Things to Do in Denver

Top Attractions in Denver

Denver's attractions blend natural wonders with cultural landmarks. From world-famous concert venues carved into red rocks to cutting-edge immersive art experiences, these are the must-see spots that define the Mile High City.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

This isn't just a concert venue—it's a geological marvel. Two 300-foot red sandstone monoliths create perfect natural acoustics, making Red Rocks one of the most iconic music venues on the planet. Even if you're not catching a show, the park offers stunning hiking trails and sunrise yoga sessions that draw locals and visitors alike.

Denver Union Station

This beautifully restored 1914 Beaux-Arts train station is now Denver's living room. The Great Hall features soaring ceilings, comfortable seating, and a mix of restaurants and bars that make it a destination in itself. Whether you're grabbing coffee at Mercantile Dining, enjoying craft cocktails at the Terminal Bar, or simply people-watching, Union Station captures Denver's blend of historic charm and modern energy.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Spanning 24 acres in the heart of the city, these gardens showcase plants from around the world with special emphasis on species that thrive at high altitude. The Japanese Garden is particularly stunning, and summer concerts in the amphitheater offer magical evenings surrounded by blooms.

Denver Art Museum

The striking architecture alone makes this worth visiting—the Hamilton Building looks like a titanium-clad fortress. Inside, you'll find one of the world's premier collections of Native American art, plus impressive modern and contemporary galleries. First Saturdays are free for Colorado residents.

Meow Wolf Denver

This immersive art installation transforms a former warehouse into a mind-bending journey through portals, secret passages, and interactive exhibits. Part art gallery, part funhouse, part mystery—Meow Wolf's "Convergence Station" is unlike anything else in Denver. Plan 2-3 hours to fully explore.

Outdoor Activities in Denver

Denver's outdoor lifestyle isn't just marketing—it's a way of life. With 300 days of sunshine and mountain access within 30 minutes, the city offers endless opportunities to get outside without leaving the metro area.

City Park

Denver's largest park offers 330 acres of green space with stunning mountain views. The park features two lakes, walking paths, and serves as home to both the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It's the perfect spot for morning jogs with a backdrop of the Rockies.

Washington Park

Locals call it "Wash Park," and it's where Denver comes to play. Rent a paddleboat on Smith Lake, bike the 2.6-mile loop, play volleyball on the courts, or simply spread a blanket for a picnic. The park's flower gardens are spectacular in summer, and the surrounding neighborhood offers great cafés and restaurants.

Cherry Creek Trail

This 40-mile paved trail follows Cherry Creek from downtown Denver into the suburbs, offering perfect cycling and running routes. The urban section connects multiple neighborhoods and parks, making it ideal for exploring the city on two wheels.

Hiking Near Denver

You don't need to drive far to find excellent hiking. Mount Falcon offers panoramic views of Denver and the mountains (30 minutes west). St. Mary's Glacier provides alpine scenery and year-round snowfields (45 minutes). Eldorado Canyon State Park features dramatic rock formations and challenging trails (40 minutes).

Best Neighborhoods to Explore

Denver's neighborhoods each have distinct personalities. Exploring these districts gives you a real sense of what makes the city tick beyond the tourist highlights.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Denver's historic core features Victorian warehouses converted into lofts, restaurants, and nightlife venues. Larimer Square's gas-lit streets offer upscale dining and shopping, while Coors Field anchors the neighborhood during baseball season. This is where Denver's nightlife concentrates, with rooftop bars offering mountain views.

RiNo Art District

The River North Art District has exploded into Denver's creative epicenter. Massive murals cover warehouse walls, craft breweries occupy former industrial spaces, and galleries showcase local artists. The neighborhood transforms during First Friday art walks, and the food scene rivals any in the city.

Capitol Hill

Denver's most eclectic neighborhood surrounds the gold-domed State Capitol. Victorian mansions line tree-shaded streets, while Colfax Avenue—the longest street in America—cuts through with dive bars, music venues, and late-night eateries. The neighborhood has a bohemian vibe that contrasts with downtown's polish.

Cherry Creek

This upscale neighborhood offers high-end shopping at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, art galleries along Fillmore Street, and some of Denver's best restaurants. The tree-lined streets are perfect for strolling, and the Cherry Creek Trail provides easy bike access from downtown.

Denver for Food Lovers

Denver's food scene has evolved far beyond steakhouses and green chili. The city now rivals coastal cities for culinary innovation, with a farm-to-table ethos and craft beverage culture that permeates everything.

Craft Breweries

With over 150 breweries in the metro area, Denver claims the title of America's beer capital. Great Divide, Wynkoop, and Denver Beer Co. are downtown staples, while neighborhoods like RiNo and South Broadway host brewery clusters perfect for crawls. The altitude affects fermentation, giving Denver beers unique characteristics.

Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Colorado's agricultural heritage shines in restaurants emphasizing local ingredients. The Preservery, Root Down, and Mercantile Dining showcase seasonal Colorado produce, grass-fed beef, and Rocky Mountain trout. Reservations are essential at top spots.

Breakfast & Brunch

Denver takes brunch seriously. Snooze AM Eatery pioneered creative breakfast cocktails and pancake flights. Denver Biscuit Company serves massive biscuit sandwiches that cure any hangover. Beatrice & Woodsley offers a whimsical forest-themed dining room with elevated brunch fare.

Food Halls

Denver's food hall scene offers variety under one roof. Denver Central Market in RiNo features artisan vendors and communal seating. Avanti Food & Beverage provides rooftop views with rotating restaurant concepts. Stanley Marketplace in Aurora combines food, shopping, and entertainment in a former aviation facility.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Denver excels at family entertainment, offering attractions that engage kids while keeping parents interested. The city's museums emphasize hands-on learning, and outdoor spaces provide room for kids to burn energy.

Denver Zoo

Home to 3,000+ animals across 80 acres in City Park, the Denver Zoo features excellent exhibits including Predator Ridge, Toyota Elephant Passage, and the Tropical Discovery rainforest. The zoo's high-altitude location means cooler temperatures even in summer, making it comfortable for all-day visits.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

This massive museum offers dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. The Discovery Zone lets younger kids explore through play, while older children engage with interactive science exhibits. The museum's location in City Park means you can combine it with zoo visits or park time.

Downtown Aquarium

More than just an aquarium, this complex includes a restaurant where you dine surrounded by a 150,000-gallon tank, plus rides and a 4D theater. The underwater tunnel through the shark tank is a highlight. It's smaller than major coastal aquariums but perfect for a half-day family outing.

Children's Museum of Denver

Designed for kids up to age 8, this hands-on museum encourages learning through play. Exhibits include a teaching kitchen, art studio, climbing structures, and a joy park for toddlers. The outdoor rooftop playground offers mountain views.

City Park Paddleboats

Rent paddleboats on Ferril Lake in City Park for a relaxing family activity with stunning mountain views. It's an affordable way to spend an hour, and the park's playgrounds and picnic areas make it easy to spend a full day here.

Shopping & Markets

Denver's shopping ranges from outdoor malls to artisan markets, offering everything from high-end fashion to locally crafted goods.

16th Street Mall

This mile-long pedestrian promenade through downtown features national retailers, local shops, street performers, and restaurants. The free MallRide shuttle runs the length of the street every few minutes. While it's touristy, it's also genuinely useful for getting around downtown.

Larimer Square

Denver's oldest block has been transformed into an upscale shopping and dining destination. Victorian buildings house boutiques, jewelry stores, and restaurants. The square is particularly beautiful at night when thousands of lights illuminate the historic facades.

Cherry Creek Shopping District

This upscale neighborhood features Cherry Creek Shopping Center (an indoor mall with luxury brands) and Cherry Creek North (outdoor shopping district with local boutiques). It's Denver's premier shopping destination for high-end fashion and home goods.

Denver Union Station Shops

The station houses unique shops including Tattered Cover bookstore, Bloom flower shop, and various artisan vendors. It's perfect for picking up Colorado-made gifts or browsing while waiting for a train.

Local Artisan Markets

The South Pearl Street Farmers Market (Sundays, May-November) showcases local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. The Denver Flea (monthly) brings together vintage vendors, local makers, and food trucks. These markets capture Denver's creative, community-focused spirit.

Best Day Trips from Denver

Denver's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Colorado's most spectacular destinations. These day trips showcase why people move to Colorado in the first place.

Best Time to Visit Denver

Denver's high-altitude location creates a unique climate with four distinct seasons. Each offers different advantages for visitors.

High-Altitude Considerations

At 5,280 feet, Denver's altitude affects everyone differently. The air contains 17% less oxygen than at sea level, which can cause altitude sickness symptoms: headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea.

What to Pack for Denver

Denver's weather is famously unpredictable. The saying goes: "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." Layering is essential regardless of season.

For a complete packing guide, check our Travel Packing List with season-specific recommendations.

Safety & Local Tips

Denver is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, awareness and preparation help ensure a smooth visit.

High-Altitude Awareness

This is the most important safety consideration. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and don't push yourself too hard the first day.

Weather Swings

Denver's weather can change dramatically within hours. A sunny 70°F morning can turn into a snowy 30°F afternoon. Always check forecasts and carry layers. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common—seek shelter if you hear thunder.

Cyclist and Scooter Traffic

Denver has extensive bike lanes and scooter-share programs. Watch for cyclists when opening car doors or crossing bike lanes. If renting a scooter, wear a helmet and stay in bike lanes.

Public Transportation

RTD (Regional Transportation District) operates buses and light rail throughout the metro area. The A Line connects the airport to downtown in 37 minutes for $10.50. The 16th Street Mall shuttle is free. Light rail is safe and efficient for reaching major attractions.

Parking Information

Downtown parking can be expensive ($20-30/day). Many hotels charge for parking. Consider using public transit or rideshare for downtown visits. Street parking requires payment until 10 PM in most areas. Apps like ParkMobile make payment easier.

For comprehensive safety guidance, visit our Travel Safety page.

Final Thoughts — Experience the Mile High City

Denver offers a rare combination: big-city amenities with easy access to wilderness, cultural sophistication with a laid-back Western vibe, and year-round sunshine with four distinct seasons. Whether you're here for outdoor adventures, craft beer culture, world-class museums, or simply to experience life at 5,280 feet, Denver delivers.

The city's transformation from frontier outpost to modern metropolis hasn't erased its character—it's enhanced it. You'll find James Beard Award-winning restaurants in historic buildings, street art covering warehouse districts, and locals who genuinely love sharing their city with visitors.

Denver rewards both planners and spontaneous travelers. Use our tools to create a framework, then leave room for the unexpected brewery recommendation, the hidden hiking trail, or the food truck that becomes your favorite meal of the trip.