Generally known as the Mile Excessive Metropolis, Denver is the capital of Colorado and some of the thrilling cities to go to within the US. Surrounded by mountains, Denver is the right base for individuals who love a bit of outside journey.
I can’t even try and depend the variety of instances I’ve visited Denver. Denver’s location roughly in the course of the nation makes it the right cease throughout a street journey, and as you’ll see on this record, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.
It’s one in every of my favourite cities within the US, and never just for mountain climbing or snowboarding within the mountains, but additionally for its neighborhoods, museums, and music venues. On this information, we’ll check out 15 must-see Denver points of interest and issues to do that can assist you plan the right journey to the town.
This publish was up to date to incorporate new Denver points of interest and actions for 2023.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Denver
Whilst you could also be tempted to move straight for the Rocky Mountains, there are many issues to do in Denver to warrant sticking round for some time.
Residence to some world-class museums, stunning parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe one of the best music venue within the nation, Denver has rather a lot to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.
In the event you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer points of interest on this record, you could need to contemplate the Denver Metropolis Cross, which supplies you 40% off the worth of normal admission. Be taught extra right here.
1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol
Kicking off my record of one of the best Denver points of interest is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Eighteen Nineties and is dwelling to the Colorado Basic Meeting in addition to the governor’s workplace.
If the constructing seems a bit acquainted, that’s as a result of it was constructed to resemble the US Capitol in Washington, DC. It was made out of white granite and topped with a golden dome to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush.
One of many coolest issues about visiting the capitol is that you would be able to stand at precisely one mile above sea stage.
There are literally three completely different markers on the steps, with the one on the thirteenth step being the latest and most correct. Snap a photograph right here to indicate you correctly visited the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
Whilst you’re right here, you may as nicely go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely appeared round outdoors, lacking the attractive inside. Don’t do the identical.
Inside, you’ll see stunning stained glass home windows that depict scenes from the historical past of Colorado. You’ll want to climb up the steep 99 steps to succeed in Mr. Brown’s Attic, the place you’ll take pleasure in a 360-degree panoramic view of downtown and the Rocky Mountains.
The Colorado State Capitol is free to go to they usually even run free excursions. These begin on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM Monday to Friday, they usually advocate arriving at the very least 20 minutes upfront.
It’s positively some of the widespread issues to do in downtown Denver. You could find the capitol constructing on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80203, USA
2. See the Denver Artwork Museum
A fast stroll from the State Capitol will deliver you to the incredible Denver Artwork Museum. Take your time getting into, because the buildings that home the museum are a murals in their very own proper!
Italian modernist architect Gio Ponti designed the museum’s North Constructing, which considerably resembles a citadel.
Years later, the Hamilton Constructing was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, who was “impressed by the sunshine and geology of the Rockies.” This world-class artwork museum is certainly the most effective locations to go to in Denver.
When you’re accomplished admiring the structure, it’s time to move inside and discover the museum’s huge assortment.
Right here you’ll discover an abundance of Native American artwork amongst some 70,000 completely different artworks. Exhibitions are at all times altering, so you’ll want to examine their calendar to see what’s occurring. It is a must-do in Denver for any artwork lover.
The Denver Artwork Museum is open Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday from 10-5. On Fridays, the museum stays open till 8. Tickets value $13 for adults and children 18 and underneath go to at no cost. You could find the museum on the map right here.
Deal with: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
3. Go to Pink Rocks (the most effective locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the wonderful Denver points of interest, my private favourite has received to be Pink Rocks. It is a should see in Denver for certain!
Pink Rocks as a Music Venue
This metropolis park and out of doors amphitheater is a good place to hike, bike, and see reside music. In actual fact, Pink Rocks consistently tops lists of one of the best live performance venue in your entire United States.
I’ve seen plenty of concert events in plenty of locations, nevertheless it’s actually robust to beat Pink Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is ready between two large sandstone rock formations!
Not solely is it stunningly stunning, however this pure amphitheater has some completely unbelievable acoustics. I’ve been there a couple of instances already and it’s at all times a good time.
There are numerous nice acts that come to this legendary venue. Additionally they frequently host yoga courses and even film nights, so there’s at all times one thing cool occurring at Pink Rocks.
Mountaineering and Biking round Pink Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s nicely well worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Pink Rocks.
The park is dwelling to a number of completely different mountain climbing and biking trails as nicely. It’s positively the most effective locations to go to close to Denver if you wish to get some train together with breathtaking mountain views. Whilst you’re right here, it’s also possible to take a look at the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Pink Rocks is definitely situated within the small city of Morrison and is a couple of 30-minute drive from downtown Denver. It opens one hour earlier than dawn and closes one hour earlier than sundown on non-event days.
When there’s a present, the park closes at round 2PM. Better of all, admission and parking are each free! You may get instructions to Pink Rocks right here.
Deal with: Pink Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA
Excursions from Denver to Pink Rocks
One other nice approach to expertise Pink Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.
Meet up along with your information and head out to Pink Rocks. You’ll drive alongside the historic Lariat Loop, and as much as Bear Creek Canyon the place you will get a more in-depth view of the Rockies.
Epic viewpoints, stops for a beer or espresso, details about Denver, and all of the enjoyable issues to do are included on this journey. Click on right here to study extra about this Denver exercise.
Suppose you need to spend longer within the metropolis? Take a look at our Information to Residing in Denver, Colorado.
4. Wander sixteenth Road Mall
Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only sixteenth Road Mall is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined road is stuffed with retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you may simply spend a couple of leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally a fantastic place to only plop down on a bench, loosen up, and revel in some incredible people-watching. You’re certain to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s consider “fascinating” characters.
Whereas lots of my buddies who reside in Denver could decry this space as being a vacationer lure, I at all times take pleasure in taking a lap round it after I’m on the town.
It’s simply good being in a significant US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place individuals congregate and revel in a while outside. Plus, it’s straightforward to discover a good Completely happy Hour deal right here!
The sixteenth Road Mall could be very simply walkable, however there’s additionally a free shuttle bus that stops on each nook for those who really feel like giving your toes a relaxation. You may get instructions to the sixteenth Road Mall on the map right here.
Deal with: sixteenth St Mall, Denver, CO, 80265, USA
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5. Go to the Botanic Gardens
Nature lovers will need to be certain that so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their record of locations to go to in Denver. This large park occupies 23 acres proper within the coronary heart of Denver, making a inexperienced oasis in the course of a booming metropolis.
Comprised of over 45 completely different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In whole, there are nicely over 30,000 completely different crops! That is positively one of many high Denver points of interest and a spot you gained’t need to miss when visiting the town.
A few of the highlights of the park embrace the peaceable Japanese Backyard, the tropical conservatory, and the Rock Alpine Backyard.
There’s a lot to see and do right here that you would be able to simply spend a whole day exploring the gardens and the larger Cheesman Park the place they’re situated.
Tickets for the principle York Road space of the gardens value $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/navy, and $9 for college students and youngsters. This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Cross, which you should buy on-line right here.
There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so you’ll want to examine the calendar. It’s open day by day from 9-5, and yow will discover instructions by checking the map right here.
Deal with: 1007 York St, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
6. Go to the Sporting Venues
Do you know that Denver is one in every of solely two US cities the place groups in all 4 main sports activities play downtown?
Denver and my hometown of Detroit are the one locations the place you may see basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball all proper downtown.
Denver is dwelling to the Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), Nuggets (NBA), and Avalanche (NHL). The Broncos play at Mile Excessive, with eight regular-season video games between September and January.
Individuals actually go loopy for his or her soccer staff right here, so it’s a really thrilling environment to be part of.
Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their dwelling video games on the Ball Enviornment. The common season for each sports activities lasts from October to April, so there are many probabilities to catch a sport in the course of the fall and winter.
Watching a hockey or basketball sport is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Denver within the winter.
When hockey and basketball are wrapping up, baseball is simply getting began.
The Rockies play at Coors Area and have dwelling video games fairly often within the spring and summer time months. Whichever staff you see, testing a sport is certainly one of many high issues to do in downtown Denver.
7. Discover Union Station
The historic Union Station dates again to 1914, when it was rebuilt after a hearth destroyed it in 1894.
It might appear a bit odd to have a practice station on the record of one of the best Denver points of interest, however hear me out. Just some years in the past, a large redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges have been reworked into the posh Crawford Lodge, and a number of other boutique retailers, eating places, and bars moved in as nicely. Outdated ticket counters grew to become the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor reworked into “Denver’s front room.”
Along with all of the eating, buying, and leisure choices on supply at Union Station, it’s as soon as once more a totally functioning transportation hub.
Catching the A-Line right here from the airport is an reasonably priced and environmentally aware approach to journey out and in of the town. It’s also possible to catch Amtrak trains right here, together with the well-known California Zephyr line that travels to San Francisco.
Union Station is situated within the LoDo (Decrease Downtown) space of Denver. If you find yourself passing by means of in your approach to or from the airport, you’ll want to spend just a little additional time right here.
Seize a drink and a chew, do a little bit of window buying, or simply sit on the sofa and revel in some nice individuals watching. You could find Union Station on the map right here.
Deal with: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
There’s truly a enjoyable, brief, reasonably priced strolling tour you may be a part of the place you’ll study the historical past of LoDo, plus get tips about the place to eat and drink from the educated information. Be taught extra right here.
8. Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver is dwelling to loads of wonderful museums, and one in every of my favorites is certainly the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their superb exhibitions on dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and black holes makes a visit right here the most effective issues to do in Denver for youths.
Along with all their fascinating exhibitions, the museum can also be dwelling to an IMAX theatre and the most effective planetariums within the nation.
There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you may seize a drink and a chew to eat. With a lot to see and do, you may simply spend a complete day taking in all that this museum has to supply.
You’ll want to examine their calendar of occasions, because the museum typically has some fairly cool applications for each children and adults.
For instance, they’re having a Renaissance Revelry occasion quickly for adults the place costumes are inspired and drinks/appetizers are included in your ticket. Now that seems like a enjoyable evening on the museum!
The museum is open from 9-5 day by day, and tickets value $19 for adults or $14 for kids for museum admission. Particular exhibitions, IMAX screenings, and particular showings within the planetarium all value between $5-7 additional.
Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver Metropolis Cross. You may get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
Deal with: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA
9. Chill out within the Native Parks
In the event you’re visiting the museum, you may as nicely stick round Metropolis Park for some time. That is the biggest city park within the metropolis and a preferred place for locals and vacationers alike.
That’s not all, although. You’ll additionally discover soccer, baseball, and soccer fields, tennis courts, and a golf course right here. There are a few small lakes within the park and a boathouse the place you may lease some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.
In the course of the summer time months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. You’ll want to examine the schedule to see what’s enjoying for those who’re visiting in the summertime. You could find Metropolis Park on the map right here.
One other nice alternative is Washington Park, which is situated simply south of downtown (examine the map right here).
Health fanatics will love a go to to this massive inexperienced house due to the various mountain climbing and biking trails right here. There are additionally a couple of lakes right here for extra enjoyable on the water.
10. Go to the US Mint
The US Mint in Denver runs free excursions Monday-Thursday on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Have you ever ever questioned how cash are made? Properly, you are able to do simply that by visiting the US Mint. It was opened again in 1863 to show the findings of the Gold Rush into cash for your entire nation.
Their ticket window opens up at 7 AM and you may solely get tickets for a similar day. There are six excursions a day at 8, 9:30, 11, 12:30, 2, and three:30. You may get instructions to the US Mint on the map right here.
On this hour-long guided tour of the US Mint, you’ll see how a bland-looking piece of metallic will get reworked right into a shiny new coin.
Every coin that’s made right here is stamped with a “D” for Denver. They’ll produce as much as 50 million cash a day right here! A go to right here is certainly some of the distinctive Denver vacationer points of interest.
Deal with: 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80204, USA
11. Go to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park
One of the vital enjoyable locations to go to in Denver is Elitch Gardens. It’s truly two superior parks rolled into one, with a theme park on one aspect and a water park on the opposite.
Enjoyable truth – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the US!
It’s some of the widespread Denver points of interest and a fantastic place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in films, free concert events, and superb fireworks shows, there’s lots to see and do right here.
Elitch Gardens is open from mid-April to early November. The theme park opening hours differ relying on the time of yr and the day of the week, so you’ll want to examine earlier than planning your journey there.
As for the water park, it’s open from 10:30-6 from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. You could find Elitch Gardens on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
12. Go to the Historical past Colorado Heart
In the event you’re taken with studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then you’ll want to add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your record of issues to do in downtown Denver.
It’s situated within the Golden Triangle Museum District, the place you’ll discover lots of the finest Denver points of interest.
The Historical past Colorado Heart is a far cry from the boring museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is stuffed with interactive, high-tech displays which might be enjoyable and informative for all ages.
Along with the nice displays inside, the constructing itself is kind of spectacular. It was made out of all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s a stupendous constructing in and out.
The museum is open day by day from 10-5, with tickets costing $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10/$8 for college kids/kids. This must-see place in Denver is included within the Metropolis Cross. You could find the museum on the map and get instructions right here.
Deal with: 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80203, USA
13. Larimer Sq. (a high Denver Attraction for vacationers)
Larimer Sq. is without doubt one of the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so you’ll want to add it to your record.
The town of Denver has come a great distance since its humble beginnings as a pioneer camp in the course of the Gold Rush. It was based in 1858 by William Larimer, who named the brand new metropolis’s important road after himself.
For a few years, Larimer Road thrived as a bustling industrial hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it grew to become run down and crammed with liquor shops, flophouses, and pawn retailers.
Fortunately, restoration efforts started within the mid-’60s to attempt to save this piece of Denver’s historical past.
The 1400 block of Larimer Road was saved from the wrecking ball and buildings got a severe facelift. Half a century later, it’s the best-preserved space of Nineteenth-century buildings in all of Denver.
It’s often called Larimer Sq. lately, and it’s as soon as once more a thriving space of downtown Denver. Right here you’ll discover unbiased retailers, eating places run by well-known cooks, and a few energetic bars. Get instructions to Larimer Sq. on the map right here.
Deal with: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
14. Denver Heart for the Performing Arts
Just some blocks from Larimer Sq., you’ll discover the Denver Heart for the Performing Arts. Residence to a number of completely different venues, there’s at all times one thing fascinating occurring right here.
There are numerous completely different theatres within the DCPA. The most important is the Buell Theatre (2,839 capability), which hosts Broadway musicals and performs. Upcoming exhibits right here embrace Broadway staples resembling Cats, Depraved, and Hire.
A lot smaller is the Garner Galleria Theatre, which is a cabaret-style venue that solely seats simply over 200 individuals. This venue often options comedic musicals or improv comedy, so that you’re assured some laughs while you e-book a present right here.
After all, there are many choices for wining and eating across the DCPA as nicely. Go forward and make an evening of it by having dinner and drinks right here earlier than the present.
Simply you’ll want to e-book your tickets upfront for these tremendous widespread exhibits! You could find the DCPA on the map right here.
Deal with: 1101 thirteenth St., Denver, CO, 80204, USA
15. Go to the Breweries: A Should-Do in Denver!
Beer lovers are in for a deal with when visiting Denver. Residence to breweries giant and small, there’s no scarcity of tasty brews to pattern right here within the Mile Excessive Metropolis — visiting is a must-do in Denver!
Craft Beer Breweries
In the event you favor a powerful IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you may decide to go on a micro-brewery tour as an alternative — of which, there are numerous in Denver.
This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is without doubt one of the hottest within the metropolis! You’ll go to 4 of one of the best craft breweries whereas sampling 10 beers. Plus, you’ll study in regards to the brewing course of out of your skilled beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.
The tour consists of ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having accomplished this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you just positively get your cash’s value! Be taught extra right here.
On this 4-hour tour, you’ll go to 3 completely different breweries on the base of the Rocky Mountains. The tour is known as Brews and Views for a purpose! Be taught extra right here.
Coors Brewery
Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many high Denver points of interest. Situated in close by Golden, that is the world’s largest single-site brewery. They’ll brew as much as 22 million barrels of beer right here in a single yr!
Excursions of the Coors Brewery can be found year-round for $10 per particular person. They final half-hour, providing you with a fast take a look at the malting, brewing, and packaging course of for one of many world’s most well-known beers.
After the tour, you may after all pattern a few of the product. You could find the brewery on the map right here.
Deal with: Coors Brewery, 1221 Ford St, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
Bonus! Day Journeys
I had so as to add extra must-sees in Denver to this record. Whereas there’s rather a lot occurring within the metropolis itself, you probably have the time, I like to recommend getting outdoors of the town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
An effective way to do that so that you don’t need to type out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to be a part of a enjoyable day journey. There are two important choices:
8 Hour Day Journey From Denver
The drive to the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is simply as superb because the park itself — benefit from the canyons, the Flatirons, and the charming city of Estes Park.
When you’re within the Nationwide Park, you’ll expertise the attractive view of Lengthy’s Peak, the park’s highest mountain, and admire the glacial-carved valleys, crammed with aspen and pine timber.
Plus, the information will take you to one of the best spots for wildlife viewing, images, strolling, brief hikes, or simply chilling out.
This highly-rated, small-group tour consists of information, transportation, lunch and park entrance charges, and naturally, a few of the most spectacular viewpoints and places within the park. Be taught extra about this must-do in Denver Colorado right here.
4 Hour Day Journey From Denver
In the event you don’t really feel like spending a complete day away from the opposite points of interest in Denver, you are able to do a half-day journey to see the Rocky Mountains, versus visiting the Nationwide Park.
On this journey, you’ll drive the Lariat Loop, go to Pink Rocks, Evergreen (for a beer/espresso), a lookout level, and Buffalo Invoice’s Grave, earlier than returning to Denver.
FAQs about Denver Points of interest
Listed below are solutions to some continuously requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.
Due to its elevation, Denver is legendary for being the Mile Excessive Metropolis. Situated on the foot of the Entrance Vary, Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. So far as Denver points of interest go, it’s well-known for artwork museums, sports activities arenas, craft breweries, and live performance venues resembling Pink Rocks.
After all! There are many enjoyable issues to do in Denver. You’ll be able to go mountain climbing, take a look at a museum, go to breweries, go to a live performance, or see a sport of one in every of Denver’s 4 main sports activities groups.
Sure, downtown Denver is certainly value visiting. Though you could solely be passing by means of in your approach to a mountain climbing or snowboarding journey within the mountains, a cease downtown will provide you with the prospect to take pleasure in nice eating places, hip breweries, and enjoyable Denver points of interest just like the sixteenth Road Mall.
Though you can see rather a lot in solely at some point, three days will provide you with the best period of time to have a pleasant mixture of tradition, nature, and first-rate foods and drinks whereas visiting Denver.
Completely Denver is a walkable metropolis. Prime Denver points of interest, such because the sixteenth Road Mall and Larimer Sq., are finest skilled on foot.
Downtown Denver is 23 miles from the airport. It’s straightforward to get there, due to the A-Line commuter practice that connects the airport to downtown.
Prepared for All the Points of interest in Denver?
As you may see, there’s rather a lot occurring in Denver! There are such a lot of wonderful Denver points of interest that this record might have simply been for much longer. I’ve been going to the town each few years for the final decade and I at all times uncover one thing new.
A go to to Denver is the right introduction to the state of Colorado.
After a couple of days of taking in a few of the sights within the metropolis, you’ll be able to get on the market and discover the remainder of this stunning, mountainous state. Simply an hour and a half drive from the town, yow will discover your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
So lots of my buddies have moved to Denver in the previous couple of years, and I can positively see why.
With a thriving music scene and numerous choices for out of doors adventures, I see the enchantment! I for one am enthusiastic about getting again to the town once more quickly, and I like to recommend you add it to your journey bucket record.
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