Colorado is stuffed with unbelievable cities to go to. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover a lot to preserve you entertained throughout the state. However, Denver undoubtedly takes the cake. As the capital of Colorado, Denver has the perfect sights and actions for each kind of trip. If you might be in search of issues to do in Denver, preserve studying, as a result of this journey information shares the perfect museums and actions from downtown Denver to the Rocky Mountains.
Top Things to Do in Denver
If you might be flying into Denver, guide an airport switch to downtown Denver to take the trouble out of arrivals. The greatest manner to get round Colorado to see locations like Rocky Mountain National Park is to lease a automobile. You can evaluate automobile rental costs right here.
Denver sights are plentiful, so we’ve compiled a whole information to assist you choose the perfect issues to do in Denver. Denver’s big persona makes it stand shoulders. (actually) above Colorado’s different cities. Located precisely 5280 toes above sea degree, the Mile High City lives up to the hype. You can stroll previous swanky boutique shops in Downtown Denver, guide a tasting session at one of many metropolis’s craft breweries, or discover among the Denver museums. Plus, if you would 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 prime 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 flowery 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 degree.
Visitors can picnic exterior 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 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 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 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 sights 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 wanting to indulge in some retail remedy, savor native delicacies, or just soak in town’s ambiance, 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 superb place to take a strolling tour or snap some cool images. In current 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 unbelievable ambiance. If you get pleasure from metropolis walks, this district is the proper place to spend an hour or two. Or guide this meals tour of downtown Denver that allows 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 recommend strolling again to downtown by way of Larimer Street.
4. Craft Beer and Street Art Tours
Denver is usually 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 won’t solely enable 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 fervour 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’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 town’s modern and artistic spirit.
The metropolis’s avenue artwork, notably in neighborhoods like RiNo (River North Art District), are adorned with placing 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 might be in search of some outside actions in Denver, spend a day on the river. Whether you want swimming or kayaking, the South Platte River makes a fantastic 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 would be able to attain on the path. The path crosses over just a little footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you’ll be able to loosen up and solid away.
Further up the river, Denver Outdoor Adventure Company rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can at all times lease the water tools from them in the event you don’t have any. This manner, you’ll be able to discover the river from the water moderately than stroll the path.
6. Take an Ebiking Tour
Cycling across the river is a well-liked outside exercise, and certainly one of our favourite methods to get across the metropolis is to take a biking tour. But as an alternative of working too laborious, guide this E-bike tour to see town’s highlights. Enjoy the pure fantastic thing about Denver with a pedal-assisted bike via Denver’s main sights and hidden gems. This is a superb tour for the entire household and you may even guide particular children 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 in opposition to a backdrop of crimson rock formations, Red Rocks has hosted legendary concert events. But music is only the start.
During the summer season, the venue transforms for “Film on the Rocks”, an occasion that mixes stay music with the screening of a preferred film and the amphitheater grounds often turn out to be an enormous 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 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 fascinating 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 ambiance and giving night guests a surprising view of the evening sky.
Love a superb present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the perfect place to watch a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or Broadway. The advanced is break up into completely different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera House, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Concert Hall.
You should buy last-minute tickets to performances as nicely however we’d advocate that you just guide in advance in the event you actually need to attend a efficiency. Check out what’s arising 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 crew, The Colorado Rockies.
Most video games final for simply over three hours – providing you with loads of likelihood to seize a beer, loosen up, and benefit from the expertise. Be ready for passionate followers and a fiercely aggressive ambiance.
Admission tickets promote out quick in advance, so guide forward to keep away from disappointment. You are in any case watching America’s favourite pastime. If you miss out on watching a recreation, you must 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 funds may even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there isn’t a breaking your funds to expertise the Hall of Fame. The museum pays respects to all the best sportsmen and girls in Colorado’s historical past, with everlasting and short-term reveals 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 guide 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 in the event you aren’t an NFL fan, you’ll have a thrill watching American Football at this beautiful stadium. The big stadium has views of the Rocky Mountains and passionate followers, so guide 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 is perhaps watching the National Lacrosse League remaining one evening and a rock live performance the subsequent. The heart 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 price checking for last-minute availabilities in the event you’ve by chance left it late.
The Pepsi Center is comparatively central and simple 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 embrace the Denver Center for Performing Arts, The Bluebird Theatre which is a stay 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 superb amusement park? Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the United States and is a superb day trip.
The greatest amusement park in Colorado and has been working for over 130 years. The park contains a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – good in summer season if you need to cool off after queueing for the large rides.
In the adjoining waterpark, you’ll discover water slides galore. Whether you need 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 unbelievable 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 via the evening and, on her arrival in the US, elevating cash to assist help struggling survivors.
See her story via shows of artifacts, images, and paperwork. There are additionally a number of unique interviews that you would be able to 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 certainly one of Denver’s most attention-grabbing 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 possibility to cherish some inner-city inexperienced area, City Park is a superb place to begin. It is the proper place to sunbathe with a guide, get some train in, and simply loosen up in nature.
The better part about City Park is that it’s positioned simply east of Downtown Denver. The proximity to the Downtown space means that you would be able to simply squeeze in a go to, and it suits in nicely with visiting different in style sights. Denver Zoo can also be positioned in City Park and is straightforward to entry on foot or by public transport.
16. Wander via Denver Botanic Gardens
Fancy an expertise in nature however a bit nearer to Denver’s heart? 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 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 concert events in summer season. It is price 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 would possibly see artwork reveals 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 may be visited when you are on the Colorado State Capitol as each are positioned in the Civic Center. However, enable 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 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 reveals that inform the story of Colorado’s historical past, from its historic Native American inhabitants to its more moderen previous. The reveals are designed to be partaking and interactive, utilizing a mix of artifacts, multimedia shows, and hands-on actions. Topics lined embrace the state’s mining historical past, its function in the Old West, the affect 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 sights in town.
19. Relax on the Denver Public Library
Speaking of academic issues to do in Denver, the Denver Public Library is a superb rainy-day exercise. The library is positioned in Downtown Denver, so it’s simply accessed on foot from most different sights.
The library has over two million objects in its assortment, together with an impressively expansive part on Western History and Genealogy. You can browse the cabinets and curl up with a guide 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 prime tip, the Denver Public Library has a library card that provides you free entry to a number of Denver’s museums. If you might be staying in Denver for some time, you could want to join a library card to be able 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. Visit the Wings and Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
Budding astronauts or area lovers, 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 function, 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 unbelievable everlasting and short-term exhibitions. The museum has a superb steadiness 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 vital artists Clyfford Still. Clyfford Still was a pioneering determine in the Abstract Expressionist motion recognized for his large-scale, highly effective work which might be characterised by huge fields of colour and jagged types. 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 positioned in the center of Denver’s Cultural District.
22. Explore Washington Park
One of the perfect issues to do in Denver is to loosen up in one of many metropolis’s parks, and Washington Park is the perfect of the perfect.
Visitors can get pleasure from a formidable vary of leisure services. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblading, the park has plenty of outside actions to preserve you entertained free of charge. 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 every part associated to nature and science, together with well being sciences and outer area. For a thought-provoking and academic day trip, the museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver with children.
The Denver Museum of Nature Science has a mix of short-term and everlasting exhibitions – you would end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which taking a look at 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 realized.
24. Visit the Denver Firefighters Museum
If you need one of the crucial uncommon academic 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 hearth security. You’ll discover pictures, 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 truly began up as a beer corridor enterprise. However, years later, it has turn out to be a lot, far more. You’ll discover over fifty distributors underneath the lined market – promoting every part 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 superb place to begin. If you’re keen on a superb market, visiting Stanley Marketplace is likely 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 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 manner to get pleasure from 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 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 numerous 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 most of the reveals.
If you’re planning a go to or simply curious, it’s price 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 recent for repeat guests and ensures that there’s at all times 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 except accompanied by a toddler (and vice versa). The ambiance is designed to be wholly kid-friendly and prioritizes peer social occasions and fascinating academic alternatives.
You’ll discover an artwork studio, journey forest, hearth station, and plenty of extra reveals inside. The kids’s museum presents small world, discovery, outside, and artistic reveals to meet 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 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 recognized for his or her mountaineering trails and lookout factors. If you’re keen on a problem, Lookout Mountain is a superb 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, you must 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 get pleasure from 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 price of beautiful views. If you’ve acquired a selected affinity for sure nature hike options like waterfalls or wildlife recognizing then maybe you’ll recognize some hikes greater than others.
However, in the event you love all that the nice 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 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 outside actions and scenic mountaineering.
30. Tour the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The highest paved highway in North America is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, also referred to as the Mount Evans Highway. This highway climbs Mount Evans in 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 attain Mount Evan in the Rockies. You’ll cross alpine meadows and lakes resembling Echo Lake Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats, as you’ll be slicing via a few of Colorado’s most well-populated animal territories.
You should buy a scenic byway tour or drive the route your self. If you’ll be able to, we’d advocate renting a automobile to be able to select your personal stops. Red Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, and Buffalo Bill’s Grave are the perfect stops. But, truthfully, you’ll be pulling over usually to cease, recognize, and {photograph} views.
It’s price noting that due to its elevation and mountain location, the highway 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 manner to get to Denver is to fly, as Denver International Airport is conveniently positioned 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 probably the most handy manner to get to Denver in case you are touring from overseas, out of state, and even simply from the opposite aspect of Colorado.
Of course, you could want to highway journey your manner to Denver. In this case, we’d advocate stopping off in smaller cities like Canon City and cities like Grand Lake. You may even guide 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 heart or Downtown, so you may get away with strolling in all places if you would like to.
Otherwise, you’ll be able to catch the sunshine rail or bus between suburbs. If you need 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 would like to catch transport into the middle, Union Station is the place you must set your vacation spot.
The greatest time to go to Denver
Generally, the perfect time to go to Denver is in spring or fall. April, May, September, and October are shoulder seasons, with fewer vacationers and first rate climate.
Colorado is known 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 presents. For a quiet break, plan a go to in spring or fall.
Where to keep in Denver
These are only a few solutions. Make positive to try 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 might have an unbelievable keep in Denver, aka the mile-high metropolis. Voted as one of the crucial habitable cities in the United States, Denver is filled with issues to do and see. The Colorado capital will preserve you entertained for days. Be it purchasing and eating downtown, or having fun with one of many many Denver sights, you’ll make certain to have a tremendous time exploring all town has to supply.