Colorado is filled with improbable cities to go to. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover a lot to maintain you entertained throughout the state. Nonetheless, Denver positively takes the cake. Because the capital of Colorado, Denver has the perfect points of interest and actions for each sort of trip. If you’re in search of issues to do in Denver, maintain studying, as a result of this journey information shares the perfect museums and actions from downtown Denver to the Rocky Mountains.
Prime Issues to Do in Denver
If you’re flying into Denver, e-book an airport switch to downtown Denver to take the trouble out of arrivals. The easiest way to get round Colorado to see locations like Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is to hire a automotive. You’ll be able to examine automotive rental costs right here.
Denver points of interest are plentiful, so we’ve compiled an entire information that can assist you choose the perfect issues to do in Denver. Denver’s enormous character makes it stand shoulders. (actually) above Colorado’s different cities. Positioned precisely 5280 ft above sea degree, the Mile Excessive Metropolis lives as much as the hype. You’ll be able to 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 wish 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. Positioned on the prime of Capitol Hill, the Colorado State Capitol can also be lovely to take 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 flowery 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’ll be able to head inside for a guided tour. Test the web site for particulars.
2. sixteenth Road Mall – Denver’s Vibrant Heartbeat
Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Denver, the sixteenth Road Mall is a 1.2-mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with a myriad of retailers, 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 vitality.
One of many standout options of the sixteenth Road 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.
Because 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 Artwork Museum, Coors Area, 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 trying to take pleasure in some retail remedy, savor native delicacies, or just soak within the metropolis’s environment, the sixteenth Road Mall is a must-visit when in Denver, Colorado.
3. Stroll round Larimer Sq.
From sixteenth Road Mall, Larimer Sq. is simple 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 photographs. Lately, the district has been revamped with impartial 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 improbable environment. In the event you get pleasure from metropolis walks, this district is the right place to spend an hour or two. Or e-book this meals tour of downtown Denver that allows you to pattern meals from 5 of town’s finest eating places.
Larimar Sq. is linked to Downtown Denver by Larimer Road, which is lined with bars and eating places. We recommend strolling again to downtown by way of 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, town boasts one of many largest concentrations of craft breweries in america. A craft beer tour won’t solely let you 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 a good way to immerse in Denver tradition. As you stroll from one venue to a different, you’ll be able to savor the flavors of Denver’s craft beers whereas soaking within the visuals of its city masterpieces. This pairing captures the essence of town’s revolutionary and artistic spirit.
The town’s avenue 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 2 completely.
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 an awesome 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 which you can attain on the path. The trail crosses over a bit of footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you’ll be able to chill out and forged away.
Additional up the river, Denver Out of doors Journey Firm rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You’ll be able to at all times hire the water tools from them if you happen to don’t have any. This fashion, you’ll be able to discover the river from the water quite than stroll the path.
6. Take an Ebiking Tour
Biking across the river is a well-liked outside exercise, and one in every of our favourite methods to get across the metropolis is to take a biking tour. However as a substitute of working too laborious, e-book this E-bike tour to see town’s highlights. Benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Denver with a pedal-assisted bike by means of Denver’s main points of interest and hidden gems. This can be a nice tour for the entire household and you may even e-book particular children rides.
7. Pink Rocks Amphitheatre
Pink 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 exceptional pure acoustics set in opposition to a backdrop of purple rock formations, Pink 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 turn into an enormous outside yoga studio, drawing fanatics for “Yoga on the Rocks”. For up to date performances and occasions go to their web site.
Past the stage, the 738-acre Pink Rocks Park has climbing and biking trails, and for these within the historical past of this storied place, the Pink Rocks Customer Heart is dwelling to the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame, a Performers’ Corridor of Fame gallery, and a fascinating movie that delves into the geological and musical historical past of Pink Rocks.
Positioned simply 20 minutes from town, it’s a must-see when visiting Denver.
8. Watch a present on the Denver Performing Arts Complicated
The Denver Performing Arts Complicated 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 surprising view of the night time sky.
Love a very good present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Complicated is the perfect place to observe a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or Broadway. The advanced is break up into totally different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera Home, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Live performance Corridor.
You should purchase last-minute tickets to performances as properly however we’d suggest that you just e-book prematurely if you happen to actually need to attend a efficiency. Try what’s developing at their web site
9. Watch a baseball recreation at Coors Area
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Denver for sports activities followers is to observe a baseball recreation at Coors Area. Coors Area is the house floor of the key league baseball crew, The Colorado Rockies.
Most video games final for simply over three hours – providing you with loads of probability 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 prematurely, so e-book forward to keep away from disappointment. You might be in any case watching America’s favourite pastime. In the event you miss out on watching a recreation, 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. Discover the Colorado Sports activities Corridor of Fame Museum
No go to to the Mile Excessive Metropolis could be full with out visiting Mile Excessive Stadium. The Sports activities Corridor of Fame Museum is in Mile Excessive Stadium which can also be the house floor of the Denver Broncos.
These on a funds will even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there isn’t 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 soak up. 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 Area 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’ll be able to e-book the tour on-line prematurely, though there could also be some last-minute spots out there on the day.
Soccer followers will love attending a Broncos recreation at Empower Area at Mile Excessive. Even if you happen to aren’t an NFL fan, you should have a thrill watching American Soccer at this beautiful stadium. The large stadium has views of the Rocky Mountains and passionate followers, so e-book some tickets prematurely 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 remaining one night time and a rock live performance the subsequent. The middle provides 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 if you happen to’ve by chance left it late.
The Pepsi Heart is comparatively central and simple to entry from downtown and Central Denver. It is usually located proper subsequent to Elitch Gardens, which is an effective 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 a very good amusement park? Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in america and is a superb time out.
The perfect amusement park in Colorado and has been operating for over 130 years. The park incorporates a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – excellent in summer time once you need to cool off after queueing for the large rides.
Within the adjoining waterpark, you’ll discover water slides galore. Whether or not you need 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 improbable 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 help struggling survivors.
See her story by means of shows of artifacts, photographs, and paperwork. There are additionally a number of unique interviews which you can learn. An inspiring and emotional expertise, the Molly Brown Home Museum is among the most memorable issues to do in Denver. An interesting humanitarian with an enormous story, Molly is one in every of Denver’s most fascinating historic figures.
15. Unwind in Metropolis Park
Denver Metropolis Park is 330 acres in measurement and deserves at the least half a day in your itinerary. You’ll discover public tennis courts, operating tracks, duck ponds, and a ship home. In order for you the prospect to cherish some inner-city inexperienced area, 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 chill out 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 which you can 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 Metropolis Park and is simple 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 among the finest issues to do in Denver to stand up near nature. At twenty-four acres in measurement, you’ll want at the least half a day to go to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
There’s a combine 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 Competition 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 would possibly see artwork displays from the traditional Americas or the newest, most trending modern 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. Nonetheless, permit at the least 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 generally known 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 quite a lot of displays that inform the story of Colorado’s historical past, from its historical Native American inhabitants to its more moderen previous. The displays are designed to be participating and interactive, utilizing a mix of artifacts, multimedia shows, and hands-on actions. Subjects coated embody the state’s mining historical past, its function within the Previous West, the affect of railroads, and extra.
Positioned in downtown Denver, making it simply accessible for each locals and vacationers. Its central location additionally means it’s near different cultural points of interest within the metropolis.
19. Loosen up on the Denver Public Library
Talking of academic 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 points of interest.
The library has over two million gadgets in its assortment, together with an impressively expansive part on Western Historical past and Family tree. You’ll be able to browse the cabinets and curl up with a e-book on the cozy seating..You’ll be able to examine the official web site to see if the occasion schedule has something that sparks your curiosity.
As a prime tip, the Denver Public Library has a library card that provides you free entry to numerous Denver’s museums. If you’re staying in Denver for some time, you might want to join a library card so that you could 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. Go to the Wings and Over The Rockies Air and Area Museum
Budding astronauts or area fanatics, pay attention up. The museum is constructed on the outdated Lowry Air Pressure Base, which served the USA till 1994. The outdated base serves a brand new goal, educating guests on US area 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 improbable everlasting and momentary exhibitions. The museum has a very good steadiness of kinetic, auditory, and visible studying alternatives – which retains each customer engaged, regardless of their studying choice.
21. Clyfford Nonetheless Museum – A Deep Dive into Summary Expressionism in Denver
The Clyfford Nonetheless 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 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 varieties. 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 chill out in one of many metropolis’s parks, and Washington Park is the perfect of the perfect.
Guests can get pleasure from a formidable vary of leisure services. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblading, the park has a variety of outside actions to maintain you entertained totally free. The park is over 165 acres in measurement so you’ll be able to simply spend a day right here.
23. Go to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature Science explores every little thing associated to nature and science, together with well being sciences and outer area. For a thought-provoking and academic time out, 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 possibly can end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which taking a look at 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 also be a spotlight of any museum journey and a good way to visualise the knowledge you’ve discovered.
24. Go to the Denver Firefighters Museum
In order for you probably the most uncommon academic issues to do in Denver, This museum is one on your itinerary. Denver Firefighters Museum is keen 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 within the outdated Denver firehouse, which was in-built 1909.
24. Go to Stanley Market
Stanley Market really began up as a beer corridor enterprise. Nonetheless, years later, it has turn into a lot, far more. You’ll discover over fifty distributors underneath the coated market – promoting every little thing 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 Market is a thriving group spot. To embrace Denver and its group, Stanley Market is a superb place to start out. In the event you love a very good market, visiting Stanley Market is among the finest issues to do in Denver. It was voted Denver Metro’s Greatest 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. Positive, you possibly can enterprise out to Predator Ridge, one of many metropolis’s different customary 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 recreation. Plus, you’ll be able to play just about on programs worldwide, together with St Andrews. When 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 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 creative type. The expertise is designed to be immersive, permitting guests to the touch, transfer, and work together with most of the displays.
In the event 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 recent for repeat guests and ensures that there’s at all times one thing new to find.
27. Households Will Love the Youngsters’s Museum
The Denver Youngsters’s Museum is designed to teach and encourage little minds with the catchphrase ‘kid-powered studying’. No adults are allowed within the Youngsters’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 fascinating academic alternatives.
You’ll discover an artwork studio, journey forest, fireplace station, and lots of extra displays inside. The youngsters’s museum provides small world, discovery, outside, and artistic displays to fulfill all of the visiting kids’s academic 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 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 climbing trails and lookout factors. In the event you love a problem, Lookout Mountain is a superb peak to scale and is lesser-known, so a quieter hike. You might be rewarded with expansive views over the Nationwide Park on the summit, and, hopefully, it’s best to have the summit to your self.
This present 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
Fact be advised, the finest 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. In the event you’ve acquired a specific affinity for sure nature hike options like waterfalls or wildlife recognizing then maybe you’ll admire some hikes greater than others.
Nonetheless, if you happen to love all that the good outdoor 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’ll be able to take it as straightforward as you need or head up into the tundra area for an actual journey.
Mountaineering fanatics ought to allocate at the least two days to expertise the Nationwide Park’s climbing trails. Whereas 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 best paved street in North America is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, also referred to as the Mount Evans Freeway. This street climbs Mount Evans within the Rocky Mountains and reaches an elevation of 14,130 ft (4,307 meters) above sea degree at its summit.
The route begins at Idaho Springs and covers twenty-eight miles to succeed in Mount Evan within the Rockies. You’ll cross alpine meadows and lakes reminiscent of Echo Lake Park. Hold 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 purchase a scenic byway tour or drive the route your self. In the event you can, we’d suggest renting a automotive so which you can select your personal stops. Pink Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Backyard, and Buffalo Invoice’s Grave are the perfect stops. However, truthfully, you’ll be pulling over usually to cease, admire, and {photograph} views.
It’s price noting that resulting from 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.
Learn how to get to Denver?
The easiest way 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 companies. You’ll be able to attain Denver from most main US cities, together with Los Angeles, Austin, and even Honolulu. Flying is essentially 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.
In fact, you might 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 might even e-book an in a single day cabin keep earlier than hitting town life.
Getting round Denver
Getting round Denver is simple. As a vacationer, the entire enjoyable issues to do in Denver are within the metropolis middle or Downtown, so you may get away with strolling all over the place if you wish to.
In any other case, you’ll be able to catch the sunshine rail or bus between suburbs. If you wish to splash out, there are at all times many taxis on standby, plus just a few 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
Typically, the perfect time to go to Denver is in spring or fall. April, Could, September, and October are shoulder seasons, with fewer vacationers and first rate climate.
Colorado is legendary for its winter actions, however, sadly, everybody is aware of it. Winter in Denver is busy and costlier, as everybody rushes to get pleasure from what Denver provides. For a quiet break, plan a go to in spring or fall.
The place to remain in Denver
These are only a few recommendations. Be sure to take a look at our full information on The place to Keep in Denver – Greatest 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 probably the most habitable cities in america, Denver is full of issues to do and see. The Colorado capital will maintain 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 supply.