Free weekend and curious how locals do Lakewood? You can sip coffee in a walkable plaza, hike to sweeping views, and be back in time for an easy brewery night or a live show. Whether you live nearby or you’re scouting neighborhoods, a Lakewood weekend is simple, relaxed, and close to everything. This guide gives you a ready-to-use plan with local picks, practical tips, and short itineraries you can run as-is. Let’s dive in.
Why weekends work in Lakewood
Lakewood blends city convenience with foothill access. Belmar acts as the city’s downtown with blocks of restaurants, shops, and a central plaza that hosts seasonal events. You can browse the tenant list and upcoming happenings on the Belmar directory.
When you want fresh air, the trails at Green Mountain in William F. Hayden Park and the lakes and beaches at Bear Creek Lake Park are just a short drive. The city’s Green Mountain page outlines trails, views, and safety advisories for rattlesnakes, coyotes, and historical munitions; check details on the William F. Hayden Park page.
If you prefer transit, RTD’s W Line connects Lakewood with Denver and Golden through multiple local stations. For service facts and station info, see the RTD W Line overview.
Morning coffee and easy starts
Start in Belmar with a quality pour and people-watching. Onto Coffee is a small local shop popular for a relaxed morning and a quick stroll around the plaza. Check hours and seasonal drinks on the Onto Coffee site. If you want an old-school neighborhood vibe, Village Roaster on Alameda is a long-running local roaster and cafe.
After your cup, walk the Belmar blocks to browse shops or catch a plaza pop-up. Event details shift by season, so scan the Belmar directory for the latest.
Brunch and daytime bites
Belmar’s sit-down spots make brunch easy, from casual cafes to familiar names. If you like a comfort-food anchor, Ted’s Montana Grill operates in the area. For a novelty outing later in the day, Casa Bonita on Colfax is a well-known, entertainment-forward pick.
Quick tip: Keep meals flexible around trail plans. Early brunch leaves time for a half-day hike on Green Mountain or a shoreline afternoon at Bear Creek Lake Park.
Outdoors close to home
Green Mountain at William F. Hayden Park is Lakewood’s signature open space with multi-use trails and a 6,800-foot summit that rewards you with city and mountain views. Bring layers and water, and review posted advisories before you go. The city’s page includes trail maps and safety notes, including wildlife cautions and historical munitions information; start with the William F. Hayden Park page.
For water and wide-open scenery, Bear Creek Lake Park offers swim beaches in season, nonmotorized boating, trails, camping, and picnic shelters. Fees and permits can apply, and lifeguarded swimming and some rentals are seasonal, so always confirm current details on the Bear Creek Lake Park site.
Have kids or geology fans in the mix? Dinosaur Ridge near the Red Rocks corridor is a short, educational stop with visible fossil tracks and guided tours on select days. See programs and hours on the Dinosaur Ridge site.
Arts, culture, and events
If you want a show or gallery time, the Lakewood Cultural Center hosts theater, concerts, and rotating exhibits. Browse upcoming performances and ticketing on the Lakewood Cultural Center calendar.
For festivals and local history, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park offers historic buildings, an amphitheater, and community events like the Rockin’ Block Party and Cider Days. Check dates and family programming on the Heritage Lakewood page.
Brewery nights and relaxed evenings
Lakewood’s brewery scene skews easygoing, with patios, food trucks, and the occasional trivia or music night. Green Mountain Beer Company is a local favorite for low-key evenings and rotating food-truck lineups; see current happenings on the Green Mountain Beer Company site. Great Frontier Brewing Company is another long-running neighborhood taproom to keep on your list.
Pro tip: If you’re staying near Belmar, keep your evening to a short drive and designate a driver. Event nights can fill parking, so arrive a bit early.
Getting around, parking, and planning
- Transit: RTD’s W Line serves multiple Lakewood stops and connects to central Denver and Golden. For stations and frequency notes, refer to the W Line overview.
- Parking: Belmar offers garages, surface lots, and on-street options. For garage locations and event-day guidance, check the Belmar directory before you go.
- Seasonality: Bear Creek Lake Park’s swim beach and boat rentals operate seasonally, and fees or permits may apply. Check the park’s site for current status.
- Safety and prep: Green Mountain is year-round, but weather changes fast near the foothills. Wear layers, carry water, and review safety advisories on the William F. Hayden Park page before hiking.
Mini itineraries for every style
Active outdoors day
- Coffee at Onto Coffee in Belmar, then a quick loop around the plaza.
- Head to Green Mountain for a summit trail or ridge hike; pack water and layers and review posted advisories.
- Unwind with a lakeside picnic at a nearby park or keep it casual at a local taproom like Green Mountain Beer Company.
Culture and food day
- Brunch and people-watching in Belmar; scan the Belmar directory for any plaza pop-ups.
- Catch a matinee or exhibit at the Lakewood Cultural Center or visit Heritage Lakewood.
- Cap the evening with a relaxed dinner around Belmar.
Family-friendly weekend
- Late morning brunch in or near Belmar, then head to Heritage Lakewood for hands-on history and seasonal events.
- Afternoon at Dinosaur Ridge for fossil tracks and short guided tours.
- Early dinner back in Belmar so bedtime stays easy.
Neighborhood snapshots
Belmar / Downtown Lakewood
Lakewood’s most walkable pocket centers on Belmar’s shops, restaurants, and plaza events. You’ll find condos and apartments near errands and dining, plus quick access to RTD’s W Line. The Belmar directory lists retailers and happenings so you can picture an average week.
Green Mountain / Bear Creek areas
These foothill-adjacent neighborhoods draw hikers and riders who want fast access to Green Mountain and Bear Creek Lake Park. Expect trailheads nearby and wide views on clear days. Weekend plans often start at a local cafe and end with a sunset loop on the ridge.
Kendrick Lake / Creighton
Quieter residential pockets sit just east of Belmar with parks like Kendrick Lake Park, known for its reservoir and paved loop. You’re close to Belmar’s dining and events yet a short drive from Green Mountain and Bear Creek Lake Park. It is a practical home base if you want both errands and outdoor time.
Is Lakewood a good fit for you?
If you like the idea of coffee in a walkable plaza, a quick hop to trailheads, and easy light-rail access to Denver, Lakewood is worth a closer look. As you explore neighborhoods, compare how you want to spend your weekends with where you live day to day. When you are ready to turn weekend scouting into a focused home search, reach out to Johnny Lee for local guidance, clear financing insight, and a smart plan tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Where to park in Belmar on weekends?
- Use Belmar’s garages, surface lots, and on-street options, and check the Belmar directory for event-day guidance before you go.
Can you swim or boat at Bear Creek Lake Park?
- Yes in season for the swim beach and nonmotorized boating, and some rentals may be available; confirm current schedules, fees, and permits on the park’s site.
How do you reach Denver without a car from Lakewood?
- Take RTD’s W Line, which connects multiple Lakewood stations to downtown Denver and Golden; see stations and service facts on the W Line overview.
What should you know before hiking Green Mountain?
- Carry water, wear layers, and review the city’s safety advisories for wildlife and historical munitions on the William F. Hayden Park page.
What’s the main walkable area in Lakewood?
- Belmar serves as the city’s downtown with a plaza, shops, restaurants, and an event calendar; see tenants and updates on the Belmar directory.
