Brighton Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Brighton, Colorado? Our comprehensive travel guide provides all the information you need on places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs and culture, and much more.


Introduction to Brighton

Brighton, a charming city located in the Denver Area, is an ideal choice for travelers looking to experience a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. This beautiful city offers many attractions, ranging from museums and historical landmarks to scenic views and hiking trails. Brighton is worth visiting all seasons of the year, and with it easy access to Denver International Airport and other transportation options, you can get here easily. In this travel guide, you will find all the information you need for a wonderful trip to Brighton, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, local customs, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Brighton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park
  • Adams County Historical Society Museum
  • Brighton Armory Performing Arts Center
  • Brighton Heritage Museum
  • The Bromley Koizuma Hishinuma Farm
  • Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
  • Platte Valley Historical Society

Natural Attractions of Brighton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Barr Lake State Park
  • WaterWorld Colorado
  • Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
  • Sand Creek Regional Greenway Trail
  • Brighton Skate Park
  • Brighton Recreation Center
  • Brighton City Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brighton

  • The Brighton Trail System
  • Barr Lake State Park Trails
  • Sand Creek Greenway Trail
  • South Platte River Trail

Best Things to Do in Brighton: Activities and Tours

  • Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park
  • Brighton Armory Performing Arts Center
  • Brighton Farmer’s Market
  • Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
  • Brighton Recreation Center
  • Sand Creek Regional Greenway Trail
  • WaterWorld Colorado

Week-Long Itinerary for Brighton

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Adams County Historical Society Museum
Day 2 Hike at the Barr Lake State Park
Day 3 Explore Brighton’s art scene at Armory Performing Arts Center
Day 4 Visit Bromley Koizuma Hishinuma Farm
Day 5 Bike on Sand Creek Greenway Trail
Day 6 Relax at Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park
Day 7 Visit Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory

Food and Drink Scene of Brighton

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rocky Mountain Oysters at Todd Creek Smokehouse
  • Chicken Fried Steak at The Copper Rail Bar & Grill
  • Street Tacos at Taqueria El Rey II
  • Breakfast Burrito at The Garlic Knot

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer at Something Brewery
  • Peach Wine at River Garden Winery

Where to Stay in Brighton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hampton Inn Brighton
  • Best Western Brighton Inn
  • Quality Inn Brighton
  • Comfort Inn & Suites

What to Buy in Brighton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Colorado-themed t-shirts and caps
  • Locally made peach preserves
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of Brighton

Brighton has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors are expected to be respectful of the local customs and traditions. The city is proud of its Western heritage and visitors can explore various landmarks around the city that depict the native American Legacy and the pioneers ‘expeditions into the area. The locals are friendly and hardworking and will often greet visitors with a smile.

Best Time to Visit Brighton

Brighton is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to May and from September to November when the temperatures are mild, the crowds are thinner, and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak. Summers can be hot, and winters are often accompanied by snow and ice.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brighton

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Carry appropriate clothing depending on the season of visit
  • Use environmentally friendly means of transport
  • Taste all the local delicacies

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Leave valuables inside cars
  • Disrespect the culture and traditions of the locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Brighton

Brighton is a relatively safe city, with few reports of crime against tourists. However, visitors are advised to be cautious with their valuables and to keep them in secure places while visiting public areas. Also, if you plan on using public transport late in the night, it would be best to be in a group.

Health in Brighton

Before visiting Brighton, it is advisable to have medical insurance, which includes coverage for outdoor activities and emergency services. The medical centers and hospitals in Brighton are equipped to handle most health emergencies.

Getting to Brighton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Brighton

  • Denver International Airport (DEN)

Bus Stations Near Brighton

  • Greyhound Bus Lines

Other Options

  • Uber/Lyft rideshare service
  • Taxis

How to Get Around in Brighton

The best way to explore Brighton is by car, either rented or personal. Public transportation options are limited but include taxis and rideshare services. There are also bike paths, sidewalks, and walking trails that visitors can use to navigate the city.

Where to Go Next from Brighton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Denver, CO (less than 30-minute drive)
  • Boulder, CO (45-minute-drive)
  • Fort Collins, CO (1-hour drive)

Conclusion

Brighton is an excellent destination with many activities and attractions for travelers. Apart from being an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with numerous scenic views and hike/bike trails, it also has several historic landmarks and cultural interests, making it an ideal spot if you’re exploring the Denver area. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your Brighton trip like a pro and experience the best of the fascinating city.

Brighton sign Brighton sign