There is nothing like summer in Colorado and it’s magic might make it the best season to visit. If you are in the process of planning a trip, this is simply an excellent time to investigate!
Colorado gets pretty hot in the summer, so I recommend visiting early or late in the season (May or September). The summer months can be very hot so make sure to stay hydrated, find shaded spots and plan your outdoor activities for the cooler (relatively speaking) early morning or evening hours.
My Top Summer Activities in Denver
1. Tubing
And in the hot summer, tubing is a great way to keep cool. My favorite is Clear Creek in Golden (tube rentals), but Boulder Creek and Poudre River work as well. Make sure to double-check conditions in advance of your adventure so you can tube safely, or wait until later in the season when water levels should be more stable.
2. Hiking
You are probably visiting Colorado for hiking, and you should hike! There are a lot of hiking trails to choose from and it can be hard to decide. If you seek closer-in adventures, here are my list of the best hikes within a 40-minute drive from Denver. If you have more time, look into visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or Hanging Lake and some of the other hikes on my personal bucket list.
3. Indulge in Ice Cream
An ice cream scoop a day keeps the summer days away, or something like that. Number one on my list is Littleman Ice Cream, but if we were to choose something different there would be Sweet Action or Bonnie Brae Take a Dairy Queen and make it gourmet. Expect huge lines in the midst of summer, on these top days it does require a slight patience!
4. Explore Wash Park
I personally love Wash Park! It is centrally located in Denver and attracts a diverse crowd. Whether you like to walk around the lakes, paddleboard or play tennis and even if your thing is just people watching this park has something for everyone.
5. Cheer on the Rockies
What better way to spend a summer evening than at the ballpark and the Rockies have an entertaining crowd. Be sure to hit a couple of the great bars around Coors Field for some unique post-game enjoyment.
6. Satisfy Late-Night Cravings
As summer days are long and actually stretches into the night once in a while it would be nice to have some late-night snacks. Late Night: If you have a late night munchies kick-in, go to Biker Jim’s (open till 3am Fri/Sat), SliceWorks or Sam’s No. 3 (until midnight Fri/Sat). Despite being packed, they serve great food at their regular hours also!
7. Browse Farmers’ Markets
Denver boasts numerous farmers’ markets worth visiting. Favorites include the market in Golden (Saturdays from June 1 to October 5) and Cherry Creek (Saturdays and Wednesdays, with varying dates).
8. Visit the Denver Art Museum
Get away from the sultry summer weather and go see great art at Denver Art Museum. This would be my number one pick to explore cultural wise in the city.
9. Enjoy Summer Bars
Here is a list of the best summer bars with patios, views and drinks in Denver. Make sure you check at least one of these spots out on your travels!
10. Experience the Friday Night Bazaar
The Friday Night Bazaar, which takes place every Friday evening from June 28 through September in the RiNo neighborhood, is no exception. Local food trucks, breweries and shops set up along the streets by Stem Ciders.
11. Brewery Tours
Visiting a brewery is enjoyable, but taking a tour adds a whole new level of fun! I had a fantastic time touring Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, where I gained fascinating insights into the brewing process. If you’re a food enthusiast like me, these tours offer an intriguing behind-the-scenes look.
12. Visit a Brewery
Denver has so many Breweries it is amazing to be around this place. One of you will have to go while on a trip if you miss all. I studied (by taste testing:) Denver Beer Company, Four Noses, Prost and New Terrain to name a few. oh my goodness the list I’ll stop there- Breckenridge you know who are hahaha hep!
13. Day Trip to the Mountains
With Denver’s proximity to the mountains, it’s a missed opportunity not to spend a few hours exploring higher altitudes. If hiking isn’t appealing, consider a visit to charming mountain towns. Estes Park is a great choice, just 90 minutes away and located within Rocky Mountain National Park. Alternatively, Idaho Springs and Evergreen, both around 45 minutes from Denver, offer delightful experiences.
14. Enjoy a Great Meal at a Denver Restaurant
Get in on Denver’s great food game by visiting some of the best local restaurants around. Here are my go tos in the city that I keep going back to for beautiful feeds.
15. Curl Up with a Book
Sometimes during a hot summer day the best thing to do is stay inside and read something! Brooklyn: Tattered Cover, the beloved Denver bookshop with several branches around town and making a great place to settle in with ill-gotten library caffeination while perusing their extensive stacks.
16. Visit Union Station
Located in downtown, Union Station is a lively place to explore with numerous restaurants and bars. In the summer, the fountains out front offer a refreshing spot to cool off or let kids play. Inside, you can enjoy free shuffleboard at Terminal Bar—just ask the bartenders for the pucks.
17. See a Concert at Red Rocks
Red Rocks No trip to Denver is complete without visiting Red Rocks. The concert at this legendary stadium is a show you will never forget. If you don’t make it to a show, spend an afternoon wandering the amphitheater and its trails.
18. Explore the RiNo Art District
It was a great summer scene in RiNo, but would it transition as the seasons changed. Explore alleyways with wall murals and have some guacamole on the patio at Los Chingones, toss back a few drinks together at Death & Co or taste around Denver Central Market for all sorts of good eats.
19. Go to a Drive-in Movie
If you’ve never been to a drive-in, now is the perfect time. Denver features several drive-in theaters, including Denver Mart Drive-in and 88 Drive-in Theater. For a bit of a drive, the Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins offers a fun northward excursion.
20. Explore Dairy Block
Dairy Block, once home to Windsor Dairy, has recently become a lively spot in LoDo. This area is filled with eclectic features, from music boxes to illuminated sidewalks. Enjoy great food and drinks at the Denver Milk Market and Poko Lola Social Club.
21. Visit a Speakeasy
Speakeasies add a touch of mystery to any outing. Denver has a variety of excellent speakeasies. If you enjoy craft cocktails, check out my list of must-visit hidden bars.
22. First and Final Friday Art Walks
Denver’s art walks are a big part of its creative culture. These events are held at many of the art districts, where galleries invite people in for snacks and sometimes music. Final Friday Art Walk — Love art but in a rush to impress? Don’t miss the Final Friday Art Walk, sponsored by Golden Triangle Creative District.
23. Tour a Distillery
For those who prefer spirits to beer, try one or more distilleries in Colorado. Leopold Bros. and presented with sustainable measures, as well as an amazing fruity variety of alcohol involving fruit liqueurs. The tours are available Tuesdays through Saturdays and cost $20 per person (tasting room purchase required), with a $10 discount if you do buy something. There are many other distilleries to sample from adjoining states as well.
24. Visit 16th Street
While 16th Street isn’t my #1 favorite spot, if you’re a first-timer to Denver I think it’s worth checking out. It features numerous outlets and restaurants for your dining, shopping, and entertainment pleasure.
25. Visit Elitch Gardens
For some local amusement, check out Elitch Gardens Theme and Waterpark or Lakeside Amusement Park, which offers a more budget-friendly option. Water World is another excellent choice, perfect for cooling off during the summer heat.
