Colorado is stuffed with implausible cities to go to. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover loads to maintain you entertained throughout the state. Nevertheless, Denver positively takes the cake. Because the capital of Colorado, Denver has the most effective points of interest and actions for each sort of trip. If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Denver, preserve studying, as a result of this journey information shares the most effective museums and actions from downtown Denver to the Rocky Mountains.
High Issues to Do in Denver
If you’re flying into Denver, guide an airport switch to downtown Denver to take the trouble out of arrivals. One of the best ways to get round Colorado to see locations like Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is to lease a automotive. You possibly can evaluate automotive rental costs right here.
Denver points of interest are plentiful, so we’ve compiled a whole information that can assist you choose the most effective issues to do in Denver. Denver’s large character makes it stand shoulders. (actually) above Colorado’s different cities. Positioned precisely 5280 toes above sea stage, the Mile Excessive Metropolis lives as much as the hype. You possibly 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 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 be stunning to have a look at. The structure is designed to imitate the State Capitol in Washington DC, and the constructing is minimize from eye-catching white granite.
As a elaborate end, a gold dome was added to the constructing in 1908 to commemorate the gold rush. Curiously, the State Capitol steps are additionally engraved with Denver’s elevation – (One Mile Above Sea Stage) creating the nickname ‘mile-high metropolis’ because the thirteenth step is a mile above sea stage.
Guests can picnic outdoors and admire the constructing’s exterior or you’ll be able to head inside for a guided tour. Examine 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 outlets, eating places, and leisure venues. Designed by famend architect I.M. Pei, the mall’s distinctive granite pathway, harking back 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 simple 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 Discipline, 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 seeking to take pleasure in some retail remedy, savor native delicacies, or just soak within the metropolis’s ambiance, 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 pictures. Lately, the district has been revamped with impartial indie outlets, bars, and eating places.
Whether or not you need to buy groceries and eating or buy some Denver souvenirs, Larimer Sq. has a implausible ambiance. For those who take pleasure in metropolis walks, this district is the right place to spend an hour or two. Or guide this meals tour of downtown Denver that permits you to pattern meals from 5 of the town’s greatest 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 also known as the “Napa Valley of Beer.” With over 150 breweries within the metropolitan space, the town boasts one of many largest concentrations of craft breweries in the US. A craft beer tour is not going to solely mean you can 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 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 the town’s progressive and inventive spirit.
The town’s avenue artwork, notably in neighborhoods like RiNo (River North Artwork 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’re on the lookout for some out of doors actions in Denver, spend a day on the river. Whether or not you want swimming or kayaking, the South Platte River makes an incredible 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 that you could attain on the path. The trail crosses over a little bit footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you’ll be able to loosen up and solid away.
Additional up the river, Denver Out of doors Journey Firm rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You possibly can all the time lease 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 relatively than stroll the path.
6. Take an Ebiking Tour
Biking across the river is a well-liked out of doors exercise, and certainly one of our favourite methods to get across the metropolis is to take a biking tour. However as an alternative of working too laborious, guide this E-bike tour to see the town’s highlights. Benefit from the pure great thing about Denver with a pedal-assisted bike by Denver’s main points of interest and hidden gems. This can be a nice tour for the entire household and you may even guide particular children rides.
7. Purple Rocks Amphitheatre
Purple Rocks Amphitheater is extra than simply an iconic out of doors live performance venue—it’s a fusion of nature and tradition that leaves guests in awe. Well-known for its outstanding pure acoustics set towards a backdrop of purple rock formations, Purple Rocks has hosted legendary live shows. However music is only the start.
In the course of the summer time, the venue transforms for “Movie on the Rocks”, an occasion that mixes stay music with the screening of a well-liked film and the amphitheater grounds sometimes turn out to be an enormous out of doors yoga studio, drawing lovers for “Yoga on the Rocks”. For up to date performances and occasions go to their web site.
Past the stage, the 738-acre Purple Rocks Park has climbing and biking trails, and for these within the historical past of this storied place, the Purple 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 Purple Rocks.
Positioned simply 20 minutes from the town, it’s a must-see when visiting Denver.
8. Watch a present on the Denver Performing Arts Advanced
The Denver Performing Arts Advanced 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 shocking view of the night time sky.
Love present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Advanced is the most effective place to look at a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or Broadway. The complicated is cut up into completely different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera Home, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Live performance Corridor.
You should buy last-minute tickets to performances as properly however we’d suggest that you just guide upfront if you happen to actually need to attend a efficiency. Take a look at what’s developing at their web site
9. Watch a baseball sport at Coors Discipline
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Denver for sports activities followers is to look at a baseball sport at Coors Discipline. Coors Discipline is the house floor of the foremost league baseball staff, The Colorado Rockies.
Most video games final for simply over three hours – providing you with loads of probability 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 upfront, so guide forward to keep away from disappointment. You’re in any case watching America’s favourite pastime. For those who miss out on watching a sport, you must at the very 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 can be full with out visiting Mile Excessive Stadium. The Sports activities Corridor of Fame Museum is in Mile Excessive Stadium which can be the house floor of the Denver Broncos.
These on a finances will even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there isn’t any breaking your finances to expertise the Corridor of Fame. The museum pays respects to all the best sportsmen and girls 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 over time.
11. Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive Tour
A go to to the Sports activities Corridor Museum is greatest mixed with a tour of the Mile Excessive Stadium. You possibly can guide the tour on-line upfront, though there could also be some last-minute spots obtainable on the day.
Soccer followers will love attending a Broncos sport at Empower Discipline 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 massive stadium has views of the Rocky Mountains and passionate followers, so guide some tickets upfront and be 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 ultimate one night time and a rock live performance the subsequent. The middle gives a various and thrilling leisure schedule.
Examine what occasions coincide along with your Denver journey forward of time, as most admission tickets promote out rapidly after being launched. Nonetheless, it’s value checking for last-minute availabilities if you happen to’ve by chance left it late.
The Pepsi Heart is comparatively central and straightforward to entry from downtown and Central Denver. It’s also 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 embrace the Denver Heart for Performing Arts, The Bluebird Theatre which is a stay 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 amusement park? Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the US and is a superb time out.
One of the best amusement park in Colorado and has been working for over 130 years. The park contains a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – excellent in summer time whenever 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 desire a freefall thrill slide or a family-friendly lazy river, there are many journey selections.
14. Go to the Molly Brown Home Museum
Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown is a implausible determine in historical past. Molly famously survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 and was a tireless activist within the aftermath of the catastrophe. Molly helped row the lifeboat to security by the night time and, on her arrival within the US, elevating cash to assist assist struggling survivors.
See her story by shows of artifacts, pictures, and paperwork. There are additionally a number of unique interviews that you could learn. An inspiring and emotional expertise, the Molly Brown Home Museum is likely one of the most memorable issues to do in Denver. An enchanting humanitarian with an enormous story, Molly is certainly one of Denver’s most attention-grabbing historic figures.
15. Unwind in Metropolis Park
Denver Metropolis Park is 330 acres in dimension and deserves at the very least half a day in your itinerary. You’ll discover public tennis courts, working tracks, duck ponds, and a ship home. If you’d like the prospect to cherish some inner-city inexperienced house, Metropolis Park is a superb place to begin. It’s the excellent place to sunbathe with a guide, get some train in, and simply loosen up in nature.
One of the best half about Metropolis Park is that it’s positioned simply east of Downtown Denver. The proximity to the Downtown space means that you could simply squeeze in a go to, and it suits in properly with visiting different well-liked points of interest. Denver Zoo can be positioned in Metropolis Park and is simple to entry on foot or by public transport.
16. Wander by 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 near nature. At twenty-four acres in dimension, you’ll want at the very 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 Pageant and music live shows in summer time. It’s value checking the Botanic Gardens occasion schedule to see if any particular shows coincide along 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 most recent, most trending up to date artwork. Denver’s Artwork Museum is aware of when to maneuver with the instances and when to protect historic items.
The Artwork Museum could be visited when you are on the Colorado State Capitol as each are positioned within the Civic Heart. Nevertheless, permit at the very 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 often called 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 historic 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. Subjects lined embrace the state’s mining historical past, its function within the Outdated West, the impression 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 positioned in Downtown Denver, so it’s simply accessed on foot from most different points of interest.
The library has over two million objects in its assortment, together with an impressively expansive part on Western Historical past and Family tree. You possibly can browse the cabinets and curl up with a guide on the cozy seating..You possibly can verify 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 plenty of Denver’s museums. If you’re staying in Denver for some time, chances are you’ll want to enroll in a library card so 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. Go to the Wings and Over The Rockies Air and Area Museum
Budding astronauts or house lovers, 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 house historical past, plane, and the astronaut way of life.
Guests can view actual plane up shut, enter the digital actuality lounge for a simulator expertise, and soak up implausible everlasting and momentary exhibitions. The museum has stability 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 attention-grabbing museum to go to in Denver showcasing the legacy of one of many twentieth century’s most vital artists Clyfford Nonetheless. Clyfford Nonetheless was a pioneering determine within the Summary Expressionist motion identified for his large-scale, highly effective work which might be characterised by huge fields of coloration and jagged types. The museum is a novel 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 positioned within the coronary heart of Denver’s Cultural District.
22. Discover Washington Park
Among the best issues to do in Denver is to loosen up in one of many metropolis’s parks, and Washington Park is the most effective of the most effective.
Guests can take pleasure in a formidable vary of leisure amenities. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblading, the park has a variety of out of doors actions to maintain you entertained without cost. The park is over 165 acres in dimension 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 all the pieces associated to nature and science, together with well being sciences and outer house. For a thought-provoking and academic time out, the museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver with children.
The Denver Museum of Nature Science has a combination of momentary and everlasting exhibitions – you may end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which taking a look at Egyptian mummies the subsequent. Highlights embrace the Egyptian Mummies, Expedition Well being, and Prehistoric Life exhibitions. Watching a movie on the Imax or visiting the Planetarium can be a spotlight of any museum journey and a good way to visualise the data you’ve discovered.
24. Go to the Denver Firefighters Museum
If you’d like one of the uncommon academic issues to do in Denver, This museum is one on your itinerary. Denver Firefighters Museum is obsessed with documenting and celebrating Denver’s firefighting historical past and selling fireplace security. You’ll discover pictures, artifacts, and vital historic paperwork on show throughout the museum. The museum can be located within the outdated Denver firehouse, which was inbuilt 1909.
24. Go to Stanley Market
Stanley Market really began up as a beer corridor enterprise. Nevertheless, years later, it has turn out to be a lot, far more. You’ll discover over fifty distributors beneath the lined market – promoting all the pieces from food and drinks to handicraft merchandise. The market even runs occasions like film nights and yoga periods.
Gone are the goals of a beer corridor; Stanley Market is a thriving group spot. To embrace Denver and its group, Stanley Market is a superb place to begin. For those who love market, visiting Stanley Market is likely one of the greatest 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. Certain, you may 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 technique to take pleasure in some golf whereas on vacation in Denver.
The membership makes use of Trackman simulator know-how to emulate an actual sport. Plus, you’ll be able to play just about on programs worldwide, together with St Andrews. Whilst 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 numerous rooms and environments, every with its personal narrative and inventive type. The expertise is designed to be immersive, permitting guests to the touch, transfer, and work together with most of the displays.
For those who’re planning a go to or simply curious, it’s value noting that Meow Wolf installations are inclined to evolve and alter over time, with new rooms, tales, and interactive components being added or modified. This retains the expertise contemporary for repeat guests and ensures that there’s all the time one thing new to find.
27. Households Will Love the Youngsters’s Museum
The Denver Youngsters’s Museum is designed to coach and encourage little minds with the catchphrase ‘kid-powered studying’. No adults are allowed within the Youngsters’s Museum except accompanied by a baby (and vice versa). The ambiance is designed to be wholly kid-friendly and prioritizes peer social instances and interesting academic alternatives.
You’ll discover an artwork studio, journey forest, fireplace station, and lots of extra displays inside. The youngsters’s museum gives small world, discovery, out of doors, and inventive displays to satisfy 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 out 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 the 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. For those who love a problem, Lookout Mountain is a superb peak to scale and is lesser-known, so a quieter hike. You’re rewarded with expansive views over the Nationwide Park on the summit, and, hopefully, you must 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 take pleasure in a day in historic cities, alpine passes and looking for wildlife.
29. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Reality be advised, the greatest 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 value of beautiful views. For those who’ve bought a specific affinity for sure nature hike options like waterfalls or wildlife recognizing then maybe you’ll respect some hikes greater than others.
Nevertheless, if you happen to love all that the nice outside 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 simple as you need or head up into the tundra area for an actual journey.
Mountain climbing lovers ought to allocate at the very 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 out of doors 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 called the Mount Evans Freeway. This street climbs Mount Evans within the Rocky Mountains and reaches an elevation of 14,130 toes (4,307 meters) above sea stage at its summit.
The route begins at Idaho Springs and covers twenty-eight miles to achieve Mount Evan within the Rockies. You’ll go alpine meadows and lakes reminiscent of Echo Lake Park. Hold your eyes peeled for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats, as you’ll be slicing by a few of Colorado’s most well-populated animal territories.
You should buy a scenic byway tour or drive the route your self. For those who can, we’d suggest renting a automotive so that you could select your individual stops. Purple Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Backyard, and Buffalo Invoice’s Grave are the most effective stops. However, truthfully, you’ll be pulling over repeatedly to cease, respect, and {photograph} views.
It’s value noting that on account of its elevation and mountain location, the street could be topic to extreme climate circumstances and is usually solely open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
How one can get to Denver?
One of the best ways to get to Denver is to fly, as Denver Worldwide Airport is conveniently positioned within the metropolis’s outer suburbs.
Whereas Denver Worldwide Airport runs flights worldwide, it additionally has home providers. You possibly can attain Denver from most main US cities, together with Los Angeles, Austin, and even Honolulu. Flying is probably the most handy technique to get to Denver in case you are touring from overseas, out of state, and even simply from the opposite facet of Colorado.
In fact, chances are you’ll want to street journey your technique to Denver. On this case, we’d suggest stopping off in smaller cities like Canon Metropolis and cities like Grand Lake. You could possibly even guide an in a single day cabin keep earlier than hitting the town life.
Getting round Denver
Getting round Denver is simple. As a vacationer, all the enjoyable issues to do in Denver are within the metropolis heart or Downtown, so you will get away with strolling in all places 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 all the time many taxis on standby, plus a number of horses and carriages for a extremely memorable transportation expertise.
Denver Union Station is the transport hub in Downtown. So, if you wish to catch transport into the middle, Union Station is the place you must set your vacation spot.
One of the best time to go to Denver
Usually, the most effective time to go to Denver is in spring or fall. April, Might, September, and October are shoulder seasons, with fewer vacationers and respectable 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 take pleasure in what Denver gives. For a quiet break, plan a go to in spring or fall.
The place to remain in Denver
These are only a few options. Ensure that 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’ve gotten an unimaginable keep in Denver, aka the mile-high metropolis. Voted as one of the habitable cities in the US, Denver is full of 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 points of interest, you’ll you’ll want to have a tremendous time exploring all the town has to supply.