Colorado is stuffed with implausible cities to go to. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover a lot to hold you entertained throughout the state. However, Denver undoubtedly takes the cake. As the capital of Colorado, Denver has the most effective points of interest and actions for each sort of trip. If you’re searching for 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.
Top Things to Do in Denver
If you’re flying into Denver, e book an airport switch to downtown Denver to take the effort out of arrivals. The greatest means to get round Colorado to see locations like Rocky Mountain National Park is to lease a automobile. You can examine automobile rental costs right here.
Denver points of interest are plentiful, so we’ve compiled an entire information to assist you choose the most effective issues to do in Denver. Denver’s large persona makes it stand shoulders. (actually) above Colorado’s different cities. Located precisely 5280 toes above sea stage, the Mile High City lives up to the hype. You 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 few of the Denver museums. Plus, if you’d like to escape to nature sooner or later, 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. Located on the high of Capitol Hill, the Colorado State Capitol can also be stunning to have a look at. The structure is designed to mimic the State Capitol in Washington DC, and the constructing is reduce from eye-catching white granite.
As a elaborate end, a gold dome was added to the constructing in 1908 to commemorate the gold rush. Interestingly, the State Capitol steps are additionally engraved with Denver’s elevation – (One Mile Above Sea Level) creating the nickname ‘mile-high city’ because the thirteenth step is a mile above sea stage.
Visitors can picnic exterior and admire the constructing’s exterior or you possibly can head inside for a guided tour. Check the web site for particulars.
2. sixteenth Street Mall – Denver’s Vibrant Heartbeat
Located in the guts of downtown Denver, the sixteenth Street 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 stroll and benefit from the metropolis’s vitality.
One of the standout options of the sixteenth Street Mall is the free shuttle bus, which traverses the size of the mall, making it straightforward for guests to hop on and off to do some purchasing and eating. See particulars right here.
As the solar units, the mall comes alive with avenue performers showcasing Denver’s vibrant arts scene, from musicians and magicians to painters and poets.
With its shut proximity to Denver’s key points of interest just like the Denver Art Museum, Coors Field, and the historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) district, the sixteenth Street Mall serves as an ideal beginning or ending level for any Denver journey. Whether you’re trying to indulge in some retail remedy, savor native delicacies, or just soak in town’s environment, the sixteenth Street Mall is a must-visit when in Denver, Colorado.
3. Walk round Larimer Square
From sixteenth Street Mall, Larimer Square is straightforward to get to. The sq. district has a great deal of historical past and is a good place to take a strolling tour or snap some cool images. In latest years, the district has been revamped with unbiased indie outlets, bars, and eating places.
Whether you need to buy groceries and eating or buy some Denver souvenirs, Larimer Square has a implausible environment. If you take pleasure in metropolis walks, this district is the proper place to spend an hour or two. Or e book this meals tour of downtown Denver that permits you to pattern meals from 5 of town’s greatest eating places.
Larimar Square is linked to Downtown Denver by Larimer Street, which is lined with bars and eating places. We counsel strolling again to downtown through Larimer Street.
4. Craft Beer and Street Art Tours
Denver is commonly referred to because the “Napa Valley of Beer.” With over 150 breweries in the metropolitan space, town boasts one of many largest concentrations of craft breweries in the United States. A craft beer tour is not going to solely permit you to pattern a various array of brews but in addition present insights into the brewing course of, the evolution of Denver’s beer scene, and the eagerness and creativity behind every pint.
Combining a beer tour with a avenue artwork tour is an effective way to immerse in Denver tradition. As you stroll from one venue to one other, you possibly can savor the flavors of Denver’s craft beers whereas soaking in the visuals of its city masterpieces. This pairing captures the essence of town’s revolutionary and artistic spirit.
The metropolis’s avenue artwork, significantly in neighborhoods like RiNo (River North Art District), are adorned with putting murals and graffiti that remodel city partitions into canvases. This Tour combines the 2 completely.
5. Spend time alongside the South Platte River
If you’re searching for some out of doors actions in Denver, spend a day on the river. Whether you want swimming or kayaking, the South Platte River makes an awesome exercise vacation spot in Denver.
The part of the South Platte River Trail 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 path crosses over a bit footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you possibly can chill out and forged away.
Further up the river, Denver Outdoor Adventure Company rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can all the time lease the water tools from them in case you don’t have any. This means, you possibly can discover the river from the water slightly than stroll the path.
6. Take an Ebiking Tour
Cycling across the river is a well-liked out of doors exercise, and considered one of our favourite methods to get across the metropolis is to take a biking tour. But as a substitute of working too laborious, e book this E-bike tour to see town’s highlights. Enjoy the pure fantastic thing about Denver with a pedal-assisted bike by way of Denver’s main points of interest and hidden gems. This is a good tour for the entire household and you’ll even e book particular youngsters rides.
7. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheater is extra than simply an iconic out of doors live performance venue—it’s a fusion of nature and tradition that leaves guests in awe. Famous for its exceptional pure acoustics set towards a backdrop of pink rock formations, Red Rocks has hosted legendary concert events. But music is just the start.
During the summer season, the venue transforms for “Film on the Rocks”, an occasion that mixes reside music with the screening of a well-liked film and the amphitheater grounds often grow to be a large out of doors yoga studio, drawing fanatics for “Yoga on the Rocks”. For up to date performances and occasions go to their web site.
Beyond the stage, the 738-acre Red Rocks Park has mountaineering and biking trails, and for these in the historical past of this storied place, the Red Rocks Visitor Center is residence to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, a Performers’ Hall of Fame gallery, and a charming movie that delves into the geological and musical historical past of Red Rocks.
Located simply 20 minutes from town, it’s a must-see when visiting Denver.
8. Watch a present on the Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Denver Performing Arts Complex 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 environment and giving night guests a surprising view of the evening sky.
Love a very good present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the most effective place to watch a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or Broadway. The advanced is cut up into completely different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera House, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Concert Hall.
You should purchase last-minute tickets to performances as properly however we’d suggest that you just e book in advance in case you actually need to attend a efficiency. Check out what’s arising at their web site
9. Watch a baseball sport at Coors Field
One of essentially the most enjoyable issues to do in Denver for sports activities followers is to watch a baseball sport at Coors Field. Coors Field is the house floor of the main league baseball workforce, The Colorado Rockies.
Most video games final for simply over three hours – supplying you with loads of likelihood to seize a beer, chill out, and benefit from the expertise. Be ready for passionate followers and a fiercely aggressive environment.
Admission tickets promote out quick in advance, so e book forward to keep away from disappointment. You are in any case watching America’s favourite pastime. If you miss out on watching a sport, it’s best to at the least 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. Explore the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum
No go to to the Mile High City can be full with out visiting Mile High Stadium. The Sports Hall of Fame Museum is in Mile High Stadium which can also be the house floor of the Denver Broncos.
Those on a finances will even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there isn’t a breaking your finances to expertise the Hall of Fame. The museum pays respects to all the best sportsmen and ladies in Colorado’s historical past, with everlasting and momentary displays to take in. From baseball star Bob Gebhard to swimmer Erin Popovich, you’ll notice simply what number of US sporting elites Colorado has had through the years.
11. Empower Field at Mile High Tour
A go to to the Sports Hall Museum is greatest mixed with a tour of the Mile High Stadium. You can e book the tour on-line in advance, though there could also be some last-minute spots accessible on the day.
Football followers will love attending a Broncos sport at Empower Field at Mile High. Even in case you aren’t an NFL fan, you’ll have a thrill watching American Football at this beautiful stadium. The large stadium has views of the Rocky Mountains and passionate followers, so e book some tickets in advance and be a part of the enjoyable!
12. See what’s on on the Pepsi Center
The Pepsi Center is an esteemed sporting and music occasion venue in Denver. You may be watching the National Lacrosse League ultimate one evening and a rock live performance the following. The middle presents a various and thrilling leisure schedule.
Check what occasions coincide together with your Denver journey forward of time, as most admission tickets promote out shortly after being launched. Still, it’s value checking for last-minute availabilities in case you’ve by chance left it late.
The Pepsi Center is comparatively central and straightforward to entry from downtown and Central Denver. It can also be located proper subsequent to Elitch Gardens, which is an efficient attraction mixture. If you need to make your journey to Denver much more memorable, we advise undoubtedly incorporating a Pepsi Center occasion into your itinerary.
Other leisure venues in Denver embody the Denver Center for Performing Arts, The Bluebird Theatre which is a reside music venue in Denver, and the Colorado Convention Center for occasions.
13. Spend a day at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Who doesn’t love a very good amusement park? Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the United States and is a good time out.
The greatest amusement park in Colorado and has been working for over 130 years. The park incorporates a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – good in summer season while you need to cool off after queueing for the massive rides.
In the adjoining waterpark, you’ll discover water slides galore. Whether you desire a freefall thrill slide or a family-friendly lazy river, there are many trip decisions.
14. Visit the Molly Brown House 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 in the aftermath of the catastrophe. Molly helped row the lifeboat to security by way of the evening and, on her arrival in the US, elevating cash to assist help struggling survivors.
See her story by way 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 House Museum is likely one of the most memorable issues to do in Denver. A captivating humanitarian with an enormous story, Molly is considered one of Denver’s most fascinating historic figures.
15. Unwind in City Park
Denver City Park is 330 acres in dimension and deserves at the least half a day in your itinerary. You’ll discover public tennis courts, working tracks, duck ponds, and a ship home. If you need the prospect to cherish some inner-city inexperienced area, City Park is a good place to begin. It is the proper place to sunbathe with a e book, get some train in, and simply chill out in nature.
The better part about City 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 properly with visiting different standard points of interest. Denver Zoo can also be situated in City Park and is straightforward to entry on foot or by public transport.
16. Wander by way of Denver Botanic Gardens
Fancy an expertise in nature however a bit nearer to Denver’s middle? Denver Botanic Gardens is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver to rise up shut to nature. At twenty-four acres in dimension, you’ll want at the least half a day to go to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
There is a mixture of out of doors and indoor areas, with a conservatory, pure meadow, and specialised areas like a standard Japanese backyard. The Botanic Gardens additionally runs seasonal occasions just like the Lavender Festival and music concert events in summer season. It is value checking the Botanic Gardens occasion schedule to see if any particular shows coincide together with your go to to Denver.
17. Visit the Denver Art Museum
Denver Art 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 newest, most trending modern artwork. Denver’s Art Museum is aware of when to transfer with the occasions and when to protect historic items.
The Art Museum may be visited if you are on the Colorado State Capitol as each are situated in the Civic Center. However, permit at the least two hours to go to the museum as it’s unfold throughout a number of buildings and flooring.
18. Colorado History on the History Colorado Center
History Colorado, beforehand often known as the Colorado Historical Society, was established in 1879. It is a museum devoted to the historical past and heritage of the state of Colorado. It’s an initiative of History Colorado, which is the state’s historic society and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
The museum options a wide range of displays that inform the story of Colorado’s historical past, from its historical Native American inhabitants to its newer previous. The displays are designed to be partaking and interactive, utilizing a mixture of artifacts, multimedia shows, and hands-on actions. Topics lined embody the state’s mining historical past, its position in the Old West, the impression of railroads, and extra.
Located in downtown Denver, making it simply accessible for each locals and vacationers. Its central location additionally means it’s shut to different cultural points of interest in town.
19. Relax on the Denver Public Library
Speaking of instructional issues to do in Denver, the Denver Public Library is a good rainy-day exercise. The library is situated in Downtown Denver, so it’s simply accessed on foot from most different points of interest.
The library has over two million gadgets in its assortment, together with an impressively expansive part on Western History and Genealogy. You can browse the cabinets and curl up with a e book on the comfortable seating..You can test 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 a number of Denver’s museums. If you’re staying in Denver for some time, it’s possible you’ll want to join a library card in an effort to borrow books and entry free points of interest. 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. Visit the Wings and Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
Budding astronauts or area fanatics, pay attention up. The museum is constructed on the outdated Lowry Air Force Base, which served the USA till 1994. The outdated base serves a brand new objective, educating guests on US area historical past, plane, and the astronaut way of life.
Visitors can view actual plane up shut, enter the digital actuality lounge for a simulator expertise, and take in implausible everlasting and momentary exhibitions. The museum has a very good stability of kinetic, auditory, and visible studying alternatives – which retains each customer engaged, irrespective of their studying choice.
21. Clyfford Still Museum – A Deep Dive into Abstract Expressionism in Denver
The Clyfford Still Museum is one other fascinating museum to go to in Denver showcasing the legacy of one of many twentieth century’s most important artists Clyfford Still. Clyfford Still was a pioneering determine in the Abstract Expressionist motion identified for his large-scale, highly effective work which might be characterised by huge fields of colour and jagged kinds. The museum is a novel establishment because it homes an astounding 95% of Still’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 in the guts of Denver’s Cultural District.
22. Explore Washington Park
One of the most effective issues to do in Denver is to chill out in one of many metropolis’s parks, and Washington Park is the most effective of the most effective.
Visitors can take pleasure in a powerful vary of leisure amenities. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblading, the park has quite a lot of out of doors actions to hold you entertained without cost. The park is over 165 acres in dimension so you possibly can simply spend a day right here.
23. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature Science explores every part associated to nature and science, together with well being sciences and outer area. For a thought-provoking and academic time out, the museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver with youngsters.
The Denver Museum of Nature Science has a mix of momentary and everlasting exhibitions – you possibly can end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which taking a look at Egyptian mummies the following. Highlights embody the Egyptian Mummies, Expedition Health, and Prehistoric Life exhibitions. Watching a movie on the Imax or visiting the Planetarium can also be a spotlight of any museum journey and an effective way to visualize the data you’ve realized.
24. Visit the Denver Firefighters Museum
If you need probably the most uncommon instructional issues to do in Denver, This museum is one to your itinerary. Denver Firefighters Museum is obsessed with documenting and celebrating Denver’s firefighting historical past and selling hearth security. You’ll discover images, artifacts, and vital historic paperwork on show throughout the museum. The museum can also be located in the outdated Denver firehouse, which was constructed in 1909.
24. Visit Stanley Marketplace
Stanley Marketplace really began up as a beer corridor enterprise. However, years later, it has grow to be a lot, way more. You’ll discover over fifty distributors beneath the lined market – promoting every part from food and drinks to handicraft merchandise. The market even runs occasions like film nights and yoga classes.
Gone are the goals of a beer corridor; Stanley Marketplace is a thriving neighborhood spot. To embrace Denver and its neighborhood, Stanley Marketplace is a good place to begin. If you’re keen on a very good market morning, visiting Stanley Marketplace is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver.
25. Play a spherical of Virtual Golf
South Broadway is Denver’s first indoor golf course. Sure, you possibly can enterprise out to Predator Ridge, one of many metropolis’s different normal golf programs – however the place is the enjoyable in that? South Broadway is a enjoyable, novel means to take pleasure in 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. While 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 areas 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. Without giving an excessive amount of away, guests to “Convergence Station” can count on a multisensory expertise as they discover varied rooms and environments, every with its personal narrative and inventive fashion. The expertise is designed to be immersive, permitting guests to contact, transfer, and work together with lots of the displays.
If you’re planning a go to or simply curious, it’s value noting that Meow Wolf installations have a tendency to evolve and alter over time, with new rooms, tales, and interactive components being added or modified. This retains the expertise recent for repeat guests and ensures that there’s all the time one thing new to uncover.
27. Visit the Children’s Museum
The Denver Children’s Museum is designed to educate and encourage little minds with the catchphrase ‘kid-powered learning’. No adults are allowed in the Children’s Museum except accompanied by a toddler (and vice versa). The environment is designed to be wholly kid-friendly and prioritizes peer social occasions and interesting instructional alternatives.
You’ll discover an artwork studio, journey forest, hearth station, and plenty of extra displays inside. The kids’s museum presents small world, discovery, out of doors, and artistic displays to meet all of the visiting kids’s instructional wants.
28. Take a day journey to the Rocky Mountains
A visit to Colorado wouldn’t be full and not using a 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 town.
Aside from filling your lungs with scrumptious Rockies air, there are a great deal of issues to do in the mountains. The Rockies are identified for his or her mountaineering trails and lookout factors. If you’re keen on a problem, Lookout Mountain is a good peak to scale and is lesser-known, so a quieter hike. You are rewarded with expansive views over the National 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 oof Mile High City to Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll take pleasure in a day in historic cities, alpine passes and looking for wildlife.
29. Rocky Mountain National Park
Truth be instructed, the greatest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are in all probability all of them. That’s as a result of it doesn’t matter what a part of Rocky Mountain National Park you journey, you’re handled to 360 levels value of beautiful views. If you’ve obtained a specific affinity for sure nature hike options like waterfalls or wildlife recognizing then maybe you’ll admire some hikes greater than others.
However, in case you love all that the good outside can provide then Rocky Mountain National Park trails delivers in spades. Whether it’s the famed Twin Sisters close to Estes Park or pleasant Bear Lake, you possibly can take it as straightforward as you need or head up into the tundra area for an actual journey.
Hiking fanatics ought to allocate at the least two days to expertise the National Park’s mountaineering trails. While there are many mountaineering trails in Colorado, the Rockies actually take the win for out of doors actions and scenic mountaineering.
30. Tour the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The highest paved street in North America is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, often known as the Mount Evans Highway. This street climbs Mount Evans in the Rocky Mountains and reaches an elevation of 14,130 toes (4,307 meters) above sea stage at its summit.
The route begins at Idaho Springs and covers twenty-eight miles to attain Mount Evan in the Rockies. You’ll cross alpine meadows and lakes equivalent to Echo Lake Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats, as you’ll be reducing by way of a few of Colorado’s most well-populated animal territories.
You should purchase a scenic byway tour or drive the route your self. If you possibly can, we’d suggest renting a automobile in an effort to select your personal stops. Red Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, and Buffalo Bill’s Grave are the most effective stops. But, actually, you’ll be pulling over often to cease, admire, and {photograph} views.
It’s value noting that due to its elevation and mountain location, the street may be topic to extreme climate situations and is mostly solely open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
How to get to Denver?
The greatest means to get to Denver is to fly, as Denver International Airport is conveniently situated in town’s outer suburbs.
While Denver International Airport runs flights worldwide, it additionally has home providers. You can attain Denver from most main US cities, together with Los Angeles, Austin, and even Honolulu. Flying is essentially the most handy means to get to Denver in case you are touring from overseas, out of state, and even simply from the opposite facet of Colorado.
Of course, it’s possible you’ll want to street journey your means to Denver. In this case, we’d suggest stopping off in smaller cities like Canon City and cities like Grand Lake. You might even e book an in a single day cabin keep earlier than hitting town life.
Getting round Denver
Getting round Denver is straightforward. As a vacationer, the entire enjoyable issues to do in Denver are in town middle or Downtown, so you may get away with strolling in every single place if you’d like to.
Otherwise, you possibly can catch the sunshine rail or bus between suburbs. If you need to splash out, there are all the time many taxis on standby, plus a number of horses and carriages for a extremely memorable transportation expertise.
Denver Union Station is the transport hub in Downtown. So, if you’d like to catch transport into the middle, Union Station is the place it’s best to set your vacation spot.
The greatest time to go to Denver
Generally, the most effective time to go to Denver is in spring or fall. April, May, September, and October are shoulder seasons, with fewer vacationers and respectable climate.
Colorado is known for its winter actions, however, sadly, everybody is aware of it. Winter in Denver is busy and dearer, as everybody rushes to take pleasure in what Denver presents. For a quiet break, plan a go to in spring or fall.
Where to keep in Denver
These are just some options. Make certain 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 got an unimaginable keep in Denver, aka the mile-high metropolis. Voted as probably the most habitable cities in the United States, 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 points of interest, you’ll make sure to have a tremendous time exploring all town has to provide.