Where to Stay in Golden (4 Best Places, By a Local)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Golden

If you’re visiting Golden for the first time, I’d recommend staying in historic downtown Golden. There are several Golden hotels in this area, and you can walk to shops and restaurants. North Golden is a more residential area, and Denver West positions you a little closer to downtown. 

Historic Downtown Golden

👉 Best Area For Tourists | ✨ Best Historic Golden Hotels: Table Mountain Inn • The Golden Hotel • The Silk Pincushion

Downtown Golden has lots to do, with shops, restaurants, and bars within easy walking distance. You’ll be near the iconic Coors Brewery, the Golden History Museum, and the Colorado School of Mines. Clear Creek is also nearby, which features walking paths and a whitewater park for tubing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. 

Pros of Staying in Historic Golden Neighborhood:

• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Close to museums
• Near Clear Creek and outdoor recreation
• Wild West ambiance 

Cons of Staying in Historic Golden Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey

Denver West

👉 Best Area For Freeway Access | ✨ Best Denver West Hotels: Denver Marriott West • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Golden • Residence Inn by Marriott

Denver West is close to several great open space parks for hiking and mountain biking. Colorado Mills Mall, one of the best malls in Denver, is in this area, too, along with the Jefferson County Courthouse. Its impressive dome earned it the local nickname “The Taj Mahal.”

This area is also close to I-70, so it’s easy to reach downtown Denver, as well as a few Colorado mountain towns nearby. While lacking in charm, Denver West wins points for convenience. 

Pros of Staying in the Denver West Neighborhood:

• Easy freeway access to Denver and other areas
• Less expensive hotels
• Lots of chain restaurants and fast food options

Cons of Staying in Denver West Neighborhood:

• Lacks character
• May be noisy due to vehicle traffic 
• You’ll need a car to get around

North Golden

👉 Best Area For Suburban Feel | ✨ Best North Golden Hotels: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel • The Golden Bungalow • Stylish Golden Retreat

If you drive north through downtown Golden, you’ll end up in a suburban area. Grocery stores, gas stations, chain restaurants, and coffee shops are a few nearby amenities. You’ll be slightly closer to Boulder, which you can access by continuing north on Highway 93. 

There aren’t many hotels on this side of town, but there are several short-term rentals. Fewer tourists and mountain views are some of the greatest perks of this area. North Table Mountain, White Ranch Park, and Mount Galbraith Park are all nearby. Golden Gate Canyon, one of the best state parks in Colorado, is also a short drive away. 

Pros of Staying in North Golden Neighborhood:

• Fewer tourists
• Nearby amenities 
• Several mountain parks 

Cons of Staying in North Golden Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a car to get around
• Farther from historic downtown attractions

Mt. Vernon Canyon

👉 Best Area For Red Rocks Concerts | ✨ Best Mt. Vernon Hotels: Origin Red Rocks • Lakewood Gem • Golden Vacation Rental

Mount Vernon Canyon is a beautiful area in the foothills, featuring some of the best hikes near Denver. You’ll be close to Matthews / Winters Park, Dinosaur Ridge, and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. This is a great spot if you’re headed to a concert, or just want a weekend getaway to hike and mountain bike. 

Pros of Staying in Mt. Vernon Neighborhood:

• Close to Red Rocks Amphitheatre 
• Beautiful views

Cons of Staying in Mt. Vernon Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a car to get around

Tips for Staying in Golden

You’ll Want a Car to Get Around Golden

If you’re staying in historic downtown Golden, you can walk to shops, restaurants, and other entertainment easily. 

However, if you want to hike at nearby parks, see Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or explore all the things to do in Denver, renting a car is the easiest solution. Discover Cars is a great option to find good rates on rental cars in hundreds of destinations, including Denver.   

Find the Public Bathrooms

If you’re wandering through downtown Golden, it can be hard to find a shop with a restroom. There are three public bathrooms in the area. Find them at Parfet Park, the Lion’s Park Ball Field, and near the Astor House. They’re available from 7 am – 10 pm daily. 

Get a Golden Ticket

Before exploring downtown Golden, stop by the Visitors Center to pick up a Golden Ticket. Take the ticket to any participating shop or restaurant, then scratch it off to get a discount on your purchase! You can find out more about the program on the Golden city website. 

Drink Plenty of Water

Golden may be known for its breweries, but be sure to drink plenty of water as well! The elevation in town is 5,675 feet above sea level. You should definitely bring along a water bottle, especially when engaging in exercise. 

Use Plenty of Sunscreen

Golden is more than a mile above sea level, and Colorado weather is often sunny — although you can still get sunburned in bad weather, too! Whether you’re spending the day hiking, tubing, or walking through town, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, and don’t forget to reapply!

📚 Related Reading: 25 Colorado Travel Tips

Layer Up

Colorado weather is notoriously fickle. You can find yourself wearing t-shirts in the middle of winter, and throwing on a warm coat in July. It’s always a good idea to bring a few layers when you head out for the day. For more tips on what to pack, check out Abigail’s Colorado packing list. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Golden

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Hopefully, I’ve helped you to figure out where to stay in Golden. For more travel-worthy destinations, see our guide to the best places to visit in Colorado!