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 many 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 checklist, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.
It’s one among 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 put up was up to date to incorporate new Denver points of interest and actions for 2023.
15 Finest 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.
Dwelling 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 quite a bit to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.
In case you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer points of interest on this checklist, it’s possible you’ll wish to think about the Denver Metropolis Go, which supplies you 40% off the value of standard admission. Be taught extra right here.
1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol
Kicking off my checklist of one of the best Denver points of interest 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 appears 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 you can stand at precisely one mile above sea stage.
There are literally three totally different markers on the steps, with the one on the thirteenth step being the newest 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 regarded 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. Make sure to climb up the steep 99 steps to succeed in 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 suggest arriving at the 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 unbelievable 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 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 top-of-the-line locations to go to in Denver.
When you’re completed 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 totally different artistic endeavors. Exhibitions are at all times altering, so make sure you test their calendar to see what’s happening. 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 value $13 for adults and children 18 and beneath go to without 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 Purple Rocks (top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the wonderful Denver points of interest, my private favourite has acquired to be Purple Rocks. This can be a should see in Denver for certain!
Purple Rocks as a Music Venue
This metropolis park and outside amphitheater is a good place to hike, bike, and see stay music. The truth is, Purple Rocks continuously tops lists of one of the best live performance venue in all the United States.
I’ve seen numerous concert events in numerous locations, but it surely’s actually robust to beat Purple Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is ready 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 instances already and it’s at all times a good time.
There are a lot of nice acts that come to this legendary venue. In addition they recurrently host yoga courses and even film nights, so there’s at all times one thing cool happening at Purple Rocks.
Mountain climbing and Biking round Purple Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s properly well worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Purple Rocks.
The park is house to a number of totally different mountain climbing and biking trails as properly. It’s positively top-of-the-line 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 can even take a look at the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Purple 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 Purple Rocks right here.
Deal with: Purple Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA
Excursions from Denver to Purple Rocks
One other nice strategy to expertise Purple Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.
Meet up along with your information and head out to Purple 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 be taught 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 avenue is stuffed with outlets, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you may simply spend a couple of leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally an awesome place to simply plop down on a bench, chill out, and revel in some unbelievable people-watching. You’re certain to see some avenue performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s assume “attention-grabbing” characters.
Whereas lots of my associates who stay in Denver might decry this space as being a vacationer lure, I at all times get pleasure from taking a lap round it once I’m on the town.
It’s simply good being in a serious US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place individuals congregate and revel in a while outdoor. Plus, it’s simple to discover a good Completely satisfied 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 when you really feel like giving your ft 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 wish to make sure that so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their checklist 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 course of a booming metropolis.
Comprised of over 45 totally different gardens, there’s an entire lot to see right here. In complete, there are properly over 30,000 totally different vegetation! That is positively one of many high Denver points of interest and a spot you received’t wish to miss when visiting the town.
Among 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 you can simply spend a whole day exploring the gardens and the larger Cheesman Park the place they’re situated.
Tickets for the primary York Road space of the gardens value $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/navy, and $9 for college students and kids. This is among the greatest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Go, which you should buy on-line right here.
There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so make sure you test the calendar. It’s open day by day from 9-5, and you’ll 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 among 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 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 ambiance 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 greatest 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 house video games fairly often within the spring and summer time months. Whichever group you see, trying out 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 could appear a bit odd to have a practice station on the checklist of one of the best Denver points of interest, however hear me out. Only a few years in the past, a large redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges have been remodeled into the posh Crawford Resort, and a number of other boutique outlets, eating places, and bars moved in as properly. Outdated ticket counters grew to become the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor remodeled into “Denver’s front room.”
Along with all of the eating, procuring, and leisure choices on provide 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 strategy to journey out and in of the town. You may as well 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 in your strategy to or from the airport, make sure you spend somewhat further time right here.
Seize a drink and a chunk, do a little bit of window procuring, 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 really a enjoyable, quick, reasonably priced strolling tour you may be part of the place you’ll be taught the historical past of LoDo, plus get recommendations on 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 glorious museums, and one among 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 top-of-the-line 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 top-of-the-line planetariums within the nation.
There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you may seize a drink and a chunk to eat. With a lot to see and do, you may simply spend an entire day taking in all that this museum has to supply.
Make sure to test their calendar of occasions, because the museum typically has some fairly cool applications for each youngsters 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 appears like a enjoyable night time on the museum!
The museum is open from 9-5 day by day, and tickets value $19 for adults or $14 for youngsters for museum admission. Particular exhibitions, IMAX screenings, and particular showings within the planetarium all value between $5-7 further.
Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver Metropolis Go. 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 case you’re visiting the museum, you would possibly as properly stick round Metropolis Park for some time. That is the biggest 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 may hire some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.
Through the summer time months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Make sure to test the schedule to see what’s taking part in when 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 situated simply south of downtown (test the map right here).
Health lovers will love a go to to this huge inexperienced house due to the numerous 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 all the nation.
Their ticket window opens up at 7 AM and you’ll 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 steel will get remodeled 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 really 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 USA!
It’s some of the widespread Denver points of interest and an awesome place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in films, free concert events, and superb fireworks shows, there’s loads 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 make sure you test 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 enthusiastic about studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then make sure you add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your checklist of issues to do in downtown Denver.
It’s situated within the Golden Triangle Museum District, the place you’ll discover lots of the greatest Denver points of interest.
The Historical past Colorado Heart is a far cry from the uninteresting museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is stuffed with interactive, high-tech displays which can 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 phenomenal 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 students/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 high Denver Attraction for vacationers)
Larimer Sq. is among the coolest locations to go to in Denver, so make sure you add it to your checklist.
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 essential avenue 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 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 often called Larimer Sq. today, 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 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
Only a few blocks from Larimer Sq., you’ll discover the Denver Heart for the Performing Arts. Dwelling to a number of totally different venues, there’s at all times one thing attention-grabbing happening right here.
There are a lot of totally different theatres within the DCPA. The biggest 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 normally options comedic musicals or improv comedy, so that you’re assured some laughs whenever you ebook 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 make sure you ebook 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. Dwelling 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 case you favor a robust IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you may choose to go on a micro-brewery tour as an alternative — of which, there are various 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 be taught in regards to the brewing course of out of your professional beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.
The tour contains ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having completed 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 totally 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. Positioned 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, 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 may in fact pattern among 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 checklist. Whereas there’s quite a bit happening within the metropolis itself, in case you have the time, I like to recommend getting outdoors of the town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
A good way to do that so that you don’t should kind out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to be part of a enjoyable day journey. There are two essential 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 bushes.
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, among 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 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 Purple 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 ceaselessly 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 points of interest go, it’s well-known for artwork museums, sports activities arenas, craft breweries, and live performance venues resembling Purple Rocks.
In fact! 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 among Denver’s 4 main sports activities groups.
Sure, downtown Denver is certainly value visiting. Though it’s possible you’ll solely be passing by in your strategy to a mountain climbing or snowboarding journey within the mountains, a cease downtown offers you the possibility to get pleasure from nice eating places, hip breweries, and enjoyable Denver points of interest just like the sixteenth Road Mall.
Though you may see quite a bit in solely sooner or later, three days offers you the best period of time to have a pleasant mixture of tradition, nature, and first-rate food and drinks whereas visiting Denver.
Completely Denver is a walkable metropolis. High Denver points of interest, such because the sixteenth Road Mall and Larimer Sq., are greatest skilled on foot.
Downtown Denver is 23 miles from the airport. It’s simple 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 quite a bit happening in Denver! There are such a lot of glorious Denver points of interest that this checklist 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 among 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, you’ll 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 the town once more quickly, and I like to recommend you add it to your journey bucket checklist.
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