From its historic downtown district to an abundance of parks and trails, Brighton, Colorado, offers visitors an authentic look into Colorado life with no shortage of things to see and do.
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TL;DR
- Brighton, Colorado, is conveniently located near Denver, with easy access to the Rocky Mountains.
- The city provides a jumping-off point to outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, camping, and water sports at nearby reservoirs.
- Historic downtown offers shopping, dining, cultural events, and family-friendly activities.
- Accommodations range from hotels and motels to RV parks and campgrounds.
Outdoor Recreation in Brighton’s Backyard
Situated at the intersection of the South Platte River and Burlington Canal, Brighton places visitors steps away from an array of outdoor escapes. The 20-mile South Platte River Trail allows multi-use recreation alongside cottonwood forests and wetland habitats.
To the west lies Barr Lake State Park, whose trails and waters invite hiking, boating, birdwatching, and seasonal fishing. The nearby Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge provides over 15,000 acres of shortgrass prairie, wetlands, and woodlands threaded by hiking and biking paths like the Lake Mary and Eagle Watch Trails.
With the Rocky Mountains visible to the west, more adventures await just a short drive away. The scenic Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway offers spectacular mountain vistas and opportunities to explore historic mountain towns like Evergreen and Morrison.
Peak baggers can challenge Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks by climbing Grays Peak or Torreys Peak on the Front Range. And numerous ski resorts make for excellent day trips during winter, including Eldora Mountain Resort near Nederland and the slopes of Winter Park.
Closer to Brighton, the Cache La Poudre and South Platte Rivers offer rafting and kayaking through spring and summer. Anglers can cast lines for trout and walleye at lakes and reservoirs dotting the plains.
An extensive regional trail network invites road cycling and mountain biking with routes catering to all skill levels. From backcountry adventures to family-friendly recreation, the natural landscapes surrounding Brighton offer limitless ways to experience the Colorado outdoors.
Historic Character of Downtown Brighton
In addition to abundant recreational opportunities, Brighton’s historic downtown district charms visitors with brick-lined streets, independently-owned shops and restaurants, and several cultural attractions. Not to be missed is the Brighton History Museum, which chronicles the city and region’s past through interactive exhibits and displays spread across a converted 1902 school building.
Architecture buffs will delight in a walking tour of downtown to take in its late 19th and early 20th-century buildings. The city’s Heritage Square warms with community events like the weekly Farmers Market during summer and the annual Festival of Lights surrounding the winter holidays.
Several eateries located downtown, like The Brighton Grill and The Big Choice Brewing Company, incorporate local ingredients into their menus while paying homage to classic Colorado cuisine.
Beyond downtown, the community supports a thriving local arts scene, from the galleries and studios at Armory Arts to events like the yearly Summerfest Arts Festival held at Brighton City Park. For visitors and locals alike, Brighton’s historic core and cultural offerings foster an authentic small-town Colorado experience.
Family Fun with Year-Round Festivities
In keeping with its family-friendly appeal, Brighton hosts several kid-centric attractions like the Lakeside Amusement Park, which has provided thrills to Brighton residents and visitors of all ages since 1908. Miniature golf, bumper cars, kiddie rides, and a large arcade fill the vintage amusement park with smiles during the summer.
The city also maintains over a dozen parks and playgrounds for picnicking or letting the little ones roam. Museums like the Barr Lake Nature Center and the Butterfly Pavilion educate through hands-on animal encounters and interactive science exhibits.
A full calendar of events and festivals takes place in Brighton year-round for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Summer brings fairs and rodeos like the Adams County Fair, Brighton’s Summerfest, and Bull-O-Rama. The city celebrates its agricultural heritage each August with the Brighton Harvest Festival in Carmichael Park.
Parades, craft fairs, and holiday light displays fill the winter months. And come spring, the St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo festivals flood historic downtown with revelry befitting those joyous occasions. From amusement rides to petting zoos and everything in between, Brighton equips families with endless forms of entertainment.
Lodging and Dining to Suit Various Budgets
With its close proximity to Denver and the Denver International Airport, Brighton offers visitors a more affordable and less crowded alternative to lodging within the state’s capital.
Accommodation options range from national hotel chains like Best Western, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn Express to independent motels like the River Inn or Padre Hotel.
Several campgrounds and RV parks also operate in and around the city for those seeking a scenic and budget-friendly place to post up. Vacation home rentals give larger groups and families even more flexibility when planning their Front Range getaway.
Once settled, visitors find no shortage of dining establishments scattered throughout Brighton to satisfy cravings. Downtown alone overflows with restaurants like the popular Mi Casa Mexican eatery, Thirsty Parrot pub, and Carmine Lonardo’s Italian cuisine.
Locally-owned diners and burger joints like the Brighton Grill and Tom’s Drive-In sling classic American fare at reasonable prices. And regional chains like Chili’s, Village Inn, and Anthony’s Pizza provide familiar favorites. Whether opting for casual or fine dining, Brighton’s culinary scene impresses with something for every palette and budget.
FAQ
What is there to do in Brighton in the winter?
Brighton offers many indoor attractions and family-friendly activities in winter, such as museums, amusement parks, holiday-themed events, indoor playgrounds, recreation centers, escape rooms, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and more. Ski resorts and winter trail use are also popular outdoor pursuits.
What annual events take place in Brighton?
Some of Brighton’s popular annual events include the Adams County Fair, Brighton Harvest Festival, Festival of Lights, Summerfest, Bull-O-Rama Rodeo, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco De Mayo festivals, and a weekly Farmers Market during summer.
What types of accommodations are available in Brighton?
Brighton offers a range of lodging options, including hotels and motels like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, and independent establishments that offer various amenities. Campgrounds, RV parks, vacation rentals, and short-term housing are also available.
What outdoor recreation is accessible from Brighton?
Brighton provides easy access to Barr Lake State Park, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Arapaho National Forest for activities like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Rivers and reservoirs nearby offer rafting, kayaking and boating opportunities as well.
