Generally known as the Mile Excessive Metropolis, Denver is the capital of Colorado and one of the thrilling cities to go to within the US. Surrounded by mountains, Denver is the proper base for individuals who love a bit of out of doors 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 proper cease throughout a highway journey, and as you’ll see on this listing, it’s a worthwhile vacation spot by itself.
It’s considered one of my favourite cities within the US, and never just for 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 sights and issues to do that will help you plan the proper journey to town.
This publish was up to date to incorporate new Denver sights 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.
House to some world-class museums, stunning parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe the perfect music venue within the nation, Denver has loads to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.
If you happen to plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer sights on this listing, chances are you’ll need to contemplate the Denver Metropolis Move, which provides you 40% off the value of normal admission. Be taught extra right here.
1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol
Kicking off my listing of the perfect Denver sights is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Eighteen Nineties and is dwelling to the Colorado Common 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 produced from white granite and topped with a golden dome to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush.
One of many coolest issues about visiting the capitol is which you could 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 latest and most correct. Snap a photograph right here to point out you correctly visited the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
When you’re right here, you would possibly as effectively go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely regarded round outdoors, lacking the beautiful 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 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 undoubtedly one of the well-liked issues to do in downtown Denver. Yow will discover 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 carry you to the implausible 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 among the finest 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 all the time altering, so remember to examine their calendar to see what’s happening. 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 price $13 for adults and children 18 and beneath go to at no cost. Yow will discover the museum on the map right here.
Deal with: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
3. Go to Pink Rocks (among the finest locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the superb Denver sights, my private favourite has obtained 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 superb place to hike, bike, and see dwell music. The truth is, Pink Rocks continuously tops lists of the perfect live performance venue in your complete United States.
I’ve seen lots of concert events in lots of locations, but it surely’s actually powerful to beat Pink 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 unbelievable 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. Additionally they often host yoga courses and even film nights, so there’s all the time one thing cool happening at Pink Rocks.
Climbing and Biking round Pink Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s effectively definitely worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Pink Rocks.
The park is dwelling to a number of totally different climbing and biking trails as effectively. It’s undoubtedly among the finest 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 too can try the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Pink 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 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 together 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 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 be taught extra about this Denver exercise.
Assume 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 among the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined avenue is stuffed with retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you possibly can simply spend a couple of leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally an important place to only plop down on a bench, chill out, and luxuriate in some implausible people-watching. You’re certain to see some avenue performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, shall we embrace “attention-grabbing” characters.
Whereas a lot of my mates who dwell in Denver might decry this space as being a vacationer lure, 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 serious US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place individuals congregate and luxuriate in a while outdoor. Plus, it’s straightforward 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 if you happen to really feel like giving your ft 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 need to make sure that so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their listing 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 totally different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In whole, there are effectively over 30,000 totally different crops! That is undoubtedly one of many prime Denver sights and a spot you gained’t need to miss when visiting town.
Among the highlights of the park embody the peaceable Japanese Backyard, the tropical conservatory, and the Rock Alpine Backyard.
There’s a lot to see and do right here which you could simply spend a whole day exploring the gardens and the larger 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 kids and youngsters. This is among the finest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the Metropolis Move, which you should purchase on-line right here.
There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so remember to examine 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 considered one 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 possibly can 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.
Folks actually go loopy for his or her soccer workforce 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 recreation in the course of the fall and winter.
Watching a hockey or basketball recreation 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 Discipline and have dwelling video games fairly often within the spring and summer season months. Whichever workforce you see, testing a recreation 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 fireplace destroyed it in 1894.
It might appear a bit odd to have a practice station on the listing of the perfect Denver sights, 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 Resort, and several other boutique retailers, eating places, and bars moved in as effectively. Outdated ticket counters turned the Terminal Bar, and the Nice Corridor reworked into “Denver’s lounge.”
Along with all of the eating, procuring, 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 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 positioned within the LoDo (Decrease Downtown) space of Denver. If you find yourself passing by way of in your approach to or from the airport, remember to spend a bit further time right here.
Seize a drink and a chunk, do a little bit of window procuring, or simply sit on the sofa and luxuriate in some nice individuals watching. Yow will discover Union Station on the map right here.
Deal with: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
There’s really a enjoyable, brief, reasonably priced strolling tour you possibly can be a 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 dwelling to loads of glorious museums, and considered one of 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 among the finest issues to do in Denver for youths.
Along with all their attention-grabbing exhibitions, the museum can be dwelling to an IMAX theatre and among the finest planetariums within the nation.
There’s even a T-Rex Cafe right here the place you possibly can seize a drink and a chunk to eat. With a lot to see and do, you possibly can simply spend a complete day taking in all that this museum has to supply.
Remember 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 appears like a enjoyable evening on the museum!
The museum is open from 9-5 day by day, and tickets price $19 for adults or $14 for kids 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 Move. You will get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
Deal with: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA
9. Calm down within the Native Parks
If you happen to’re visiting the museum, you would possibly as effectively 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 possibly can lease some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.
Throughout the summer season months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Remember to examine the schedule to see what’s enjoying if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime. Yow will discover Metropolis Park on the map right here.
One other nice alternative is Washington Park, which is positioned simply south of downtown (examine the map right here).
Health fanatics will love a go to to this massive inexperienced house because of the numerous 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 puzzled how cash are made? Nicely, 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 steel 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 unquestionably one 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 crucial 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 facet and a water park on the opposite.
Enjoyable reality – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in the USA!
It’s one of the well-liked Denver sights and an important place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in films, free concert events, and wonderful 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 range relying on the time of 12 months and the day of the week, so remember 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. Yow will discover 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
If you happen to’re thinking about studying extra concerning the state of Colorado, then remember to add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Heart to your listing of issues to do in downtown Denver.
It’s positioned within the Golden Triangle Museum District, the place you’ll discover most of the finest Denver sights.
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 are enjoyable and informative for all ages.
Along with the good displays inside, the constructing itself is kind of spectacular. It was produced from all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s an attractive 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/youngsters. This must-see place in Denver is included within the Metropolis Move. Yow will discover 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 remember to add it to your listing.
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 business hub. That was till the flip of the century, when it turned 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 generally known as 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. House to a number of totally different venues, there’s all the time one thing attention-grabbing happening right here.
There are lots 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 embody Broadway staples similar to 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 once you guide a present right here.
In fact, there are many choices for wining and eating across the DCPA as effectively. Go forward and make an evening of it by having dinner and drinks right here earlier than the present.
Simply remember to guide your tickets upfront for these tremendous well-liked exhibits! Yow will discover 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 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
If you happen to choose a powerful IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you possibly can choose to go on a micro-brewery tour as an alternative — of which, there are numerous in Denver.
This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is among the hottest within the metropolis! You’ll go to 4 of the perfect craft breweries whereas sampling 10 beers. Plus, you’ll be taught concerning the brewing course of out of your professional beer information and obtain a memento glass on the finish.
The tour consists of ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having completed this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you just undoubtedly get your cash’s price! 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 known as Brews and Views for a cause! 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’ll brew as much as 22 million barrels of beer right here in a single 12 months!
Excursions of the Coors Brewery can be found year-round for $10 per individual. They final half-hour, providing 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 possibly can after all pattern a few of the product. Yow will discover 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 listing. Whereas there’s loads happening within the metropolis itself, you probably have the time, I like to recommend getting outdoors of town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
An effective way to do that so that you don’t need to kind out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to affix 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 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 beautiful 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 the perfect spots for wildlife viewing, pictures, 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
If you happen to don’t really feel like spending a complete 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 Pink Rocks, Evergreen (for a beer/espresso), a lookout level, and Buffalo Invoice’s Grave, earlier than returning to Denver.
FAQs about Denver Sights
Listed here are solutions to some steadily 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 similar to Pink Rocks.
In fact! There are many enjoyable issues to do in Denver. You possibly can go climbing, try a museum, go to breweries, go to a live performance, or see a recreation of considered one of Denver’s 4 main sports activities groups.
Sure, downtown Denver is unquestionably price visiting. Though chances are you’ll solely be passing by way of in your approach to a climbing 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 may see loads in solely in the future, 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. 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 straightforward to get there, because of the A-Line commuter practice that connects the airport to downtown.
Prepared for The entire Sights in Denver?
As you possibly can see, there’s loads happening in Denver! There are such a lot of glorious Denver sights that this listing may 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 proper 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 town, you’ll find your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
So a lot of my mates have moved to Denver in the previous few years, and I can undoubtedly 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 town once more quickly, and I like to recommend you add it to your journey bucket listing.
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