Living Like a Local in Lakewood: Colorado's Hidden Gem Near Denver

My first encounter with Lakewood began in Belmar, what locals proudly call their 'downtown'—though it bears little resemblance to traditional city centers. This pedestrian-friendly district feels more like a thoughtfully designed community space than a commercial hub, with its central plaza, public art installations, and mix of shops that actually serve residents rather than tourists.

On weekend mornings, you'll find locals gathering at The French Press for surprisingly affordable yet proper coffee (a flat white that would make any Leeds café proud) and freshly baked pastries. For lunch, skip the chains and head to 240 Union, where the wood-fired pizzas rival anything I've had in Naples, at about half the price you'd pay in downtown Denver.

What particularly impressed me was Belmar's commitment to public spaces. The plaza hosts free concerts in summer months, and the small but well-curated Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park houses historical buildings that tell the story of the area's transformation from ranchland to suburb. It's the sort of place museum-averse children actually enjoy exploring.

One of Lakewood's greatest treasures is Green Mountain, a 2,400-acre open space park that offers proper hiking without requiring a full day's journey from town. While Colorado is famous for its wilderness experiences, many require significant travel time and expense. Green Mountain, by contrast, sits right at Lakewood's western edge, accessible via public transport or a quick drive.

The Hayden Trail loop (about 6.5 miles) provides stunning panoramic views of both Denver and the Continental Divide without the crowds you'd find at more famous hiking spots. I've walked this trail in all seasons, and winter might be my favorite—the light dusting of snow, clear air, and absence of summer crowds creates a peaceful experience that feels far removed from civilization, despite being minutes from town.

Before heading out, I always fill my insulated water bottle (essential in Colorado's dry climate) and pack a few energy bars. For families with younger children, the shorter 2-mile Florida Trail offers similar views with less elevation gain. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, which are surprisingly abundant even on weekends.

Don't forget proper footwear—the trails can be rocky and steep in sections. My hiking boots have served me well on these paths, providing ankle support without being overly bulky for what's essentially an urban hike.

No visit to Lakewood would be complete without acknowledging its most infamous attraction: Casa Bonita. This Mexican restaurant-meets-entertainment complex has achieved cult status thanks to its appearance on South Park and its utterly bonkers concept—cliff divers perform in an indoor waterfall while you eat sopapillas in a themed dining room.

After being closed for renovation, it reopened under new ownership (yes, the South Park creators themselves purchased it) with significantly improved food quality. While it's undeniably touristy, it's also genuinely beloved by locals as a nostalgic institution.

Here's my tip: skip the full dinner and instead visit during off-peak hours for the sopapillas (honey-filled fried pastries) and a margarita. You'll still experience the bizarre ambiance and entertainment without the hefty price tag of a full meal. Children absolutely adore the theatrics, from the costumed performers to the 'secret' caves they can explore.

For families, I recommend bringing along a portable phone charger as your kids will inevitably want to take countless photos and videos of the cliff divers and other performances. The lighting inside is notoriously challenging for photography, so having a small LED light can help capture better memories of this wonderfully weird Colorado institution.

One aspect of Lakewood that genuinely surprised me was its thriving arts scene, centered around the 40 West Arts District along Colfax Avenue. This designated Colorado Creative District represents the sort of grassroots cultural initiative that often gets priced out of larger cities but flourishes in places like Lakewood.

The district hosts First Friday art walks each month, when galleries and studios open their doors for free evening browsing. What I appreciate most is the accessibility—unlike some pretentious art districts, 40 West welcomes families and casual art appreciators without any hint of snobbery. Many of the artists work in converted spaces in otherwise ordinary strip malls, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of everyday suburban life with creative expression.

The EDGE Gallery particularly impressed me with its community-focused approach and rotating exhibitions from local artists. Prices for original artwork here are remarkably reasonable—I purchased a beautiful hand-printed textile piece for less than I'd pay for a mass-produced print at home.

Families should check the district's calendar for free weekend workshops, where children can try various art techniques alongside practicing artists. My friend's daughters created pottery pieces they still proudly display years later.

After exploring the galleries, I recommend stopping at WestFax Brewing Company, where the flight sampler lets you try four different craft beers for about the price of a single pint in downtown Denver. Their Urban Lumberjack Hazy IPA pairs perfectly with the food trucks that regularly park outside.

For families seeking outdoor recreation without the exorbitant costs of Colorado's famous resort areas, Bear Creek Lake Park offers an impressive array of activities with minimal entrance fees (around $10 per vehicle for a full day). This 2,600-acre park features a swim beach, fishing, boat rentals, and miles of multi-use trails.

During my summer visit, I was amazed to find families enjoying proper beach days along the reservoir shoreline—complete with sandcastle building and picnicking—with the Rocky Mountain foothills as a backdrop. It's the sort of experience you'd expect to pay resort prices for elsewhere in Colorado.

The park rents kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at rates that won't make your wallet weep. I spent a glorious morning paddling around the reservoir in a rented kayak for less than the cost of a mediocre dinner elsewhere. For families with children, the combination of swimming beach and playground makes for an easy day out without constant demands for expensive activities or treats.

Birdwatchers should bring compact binoculars as the wetland areas attract impressive waterfowl, particularly during migration seasons. I spotted great blue herons, cormorants, and even a bald eagle during my visits.

For a perfect picnic setup, I recommend bringing a picnic blanket with a waterproof backing—the grassy areas near the swim beach make ideal spots for an affordable meal with million-dollar views.