining options clustered by the mall.
- Local strip plazas - Practical shops and services for visitors.
Plan Your Visit to Lakewood, Colorado #
Best Time to Visit Lakewood, Colorado #
Best times to visit Lakewood are late spring and early fall when days are mild, skies are clear, and outdoor activities are easy. Winters deliver reliable snow for nearby ski areas, while summers bring warm, dry days and cool nights.
Best Time to Visit Lakewood, Colorado #
Lakewood, Colorado's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 69 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood is best reached via Denver's transport hub - Denver International Airport (DEN) - with closer general aviation airports at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC). Rail and RTD buses connect Union Station in Denver to multiple light‑rail stops in Lakewood; taxis and ride‑hail are convenient for direct trips.
Denver International Airport (DEN): Denver’s main airport is about 35-40 minutes east of Lakewood by car. Options into the metro include the RTD A Line train to Denver Union Station (about 37 minutes; airport fare typically around $10.50 one-way), then a transfer to RTD light rail or bus to Lakewood (another 15-30 minutes, local fares ~ $3.00). Taxis and ride‑hail (Uber/Lyft) from DEN to Lakewood usually take 35-60 minutes and commonly cost in the $40-80 range depending on traffic and demand.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC): Located in Broomfield northwest of Lakewood, BJC is primarily a general aviation and corporate/charter airport (limited/no scheduled airline service). There is no direct public rail connection; the practical options are rental car, taxi or ride‑hail (about 15-30 minutes to central Lakewood, fares often $25-50), or arranging a private shuttle or charter service.
Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr serves Denver at Union Station (Denver Union Station). From Union Station you can transfer to RTD light rail (W Line and other lines) to reach Lakewood’s stations such as Belmar (roughly 15-25 minutes by light rail from Union Station; local light‑rail fares are about $3.00). Commuter/airport rail (RTD A Line) links DEN and Union Station if arriving by air.
Bus: The RTD bus network covers Lakewood with frequent routes along major corridors (Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and other arterials) connecting to Denver and surrounding suburbs. Local one‑way fares are around $3.00; cross‑county/regional trips can be higher. Bus journey times to downtown Denver vary by route and traffic but commonly run 30-50 minutes.
How to Get Around Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood is most navigable by a mix of RTD light rail for predictable trips into Denver and a car or ride‑hail for direct door‑to‑door travel. Use the light rail and buses for weekday commutes and parking‑constrained areas, and rely on ride‑hail or a rental car for evenings, airport runs, and exploring the wider metro.
- RTD Light Rail (W Line & others) ($3.00) - Light rail is one of the most reliable ways to get into Lakewood from downtown Denver and Union Station. The W Line serves central Lakewood (stations such as Belmar) and runs at regular intervals; a typical trip from Union Station to Belmar is about 15-25 minutes. Bring a reloadable RTD pass or use the RTD app for the simplest fare payment and avoid cash delays.
- RTD Bus ($3.00) - RTD buses cover local neighborhoods and major corridors (Colfax, Wadsworth) and are useful for destinations the rail network doesn't hit. Services range from frequent local routes to less frequent cross‑county lines; expect 30-50 minute trips to downtown depending on route. Buses are cheap and practical but can be slower than light rail during peak traffic.
- Car / Rental ($15-60 per day (rental) / $3-6 (parking)) - Driving is often the most flexible way to explore Lakewood and the wider Denver metro - parking is generally available but can be tight in commercial centres like Belmar during evenings/weekends. Expect a 15-30 minute drive to downtown Denver in normal traffic. Rental cars are widely available at DEN and local agencies; watch rush‑hour congestion on I‑70 and US‑6.
- Ride‑hail & Taxis (Uber/Lyft) ($6-$80 (trip dependent)) - Uber and Lyft operate throughout the area and are the easiest door‑to‑door option if you have luggage or are traveling off public‑transit hours. Short trips within Lakewood are inexpensive; airport pickups (DEN → Lakewood) are straightforward but surge pricing can raise costs. Taxis are available but less common than ride‑hail for routine trips.
- Biking & E‑bikes ($0-$15 per hour (rental)) - Lakewood has an expanding network of dedicated bike lanes and multiuse trails (connections to the South Platte River trail and regional routes). Biking is practical for short commutes and leisure; e‑bike rentals are increasingly common and make hills easier. Helmets are recommended and watch for changing winter conditions.
- Walking - Many pockets of Lakewood - especially around Belmar and some neighborhood commercial strips - are very walkable for errands and dining. Sidewalks and local trails are generally well maintained, but distances between neighborhoods can be large so walking is best for short local trips.
Where to Stay in Lakewood, Colorado #
- Motel 6 Lakewood, CO - Affordable, basic accommodation option.
- Sleep Inn Lakewood - Economical with simple amenities.
- Sheraton Denver (nearby) - Reliable chain option a short drive.
- Quality Inn & Suites Lakewood - Comfortable rooms and basic breakfast.
- Fairmont Denver (Downtown) - Upscale full-service hotel in Denver.
- Hyatt Regency Denver - Higher-end option with amenities.
- Comfort Inn Lakewood - Easy access to main roads and sights.
- Quality Inn & Suites Lakewood - Simple, centrally located base.
- Courtyard Denver West/Golden (nearby) - Family-friendly rooms and pools.
- Comfort Inn Lakewood - Rooms with breakfast and easy parking.
- Hyatt House Denver/Lakewood - Suite-style rooms with kitchenettes.
- Residence Inn Denver West/Golden - Spacious suites, work-friendly setups.
Where to Eat in Lakewood, Colorado #
Lakewood’s food scene is suburb-meets-mountain-state: dependable, unpretentious, and built around cafes, grills, and family restaurants. It’s the sort of place you go to for a solid breakfast, a burger after a hike, or a no-fuss ethnic plate. While fine dining exists in nearby Denver, Lakewood offers comfort food and international family-run spots that locals rotate through.
For variety, explore the shopping corridors and small plazas where you’ll find pho shops, taquerias, and Indian kitchens alongside breakfast diners-great for fueling up before hitting the foothills.
- Lakewood Gulch Cafe9 - Hearty American breakfasts and sandwiches.
- SloHi Restaurant - Local comfort dishes with Colorado twists.
- Olde Towne Bar & Grill - Classic pub fare and neighborhood favorites.
- Casa Bonita (nearby) - Entertainment-driven Mexican dining experience.
- Pho & Grill - Vietnamese noodle soups and rice plates.
- Saffron Indian Cuisine - Curry dishes and traditional Indian plates.
- Green Fork Kitchen - Vegetarian-friendly salads and grain bowls.
- Veggie-Van Eatery - Plant-forward wraps and smoothie bowls.
- Harvest Deli - Sandwiches with vegetarian and vegan choices.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Lakewood, Colorado's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Lakewood, Colorado #
Lakewood’s nightlife mixes suburban chill with a few concentrated spots of activity - Belmar Town Center (in nearby Lakewood) is the main draw for evening drinks, dining and seasonal outdoor events. Expect relaxed pubs, family-friendly brewpubs and an easy vibe; Denver’s nightlife is a short drive away if you want bigger clubs. Most places close by midnight-2 AM; no strict dress codes, but be mindful of parking and weekends at popular patios.
Best Bets
- Belmar Town Center - Walkable square with bars, restaurants and seasonal events.
- Lakewood brewery scene - Local taprooms and brewpubs for relaxed evenings with friends.
- Live-music bars and small venues - Cover bands and local acts; check nightly listings.
- Belmar patios and rooftop bars - Good for summer nights and outdoor cocktails.
- Downtown Lakewood (Wadsworth & 6th) - A scattering of pubs and late-night dining options.
- Neighborhood taverns and sports bars - Casual spots popular for game nights and small groups.
Shopping in Lakewood, Colorado #
Lakewood’s retail pull is Belmar, a walkable mixed‑use district with independent boutiques, national chains and restaurants on a pedestrian‑friendly grid. For discount and outlet-style shopping, Colorado Mills is a large indoor mall just off I‑70. Lakewood’s neighborhoods have pockets of independent stores and seasonal markets, so mix mall visits with strolls through Belmar’s galleries and gift shops. Expect set prices in stores; local markets sometimes allow a little negotiation on bulk buys.
Best Bets
- Belmar - Walkable shopping and dining district with boutiques and art galleries.
- Colorado Mills - Large outlet-style mall with national retailers and discount stores.
- Lakewood Arts District / Galleries - Independent galleries and gift shops clustered around cultural venues.
- Belmar Farmers' Market - Seasonal market with local produce, crafts and ready-to-eat foods.
- Local boutiques on Main Street/Old Lakewood - Small independent shops for gifts, homewares and specialty items.
- Home and garden stores (Lakewood) - Regional retailers for home improvement and garden supplies.
