Set against the Rocky Mountains, the city of Denver is a hotbed of numerous activities and attractions. The city manages to combine urban sophistication with outdoor thrills to accommodate all sorts of travelers. Adventure junkies can take a short drive to hike or ski in the mountains. On the other hand, the city boasts various parks and open spaces for a leisurely picnic and walks.
Denver spoils cultural enthusiasts with exhibitions and events all year round. The mountain village offers a wide variety of arts and culture exhibitions including the Denver Art Museum and Museum of Nature & Science. There are also numerous theaters to cater for performing arts lovers.
Foodies, on the other hand, are welcome to a melting pot of exotic and delicious cuisine. From fancy restaurants to bubbly food trucks, Denver has it all. It is also home to innumerable breweries, explaining the town’s fame in beer craft.
Other attractions include the Mile High city’s major league games in football, basketball or baseball, shopping, and entertainment venues like LoDo and Cherry Creek. In summary, there is something for everyone to do in Denver, be it outdoor excursions, a cultural tour or tasty sampling.
Top Things To Do in Denver
1. Explore Union Station
Just a walking distance away is a historic landmark of Denver, Colorado. Union Station is the perfect place for all ages. Kids can look in and around the historic station, visit various shops, and enjoy fancy restaurants – The Cooper Lounge and ACME Delicatessen.
Besides, the station serves as a transportation center and continues to function as a public transit station designed to capture your experience with connecting past, present, and future visions.
2. Adventure at Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station
Aside from traditional museum wanderings, you can visit Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station if you love art and unusual experiences. Make your brain work to justify things you see in 70 interactive installation artworks with vibrant light and music.
The four-story, 90,000 square-foot building features a variety of engaging, hands-on activities for all ages – a must-visit attraction for art-lover and travelers.
3. Larimer Square: Denver’s Urban Hub
In the center of Denver, Colorado resides Larimer Square, an urban shopping district that thrills with an infectious spirit.
Here you will find delightful architecture, shops ranging from normal to quirky, and some of the finest dining experiences in the Mile High City, like Tamayo and Ocean Prime. When the sun shines, families flock to Larimer Square for an exciting shopping and dining experience. When the sun goes down, proceed with night-time adults-only.
Larimer Square, also known as Denver’s “adults’ playground” at night, provides an enjoyable bar-hopping experience. Guests can visit bars, clubs, and several other entertainment options that make it an excellent spot to spend the evening.
4. Get Lost in RiNo, Denver’s Artistic Playground
RiNo is heaven for art lovers, as it is Denver’s central hub “for arts on your own terms” (Hien 2019). Denver’s art district is loud and bright, decorated throughout its streets and alleys with large murals.
Here, you can found anything from an antique shop to a modern restaurant or bar; there are also plenty of art galleries, making it a crucial spot on the list of what to do in Denver. If you have not eaten, grab a bite in Il Posto or stop by Noble Riot for a cocktail.
5. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: Denver’s Natural Marvel
Denver’s Natural Marvel. The park definitely packs a punch when it comes to spectacular views in Denver. Covering 700 acres of awe-inspiring red rocks and natural spectacles, this park is every outdoor lover’s sanctum.
There are trails surrounding it, such as the Red Rocks Park Trading Post Trail and the Owl Trail, that present excellent opportunities to revel in the scenery. And the best part? Entrance is completely free of charge.
Depending on the schedule, visitors can even make their visit even more spectacular by simultaneously attending the venue’s famous amphitheater for an unparalleled experience.
6. Enjoy Craft beer: Explore Denver’s Beer Heritage
Are you eager to sample some of the world’s best beers? In comparison to Denver’s beer culture, yours is likely to pale in comparison.
After all, the mile-high city is recognized worldwide for its lively beer culture. The Great American Beer Festival is even hosted here!
In and around the city, comprehensive drinking facilities include more than 150 breweries. Call to Arms Brewing Co., Station 26 Brewing Co., Zuni Street Brewing Co., and Wynkoop Brewing Company are among the city’s top suggestions.
7. Denver Botanic Gardens
Ideal for: families and kids who want to switch off from a city and relax.
Find your peaceful escape from Denver, Colorado, at the mesmerizing botanical oasis block with beauty and charm!
The botanical garden covers vast 24 acres, which creates a mosaic of more than 50 themed gardens, various selected landscapes, and water pieces. Each next turn of your walk around the southwestern-themed garden and globe-encompassing botanical collections will inspire you more and more!
8. Delight in Little Man Ice Cream
Get a handle on Colorado’s 100% natural and homemade variety of delicious ice cream choices at Little Man Ice Cream to escape the whipping sun.
Not only are the styles wondrous and completely unique, but the wonderful dessert is also served up from a 28-foot tall milk can that is second to none.
9. Get Away to Evergreen
The small town Evergreen is a peaceful getaway from the vibrant downtown streets of Denver, Colorado.
Visitors are surrounded by the beauty of green forests and charming meadows to relax and breathe fresh air.
The hidden gem is more than a place for tranquility: it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions.
Relax in the TallGrass Spa, which will restore the harmony of mind and body.
Have lunch in Murphy’s Mountain Grill or Cactus Jack’s Saloon and Grill, a delicious meal guaranteed.
Shop at the Farmer’s Market or Ski Country Antiques and Home is a great option for souvenirs.
And of course, you cannot miss the chance to see Evergreen Lake!
10. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must to explore for everyone who is hungry for fantastic adventures in the great outdoors. The park covers 265,000 acres, and you will be amazed by what you see there.
The comfort of spectacular groves and the beauty of glossy lakes are only some examples of what one can enjoy here. The park will give you a full and unforgettable experience always surrounded by something to marvel at.
The park has many hiking trails to offer, but don’t forget to make time to see the most popular ones, such as Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Alpine Ridge Trail, and Gem Lake and behold Forest Canyon Overlook, Milner Pass, and Farview Curve Overlook for the best panoramic views!
Whether one enjoys walking, driving, camping, or fishing, Rocky Mountain National Park truly offers something exciting for every outdoor enthusiast!
