Colorado is filled with incredible cities to go to. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover a lot to maintain you entertained throughout the state. However, Denver positively takes the cake. As the capital of Colorado, Denver has the very best points of interest and actions for each sort of trip. If you’re searching for issues to do in Denver, maintain studying, as a result of this journey information shares the very best 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 method 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 a whole information to assist you choose the very best issues to do in Denver. Denver’s large character makes it stand shoulders. (actually) above Colorado’s different cities. Located precisely 5280 ft 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 need 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. Located on the high of Capitol Hill, the Colorado State Capitol can also be stunning to take a look at. The structure is designed to mimic 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. 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 outdoors and admire the constructing’s exterior or you’ll be able to head inside for a guided tour. Check the web site for particulars.
2. sixteenth Street Mall – Denver’s Vibrant Heartbeat
Located in the center 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 power.
One of the standout options of the sixteenth Street 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 buying and eating. See particulars right here.
As 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 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 the 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 photographs. In latest years, the district has been revamped with impartial indie outlets, bars, and eating places.
Whether you need to buy groceries and eating or buy some Denver souvenirs, Larimer Square has a incredible environment. If you take pleasure in metropolis walks, this district is the right 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 the 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 by way of 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, the town boasts one of many largest concentrations of craft breweries in the United States. A craft beer tour won’t solely permit you to 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 road artwork tour is an effective way to immerse in Denver tradition. As you stroll from one venue to one other, you’ll be able to savor the flavors of Denver’s craft beers whereas soaking in the visuals of its city masterpieces. This pairing captures the essence of the town’s modern and artistic spirit.
The metropolis’s road artwork, significantly in neighborhoods like RiNo (River North Art District), are adorned with putting murals and graffiti that rework city partitions into canvases. This Tour combines the 2 completely.
5. Spend time alongside the South Platte River
If you’re searching for some outside actions in Denver, spend a day on the river. Whether you want swimming or kayaking, the South Platte River makes a terrific 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 you could attain on the path. The path crosses over a bit footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you’ll be able to 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 gear from them if you happen to don’t have any. This method, you’ll be able to discover the river from the water slightly than stroll the path.
6. Take an Ebiking Tour
Cycling 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. But as an alternative of working too onerous, e book this E-bike tour to see the town’s highlights. Enjoy the pure fantastic thing about Denver with a pedal-assisted bike by means of Denver’s main points of interest and hidden gems. This is a good tour for the entire household and you may even e book particular youngsters rides.
7. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red 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. Famous for its exceptional pure acoustics set towards a backdrop of pink rock formations, Red Rocks has hosted legendary live shows. But music is only the start.
During the summer season, the venue transforms for “Film on the Rocks”, an occasion that mixes dwell music with the screening of a well-liked film and the amphitheater grounds often develop into a large outside yoga studio, drawing lovers 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 climbing 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 fascinating movie that delves into the geological and musical historical past of Red Rocks.
Located simply 20 minutes from the 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 totally different efficiency areas. The constructing has an overarching glass-domed roof, making a dramatic environment and giving night guests a shocking view of the night time sky.
Love a very good present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the very best place to watch a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or Broadway. The complicated is break up into totally different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera House, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Concert Hall.
You can buy last-minute tickets to performances as properly however we’d suggest that you simply e book in advance if you happen to really need to attend a efficiency. Check out what’s developing at their web site
9. Watch a baseball recreation at Coors Field
One of probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Denver for sports activities followers is to watch a baseball recreation at Coors Field. Coors Field is the house floor of the main league baseball group, 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 recreation, it is best to a minimum of take a stadium tour. The grounds are spectacular to stroll round, and also you’ll get a behind-the-scenes take 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 price range can even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there isn’t any breaking your price range 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 non permanent displays to take in. From baseball star Bob Gebhard to swimmer Erin Popovich, you’ll understand 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 out there on the day.
Football followers will love attending a Broncos recreation at Empower Field at Mile High. Even if you happen to aren’t an NFL fan, you’ll have a thrill watching American Football at this gorgeous 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 could be watching the National Lacrosse League ultimate one night time and a rock live performance the subsequent. 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 rapidly after being launched. Still, it’s value checking for last-minute availabilities if you happen to’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 propose positively incorporating a Pepsi Center occasion into your itinerary.
Other leisure venues in Denver embrace the Denver Center for Performing Arts, The Bluebird Theatre which is a dwell 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 day trip.
The greatest amusement park in Colorado and has been working for over 130 years. The park includes a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – excellent in summer season if 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 selections.
14. Visit the Molly Brown House Museum
Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown is a incredible 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 means of the night time and, on her arrival in the US, elevating cash to assist help struggling survivors.
See her story by means of shows of artifacts, photographs, and paperwork. There are additionally a number of unique interviews you could learn. An inspiring and emotional expertise, the Molly Brown House Museum is without doubt one of the most memorable issues to do in Denver. An interesting humanitarian with an enormous story, Molly is one in all Denver’s most attention-grabbing historic figures.
15. Unwind in City Park
Denver City Park is 330 acres in dimension and deserves a minimum of 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 right 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 you could simply squeeze in a go to, and it matches in properly with visiting different well-liked 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 means of Denver Botanic Gardens
Fancy an expertise in nature however a bit nearer to Denver’s middle? Denver Botanic Gardens is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Denver to rise up shut to nature. At twenty-four acres in dimension, you’ll want a minimum of half a day to go to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
There is a mixture of outside 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 live shows 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 most recent, most trending up to date artwork. Denver’s Art Museum is aware of when to transfer with the occasions and when to protect historic items.
The Art Museum will be visited when you are on the Colorado State Capitol as each are situated in the Civic Center. However, permit a minimum of 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 called 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 mix of artifacts, multimedia shows, and hands-on actions. Topics coated embrace the state’s mining historical past, its function in the Old West, the influence 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 the 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 examine 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 provides you free entry to plenty of Denver’s museums. If you’re staying in Denver for some time, you might want to join a library card with the intention 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 lovers, hear 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 function, educating guests on US area historical past, plane, and the astronaut life-style.
Visitors can view actual plane up shut, enter the digital actuality lounge for a simulator expertise, and take in incredible everlasting and non permanent exhibitions. The museum has a very good stability of kinetic, auditory, and visible studying alternatives – which retains each customer engaged, regardless of their studying desire.
21. Clyfford Still Museum – A Deep Dive into Abstract Expressionism in Denver
The Clyfford Still Museum is one other attention-grabbing 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 can be characterised by huge fields of shade and jagged kinds. The museum is a singular 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 center of Denver’s Cultural District.
22. Explore Washington Park
One of the very best issues to do in Denver is to chill out in one of many metropolis’s parks, and Washington Park is the very best of the very best.
Visitors can take pleasure in a powerful vary of leisure services. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblading, the park has lots of outside actions to maintain you entertained at no cost. The park is over 165 acres in dimension so you’ll be able to simply spend a day right here.
23. Visit 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 area. For a thought-provoking and academic day trip, the museum is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Denver with youngsters.
The Denver Museum of Nature Science has a mix of non permanent and everlasting exhibitions – you may end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which Egyptian mummies the subsequent. Highlights embrace 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 discovered.
24. Visit the Denver Firefighters Museum
If you need one of the vital uncommon instructional issues to do in Denver, This museum is one in 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 essential 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 truly began up as a beer corridor enterprise. However, years later, it has develop into a lot, rather more. You’ll discover over fifty distributors below the coated market – promoting the whole lot from foods and drinks to handicraft merchandise. The market even runs occasions like film nights and yoga periods.
Gone are the desires of a beer corridor; Stanley Marketplace is a thriving group spot. To embrace Denver and its group, Stanley Marketplace is a good place to begin. If you’re keen on a very good market, visiting Stanley Marketplace is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Denver. It was voted Denver Metro’s Best Food Hall.
25. Play a spherical of Virtual 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. Sure, you may 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 method to take pleasure in some golf whereas on vacation in Denver.
The membership makes use of Trackman simulator know-how to emulate an actual recreation. Plus, you’ll be able to play nearly on programs worldwide, together with St Andrews. While you play, you’ll be able to 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 comparable 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 numerous rooms and environments, every with its personal narrative and creative 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 parts being added or modified. This retains the expertise contemporary for repeat guests and ensures that there’s all the time one thing new to uncover.
27. Families Will Love 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 until accompanied by a baby (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, fireplace station, and plenty of extra displays inside. The kids’s museum presents small world, discovery, outside, 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 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.
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 climbing 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 is best to have the summit to your self.
This day tour from Denver takes you from the streets of Mile High City to Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll take pleasure in a day in historic cities, alpine passes and trying to find wildlife.
29. Rocky Mountain National Park
Truth be informed, the greatest hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are most likely 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 gorgeous views. If you’ve obtained a selected affinity for sure nature hike options like waterfalls or wildlife recognizing then maybe you’ll respect some hikes greater than others.
However, if you happen to love all that the good open air can supply 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’ll be able to take it as simple as you need or head up into the tundra area for an actual journey.
Hiking lovers ought to allocate a minimum of two days to expertise the National Park’s climbing trails. While there are many climbing trails in Colorado, the Rockies actually take the win for outside actions and scenic climbing.
30. Tour the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The highest paved highway in North America is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, also called the Mount Evans Highway. This highway climbs Mount Evans in the Rocky Mountains and reaches an elevation of 14,130 ft (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 slicing by means of a few of Colorado’s most well-populated animal territories.
You can buy a scenic byway tour or drive the route your self. If you’ll be able to, we’d suggest renting a automobile with the intention to select your individual stops. Red Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, and Buffalo Bill’s Grave are the very best stops. But, truthfully, you’ll be pulling over recurrently to cease, respect, and {photograph} views.
It’s value noting that due to its elevation and mountain location, the highway will be topic to extreme climate circumstances and is mostly solely open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
How to get to Denver?
The greatest method to get to Denver is to fly, as Denver International Airport is conveniently situated in the town’s outer suburbs.
While Denver International Airport runs flights worldwide, it additionally has home companies. You 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 if you’re touring from overseas, out of state, and even simply from the opposite aspect of Colorado.
Of course, you might want to highway journey your method to Denver. In this case, we’d suggest stopping off in smaller cities like Canon City and cities like Grand Lake. You may even e book an in a single day cabin keep 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 in the town middle or Downtown, so you may get away with strolling in all places if you need to.
Otherwise, you’ll be able to 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 very memorable transportation expertise.
Denver Union Station is the transport hub in Downtown. So, if you need to catch transport into the middle, Union Station is the place it is best to set your vacation spot.
The greatest time to go to Denver
Generally, the very best 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 will have an unimaginable keep in Denver, aka the mile-high metropolis. Voted as one of the vital habitable cities in the United States, Denver is full of issues to do and see. The Colorado capital will maintain you entertained for days. Be it buying and eating downtown, or having fun with one of many many Denver points of interest, you’ll make certain to have a tremendous time exploring all the town has to supply.