Welcome to the best things to do in Denver!
With its gorgeous scenery, amazing access to nature, and buzzing atmosphere, The Mile High City is one of my favorite cities in the US.
If you plan a trip to this Colorado hot spot, here are some must-dos to add to your Denver bucket list.
Let’s dive in.
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Denver Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Denver
- Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
- Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
- Downtown Denver Food Tour
Where To Stay In Denver
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Denver
If you’re just planning to explore Denver without venturing further out, you don’t necessarily need a car.
If you stay at a centrally-located hotel, you can walk or Uber anywhere you need to go.
However, if you plan on combining your time in Denver with other adventures in the area, you definitely do need a car.
In fact, Denver is the perfect place to kick off a Rocky Mountain road trip!
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
Short on time? I recommend booking a Full Day Rocky Mountain National Park Tour!
1. Visit Union Station
Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday – Friday 5:30 AM – 2 AM, Sunday 5:30 AM – 12 AM
Best for: All ages
Union Station is one of the most well-known destinations in Denver, Colorado.
It’s a must-see for all age groups.
Visitors, young and old, can bask in the unique historical architecture and enjoy plenty of shops and five-star dining experiences, including The Cooper Lounge and ACME Delicatessen.
It’s also the go-to for getting around, as this historical landmark remains a functional public transit station.
2. Experience Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station
Address: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10 AM – 10 PM, Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 12 AM
Best for: Older kids, adults
If you’re a fan of art installations but don’t want to settle for “typical” museums and setups, Meow Wolf Denver may be your ultimate escape.
This exciting and immersive contemporary art museum features a collection of 70 interactive installations complete with lights and sounds.
Spread across four stories and 90,000 square feet, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages.
3. Visit Larimer Square
Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 10 AM – 9 PM
Best for: All ages
Larimer Square is an urban shopping district known as the “heart and soul” of Denver, Colorado.
This lovely area boasts enticing architecture, one-of-a-kind shops, and some of Denver’s best restaurants, such as Tamayo and Ocean Prime.
While this is a wonderful place for families during the daytime, night adventures are best reserved for adults.
Considered an “adult playground,” you can find a plethora of bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues.
4. Explore RiNo
Address: River North Art District Denver, CO
Best for: Older kids, adults
Those obsessed with the art scene will want to visit RiNo, the place in Denver “where art is made.”
This interesting art district is riddled with artwork in every direction, making it a colorful destination with art galleries, restaurants, and bars.
Don’t miss visiting the delicious Il Posto before grabbing a drink at the Noble Riot!
5. Explore Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: All ages
As the name suggests, this park showcases some of the most astonishing views in Denver.
Featuring 700 acres of red rocks and geographical wonders, it’s an outdoors person’s dream come true.
Plenty of hiking trails are available to fill your nature cup, including the Red Rocks Park Trading Post Trail and the Owl Trail.
The best part is it’s entirely free.
Not only that, if you time your visit right, you may also enjoy a one-of-a-kind show in the world-renowned amphitheater.
6. Visit a Craft Beer Brewery
Best for: Adults 21+
Are you looking to sip on a cup of some of the world’s finest beer?
Then you’ll be glad to know that Denver, Colorado has a thriving beer scene that’s known across the globe.
It’s no wonder it’s home to the Great American Beer Festival!
While there are over 150 breweries in Denver, the top picks include: Call to Arms Brewing Co., Station 26 Brewing Co., Zuni Street Brewing Co., and Wynkoop Brewing Company.
7. Stroll Denver Botanical Gardens
Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 9 AM – 8 PM; Tuesday – Wednesday, 9 AM – 2 PM
Best for: All ages
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Denver, Colorado, and step into a jaw-dropping and mesmerizing botanic garden unlike anything you’ve seen before.
This is the ideal spot for children and families.
Here, you can explore 24 acres of stunning scenery within 50 themed gardens.
From a water garden to internationally-inspired collections, you will see something new and amazing.
8. Indulge at Little Man Ice Cream
Address: 2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11 AM – 11 PM, Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 12 AM
Best for: All ages
Cool off with a tasty, 100% homemade ice cream treat at Little Man Ice Cream.
Not only are the flavors tremendous in flavor and entirely unique, but desserts are served from a 28-foot-tall milk can – making this an experience in itself.
9. Explore Evergreen
Address: Downtown Evergreen Colorado, 4600 Plettner Ln, Evergreen, CO 80437
Best for: All ages
Evergreen is the ideal getaway for those seeking refuge from the busy streets of downtown Denver.
It’s here where you can relax and escape it all, indulging in the beautifully green forests and cheerful meadows.
This isn’t just a secluded wonderland, though. There’s actually plenty to see and do.
Head to the TallGrass Spa to rejuvenate.
Grab a bite at Murphy’s Mountain Grill or Cactus Jack’s Saloon and Grill.
Shop at the Farmer’s Market or grab souvenirs at Ski Country Antiques and Home.
Oh, and don’t forget to see Evergreen Lake and all its glory!
10. Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Address: North Central Colorado
Hours: 24 hours/day
Best for: All ages
Anyone wanting to explore the great outdoors should trek into the Rocky Mountain National Park, a 265,000-acre national park that will take your breath away.
From the enchanting collection of trees to the glistening bodies of water, this is a destination everyone will enjoy.
While there is a seemingly endless supply of hiking trails to wind and turn through, some of the most well-known and enjoyed routes include: Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Alpine Ridge Trail, and Gem Lake.
For lookout points that will shock and intrigue you, consider the Forest Canyon Overlook, Milner Pass, and Farview Curve Overlook.
Hike, drive, camp, fish – this is the go-to spot for outdoor recreation!
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