Downtown Golden
Downtown Golden is the historic heart of Golden, Colorado, a friendly foothills town where the glowing Welcome Arch spans Washington Avenue and Clear Creek rushes past the end of Main Street. Tucked between North and South Table Mountains just west of Denver, it is perfect for a day of strolling, shopping and patio dining.
Downtown Golden in Golden, CO
Golden was founded in 1859 as Golden City during the gold rush, and in 1862 it became the capital of the Colorado Territory. The territorial legislature met here until 1867, most notably in the Loveland Block at the corner of Washington Avenue and 12th Street, a building you can still see today. Denver won the title of state capital, but Golden kept its small-town Western spirit. The neon Welcome Arch was championed by Holland House owner Lu Holland and first lit on March 24, 1949; its motto was changed from “Where the West Remains” to “Where the West Lives” in 1979.
Start at the Golden Welcome Center at 1010 Washington Avenue for maps and local tips, then walk under the arch past historic storefronts, galleries, bronze sculptures and restaurants. Follow the Clear Creek Trail along the water, then continue to the Coors Brewery Tour, the Colorado Railroad Museum or the mountaintop Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Downtown Golden, Colorado (55347956701) by thirdsphoto (CC BY 4.0); Arch 2009-07-21 489 by Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0); Downtown Golden (5898327369) by cogdogblog (CC BY 2.0); Looking East in Downtown Golden (55348173034) by thirdsphoto (CC BY 4.0); Loveland Building and Coors Building Golden CO by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); Town Clock 3054 by Nolabob (CC BY-SA 4.0); Washington St 2009-07-21 59 by Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0); GoldenCO WashingtonStreet 01Oct2017 by Yassie (CC BY-SA 4.0); Table Mtn Inn 2009-07-21 57 by Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
Golden’s winter season brings Olde Golden Holidays, holiday parades and the beloved Candlelight Walk to Washington Avenue, while summer is famous for Buffalo Bill Days and farmers markets. The Golden Welcome Center is on winter hours (Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) through May 31. Find the latest events at visitgolden.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Downtown Golden?
- Welcome Arch: Snap a photo under the 1949 neon arch.
- Clear Creek: Walk the creekside trail through town.
- History: See the Loveland Block, the old territorial capitol site.
- Shopping: Browse Washington Avenue boutiques and galleries.
- Dining: Enjoy patios, cafes and local breweries.
Was Golden the capital of Colorado?
Yes. Golden served as the capital of the Colorado Territory from 1862 to 1867, with the legislature meeting in buildings including the Loveland Block at Washington Avenue and 12th Street.
When was the Golden Welcome Arch built?
The Welcome Arch was erected in 1949 and lit for the first time on March 24, 1949. Its motto became “Where the West Lives” during a 1979 facelift.
Is there parking in Downtown Golden?
Yes. The Golden Welcome Center notes free two-hour parking right next door, and downtown also has street parking and public lots. Check posted signs for current rules.
How far is Golden from Denver?
Golden is about 15 miles west of downtown Denver, roughly a 20- to 30-minute drive, and is also reachable by RTD light rail on the W Line.
The Golden Welcome Center is at 1010 Washington Ave., Golden, CO 80401. Call 303-279-2282 or visit visitgolden.com to plan your visit.