Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in America. Whether considering the advantages of city life or trekking into big mountain adventures; there is something for everyone. Great road tripping destination is Colorado! For my newest adventure, I stayed in Denver for 4 days but had long enough to get out of the city limits.
This Denver vacation offers the best of experiences — dine, go on outdoor adventures or shop for some style plus visit Rino arts district. If Denver is on your travel bucket list, here’s a great 4-day itinerary to maximize and enjoy every bit of time this dynamic city offers.
Lodging Options in Denver: Where to Stay for a Memorable Experience
The Clayton Members Hotel
While I was in town, home base was The Clayton Members Hotel (which boasts the unique offering of a rooftop pool and furnishes guests with tokens for free coffee, baked goods and scoops). It was also great to have valet parking for a charge, because yes, we did drive. The hotel has a convenient central location just within 10-15mins drive away from most activities and sights. And while you are in this area, I highly recommend eating at Of a Kind Restaurant—definitely one of my be meals of the trip!
The Brown Palace Hotel
Honestly this is a stunning hotel! You can visit for the day even if you are not staying in this enchanting hotel, but I still suggest to take a few photos here or enjoy its famous afternoon tea. It’s historic charm and beauty make it one of the most visited places in Denver.
The Crawford Hotel
In Downtown Denver at Union Station is The Crawford Hotel. It’s in a great location and there are many places to eat around so it’s an easy option for touring the city.
The Ramble Hotel
Situated in the River North Art District (RiNo), this stylish boutique hotel stands out as one of its kind among prime areas. A mix of comfort and creativity for travellers in search of an immersion into the local arts scene.
Denver Itinerary Day 1: A Day of Natural Wonders
Garden of the Gods
Take it easy in the morning at your hotel and then go check out Garden of The Gods to start you off with incredible views for the day. This wonder of nature was definitely one of the highlights and a must see for anyone who spends time in it. However if you are a hiker, I suggest saving easy magical hills to spend several hours exploring these magnificent scenic trails in the park — it is definitely an all-day affair. Garden of the Gods is located in one hour driving distance from Denver and offers an exciting adventure experience outdoors.
Denver Itinerary Day 2: A Morning Escape to Nature
Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons
Start your second day with an early morning drive to Chautauqua Park, about 40 minutes from Denver near Boulder Colorado. The iconic Flatirons, five large rock formations situated together from north to south greet you when visiting this area. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views – it is a treat (the light makes even photographers cry with joy).
A Tranquil Afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Get just a few minutes out of the city to relax and have lunch at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Spend a couple of hours strolling through the eclectic plant displays, taking time to soak in the serene mood that comes with a well-laid out garden.
Experience the Iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater
No trip to Denver is complete without a stop at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. The space is used for a wide range of events, from concerts to yoga sessions, movie night and more. Film on the Rocks – I got to go and watch The Princess Bride as it was intended — outside under a beautiful golden cauldron sky. Make sure to visit their website for the latest events!
Denver Itinerary Day 3: A Cultural Immersion
Denver Art Museum
Spend your third day in town visiting the Denver Art Museum, home to an array of spectacular art exhibits. More than just an art institution, this cultural center showcases a rich collection of beautifully crafted works that will fascinate and stimulate any artistic interest by providing different flavors for the tastes. Well, if you are not that fond of arts and creativity inspires or captivates your mind than surely the museum should never be missed from visiting on your itinerary.
Explore Denver by E Tuk: A Unique City Adventure
Get on an E Tuk tour with a fun way to see Denver. The 2-hour ride begins at $69 and provides a novel overview of the city. The brown palace hotel chees man park Union Station, Our guide was great and took us to Denver landmarks such as the Brown Palace Hotel, Larimer square, Chees man Park. Not only that but it just so happened the guide was flexible enough to change plans in light of bad weather and lazy alpaca. Highly recommend!
Unwind at the Beer Spa: A Unique Denver Experience
While in Denver, home of plenty a craft beer stop by the Beer Spa. Relax with some beer therapy and a relaxing massage, which will last 2 hours in total. The beer on tap was great! Once we checked in, and tasted our flights of beer time to spend 90 minutes with a Sauna/ Hottub suite followed by each getting a private room chair massage for the last 30 min. It’s a great way to kick back and enjoy what Denver has to offer.
Denver Itinerary Day 4: Dive into Denver’s Street Art Scene
Denver Graffiti Tour
Denver has an exceptionally gifted group of street artists, and for those with a love for art the RiNo Art District is such to be one you will not want to miss, as it dazzles with its abundance of murals. The Denver Graffiti Tour presents a two-hour guided walk that shows off the city through the comings and goings of some truly talented street artists. If tour options are just a little too much for you add on, check out the RiNo Urban Art Tour led by local artist and activist Annie Kingman that ends where else but at Denver Central Market. Tickets are a reasonable $30.
Discover the Charm of Dairy Block
This is a fun spot to hang out with great bars, really good restaurants and so many cute little shops. It’s a nice and welcoming area to walk through, if you need some shopping done or even just grabbing something to eat. Its ambiance is lovely, and you should definitely swing by when in Denver.
Where to Eat in Denver: A Culinary Guide
Denver Central Market
This trendy food hall in the heart of RiNo features a variety of vendors to cater to almost any hankering. The kouign amman from Izzio Bakery is great I would definitely recommend it.
Steuben’s Uptown
Steuben’s Totally adore this darling diner, it is quickly becoming one of my go to favs. If there is one thing the Nashville Fried Chicken stands out.
Leven Deli
One of Denver’s best deli and wine bars just a block from the Denver Art Museum. You can pair this with a dried fruit salad or mixed greens, and it is a great option for either before or after the museum.
Third Culture Bakery
When you are in a mood of trying out something distinct then this bakery is a must-visit. The mochi muffins are pillowy, moist that provides a new level of texture and flavor.
Kachina
Dairy Block has a lot of dining, with modern Mexican from Barrio and Italian food at Safta – but Kachina is another good choice for both lunch and dinner. It has quite a beautiful setting and the menu makes it impeccable in terms of dining.
Ace Eat Serve
If you want to have some fun and hit up happy hour at the same time, Pig Ate My Pizza won’t let you down with their not-so-typical Asian-Fusion cuisine.
Snooze
So while I didn’t get the chance to go, Snooze is regarded highly among locals as one of Denver’s busiest breakfast spots.
Denver Biscuit Company
I wish I had tried this place, but they are apparently one of the best places in town to get some biscuit sandwiches – definitely on my checklist when we return!
That’s a Wrap! Your Ideal 4-Day Denver Itinerary
And there you have it – the perfect 4-day itinerary for Denver, Colorado! May you experience Boston in all its glory! I cannot wait for my next visit to explore even more from this beautiful state.
