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Denver, known as the Mile-High City due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level, is a vibrant metropolis surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With its blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure, Denver offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, art lover, or outdoor enthusiast, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
1. Discover the Heart of Downtown
Union Station: Start your journey at Denver’s historic Union Station. This beautifully restored 1914 Beaux-Arts train station is more than just a transportation hub; it’s a vibrant gathering place filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy a coffee at Pigtrain Coffee, grab a bite at Snooze for an excellent breakfast, or unwind with a cocktail at the Terminal Bar. We had some pretty awesome ice cream inside Union Station when we took our food tour.
16th Street Mall: This pedestrian-friendly street is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, it’s the ideal spot for people-watching and window shopping. Hop on the free shuttle that runs the length of the mall for easy transportation.
Larimer Square: Denver’s oldest and most historic block is now home to trendy boutiques, chic restaurants, and lively bars. The charming Victorian buildings are beautifully preserved, and the area often hosts outdoor events and festivals.
2. Dive into Denver’s Rich Culture and History
Denver Art Museum: This museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. It houses an impressive collection of Native American art, contemporary pieces, and rotating exhibitions. The architecture of the building itself is a work of art, with the iconic Frederic C. Hamilton Building designed by Daniel Libeskind.
History Colorado Center: This interactive museum offers fascinating exhibits on Colorado’s history, from its Native American roots to its mining and pioneer days. It’s a great place for families, with engaging, hands-on activities for kids.
Molly Brown House Museum: Visit the home of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, a Titanic survivor and socialite. The museum offers guided tours that provide insight into her life and the history of Denver during her time.
3. Embrace the Outdoors
City Park: Denver’s largest park is home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It’s also a great spot for a leisurely walk, paddle boating on Ferril Lake, or enjoying a picnic with a view of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains.
Washington Park: Known locally as “Wash Park,” this area offers scenic walking and biking trails, beautiful flower gardens, and two lakes. It’s a favorite spot for locals to exercise and relax.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Located just outside of Denver, Red Rocks is a natural amphitheater carved into red sandstone. It’s famous for its incredible acoustics and has hosted many legendary concerts. During the day, you can hike the trails, enjoy the visitor center, and even do a yoga session on the stage.
4. Savor Denver’s Culinary Scene
Union Station: As mentioned earlier, this is a great spot for food lovers. In addition to breakfast at Snooze, you can enjoy fresh oysters at Stoic & Genuine or farm-to-table dishes at Mercantile Dining & Provision.
LoHi (Lower Highlands): This trendy neighborhood is a hotspot for foodies. Visit Avanti Food & Beverage, a modern food hall with various eateries and a rooftop deck with stunning views. Linger, a former mortuary turned restaurant, offers creative international dishes in a unique setting.
RiNo (River North Art District): Known for its craft breweries and vibrant street art, RiNo is the perfect place to explore Denver’s creative side. Stop by Denver Central Market for a variety of local eats, and don’t miss breweries like Great Divide Brewing Company and Ratio Beerworks.
Take a Food Tour: Everywhere we travel, Sam and I always try to fit in a food tour. It’s a great way to see the city while enjoying samples of all the local cuisine. We went on this Downtown Denver Food Tour and literally cancelled our dinner reservations for the next night just so we could have another round of the empanadas we had on the tour.
5. Experience Denver’s Sports and Entertainment
Coors Field: Catch a Colorado Rockies baseball game at Coors Field, one of the most scenic ballparks in Major League Baseball. The rooftop section offers great views and a lively atmosphere.
Pepsi Center: Home to the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), the Pepsi Center is the place to catch exciting basketball and hockey games. It also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
Empower Field at Mile High: If you’re a football fan, don’t miss the chance to see the Denver Broncos in action. The stadium also offers tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic venue.
6. Day Trips and Adventures
Rocky Mountain National Park: Just a short drive from Denver, this stunning park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, provides incredible panoramic views. Check out my Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park HERE. Interested in taking a day trip to RMNP from Denver? Check out this Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Picnic Lunch.
Boulder: This charming college town is just a 30-minute drive from Denver. Explore the Pearl Street Mall, hike the Flatirons, or visit the beautiful campus of the University of Colorado.
Golden: Located at the foothills of the Rockies, Golden is known for its historic downtown and the Coors Brewery. Take a tour of the brewery, enjoy a hike in the surrounding hills, or visit the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum.
Denver is a city that effortlessly blends urban sophistication with outdoor adventure, making it a perfect destination for travelers of all interests. Whether you’re exploring its vibrant neighborhoods, savoring its culinary delights, or embarking on an outdoor excursion, Denver promises a mile-high experience you won’t soon forget.
