A guide to the best of Colorado Springs during the U.S. Senior Open
By Lexi Marshall
As golf enthusiasts flock to Colorado Springs in June for the U.S. Senior Open, the destination offers plenty of ways to enhance the experience beyond the fairways.
Whether you’re looking to shop, dine or explore, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in this vibrant town. From world-class accommodations and dining at The Broadmoor to unique historical sites, outdoor adventures and local entertainment, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
STAY
A destination in itself, The Broadmoor is synonymous with luxury, offering world-class accommodations, fine dining and unparalleled hospitality. This historic resort, founded in 1918, spans 5,000 acres and has hosted presidents, celebrities and elite athletes over the years, making it an ideal home base for travelers in Colorado Springs.
While staying in one of the 784 elegantly designed accommodations—including guest rooms, suites, cottages, brownstones and a private Estate House—indulge in a contemporary dining experience at Summit, which offers a modern take on American classics with an impressive wine selection. If you’re in the mood for a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere, The Hotel Bar provides expertly crafted cocktails and light bites with a scenic lakeside setting. And for those with a sweet tooth, Café Julie’s is the spot to enjoy artisan pastries and chocolates.
Beyond its luxurious rooms and dining experiences, The Broadmoor is also home to a wealth of activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the surrounding trails, take a guided fly-fishing excursion or enjoy a round of golf on the resort’s legendary courses. The Broadmoor’s Spa offers world-class treatments for those seeking relaxation, while the Broadmoor Soaring Adventure provides an adrenaline rush with zip-line tours over Seven Falls.
EXPLORE
Just a short 15-minute drive from the resort, take a step back in time at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, where you can explore the preserved homes of the ancient Ancestral Puebloans. These historic structures, relocated and preserved to protect them from natural erosion, provide a fascinating glimpse into Native American history. Visitors can walk through the dwellings, explore a hands-on museum filled with artifacts and learn about the daily lives of the Indigenous people who once inhabited the region.
Also, don’t miss the colorful shops, art galleries and cafes while strolling along tree-lined streets or the famous Manitou Springs Penny Arcade. And for those craving a challenge while in the area, the Manitou Incline is a demanding 0.9-mile ascent with 2,744 stairs.
Adventure seekers can continue with a scenic drive on Pikes Peak Highway for breathtaking views at 14,115 feet or explore the stunning rock formations at Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railway in North America, offers an unforgettable ride to the summit of Pikes Peak, showcasing the beauty of the Rockies.
For a family-friendly outing, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo—America’s only mountain zoo—offers an up-close look at more than 750 animals representing 170 species, including giraffes, grizzly bears and Amur tigers.
EAT
With its growing appeal, thanks to its proximity to Denver, Colorado Springs is seeing a surge in new dining spots. One standout is The Rabbit Hole, an underground restaurant offering upscale American cuisine in a whimsical, Wonderland-inspired setting. For craft beer enthusiasts, Trinity Brewing is a must-visit, offering a deep dive into Colorado’s renowned brewing scene with a range of innovative beers. Meanwhile, Shuga’s is a unique gem—an artsy eatery housed in a former grocery store—known for its fun and flavorful snack boards, craft cocktails and eclectic ambiance.
For a dining experience that soars above the rest, The Airplane Restaurant is a must-visit. This unique eatery is housed inside a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker, once used for refueling aircraft around the globe. Today, it serves up classic American fare with a side of aviation history. Diners can enjoy their meals inside the aircraft itself, surrounded by aviation memorabilia and cockpit controls, or in the adjacent restaurant space. The menu features a variety of favorites, including burgers, steaks and seafood, with options for both casual and hearty dining.
For those craving something different, an authentic hotpot meal at Hotpot Story offers an interactive dining experience perfect for sharing. Traditionally enjoyed as a communal meal in Asia, hotpot involves cooking fresh meats, seafood and vegetables in a simmering broth at the table. It’s a cozy, social way to dine—ideal for gathering with friends and family after a long day at the golf course.
EXPERIENCE
The Hillside Gardens Summer Concert Series is a must-attend event for those looking to unwind with live music in a picturesque outdoor setting. Throughout the summer, Wednesday nights come alive with a diverse lineup of talented local musicians performing against the backdrop of lush gardens and breathtaking mountain views. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets for a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere. With a rotating selection of bands spanning genres from rock to jazz to bluegrass, each evening offers a fresh musical experience.
And for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, The Promenade Shops at Briargate offer an open-air shopping experience with views of Pikes Peak. Featuring high-end retailers like Anthropologie, Lululemon and Pottery Barn, as well as local boutiques, it’s great for those looking to bring a piece of style home.
With its blend of luxury, history, adventure and entertainment, Colorado Springs is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable trip to the U.S. Senior Open. Whether you’re exploring ancient dwellings, shopping in style or savoring a world-class meal, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.
Make an extended stay of your U.S. Senior Open visit
June 22
Hometown Half Marathon/10K/5K
Registration includes a custom bib, a designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal. The kids’ dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, a youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids’ dash! (If your child wants to run the kids’ dash and doesn’t want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!) *Register by Thursday at midnight the week before the race to be guaranteed a shirt. peakradar.com
June 24
Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam
This Blues Jam has a history in Colorado Springs and some of the best musicians in the city, including Mike Tostanoski, Frank Perez and Jim Sesters, among other local blues luminaries. You don’t want to miss this. Come to play or listen at Whistle Pig Brewing from 7–10 p.m.; the hosts strongly encourage a two-drink minimum. pikespkblues.org
June 25–29
U.S. SENIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
The Broadmoor Golf Club proudly hosts the 45th U.S. Senior Open Championship. All-time, this will be the 9th USGA championship and the 3rd U.S. Senior Open contested at Colorado Springs’ legendary resort. The East Course is nestled on the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains at more than 6,300 feet. Designed by Donald Ross and opened for play in 1918, it is now a combination of holes from Ross’ original layout and holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1952. Championship tickets and volunteer registration are now available. broadmoor.com/usso2025
June 27
Farmers Market
Experience the diversity of the Colorado Springs Farmers Market, where student entrepreneurs, Colorado vendors and food trucks come together to showcase their goods and services. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus farm, the market is filled with fresh produce, artisanal products and delicious food from local vendors. peakradar.com
June 28
Colorado Springs Garden Tour
Since the tour’s inception in 2011, this popular event has been in various Colorado Springs locations, with the 2025 tour taking place in the Old Farm and Briargate neighborhoods. Tour attendees observe gardening practices, including homesteading, floral artistry, native plantings, erosion control, and permaculture techniques. Admission: $25 per ticket, ages 13 and up. (12 and under, free.) Some gardens may not be accessible by walker, wheelchair or stroller. extensionfriends.org
