15 Greatest Issues to Do in Denver, Colorado, in 2023

Generally known as the Mile Excessive Metropolis, Denver is the capital of Colorado and some of the thrilling cities to go to within the US. Surrounded by mountains, Denver is the right base for individuals who love a bit of outside journey.

I can’t even try and 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 street 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 mountain climbing 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 sights and issues to do that can assist you plan the right journey to the town.

This publish was up to date to incorporate new Denver sights and actions for 2023. 

15 Greatest Issues to Do in Denver

Whilst 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.

Residence to some world-class museums, lovely parks, all 4 main sports activities groups, and maybe one of the best music venue within the nation, Denver has so much to supply vacationers of all ages and pursuits.

In case you plan to see 3-5 of the Denver vacationer sights on this listing, chances are you’ll need to think about the Denver CityPASS, which provides you 40% off the worth of normal admission. Be taught extra right here. 

1. Go to the Colorado State Capitol

Kicking off my listing of one of the best Denver sights is the Colorado State Capitol. This neoclassical constructing was constructed again within the Nineties and is dwelling to the Colorado Common Meeting in addition to the governor’s workplace.

If the constructing appears to be like 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 may stand at precisely one mile above sea stage.

There are literally three completely different markers on the steps, with the one on the thirteenth step being the newest and most correct. Snap a photograph right here to point out you correctly visited the Mile Excessive Metropolis.

Whilst you’re right here, you may as effectively 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 lovely 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 take pleasure in 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 at the least 20 minutes upfront.

It’s undoubtedly some of the in style issues to do in downtown Denver. You will discover the capitol constructing on the map and get instructions right here.

Tackle: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80203, USA

2. See the Denver Artwork Museum

A fast stroll from the State Capitol will convey you to the improbable Denver Artwork Museum. Take your time stepping 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 certainly the most effective locations to go to in Denver. 

When you’re accomplished admiring the structure, it’s time to move inside and discover the museum’s huge assortment.

Right here you’ll discover an abundance of Native American artwork amongst some 70,000 completely different artistic endeavors. Exhibitions are at all times altering, so you should definitely verify their calendar to see what’s occurring. 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 youngsters 18 and beneath go to free of charge. You will discover the museum on the map right here.

Tackle: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO, 80204, USA

3. Go to Pink Rocks (the most effective locations to go to close to Denver)

Of all the superb Denver sights, my private favourite has bought to be Pink Rocks. It is a should see in Denver for positive!

Pink Rocks as a Music Venue

This metropolis park and out of doors amphitheater is a superb place to hike, bike, and see reside music. In reality, Pink Rocks always tops lists of one of the best live performance venue in your entire United States.

I’ve seen a variety of concert events in a variety of locations, however it’s actually powerful to beat Pink 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 a number of instances already and it’s at all times a good time.

There are numerous nice acts that come to this legendary venue. Additionally they usually host yoga lessons and even film nights, so there’s at all times one thing cool occurring at Pink Rocks.

Climbing and Biking round Pink Rocks

Even on a non-event day, it’s effectively well worth the journey from downtown Denver to go to Pink Rocks.

The park is dwelling to a number of completely different mountain climbing and biking trails as effectively. It’s undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to close to Denver if you wish to get some train together with breathtaking mountain views. Whilst you’re right here, you can even take a look at the Colorado Music Corridor of Fame. 

Pink 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 may get instructions to Pink Rocks right here. 

Tackle: Pink Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465, USA

Excursions from Denver to Pink Rocks

One other nice technique to expertise Pink Rocks is by becoming a member of this extremely rated half-day tour.

Meet up along 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 may 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 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 without doubt one of 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 number of leisurely hours right here. 

It’s additionally an excellent place to simply plop down on a bench, chill out, and revel in some improbable people-watching. You’re positive to see some avenue performers right here, in addition to a few of Denver’s most, let’s consider “attention-grabbing” characters. 

Whereas lots of my associates who reside in Denver could decry this space as being a vacationer entice, I at all times take pleasure in taking a lap round it after I’m on the town.

It’s simply good being in a serious US metropolis that has a pedestrian-friendly space the place folks congregate and revel in a while outside. Plus, it’s straightforward to discover a good Blissful 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.

Tackle: 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 that 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 completely different gardens, there’s a complete lot to see right here. In whole, there are effectively over 30,000 completely different vegetation! That is undoubtedly one of many high Denver sights and a spot you received’t need to miss when visiting the town.

A number of the highlights of the park embrace the peaceable Japanese Backyard, the tropical conservatory, and the Rock Alpine Backyard.

There’s a lot to see and do right here that you may simply spend a whole day exploring the gardens and the higher Cheesman Park the place they’re positioned.

Tickets for the principle York Road space of the gardens price $15 for adults, $9.50 for seniors/navy, and $9 for college students and kids. This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Denver, and it’s included within the CityPASS, which you should purchase on-line right here. 

There are literally a number of days all year long when it’s completely free, so you should definitely verify the calendar. It’s open day-after-day from 9-5, and you will discover instructions by checking the map right here.

Tackle: 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 may 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.

Individuals actually go loopy for his or her soccer workforce right here, so it’s a really thrilling ambiance to be part of.

Each the Nuggets and the Avs play their dwelling video games on the Ball Area. The common season for each sports activities lasts from October to April, so there are many possibilities to catch a recreation throughout the fall and winter.

Watching a hockey or basketball recreation is without doubt one of 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 Subject and have dwelling video games fairly often within the spring and summer season months. Whichever workforce you see, trying out a recreation 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 fireplace destroyed it in 1894. 

It might appear a bit odd to have a practice station on the listing of one of the best Denver sights, however hear me out. Just some years in the past, an enormous redevelopment plan started at Union Station. The higher ranges have been remodeled into the luxurious Crawford Resort, and a number of other boutique outlets, eating places, and bars moved in as effectively. Previous 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 acutely aware technique to journey out and in of the 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 way of in your technique to or from the airport, you should definitely spend a little 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 revel in some nice folks watching. You will discover Union Station on the map right here.

Tackle: 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 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 certainly the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Their wonderful exhibitions on dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and black holes makes a visit right here the most effective issues to do in Denver for teenagers. 

Along with all their attention-grabbing exhibitions, the museum can be dwelling to an IMAX theatre and the most effective 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 a complete day taking in all that this museum has to supply. 

Make sure to verify their calendar of occasions, because the museum typically has some fairly cool packages 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 evening on the museum!

The museum is open from 9-5 day-after-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 CityPASS. You may get instructions and discover it on the map right here.

Tackle: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205, USA

9. Loosen up within the Native Parks

In case you’re visiting the museum, you may as effectively stick round Metropolis Park for some time. That is the biggest 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 hire some cool animal-shaped paddle boats.

In the course of the summer season months, there’s a free live performance sequence in Metropolis Park. Make sure to verify the schedule to see what’s taking part in when you’re visiting in the summertime. You will discover Metropolis Park on the map right here.

One other nice alternative is Washington Park, which is positioned simply south of downtown (verify the map right here).

Health lovers will love a go to to this massive inexperienced area because of the numerous mountain climbing and biking trails right here. There are additionally a number 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? 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 entire 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 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 metallic will get remodeled right into a shiny new coin.

Every coin that’s made right here is stamped with a “D” for Denver. They’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 sights. 

Tackle: 320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80204, USA

11. Go to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park

One of the 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 US!

It’s some of the in style Denver sights and an excellent 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 fluctuate relying on the time of 12 months and the day of the week, so you should definitely verify 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 will discover Elitch Gardens on the map and get instructions right here. 

Tackle: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO, 80204, USA

12. Go to the Historical past Colorado Middle

In case you’re fascinated about studying extra in regards to the state of Colorado, then you should definitely 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 most of the greatest Denver sights. 

The Historical past Colorado Middle 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 sort of spectacular. It was produced from all kinds of native in addition to recycled supplies, and it’s a stupendous constructing inside and outside. 

The museum is open day-after-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 CityPASS. You will discover the museum on the map and get instructions right here. 

Tackle: 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 you should definitely add it to your listing.

The town of Denver has come a good distance since its humble beginnings as a pioneer camp throughout the Gold Rush. It was based in 1858 by William Larimer, who named the brand new metropolis’s primary 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 grew to become run down and full of 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 full of life bars. Get instructions to Larimer Sq. on the map right here.

Tackle: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO, 80202, USA

14. Denver Middle for the Performing Arts

Just some blocks from Larimer Sq., you’ll discover the Denver Middle for the Performing Arts. Residence to a number of completely different venues, there’s at all times one thing attention-grabbing occurring right here.

There are numerous completely different theatres within the DCPA. The most important is the Buell Theatre (2,839 capability), which hosts Broadway musicals and performs. Upcoming reveals right here embrace Broadway staples reminiscent of 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 often options comedic musicals or improv comedy, so that you’re assured some laughs if you e-book 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 you should definitely e-book your tickets upfront for these tremendous in style reveals! You will discover the DCPA on the map right here.

Tackle: 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. Residence 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 want a robust IPA or a milky stout to mass-produced lagers, you may decide to go on a micro-brewery tour as an alternative — of which, there are a lot of in Denver. 

This Decrease Downtown Denver brewery tour is without doubt one of 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 consists of ten or extra beneficiant tastings of various beers. Having accomplished this Denver microbrewery tour myself, I can say with confidence that you simply undoubtedly get your cash’s price! Be taught extra right here.

On this 4-hour tour, you’ll go to 3 completely different breweries on the base of the Rocky Mountains. The tour is named Brews and Views for a motive! Be taught extra right here. 

Coors Brewery

Though it’s not technically within the metropolis, the Coors Brewery stays one of many high Denver sights. Situated 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, 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 after all pattern a few of the product. You will discover the brewery on the map right here.

Tackle: 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 occurring within the metropolis itself, if 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 must type out transportation and to have a educated information with you is to be a part of a enjoyable day journey. There are two primary choices:

8 Hour Day Journey From Denver

The drive to the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is simply as wonderful because the park itself — benefit from the canyons, the Flatirons, and the charming city of Estes Park. 

When you’re within the Nationwide Park, you’ll expertise the attractive view of Lengthy’s Peak, the park’s highest mountain, and admire the glacial-carved valleys, full of aspen and pine timber.

Plus, the information will take you to one of the best spots for wildlife viewing, photographs, strolling, quick 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 areas 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 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 Points of interest

Listed below are solutions to some steadily requested questions on what to do in Denver, Colorado.

Prepared for The entire Points of interest in Denver?

As you may see, there’s so much occurring 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 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 number 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 lovely, mountainous state. Simply an hour and a half drive from the town, you will discover your self within the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.

So lots of my associates have moved to Denver in the previous couple of years, and I can undoubtedly see why.

With a thriving music scene and numerous choices for out of doors adventures, I see the attraction! 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 listing.

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