Things To Do
in Littleton

Littleton, United States is a historic town on Denver's southern fringe known for its charming downtown, scenic Front Range views, and family-friendly vibe. The Main Street district features 1860s storefronts, local boutiques, and cozy cafes along a walkable corridor. With the South Platte River nearby and easy access to parks, trails, and cultural attractions, Littleton makes a convenient base for exploring the Denver metro area.

Year-round, visitors enjoy outdoor recreation, local art, and community events in a small-town setting just a short drive from downtown Denver.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can savor freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Afterward, explore the charming streets of Littleton's historic downtown area, admiring the well-preserved architecture and unique shops. Don't forget to stop by the Littleton Museum to learn about the town's rich history through interactive exhibits.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, enjoy a delightful lunch at a local eatery, sampling the regional cuisine and perhaps trying a famous Colorado green chili. Post-lunch, take a stroll around the scenic Littleton Common, where you can relax in the park and enjoy views of the nearby foothills. Alternatively, visit the nearby Hudson Gardens to explore the beautiful landscape and vibrant floral displays.

evening
:

As dusk settles, head to a local brewery for a tasting of craft beers, where you can mingle with locals and enjoy the lively atmosphere. For dinner, choose a cozy restaurant that offers farm-to-table dining, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. End your evening with a scenic walk along the South Platte River, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a popular local diner, fueling up for a day of outdoor adventure. After breakfast, venture out to the nearby Chatfield State Park, where you can hike along the trails, surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including birds and deer, as you immerse yourself in nature.

afternoon
:

For lunch, pack a picnic and find a serene spot by the water at Chatfield State Park, enjoying the fresh air while you relax. Afterward, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the reservoir, embracing the thrill of being on the water. Alternatively, take a leisurely bike ride along the park's scenic paths, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Littleton and enjoy a casual dinner at a family-friendly restaurant that serves delicious burgers and artisanal pizzas. After dinner, consider visiting the Littleton Town Hall Arts Center for a live performance, showcasing local talent in theater and music. Wrap up the evening with a stroll through the historic district, where the charm of Littleton shines brightly under the evening lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🛍️Groceries (weekly)$60-100
🚗Gasoline (per gallon)$3-4
🚎Public transit fare (one-way)$2.50-3.50
🎬Movie ticket$12-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Gateway to the Denver metro with a small-town vibe
  • Strong dining scene and easy access to outdoor recreation
  • Walkable downtown with historic charm
  • Good base for day trips to mountains and parks
  • Smaller nightlife scene compared to Denver proper
  • Evening traffic can be congested around peak hours
  • Some attractions require short drives to the foothills
  • Limited high-rise hotel options within town center

Places to Visit in Littleton

Visit one of these nice places.

Downtown Littleton Main Street

Historic storefronts, brickwork, and seasonal decorations provide classic small-town photography opportunities, especially during golden hour.

Hudson Gardens

Colorful plantings, water features, and sculptural elements set against the foothills create varied, painterly compositions.

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Canyons, red rock cliffs, and bottle-green pines offer dramatic landscape photography, especially in late afternoon light.

Roxborough State Park

Iconic sandstone formations and sweeping vistas provide bold, striking frames for noon to sunset shoots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Littleton

Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle informs a hearty, farm-to-table-inspired dining scene. Expect American classics, craft beverages, and comfort foods with seasonal twists, all with a Western heritage touch.

Littleton Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Colorado Green Chile Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger smothered in green chile sauce, a regional staple often featuring Hatch-style peppers. Look for it on menus across Downtown Littleton.

Must-Try!

Bison Burger

Lean bison meat served with regional toppings for a naturally flavorful, slightly sweeter alternative to beef.

Elk Medallions

Tender elk cuts prepared with a savory sauce, highlighting Colorado’s traditional game cuisine.

Smoked Salmon and Wild Rice Bowl

A lighter option influenced by mountain lodge dining, featuring local fish and seasonally harvested grains.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Littleton Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farms.

Downtown Food Trucks Nights

Occasional evenings when food trucks gather along Main Street, showcasing diverse street-food options.

Climate Guide

Weather

Littleton sits at about 5,500 feet above sea level, enjoying a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and sunny with low humidity, while winters bring cold temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall. Spring and fall are mild with variable weather; afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, and winter storms can affect travel. Pack layers and monitor forecasts for storm activity and altitude-related weather changes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Trail Etiquette

Yield to horses and pedestrians on shared paths; keep noise to a minimum and respect wildlife habitats. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

Community Courtesies

Friendly, straightforward communication is typical; tipping, greetings, and courtesy are valued in social and dining settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Littleton is generally safe for visitors with typical urban-and-suburban precautions. Stay aware of personal belongings in crowded areas, drive cautiously in winter conditions, and follow posted park rules on trails. Elevation can cause dehydration or mild altitude effects for some visitors, so stay hydrated and pace high-energy activities. In case of emergencies, dial 911 or contact local authorities.

Tipping in Littleton

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In the United States, a 15-20% tip is customary at restaurants for good service. Tips are appreciated for cafe and bar service as well.

Payment Methods

Most places accept credit/debit cards and contactless payments; cash is widely accepted. Some small venues may require card payments for larger purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with abundant sunshine; afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.

Winter

Cold temperatures with potential snowfall; layers and insulated footwear recommended. Road conditions can vary, so check forecasts before drives.

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming flora; possibility of rain showers. Comfortable layers and a light waterproof jacket are handy.

Fall

Crisp air and vibrant autumn colors; great for outdoor adventures and photography. Nights begin to cool quickly; bring a warm layer.

Nightlife Guide

Littleton at Night

Littleton’s nightlife is relaxed and family-friendly, centered on breweries, casual pubs, and live music venues in the downtown area. For a broader scene, the neighboring Denver region offers larger venues, diverse clubs, and seasonal events, all accessible via car or light rail. Expect a laid-back vibe with opportunities to enjoy local craft beers, wine bars, and occasional live performances.

Hiking in Littleton

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Waterton Canyon Trail

Scenic canyon trail along the South Platte with waterfalls and wildlife; moderate difficulty.

Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails

Red rock walls, seasonal wildflowers, and panoramic canyon views; ideal for day hikes.

Roxborough State Park Trails

Iconic sandstone formations and sweeping vistas; popular for photography and longer treks.

Mount Falcon East Trail

Forested hills with views of the Front Range and historic ruins, suitable for a moderate hike.

Airports

How to reach Littleton by plane.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Major international hub about 25-40 miles northeast; accessible via I-70 and E-470 with typically short to moderate drive times depending on traffic.

Centennial Airport (APA)

Public and private aviation facility located in Centennial; convenient for private flights and regional access.

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC)

General aviation airport near Boulder; useful for private aviation and short regional flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Downtown Littleton is highly walkable with a compact historic core and plentiful pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Residential areas are more spread out and typically car-dependent, but the river trails and parks provide pleasant, shorter walks nearby.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with children, attracted by good schools and parks.

Young Professionals

A growing cohort of commuters and professionals who blend suburban living with easy access to Denver.

Retirees

Active senior residents who enjoy outdoor recreation and community events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The Front Range area hosts many nearby resorts; locals take advantage of winter sports during the season.

Mountain Biking and Hiking

Popular year-round, with extensive trails along the foothills and in nearby state parks.

Transportation

Traffic

Denver metro traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours. RTD Light Rail and park-and-ride options offer alternatives for avoiding congestion. Winter storms can impact road conditions, so check travel advisories and allow extra time for mountain-area trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Littleton.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Littleton eateries offer vegetarian-friendly dishes; look for veggie bowls, salads, and plant-based entrees, and don’t hesitate to ask about meat-free options or customization.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is readily accessible in the Denver metro area. Littleton Adventist Hospital serves the local community, with additional clinics and major hospitals (UCHealth and Centura Health network) within a short drive for more specialized care.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide