The Best Things to do in Denver

When family or friends, or even friends of friends want to visit Denver, one of the first questions is always “what do you recommend we do in Denver?” And I always seem to struggle with my response. It’s not the same as visiting New York City or Chicago, where you can explore for days. But, it reminds me of Atlanta where there’s still plenty to do and worth seeing. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Denver, especially when the weather is nice!

If you’re looking for more specific information about breweries, brunch spots, amazing restaurants, hikes near Denver or visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to check out some of my other blog posts! Also, please comment on what else you’d like to know about Denver and Colorado!

Explore Union Station

Union Station has everything! The lightrail will bring you here straight from the Denver airport. You can stay at the iconic Crawford Hotel, shop at a few boutiques and dine at some of Denver’s best spots. This historical landmark has a central Great Hall inside that is worth seeing and spending some time in.

Walk along 16th Street Mall

Upon exiting Union Station, you’ll find the 16th Street Mall. Restaurants and shops border the street which is closed to vehicles in most spots. This strip is a popular spot to stay as there are a lot of hotels and restaurants to choose from. It’s also downtown so it’s a busy business location. It’s touristy but has some hidden gems.

Go to a game at Coors Field, Ball Arena or Empower Field

Depending on the season, if you’re visiting be sure to check out Coors Field for a Rockies game, Ball Arena for the Nuggets or Avalanche, or Empower Field for a Broncos game! If you live in Denver, you should try to see a game at each every once in a while. Most of the time you can find cheap tickets for the Rockies and hang out at the Rooftop which is really fun in the summer. The sports fans I’ve met here are die hard Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets and Avalanche cheerleaders. They’re so loyal no matter how they do so the atmosphere at the games makes the experience so worth it.

Attend a Concert at Red Rocks

West of Denver, in the Town of Morrison, you’ll find Red Rocks Amphitheater. If you enjoy concerts, Red Rocks has some of the best acoustics in the country so if you find yourself in Denver you should really try to see a show. During the summer you can attend Yoga on the Rocks or Film on the Rocks for other event options. It’s free to visit when there’s not a show and always free to park at. You’ll always find a crowd early in the mornings, watching the sunrise and even working out.

Take in the City’s Architecture at Wash Park or Cheesman Park

Denver’s Washington Park, most commonly referred to as Wash Park, is a 161-acre park in southeast Denver. The park was built in 1899 and is home to some of the coolest houses and best restaurants the city has to offer. The park has a paved road that runs throughout the park and is closed to vehicles. It’s shared between bikers, runners, walkers, etc. and about 2.2-miles around. There’s an outer sand/gravel path that’s closer to 2.5-miles and a popular running and walking path.

Another popular park in southeast Denver is Cheesman Park. Cheesman is 81-acres in area and was built in 1898. This park has a paved road throughout that is open to cars. There’s an inner concrete loop that’s about a mile around. The center of the park is a large lawn that is a popular spot in the warm weather for picnics, volleyball, spikeball, etc. Another option is an outer concrete loop that’s probably two miles around. The outer areas have picnic tables and more trees. Cheesman Park is also home to some incredible architecture and homes. The Denver Botanic Gardens are located adjacent to Cheesman on the east side.

Visit the Denver Art Museum

Near the Capital building, you’ll find the Denver Art Museum. Tickets are less than $20 and the museum offers free days throughout the year. The art focuses on Western and regional art. There are a handful of other museums in the area if you’re trying to fill a day!

Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Another great option for a museum to visit is the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This museum is located within City Park, next to the Denver Zoo. It’s about 15 minutes east of downtown. City Park also has walking trails and a golf course. There are a ton of great restaurants in the area too.

Attend the National Western Stock Show

If you find yourself in Denver in January, don’t miss the National Western Stock Show. The event is located at the National Western Complex and includes horse shows, livestock shows, and rodeos. There are also a ton of vendors and booths to explore. The annual show has been around for over 100 years and is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.