Things to Do in Lakewood
Denver's western gateway — Bear Creek Lake, Casa Bonita, and light rail to downtown
Dining & Nightlife
- Breweries & Taprooms
- 5+ (Joyrides Brewing, Cider Boy, Horse & Dragon taproom)
- Farmers Market
- Belmar Farmers Market (summer Sundays)
Notable Restaurants
- Casa Bonita (iconic, cliff divers, sopapillas — reopened by South Park creators)
- 240 Union (upscale New American in a historic building)
- WaterCourse Foods (vegetarian/vegan institution)
- Belmar district restaurants and cafes
Arts & Entertainment
- Community Center
- Lakewood Cultural Center — theater, concerts, gallery, education programs
Annual Events
- Cider Days (fall harvest festival at Belmar Park)
- Summer Concerts at Belmar
- Bear Creek Lake Park events
Parks & Outdoors
- Bear Creek Lake Park — 2,624 acres, lake, swim beach, camping, 10+ miles trails, mountain biking
- Green Mountain — 2,400 ft summit, 6+ miles trails, panoramic Front Range views
- William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain — multi-use trail network
- Belmar Park — 132 acres, fishing lake, walking trails, adjacent to Belmar shopping
- Bear Creek Greenbelt — connecting trail system through south Lakewood
Pet-Friendly Living
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Forsberg Dog Park, Crown Hill Park, Bear Creek Lake Park — multiple off-leash areas throughout the city
- Pet-Friendly Trails
- Bear Creek Greenbelt, Green Mountain trails, Belmar Park trails — most parks allow leashed dogs
- Vet Clinics
- Lakewood Veterinary Hospital, Foothills Animal Hospital, Fox Hollow Animal Hospital, Front Range Veterinary Clinic
- Pet Stores
- Pets n' Stuff (local, 50+ food brands), Doggie Style Dog Bakery, Cosmo's Dog Bakery, PetSmart, Petco
- Dog-Friendly Patios
- Belmar district restaurants and breweries welcome dogs on patios
FAQ — Lakewood
What outdoor recreation is available in Lakewood?
Bear Creek Lake Park is Lakewood’s centerpiece — 2,624 acres with a lake, swim beach, camping, and 10+ miles of trails including mountain biking. Green Mountain rises to a 2,400-foot summit with 6+ miles of trails and panoramic Front Range views. Belmar Park adds 132 acres with a fishing lake and walking trails. The Bear Creek Greenbelt provides a connecting trail system through south Lakewood.
What is the cost of living in Lakewood?
Lakewood’s cost of living is below Denver but above the national average, making housing competitive for the west-side metro. The combined sales tax rate is 7.5%. Residential properties are assessed at 6.25–7.05% under Jefferson County rates. Median household income is $89,792.
What dining options are available in Lakewood?
Lakewood offers a diverse dining scene anchored by several notable spots: • Casa Bonita — iconic cliff-diver restaurant reopened by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone • 240 Union — upscale New American dining in a historic building • WaterCourse Foods — longstanding vegetarian and vegan institution • Belmar district — concentration of restaurants and cafes in a walkable urban village The city has 5+ breweries including Joyrides Brewing and Cider Boy. The Belmar Farmers Market runs on summer Sundays.