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Often called 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 out of doors journey.
I can’t even try to rely 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 highway journey, and as you’ll see on this listing, 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 in addition 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 town.
This submit was up to date to incorporate new Denver points of interest and actions for 2023.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Denver
When you could also be tempted to go 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, lovely parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe the perfect music venue within the nation, Denver has so much 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 listing, it’s possible you’ll need to take into account the Denver Metropolis Go, which provides you 40% off the worth of normal admission. Study extra right here.
1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol
Kicking off my listing of the perfect Denver points of interest is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Eighteen Nineties and is residence 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 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 that you would be able to 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 properly go in and take a look. The primary time I visited, I solely appeared round outdoors, lacking the beautiful inside. Don’t do the identical.
Inside, you’ll see lovely stained glass home windows that depict scenes from the historical past of Colorado. Be sure you 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 and so they even run free excursions. These begin on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM Monday to Friday, and so they advocate arriving a minimum of 20 minutes prematurely.
It’s positively some of the fashionable issues to do in downtown Denver. You’ll find the capitol constructing on the map and get instructions right here.
Handle: 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 implausible 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 fortress.
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 probably the greatest locations to go to in Denver.
When you’re completed admiring the structure, it’s time to go 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 artworks. Exhibitions are at all times altering, so remember to 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 youngsters 18 and below go to without cost. You’ll find the museum on the map right here.
Handle: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
3. Go to Purple Rocks (probably the greatest locations to go to close to Denver)
Of all the superb Denver points of interest, my private favourite has received to be Purple Rocks. This can be a should see in Denver for positive!
Purple Rocks as a Music Venue
This metropolis park and outside amphitheater is a good place to hike, bike, and see reside music. In truth, Purple Rocks consistently tops lists of the perfect live performance venue in your complete United States.
I’ve seen loads of live shows in loads of locations, but it surely’s actually powerful to beat Purple Rocks. I imply, the stage right here is about between two large sandstone rock formations!
Not solely is it stunningly lovely, however this pure amphitheater has some completely unbelievable acoustics. I’ve been there just a few instances already and it’s at all times a good time.
There are various nice acts that come to this legendary venue. In addition they usually host yoga lessons and even film nights, so there’s at all times one thing cool happening at Purple Rocks.
Climbing and Biking round Purple Rocks
Even on a non-event day, it’s properly definitely worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Purple Rocks.
The park is residence to a number of totally different mountaineering and biking trails as properly. It’s positively probably the greatest 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 as well try the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame.
Purple Rocks is definitely positioned 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 will get instructions to Purple Rocks right here.
Handle: Purple Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA
Excursions from Denver to Purple Rocks
One other nice option to expertise Purple Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.
Meet up together 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 may 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 Dwelling in Denver, Colorado.
4. Wander sixteenth Avenue Mall
Taking a stroll alongside the pedestrian-only sixteenth Avenue Mall is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in downtown Denver. This tree-lined road is filled with retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars, so you may simply spend just a few leisurely hours right here.
It’s additionally an ideal place to simply plop down on a bench, calm down, and luxuriate in some implausible people-watching. You’re positive to see some road performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s consider “fascinating” characters.
Whereas a lot of my associates who reside in Denver might decry this space as being a vacationer entice, I at all times get pleasure from 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 folks congregate and luxuriate in a while open air. Plus, it’s simple to discover a good Pleased Hour deal right here!
The sixteenth Avenue Mall may 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 will get instructions to the sixteenth Avenue Mall on the map right here.
Handle: sixteenth St Mall, Denver, CO, 80265, USA
On the lookout for extra USA metropolis guides?
5. Go to the Botanic Gardens
Nature lovers will need to ensure so as to add the Botanic Gardens to their listing 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 totally different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In complete, there are properly over 30,000 totally different crops! That is positively one of many high Denver points of interest 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 that you would be able to simply spend a complete day exploring the gardens and the better Cheesman Park the place they’re positioned.
Tickets for the primary York Avenue space of the gardens value $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/navy, and $9 for college students and kids. This is without doubt one of 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 remember to test the calendar. It’s open day by day from 9-5, and you will discover instructions by checking the map right here.
Handle: 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 may see basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball all proper downtown.
Denver is residence 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 residence 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 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 Discipline and have residence video games fairly often within the spring and summer time months. Whichever group you see, trying out a sport is unquestionably 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 listing of the perfect 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 Lodge, and several other boutique retailers, eating places, and bars moved in as properly. Outdated 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 totally functioning transportation hub.
Catching the A-Line right here from the airport is an reasonably priced and environmentally aware option to journey out and in of 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 positioned within the LoDo (Decrease Downtown) space of Denver. If you find yourself passing by in your option to or from the airport, remember to spend a bit additional time right here.
Seize a drink and a chew, do a little bit of window purchasing, or simply sit on the sofa and luxuriate in some nice folks watching. You’ll find Union Station on the map right here.
Handle: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
There’s really a enjoyable, quick, reasonably priced strolling tour you may be a part of the place you’ll be taught the historical past of LoDo, plus get tips about the place to eat and drink from the educated information. Study extra right here.
8. Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver is residence to loads of glorious museums, and one in all my favorites is unquestionably the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their superb exhibitions on dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and black holes makes a visit right here probably the greatest issues to do in Denver for teenagers.
Along with all their fascinating exhibitions, the museum can also be residence to an IMAX theatre and probably the greatest 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.
Be sure you 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 seems 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 additional.
Entrance to the museum is included within the Denver Metropolis Go. You will get instructions and discover it on the map right here.
Handle: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA
9. Loosen up within the Native Parks
In the event 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 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.
Through the summer time months, there’s a free live performance collection in Metropolis Park. Be sure you test the schedule to see what’s taking part in for those who’re visiting in the summertime. You’ll find Metropolis Park on the map right here.
One other nice alternative is Washington Park, which is positioned simply south of downtown (test the map right here).
Health fanatics will love a go to to this huge inexperienced house due to the various mountaineering and biking trails right here. There are additionally just a few 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? 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 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 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 points of interest.
Handle: 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80204, USA
11. Go to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Probably the most 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 truth – Elitch Gardens is the one downtown theme park in america!
It’s some of the fashionable Denver points of interest and an ideal place to spend the day. With curler coasters, water slides, drive-in films, free live shows, 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 12 months and the day of the week, so remember to 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’ll find Elitch Gardens on the map and get instructions right here.
Handle: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
12. Go to the Historical past Colorado Middle
In the event you’re fascinated with studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then remember to add a visit to the Historical past Colorado Middle to your listing 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 points of interest.
The Historical past Colorado Middle is a far cry from the boring museums of the previous. This contemporary historical past museum is filled with interactive, high-tech displays which can be 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 a wonderful constructing inside and outside.
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 Go. You’ll find the museum on the map and get instructions right here.
Handle: 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 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 important road after himself.
For a few years, Larimer Avenue 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 Avenue 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 retailers, eating places run by well-known cooks, and a few energetic bars. Get instructions to Larimer Sq. on the map right here.
Handle: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO, 80202, USA
14. Denver Middle for the Performing Arts
Only a few blocks from Larimer Sq., you’ll discover the Denver Middle for the Performing Arts. Dwelling to a number of totally different venues, there’s at all times one thing fascinating happening right here.
There are various 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 Lease.
A lot smaller is the Garner Galleria Theatre, which is a cabaret-style venue that solely seats simply over 200 folks. This venue normally options comedic musicals or improv comedy, so that you’re assured some laughs while 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 remember to e-book your tickets prematurely for these tremendous fashionable exhibits! You’ll find the DCPA on the map right here.
Handle: 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 the event you desire a powerful IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you may choose to go on a micro-brewery tour as a substitute — 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 the perfect craft breweries whereas sampling 10 beers. Plus, you’ll be taught in regards to 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 completed this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you just positively get your cash’s price! Study 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 motive! Study 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 will 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 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 among the product. You’ll find the brewery on the map right here.
Handle: 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 so much happening within the metropolis itself, you probably have the time, I like to recommend getting outdoors of town and exploring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
A good 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 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, 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. Study 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 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 steadily requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.
Due to its elevation, Denver is known 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 similar to Purple Rocks.
In fact! There are many enjoyable issues to do in Denver. You may 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 in your option to a mountaineering 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 Avenue Mall.
Though you could possibly see so much in solely someday, three days offers you 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 Avenue Mall and Larimer Sq., are finest 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 The entire Points of interest in Denver?
As you may see, there’s so much happening in Denver! There are such a lot of glorious Denver points of interest that this listing might have simply been for much longer. I’ve been going to 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 just a few 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 lovely, mountainous state. Simply an hour and a half drive from town, you will discover your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
So a lot 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 attraction! 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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