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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 to rely the variety of occasions I’ve visited Denver. Denver’s location roughly in the midst of the nation makes it the right cease throughout a highway journey, and as you’ll see on this record, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.
It’s one in all my favourite cities within the US, and never just for mountaineering 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 sights and issues to do that will help you plan the right journey to town.
This submit was up to date to incorporate new Denver sights and actions for 2023.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Denver
When 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.
House 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 so much to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.
In case you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer sights on this record, it’s possible you’ll wish to think about the Denver Metropolis Go, which supplies you 40% off the value 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 sights is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Nineties and is house to the Colorado Basic Meeting in addition to the governor’s workplace.
If the constructing seems to be 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 may 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.
When you’re right here, you would possibly as properly go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely appeared round exterior, 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. Remember to climb up the steep 99 steps to achieve Mr. Brown’s Attic, the place you’ll get pleasure from 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 no less than 20 minutes prematurely.
It’s positively some of the standard 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 improbable Denver Artwork Museum. Take your time moving 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 fort.
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 unquestionably the most effective locations to go to in Denver.
When you’re performed 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 artistic endeavors. Exhibitions are all the time altering, so be sure you examine their calendar to see what’s occurring. This can be 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 price $13 for adults and youngsters 18 and underneath go to totally free. You could find the museum on the map right here.
Deal with: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
3. Go to Crimson Rocks (the most effective locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the wonderful Denver sights, my private favourite has received to be Crimson Rocks. This can be a should see in Denver for positive!
Crimson Rocks as a Music Venue
This metropolis park and outside amphitheater is a superb place to hike, bike, and see reside music. In reality, Crimson Rocks continually tops lists of one of the best live performance venue in your complete United States.
I’ve seen lots of live shows in lots of locations, nevertheless it’s actually robust to beat Crimson Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is about between two huge sandstone rock formations!
Not solely is it stunningly stunning, however this pure amphitheater has some completely unimaginable acoustics. I’ve been there a couple of occasions already and it’s all the time a good time.
There are lots of nice acts that come to this legendary venue. In addition they usually host yoga courses and even film nights, so there’s all the time one thing cool occurring at Crimson Rocks.
Mountain climbing and Biking round Crimson Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s properly definitely worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Crimson Rocks.
The park is house to a number of completely different mountaineering and biking trails as properly. 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. When you’re right here, you may also try the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Crimson Rocks is definitely positioned within the small city of Morrison and is a few 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 will get instructions to Crimson Rocks right here.
Deal with: Crimson Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA
Excursions from Denver to Crimson Rocks
One other nice method to expertise Crimson Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.
Meet up together with your information and head out to Crimson Rocks. You’ll drive alongside the historic Lariat Loop, and as much as Bear Creek Canyon the place you will get a better 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.
Assume you wish to spend longer within the metropolis? Take a look at our Information to Dwelling in Denver, Colorado.
4. Wander sixteenth Road Mall
Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only sixteenth Road Mall is among the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined road is filled with outlets, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you’ll be able to simply spend a couple of leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally an awesome place to only plop down on a bench, loosen up, and luxuriate in some improbable people-watching. You’re positive to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s say “attention-grabbing” characters.
Whereas lots of my associates who reside in Denver might decry this space as being a vacationer entice, I all the time get pleasure from taking a lap round it once 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 luxuriate in a while open air. Plus, it’s simple to discover a good Pleased Hour deal right here!
The sixteenth Road Mall may be very simply walkable, however there’s additionally a free shuttle bus that stops on each nook in case you really feel like giving your toes a relaxation. You will 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 wish to ensure that so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their record of locations to go to in Denver. This huge park occupies 23 acres proper within the coronary heart of Denver, making a inexperienced oasis in the midst of a booming metropolis.
Comprised of over 45 completely different gardens, there’s an entire lot to see right here. In whole, there are properly over 30,000 completely different crops! That is positively one of many prime Denver sights and a spot you gained’t wish to miss when visiting 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 may simply spend a whole day exploring the gardens and the higher Cheesman Park the place they’re positioned.
Tickets for the primary York Road space of the gardens price $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/army, and $9 for college students and kids. This is among the finest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Go, which you should purchase on-line right here.
There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so be sure you examine the calendar. It’s open every single day from 9-5, and you could find 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 all 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’ll be able to see basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball all proper downtown.
Denver is house 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.
Folks actually go loopy for his or her soccer group right here, so it’s a really thrilling environment to be part of.
Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their house video games on the Ball Enviornment. The common season for each sports activities lasts from October to April, so there are many possibilities to catch a sport in the course of the fall and winter.
Watching a hockey or basketball sport is among 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 Subject and have house video games fairly often within the spring and summer time months. Whichever group you see, testing a sport is unquestionably one of many prime 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 could appear a bit odd to have a prepare station on the record of one of the best Denver sights, however hear me out. Only a few years in the past, a large redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges had been remodeled into the luxurious Crawford Resort, and several other boutique outlets, eating places, and bars moved in as properly. Previous ticket counters turned the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor remodeled into “Denver’s front room.”
Along with all of the eating, purchasing, and leisure choices on supply at Union Station, it’s as soon as once more a completely functioning transportation hub.
Catching the A-Line right here from the airport is an reasonably priced and environmentally acutely aware method to journey out and in of town. You too can catch Amtrak trains right here, together with the well-known California Zephyr line that travels to San Francisco.
Union Station is positioned within the LoDo (Decrease Downtown) space of Denver. If you find yourself passing by means of in your method to or from the airport, be sure you spend slightly further time right here.
Seize a drink and a chunk, do a little bit of window purchasing, or simply sit on the sofa and luxuriate 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, quick, reasonably priced strolling tour you’ll be able to 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 house to loads of wonderful museums, and one in all my favorites is unquestionably the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their wonderful exhibitions on dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and black holes makes a visit right here the most effective issues to do in Denver for teenagers.
Along with all their attention-grabbing exhibitions, the museum can also be house to an IMAX theatre and the most effective planetariums within the nation.
There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you’ll be able to seize a drink and a chunk to eat. With a lot to see and do, you’ll be able to simply spend an entire day taking in all that this museum has to supply.
Remember to examine their calendar of occasions, because the museum usually has some fairly cool packages 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 feels like a enjoyable night time on the museum!
The museum is open from 9-5 every single day, and tickets price $19 for adults or $14 for youngsters for museum admission. Particular exhibitions, IMAX screenings, and particular showings within the planetarium all price between $5-7 further.
Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver Metropolis Go. You will get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
Deal with: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA
9. Loosen up within the Native Parks
In case you’re visiting the museum, you would possibly as properly stick round Metropolis Park for some time. That is the most important city park within the metropolis and a well-liked 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’ll be able to lease some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.
Through the summer time months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Remember to examine the schedule to see what’s enjoying in case you’re visiting in the summertime. You could find Metropolis Park on the map right here.
One other nice selection is Washington Park, which is positioned simply south of downtown (examine the map right here).
Health fanatics will love a go to to this huge inexperienced area because of the numerous mountaineering 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 complete 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 will 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 remodeled right into a shiny new coin.
Every coin that’s made right here is stamped with a “D” for Denver. They will produce as much as 50 million cash a day right here! A go to right here is unquestionably some of the distinctive Denver vacationer sights.
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 facet and a water park on the opposite.
Enjoyable reality – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the USA!
It’s some of the standard Denver sights and an awesome place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in motion pictures, free live shows, and wonderful fireworks shows, there’s a lot to see and do right here.
Elitch Gardens is open from mid-April to early November. The theme park opening hours range relying on the time of yr and the day of the week, so be sure you 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 case you’re concerned about studying extra concerning the state of Colorado, then be sure you add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your record of issues to do in downtown Denver.
It’s positioned within the Golden Triangle Museum District, the place you’ll discover lots of the finest Denver sights.
The Historical past Colorado Heart is a far cry from the uninteresting museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is filled with interactive, high-tech reveals which are enjoyable and informative for all ages.
Along with the good reveals inside, the constructing itself is sort of spectacular. It was made out of all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s a good looking constructing inside and outside.
The museum is open every single 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 Go. 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 prime Denver Attraction for vacationers)
Larimer Sq. is among the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so be sure you add it to your record.
Town of Denver has come a good 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 most important road after himself.
For a few years, Larimer Road thrived as a bustling business hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it turned run down and crammed with liquor shops, flophouses, and pawn outlets.
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 referred to as Larimer Sq. as of late, and it’s as soon as once more a thriving space of downtown Denver. Right here you’ll discover impartial outlets, eating places run by well-known cooks, and a few full of life 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
Only a few blocks from Larimer Sq., you’ll discover the Denver Heart for the Performing Arts. House to a number of completely different venues, there’s all the time one thing attention-grabbing occurring right here.
There are lots of 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 equivalent to Cats, Depraved, and Lease.
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 once you e book a present right here.
In fact, there are many choices for wining and eating across the DCPA as properly. Go forward and make an evening of it by having dinner and drinks right here earlier than the present.
Simply be sure you e book your tickets prematurely for these tremendous standard 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. House to breweries massive 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 case you choose a powerful IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you’ll be able to decide to go on a micro-brewery tour as an alternative — of which, there are lots of in Denver.
This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is among 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 concerning the brewing course of out of your knowledgeable beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.
The tour contains ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having performed this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you just positively get your cash’s price! 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 named Brews and Views for a motive! Be taught extra right here.
Coors Brewery
Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many prime Denver sights. Positioned in close by Golden, that is the world’s largest single-site brewery. They will 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, supplying you with a fast have a look at the malting, brewing, and packaging course of for one of many world’s most well-known beers.
After the tour, you’ll be able to in fact pattern a number 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 so much occurring within the metropolis itself, if in case you have the time, I like to recommend getting exterior of town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
A good way to do that so that you don’t should type out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to be a part of a enjoyable day journey. There are two most important choices:
8 Hour Day Journey From Denver
The drive to the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is simply as wonderful 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, quick hikes, or simply chilling out.
This highly-rated, small-group tour contains information, transportation, lunch and park entrance charges, and naturally, a number 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 case you don’t really feel like spending an entire day away from the opposite sights 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 Crimson 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 here are solutions to some often requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.
Due to its elevation, Denver is known for being the Mile Excessive Metropolis. Positioned on the foot of the Entrance Vary, Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. So far as Denver sights go, it’s well-known for artwork museums, sports activities arenas, craft breweries, and live performance venues equivalent to Crimson Rocks.
In fact! There are many enjoyable issues to do in Denver. You possibly can go mountaineering, try a museum, go to breweries, go to a live performance, or see a sport of one in all Denver’s 4 main sports activities groups.
Sure, downtown Denver is unquestionably price visiting. Though it’s possible you’ll solely be passing by means of in your method to a mountaineering or snowboarding journey within the mountains, a cease downtown will provide you with the prospect to get pleasure from nice eating places, hip breweries, and enjoyable Denver sights just like the sixteenth Road Mall.
Though you might see so much in solely someday, three days will provide you with the perfect 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. High Denver sights, such because the sixteenth Road Mall and Larimer Sq., are finest skilled on foot.
Downtown Denver is 23 miles from the airport. It’s simple to get there, because of the A-Line commuter prepare that connects the airport to downtown.
Prepared for All the Points of interest in Denver?
As you’ll be able to see, there’s so much occurring in Denver! There are such a lot of wonderful Denver sights that this record might have simply been for much longer. I’ve been going to town each few years for the final decade and I all the time 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 number 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 town, you could find your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
So lots of my associates have moved to Denver in the previous few years, and I can positively see why.
With a thriving music scene and numerous choices for outside adventures, I see the enchantment! I for one am enthusiastic about getting again to town once more quickly, and I like to recommend you add it to your journey bucket record.
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