Colorado is filled with implausible cities to visit. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover lots to maintain you entertained throughout the state. Nevertheless, Denver positively takes the cake. Because the capital of Colorado, Denver has the most effective sights and actions for each kind of trip. If you’re in search of issues to do in Denver, hold studying, as a result of this journey information shares the most effective museums and actions from downtown Denver to the Rocky Mountains.
Prime Issues to Do in Denver
If you’re flying into Denver, book an airport transfer to downtown Denver to take the effort out of arrivals. One of the simplest ways to get round Colorado to see locations like Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is to lease a automotive. You possibly can compare car rental prices right here.
Denver sights are plentiful, so we’ve compiled an entire information that will help you choose the most effective issues to do in Denver. Denver’s enormous persona makes it stand shoulders. (actually) above Colorado’s other cities. Situated precisely 5280 toes above sea degree, the Mile Excessive Metropolis lives as much as the hype. You possibly can stroll previous swanky boutique shops in Downtown Denver, e book a tasting session at one of many metropolis’s craft breweries, or discover a number of the Denver museums. Plus, if you wish to escape to nature in some unspecified time in the future, the Rocky Mountains are simply an hour and a half’s drive away.
1. Colorado State Capitol
The State Capitol is the middle of Colorado’s political historical past and energy. Situated on the high of Capitol Hill, the Colorado State Capitol can be stunning to have a look at. The structure is designed to imitate the State Capitol in Washington DC, and the constructing is lower from eye-catching white granite.
As a elaborate end, a gold dome was added to the constructing in 1908 to commemorate the gold rush. Apparently, the State Capitol steps are additionally engraved with Denver’s elevation – (One Mile Above Sea Degree) creating the nickname ‘mile-high metropolis’ because the thirteenth step is a mile above sea degree.
Guests can picnic exterior and admire the constructing’s exterior or you possibly can head inside for a guided tour. Check the website for details.
2. sixteenth Road Mall – Denver’s Vibrant Heartbeat
Situated within the coronary heart of downtown Denver, the sixteenth Road Mall is a 1.2-mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with a myriad of outlets, eating places, and leisure venues. Designed by famend architect I.M. Pei, the mall’s distinctive granite pathway, paying homage to a diamondback rattlesnake sample, beckons guests to walk and benefit from the metropolis’s power.
One of many standout options of the sixteenth Road Mall is the free shuttle bus, which traverses the size of the mall, making it simple for guests to hop on and off to do some purchasing and eating. See details here.
Because the solar units, the mall comes alive with road performers showcasing Denver’s vibrant arts scene, from musicians and magicians to painters and poets.
With its shut proximity to Denver’s key sights just like the Denver Artwork Museum, Coors Subject, and the historic LoDo (Decrease Downtown) district, the sixteenth Road Mall serves as an ideal beginning or ending level for any Denver journey. Whether or not you’re seeking to bask in some retail remedy, savor native delicacies, or just soak within the metropolis’s ambiance, the sixteenth Road Mall is a must-visit when in Denver, Colorado.
3. Stroll round Larimer Sq.
From sixteenth Road Mall, Larimer Sq. is straightforward to get to. The sq. district has a great deal of historical past and is a superb place to take a strolling tour or snap some cool images. In recent times, the district has been revamped with unbiased indie retailers, bars, and eating places.
Whether or not you need to buy groceries and eating or buy some Denver souvenirs, Larimer Sq. has a implausible ambiance. When you get pleasure from metropolis walks, this district is the right place to spend an hour or two. Or book this food tour of downtown Denver that allows you to pattern meals from 5 of the town’s finest eating places.
Larimar Sq. is linked to Downtown Denver by Larimer Road, which is lined with bars and eating places. We advise strolling again to downtown through Larimer Road.
4. Craft Beer and Road Artwork Excursions
Denver is sometimes called the “Napa Valley of Beer.” With over 150 breweries within the metropolitan space, the town boasts one of many largest concentrations of craft breweries in the USA. A craft beer tour won’t solely let you pattern a various array of brews but additionally present insights into the brewing course of, the evolution of Denver’s beer scene, and the fervour and creativity behind every pint.
Combining a beer tour with a street art tour is an effective way to immerse in Denver tradition. As you stroll from one venue to a different, you possibly can savor the flavors of Denver’s craft beers whereas soaking within the visuals of its city masterpieces. This pairing captures the essence of the town’s progressive and inventive spirit.
The town’s road artwork, notably in neighborhoods like RiNo (River North Artwork District), are adorned with hanging murals and graffiti that remodel city partitions into canvases. This Tour combines the two perfectly.
5. Spend time alongside the South Platte River
If you’re in search of some outside actions in Denver, spend a day on the river. Whether or not you want swimming or kayaking, the South Platte River makes a fantastic exercise vacation spot in Denver.
The part of the South Platte River Path follows the river and is surrounded by lush greenery and riverside wildlife. If fishing sounds good, Overland Pond Park is a well-liked fishing spot that you may attain on the path. The trail crosses over a bit of footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you possibly can calm down and forged away.
Additional up the river, Denver Outside Journey Firm rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You possibly can at all times lease the water gear from them for those who don’t have any. This manner, you possibly can discover the river from the water fairly than stroll the path.
6. Take an Ebiking Tour
Biking across the river is a well-liked outside exercise, and one in all our favourite methods to get across the metropolis is to take a biking tour. However as an alternative of working too onerous, book this E-bike tour to see the town’s highlights. Benefit from the pure great thing about Denver with a pedal-assisted bike by means of Denver’s main sights and hidden gems. It is a nice tour for the entire household and you’ll even e book particular children rides.
7. Crimson Rocks Amphitheatre
Crimson Rocks Amphitheater is extra than simply an iconic outside live performance venue—it’s a fusion of nature and tradition that leaves guests in awe. Well-known for its outstanding pure acoustics set in opposition to a backdrop of purple rock formations, Crimson Rocks has hosted legendary live shows. However music is only the start.
Through the summer time, the venue transforms for “Movie on the Rocks”, an occasion that mixes reside music with the screening of a preferred film and the amphitheater grounds often change into a large outside yoga studio, drawing fans for “Yoga on the Rocks”. For up to date performances and occasions visit their website.
Past the stage, the 738-acre Crimson Rocks Park has mountain climbing and biking trails, and for these within the historical past of this storied place, the Crimson Rocks Customer Heart is house to the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame, a Performers’ Corridor of Fame gallery, and a charming movie that delves into the geological and musical historical past of Crimson Rocks.
Situated simply 20 minutes from the town, it’s a must-see when visiting Denver.
8. Watch a present on the Denver Performing Arts Advanced
The Denver Performing Arts Advanced is a sight to behold and is unfold over twelve acres with ten completely different efficiency areas. The constructing has an overarching glass-domed roof, making a dramatic ambiance and giving night guests a shocking view of the night time sky.
Love an excellent present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Advanced is the most effective place to look at a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or Broadway. The advanced is break up into completely different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera Home, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Live performance Corridor.
You should buy last-minute tickets to performances as effectively however we’d suggest that you simply e book prematurely for those who actually need to attend a efficiency. Check out what’s coming up at their website
9. Watch a baseball sport at Coors Subject
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Denver for sports activities followers is to look at a baseball sport at Coors Subject. Coors Subject is the house floor of the main league baseball crew, The Colorado Rockies.
Most video games final for simply over three hours – supplying you with loads of likelihood to seize a beer, calm down, and benefit from the expertise. Be ready for passionate followers and a fiercely aggressive ambiance.
Admission tickets promote out quick prematurely, so e book forward to keep away from disappointment. You’re in any case watching America’s favourite pastime. When you miss out on watching a sport, it’s best to no less than take a stadium tour. The grounds are spectacular to stroll round, and also you’ll get a behind-the-scenes have a look at the motion.
10. Discover the Colorado Sports activities Corridor of Fame Museum
No go to to the Mile Excessive Metropolis can be full with out visiting Mile Excessive Stadium. The Sports activities Corridor of Fame Museum is in Mile Excessive Stadium which can be the house floor of the Denver Broncos.
These on a funds can even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there is no such thing as a breaking your funds to expertise the Corridor of Fame. The museum pays respects to all the best sportsmen and ladies in Colorado’s historical past, with everlasting and momentary displays to absorb. From baseball star Bob Gebhard to swimmer Erin Popovich, you’ll understand simply what number of US sporting elites Colorado has had over time.
11. Empower Subject at Mile Excessive Tour
A go to to the Sports activities Corridor Museum is finest mixed with a tour of the Mile Excessive Stadium. You possibly can book the tour online prematurely, though there could also be some last-minute spots accessible on the day.
Soccer followers will love attending a Broncos sport at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive. Even for those who aren’t an NFL fan, you’ll have a thrill watching American Soccer at this beautiful stadium. The large stadium has views of the Rocky Mountains and passionate followers, so book some tickets in advance and be a part of the enjoyable!
12. See what’s on on the Pepsi Heart
The Pepsi Heart is an esteemed sporting and music occasion venue in Denver. You may be watching the Nationwide Lacrosse League ultimate one night time and a rock live performance the subsequent. The middle affords a various and thrilling leisure schedule.
Test what occasions coincide together with your Denver journey forward of time, as most admission tickets promote out rapidly after being launched. Nonetheless, it’s price checking for last-minute availabilities for those who’ve unintentionally left it late.
The Pepsi Heart is comparatively central and straightforward to entry from downtown and Central Denver. It is usually located proper subsequent to Elitch Gardens, which is an efficient attraction mixture. If you wish to make your journey to Denver much more memorable, we advise positively incorporating a Pepsi Heart occasion into your itinerary.
Different leisure venues in Denver embody the Denver Heart for Performing Arts, The Bluebird Theatre which is a reside music venue in Denver, and the Colorado Conference Heart for occasions.
13. Spend a day at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Who doesn’t love an excellent amusement park? Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the USA and is a superb day trip.
The perfect amusement park in Colorado and has been operating for over 130 years. The park encompasses a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – excellent in summer time once you need to cool off after queueing for the massive rides.
Within the adjoining waterpark, you’ll discover water slides galore. Whether or not you desire a freefall thrill slide or a family-friendly lazy river, there are many journey decisions.
14. Go to the Molly Brown Home Museum
Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown is a implausible determine in historical past. Molly famously survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 and was a tireless activist within the aftermath of the catastrophe. Molly helped row the lifeboat to security by means of the night time and, on her arrival within the US, elevating cash to assist assist struggling survivors.
See her story by means of shows of artifacts, images, and paperwork. There are additionally a number of unique interviews that you may learn. An inspiring and emotional expertise, the Molly Brown Home Museum is among the most memorable issues to do in Denver. An enchanting humanitarian with an enormous story, Molly is one in all Denver’s most attention-grabbing historic figures.
15. Unwind in Metropolis Park
Denver Metropolis Park is 330 acres in dimension and deserves no less than half a day in your itinerary. You’ll discover public tennis courts, operating tracks, duck ponds, and a ship home. If you need the prospect to cherish some inner-city inexperienced house, Metropolis Park is a superb place to start out. It’s the excellent place to sunbathe with a e book, get some train in, and simply calm down in nature.
The perfect half about Metropolis Park is that it’s situated simply east of Downtown Denver. The proximity to the Downtown space means that you may simply squeeze in a go to, and it suits in effectively with visiting different well-liked sights. Denver Zoo can be situated in Metropolis Park and is straightforward to entry on foot or by public transport.
16. Wander by means of Denver Botanic Gardens
Fancy an expertise in nature however a bit nearer to Denver’s heart? Denver Botanic Gardens is among the finest issues to do in Denver to stand up near nature. At twenty-four acres in dimension, you’ll want no less than half a day to go to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
There’s a combine of outside and indoor areas, with a conservatory, pure meadow, and specialised areas like a conventional Japanese backyard. The Botanic Gardens additionally runs seasonal occasions just like the Lavender Pageant and music live shows in summer time. It’s price checking the Botanic Gardens occasion schedule to see if any particular shows coincide together with your go to to Denver.
17. Go to the Denver Artwork Museum
Denver Artwork Museum is a must-visit for any artwork lover. The museum was established in 1893 and boasts an enormous assortment. You may see artwork displays from the traditional Americas or the most recent, most trending up to date artwork. Denver’s Artwork Museum is aware of when to maneuver with the occasions and when to protect historic items.
The Artwork Museum may be visited when you are on the Colorado State Capitol as each are situated within the Civic Heart. Nevertheless, enable no less than two hours to go to the museum as it’s unfold throughout a number of buildings and flooring.
18. Colorado Historical past on the Historical past Colorado Heart
Historical past Colorado, beforehand referred to as the Colorado Historic Society, was established in 1879. It’s a museum devoted to the historical past and heritage of the state of Colorado. It’s an initiative of Historical past Colorado, which is the state’s historic society and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Establishment.
The museum options a wide range of displays that inform the story of Colorado’s historical past, from its historic Native American inhabitants to its more moderen previous. The displays are designed to be partaking and interactive, utilizing a mixture of artifacts, multimedia shows, and hands-on actions. Matters coated embody the state’s mining historical past, its function within the Outdated West, the impression of railroads, and extra.
Situated in downtown Denver, making it simply accessible for each locals and vacationers. Its central location additionally means it’s near different cultural sights within the metropolis.
19. Calm down on the Denver Public Library
Talking of instructional issues to do in Denver, the Denver Public Library is a superb rainy-day exercise. The library is situated in Downtown Denver, so it’s simply accessed on foot from most different sights.
The library has over two million gadgets in its assortment, together with an impressively expansive part on Western Historical past and Family tree. You possibly can browse the cabinets and curl up with a e book on the cozy seating..You possibly can verify the official web site to see if the occasion schedule has something that sparks your curiosity.
As a high tip, the Denver Public Library has a library card that offers you free entry to plenty of Denver’s museums. If you’re staying in Denver for some time, it’s possible you’ll want to join a library card with the intention to borrow books and entry free sights. Museums included are: The Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Firefighters Museum, Wings Over the Rockies and extra.
20. Go to the Wings and Over The Rockies Air and House Museum
Budding astronauts or house fans, pay attention up. The museum is constructed on the previous Lowry Air Drive Base, which served the USA till 1994. The previous base serves a brand new objective, educating guests on US house historical past, plane, and the astronaut life-style.
Guests can view actual plane up shut, enter the digital actuality lounge for a simulator expertise, and soak up implausible everlasting and momentary exhibitions. The museum has an excellent stability of kinetic, auditory, and visible studying alternatives – which retains each customer engaged, irrespective of their studying choice.
21. Clyfford Nonetheless Museum – A Deep Dive into Summary Expressionism in Denver
The Clyfford Nonetheless Museum is one other attention-grabbing museum to go to in Denver showcasing the legacy of one of many twentieth century’s most vital artists Clyfford Nonetheless. Clyfford Nonetheless was a pioneering determine within the Summary Expressionist motion identified for his large-scale, highly effective work which are characterised by huge fields of colour and jagged types. The museum is a singular establishment because it homes an astounding 95% of Nonetheless’s lifetime output, making it an unparalleled useful resource for understanding the breadth and evolution of his work.
Opened in 2011, the museum’s structure, designed by Brad Cloepfil, enhances the artwork inside. The museum is situated within the coronary heart of Denver’s Cultural District.
22. Discover Washington Park
Among the best issues to do in Denver is to calm down in one of many metropolis’s parks, and Washington Park is the most effective of the most effective.
Guests can get pleasure from a powerful vary of leisure services. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblading, the park has plenty of outside actions to maintain you entertained totally free. The park is over 165 acres in dimension so you possibly can simply spend a day right here.
23. Go to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature Science explores the whole lot associated to nature and science, together with well being sciences and outer house. For a thought-provoking and academic day trip, the museum is among the finest issues to do in Denver with children.
The Denver Museum of Nature Science has a mix of momentary and everlasting exhibitions – you would end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which Egyptian mummies the subsequent. Highlights embody the Egyptian Mummies, Expedition Well being, and Prehistoric Life exhibitions. Watching a movie on the Imax or visiting the Planetarium can be a spotlight of any museum journey and an effective way to visualise the data you’ve discovered.
24. Go to the Denver Firefighters Museum
If you need one of the vital uncommon instructional issues to do in Denver, This museum is one to your itinerary. Denver Firefighters Museum is enthusiastic about documenting and celebrating Denver’s firefighting historical past and selling fireplace security. You’ll discover pictures, artifacts, and vital historic paperwork on show throughout the museum. The museum can be located within the previous Denver firehouse, which was inbuilt 1909.
24. Go to Stanley Market
Stanley Market really began up as a beer corridor enterprise. Nevertheless, years later, it has change into a lot, way more. You’ll discover over fifty distributors underneath the coated market – promoting the whole lot from food and drinks to handicraft merchandise. The market even runs occasions like film nights and yoga periods.
Gone are the goals of a beer corridor; Stanley Market is a thriving neighborhood spot. To embrace Denver and its neighborhood, Stanley Market is a superb place to start out. When you love an excellent market, visiting Stanley Market is among the finest issues to do in Denver. It was voted Denver Metro’s Finest Meals Corridor.
25. Play a spherical of Digital Golf
Indoor Golf Bars have taken over Denver and South Broadway is Denver’s first indoor golf course and the indoor golf scene continues to develop in Denver. Certain, you would enterprise out to Predator Ridge, one of many metropolis’s different commonplace golf programs – however the place is the enjoyable in that? South Broadway is a enjoyable, novel method to get pleasure from some golf whereas on vacation in Denver.
The membership makes use of Trackman simulator expertise to emulate an actual sport. Plus, you possibly can play just about on programs worldwide, together with St Andrews. Whilst you play, you possibly can seize a cocktail or beer from the bar.
26. Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Following the success of their set up in Santa Fe, Meow Wolf expanded to different places together with the “Convergence Station” in Denver.
“Convergence Station” is analogous in spirit to Meow Wolf’s earlier works however is exclusive in its design, story, and interactivity. With out giving an excessive amount of away, guests to “Convergence Station” can anticipate a multisensory expertise as they discover varied rooms and environments, every with its personal narrative and inventive model. The expertise is designed to be immersive, permitting guests to the touch, transfer, and work together with most of the displays.
When you’re planning a go to or simply curious, it’s price noting that Meow Wolf installations are likely to evolve and alter over time, with new rooms, tales, and interactive components being added or modified. This retains the expertise contemporary for repeat guests and ensures that there’s at all times one thing new to find.
27. Households Will Love the Kids’s Museum
The Denver Kids’s Museum is designed to teach and encourage little minds with the catchphrase ‘kid-powered studying’. No adults are allowed within the Kids’s Museum until accompanied by a toddler (and vice versa). The ambiance is designed to be wholly kid-friendly and prioritizes peer social occasions and fascinating instructional alternatives.
You’ll discover an artwork studio, journey forest, fireplace station, and plenty of extra displays inside. The kids’s museum affords small world, discovery, outside, and inventive displays to satisfy all of the visiting youngsters’s instructional wants.
28. Take a day journey to the Rocky Mountains
A visit to Colorado wouldn’t be full with no day journey to the Rocky Mountains. The Rockies are simply an hour and a half drive from Denver, and also you’ll have views of the distant mountain vary from most areas of the town.
Except for filling your lungs with scrumptious Rockies air, there are a great deal of issues to do within the mountains. The Rockies are identified for his or her hiking trails and lookout factors. When you love a problem, Lookout Mountain is a superb peak to scale and is lesser-known, so a quieter hike. You’re rewarded with expansive views over the Nationwide Park on the summit, and, hopefully, it’s best to have the summit to your self.
This day tour from Denver takes you from the streets of Mile Excessive Metropolis to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. You’ll get pleasure from a day in historic cities, alpine passes and trying to find wildlife.
29. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Reality be informed, the best hikes in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park are most likely all of them. That’s as a result of it doesn’t matter what a part of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park you journey, you’re handled to 360 levels price of beautiful views. When you’ve obtained a specific affinity for sure nature hike options like waterfalls or wildlife recognizing then maybe you’ll recognize some hikes greater than others.
Nevertheless, for those who love all that the nice open air can provide then Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park trails delivers in spades. Whether or not it’s the famed Twin Sisters close to Estes Park or pleasant Bear Lake, you possibly can take it as simple as you need or head up into the tundra area for an actual journey.
Climbing fans ought to allocate no less than two days to expertise the Nationwide Park’s mountain climbing trails. Whereas there are many hiking trails in Colorado, the Rockies actually take the win for outside actions and scenic mountain climbing.
30. Tour the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The best paved street in North America is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, often known as the Mount Evans Freeway. This street climbs Mount Evans within the Rocky Mountains and reaches an elevation of 14,130 toes (4,307 meters) above sea degree at its summit.
The route begins at Idaho Springs and covers twenty-eight miles to achieve Mount Evan within the Rockies. You’ll move alpine meadows and lakes akin to Echo Lake Park. Preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats, as you’ll be reducing by means of a few of Colorado’s most well-populated animal territories.
You should buy a scenic byway tour or drive the route your self. When you can, we’d suggest renting a car so that you may select your individual stops. Crimson Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Backyard, and Buffalo Invoice’s Grave are the most effective stops. However, truthfully, you’ll be pulling over often to cease, recognize, and {photograph} views.
It’s price noting that attributable to its elevation and mountain location, the street may be topic to extreme climate situations and is usually solely open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Easy methods to get to Denver?
One of the simplest ways to get to Denver is to fly, as Denver Worldwide Airport is conveniently situated within the metropolis’s outer suburbs.
Whereas Denver Worldwide Airport runs flights worldwide, it additionally has home providers. You possibly can attain Denver from most main US cities, together with Los Angeles, Austin, and even Honolulu. Flying is probably the most handy method to get to Denver in case you are touring from overseas, out of state, and even simply from the opposite aspect of Colorado.
In fact, it’s possible you’ll want to street journey your method to Denver. On this case, we’d suggest stopping off in smaller cities like Canon Metropolis and cities like Grand Lake. You would even e book an in a single day cabin stay earlier than hitting the town life.
Getting round Denver
Getting round Denver is straightforward. As a vacationer, all the enjoyable issues to do in Denver are within the metropolis heart or Downtown, so you will get away with strolling all over the place if you wish to.
In any other case, you possibly can catch the sunshine rail or bus between suburbs. If you wish to splash out, there are at all times many taxis on standby, plus a number of horses and carriages for a very memorable transportation expertise.
Denver Union Station is the transport hub in Downtown. So, if you wish to catch transport into the middle, Union Station is the place it’s best to set your vacation spot.
The perfect time to go to Denver
Usually, the most effective time to go to Denver is in spring or fall. April, Could, September, and October are shoulder seasons, with fewer vacationers and respectable climate.
Colorado is legendary for its winter activities, however, sadly, everybody is aware of it. Winter in Denver is busy and dearer, as everybody rushes to get pleasure from what Denver affords. For a quiet break, plan a go to in spring or fall.
The place to remain in Denver
These are just some solutions. Make sure that to take a look at our full information on Where to Stay in Denver – Best Neighborhoods and Areas for a full breakdown of all the highest areas to base your self.
To Conclude
We hope you’ve an unbelievable keep in Denver, aka the mile-high metropolis. Voted as one of the vital habitable cities in the USA, Denver is full of issues to do and see. The Colorado capital will hold you entertained for days. Be it purchasing and eating downtown, or having fun with one of many many Denver sights, you’ll make sure to have a tremendous time exploring all the town has to supply.
