24 Best Things to do in Denver in 2022
Colorado is stuffed with improbable cities to go to. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, you’ll discover a lot to maintain you entertained throughout the state. However, Denver undoubtedly takes the cake. As the capital of Colorado, Denver has the perfect sights and actions for each kind of traveler. Its big persona and the sheer variety of issues to do preserve it head and shoulders above Colorado’s different cities.
Top Things to do in Denver
You can stroll previous swanky boutique shops in Downtown Denver, e book a tasting session at one of many metropolis’s craft breweries, or discover a few of the Denver museums. Plus, if you wish to escape to nature sooner or later, the Rocky Mountains are simply an hour and a half’s drive away.
Denver sights are plentiful, so we’ve compiled an entire information that will help you choose the perfect issues to do in Denver. These are the perfect issues so as to add to your Denver itinerary, from metropolis heart actions to unimaginable day journeys.
1. See Colorado State Capitol
The State Capitol is the middle of the state’s political historical past and energy. Like visiting Westminster in London, you shouldn’t miss stopping by the Capitol constructing.
Located on the prime of Capitol Hill amidst a collection of parks, Colorado State Capitol can also be stunning to have a look at. The structure is designed to imitate the State Capitol in Washington DC, and the constructing is lower from eye-catching white granite. As a elaborate end, a gold dome was added to the constructing in 1908 to commemorate the gold rush. Interestingly, the State Capitol steps are additionally engraved with Denver’s elevation – creating the nickname ‘mile-high city’ because the thirteenth step is a mile above sea stage.
Visitors can picnic outdoors and admire the constructing’s exterior. Alternatively, you possibly can head inside for a self-guided tour.
2. Walk round Larimer Square
Denver’s heritage buildings are largely positioned in Larimer Square. The sq. district has a number of historical past and is a superb place to take a strolling tour or snap some cool images. In current years, the district has been revamped with impartial indie outlets, bars, and eating places.
Whether you wish to go window buying or buy some Denver souvenirs, Larimer Square has a improbable environment. If you get pleasure from metropolis walks, this district is the right place to spend an hour or two.
The sq. is linked to Downtown Denver by Larimer Street, which is lined with nightlife venues and eating places. We counsel strolling again through Larimer Street. Why not seize one thing to eat on the sq. after which cease for a drink on the best way again dwelling?
3. Watch a present at Denver Performing Arts Complex
Love a very good present? We do too. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the perfect place to observe a efficiency in Denver, be it opera or broadway.
The complicated is cut up into totally different venues, together with Ellie Caulkins Opera House, The Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Concert Hall. You can select which venue to attend based mostly on private choice or last-minute availability, making visiting the complicated one of the vital versatile issues to do in Denver.
The complicated is a sight to behold and unfold over twelve acres with ten totally different efficiency areas. The constructing has an overarching glass-domed roof, making a dramatic environment and giving night guests a surprising view of the night time sky.
As we mentioned, you should purchase tickets to performances on a last-minute foundation. This is a superb possibility if you’d like night leisure in Denver. However, we’d advocate that you simply e book prematurely for those who actually wish to attend a efficiency. Tickets promote quick, so don’t window store and delay if you wish to lock in a present on your Denver itinerary.
4. Wander by way of Denver Botanic Gardens
Fancy an expertise in nature however a bit nearer to Denver’s heart? Denver Botanic Gardens are top-of-the-line issues to do in Denver to stand up near nature.
At twenty-four acres in measurement, you’ll want no less than half a day to go to the Botanic Gardens. There is a mixture of out of doors and indoor areas, with a conservatory, pure meadow, and specialised areas like a standard Japanese backyard. The Botanic Gardens additionally runs seasonal occasions just like the Lavender Festival and music concert events in summer time. It is price checking the Botanic Gardens occasion schedule to see if any particular shows coincide along with your go to to Denver.
To discover the Botanic Gardens, you possibly can head out independently or take a guided tour. We’d advocate taking a guided tour in case you are educated about botany and would really like the chance to deepen your present understanding of flowers. It will be useful to to have somebody with you to reply instant questions that pop into your head. Otherwise, stroll the gardens independently, as you’ll be capable of determine your individual tempo and calm down.
5. Visit Denver Art Museum
Denver Art Museum is a must-visit for any art enthusiast or creative. The museum was established in 1893 and boasts huge art collections from across the centuries. You might see art exhibits from the ancient Americas or the latest, most trending contemporary art. Denver’s Art Museum knows when to move with the times and when to preserve historical pieces.
The Art Museum is well-combined with a visit to the Colorado State Capitol. Both are located in the Civic Center. However, allow at least two hours to visit the museum first, as it is spread across multiple buildings and floors. If you want value for money, the Art Museum certainly delivers. It is one of the largest collections in the USA.
6. Relax at Denver Public Library
Speaking of academic issues to do in Denver, the Denver Public Library is a superb wet day exercise. The library is positioned in Downtown Denver, so it’s simply accessed on foot from most different sights.
The library has over two million gadgets in its assortment, together with an impressively expansive part on Western History and Genealogy. You can browse the cabinets and curl up with a e book on the cozy seating. Alternatively, attend one of many many one-off occasions that the library runs. You can examine the official web site to see if the occasion schedule has something that sparks your curiosity.
As a prime tip, the Denver Public Library has a library card that offers you free entry to a number of Denver’s museums. If you might be staying in Denver for some time, you could want to join a library card to be able to borrow books and entry free sights.
7. Take a day journey to the Rocky Mountains
A visit to Colorado wouldn’t be full with out a day journey to the Rocky Mountains. The Rockies are simply an hour and a half drive from Denver, and also you’ll have views of the distant mountain vary from most areas of the town.
Aside from filling your lungs with scrumptious Rockies air, there are a great deal of issues to do within the mountains. The Rockies are identified for his or her hiking trails and lookout points. If you love a challenge, Lookout Mountain is a great peak to scale and is lesser-known, so a quieter hike. You are rewarded with expansive views over the National Park at the summit, and, hopefully, you should have the summit to yourself.
Hiking enthusiasts should allocate at least two days to experience the National Park’s hiking trails. While there are lots of hiking trails in Colorado, the Rockies really take the win for outdoor activities and scenic hiking.
8. Spend time alongside the South Platte River
Sometimes, a day on the river is a much-needed type of self-care. Whether you want swimming, fishing, or kayaking, the South Platte River makes a fantastic exercise vacation spot in Denver.
We counsel strolling a bit of the South Platte River Trail. The path follows the river and is surrounded by lush greenery and riverside wildlife. If fishing sounds good, the Overland Pond Park is a well-liked fishing spot which you could attain on the path. The path crosses over a bit of footbridge and reaches a serene pond the place you possibly can calm down and forged away.
Further up the river, Denver Outdoor Adventure Company rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can at all times lease the water gear from them for those who don’t have any. This method, you possibly can discover the river from the water quite than stroll the path.
9. Visit the Wings and Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
Any budding astronauts or house fanatics, pay attention up. The museum is constructed on the previous Lowry Air Force Base, which served the USA till 1994. The previous base serves a brand new objective, educating guests on US house historical past, plane, and the astronaut life-style.
Visitors can view actual plane up shut, enter the digital actuality lounge for a simulator expertise, and absorb improbable everlasting and momentary exhibitions. The museum has a very good steadiness of kinetic, auditory, and visible studying alternatives – which retains each customer engaged, regardless of their studying choice.
This museum is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Denver, and we’d extremely advocate visiting.
10. Explore the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum
Prefer your sports activities to your outer house? Denver can cater to that too. The Sports Hall of Fame Museum is in Mile High Stadium, the house floor of the Denver Broncos.
Those on a price range will even be happy to know that the museum is free to enter – so there is no such thing as a breaking your price range to expertise the corridor of fame. The museum pays respects to all the best sportsmen and ladies in Colorado’s historical past, with everlasting and momentary displays to soak up. From baseball star Bob Gebhard to swimmer Erin Popovich, you’ll notice simply what number of US sporting elites Colorado has had through the years.
A go to to the Sports Hall Museum is greatest mixed with a tour of the Mile High Stadium. You can e book the tour on-line prematurely, though there could also be some last-minute spots out there on the day.
11. Tour the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Okay, we could have already coated the Rockies as considered one of Denver’s greatest day journeys. But the Mount Evans scenic byway stands as an attraction in its personal proper.
For a street journey expertise on a day journey time allowance, driving the Mount Evans scenic byway is a superb time out. The route begins at Idaho Springs and covers twenty-eight miles to achieve Mount Evan within the Rockies. You’ll go alpine meadows and lakes comparable to Echo Lake Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats, as you’ll be chopping by way of a few of Colorado’s most well-populated animal territories.
You can buy a scenic byway tour or drive the route yourself. If you can, we’d recommend renting a car so that you can choose your own stops. Red Rocks Park, Walter Pesman Alpine Garden, and Buffalo Bill’s Grave are the best stops. But, honestly, you’ll be pulling over regularly to stop, appreciate, and photograph views.
12. Unwind in City Park
We’ve coated plenty of sights located within the Denver City Park. You’ll discover the Museum of Nature and Science and Denver Zoo within the City Park, however it’s price visiting simply to discover on foot.
Denver City Park is 330 acres in measurement and deserves no less than half a day in your itinerary. You’ll discover public tennis courts, operating tracks, duck ponds, and a ship home. If you need the possibility to cherish some inner-city inexperienced house, City Park is a superb place to begin. It is the right place to sunbathe with a e book, get some train in, and simply calm down in nature. Watch a sport on the
The better part about City Park is that it’s positioned simply east of Downtown Denver. The proximity to the Downtown space means which you could simply squeeze in a go to, and it suits in properly with visiting different well-liked sights. And, in case you are visiting the zoo or museum at City Park, be certain that to save lots of just a few hours to benefit from the park as properly.
13. Explore Washington Park
One of the best things to do in Denver is to relax in one of the city’s parks, and Washington Park is the best of the best.
Visitors can enjoy an impressive range of recreational facilities. From tennis courts to lakes and rollerblade courts, the park has a lot of outdoor activities to keep you entertained for free. On a rainy day in Denver, you have the Recreation Center to visit. Located in the middle of the park, the center has indoor pools and gym facilities – perfect for staying active but avoiding the wet weather.
The park is over 165 acres in size, so allow at least a few hours to visit but ideally, plan a day here. The park is perfect for letting children run off steam and families spend outdoor time together. In summer, Washington Park gets particularly popular with sunbathers and picnickers.
14. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature Science
To study pure historical past in Denver, look no additional than the Museum of Nature and Science. The museum has a mix of momentary and everlasting exhibitions – you would end up viewing a wildlife exhibit one minute after which Egyptian mummies the subsequent.
The museum explores every little thing associated to nature and science, together with well being sciences and outer house. For a thought-provoking and academic time out, the museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver. It can also be extraordinarily well-liked on a wet day, and households will particularly recognize the possibility to let youngsters run off steam, keep dry, and study new issues.
We advocate visiting the Egyptian Mummies, Expedition Health, and Prehistoric Life exhibitions. Watching a movie on the Imax or visiting the Planetarium can also be a spotlight of any museum journey and an effective way to visualise the data you’ve discovered.
15. Learn about conservation at Denver Zoo
Are museums and botany probably not your factor? You ought to meet some animals as a substitute. Visiting Denver Zoo is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Denver for animal lovers.
Denver Zoo is positioned in City Park and could be very straightforward to entry on foot or by public transport. The zoo can also be a improbable advocate of animal conservation and a very good place to go to to deepen your understanding of the animal kingdom. Denver Zoo is affiliated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and participates in applications just like the Species Survival Plan. An enormous bonus of visiting Denver Zoo is which you could uncover a number of academic data and spot stunning animals.
Of course, assembly the animals is all a part of the enjoyable as properly. Denver Zoo has resident penguins, lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos, and even orangutans. Whether you might be an grownup or youngster, seeing such superb animals nose to nose is a particular expertise.
16. See what’s on at the Pepsi Center
The Pepsi Center is an esteemed sporting and music occasion venue in Denver. You is perhaps watching the National Lacrosse League last one night time and Machine Gun Kelly performing the subsequent. The heart gives a various and thrilling leisure schedule.
Check what occasions coincide along with your Denver journey forward of time, as most admission tickets promote out rapidly after being launched. Still, it’s price checking for last-minute availabilities for those who’ve by accident left it late.
The Pepsi Center is comparatively central and straightforward to entry from Downtown and Central Denver. It can also be located proper subsequent to Elitch Gardens, which is an efficient attraction mixture (extra on Elitch Gardens later). If you wish to make your journey to Denver much more memorable, we recommend undoubtedly incorporating a Pepsi Center occasion into your itinerary.
17. Visit the Denver Firefighters Museum
When was the final time you sat down and discovered about firefighting historical past? Most folks by no means have.
If you need one of the vital uncommon academic issues to do in Denver, this museum is one on your itinerary. Denver Firefighters Museum is enthusiastic about documenting and celebrating Denver’s firefighting historical past and selling fireplace security. You’ll discover images, artifacts, and vital historic paperwork on show throughout the museum. The museum can also be located within the previous Denver firehouse, which was in-built 1909.
You don’t must e book and will pay on your ticket upon arrival. Of course, firefighters and ex-firefighters obtain an entrance ticket low cost.
18. Watch a baseball sport at Coors Field
One of essentially the most enjoyable issues to do in Denver for sports activities followers is to observe a baseball sport at Coors Field. Coors Field is the house floor of the Colorado Rockies and a massively well-known sporting floor in Colorado.
Most video games final for simply over three hours – supplying you with loads of probability to seize a beer, calm down, and luxuriate in experiencing baseball in Denver. Be ready for passionate followers and a fiercely aggressive environment.
Admission tickets promote out quick prematurely, so e book forward to keep away from disappointment. If you miss out on watching a sport, you must no less than take a stadium tour. The grounds are spectacular to stroll round, and also you’ll get a behind-the-scenes take a look at the motion.
19. Visit the Molly Brown House Museum
Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown is a improbable determine in historical past. Molly famously survived the sinking of the Titanic ship in 1912 and was a tireless activist within the aftermath of the catastrophe. Molly helped row the lifeboat to security by way of the night time and, on her arrival within the US, elevating cash to assist help struggling survivors.
Now, you possibly can uncover her story by way of shows of artifacts, images, and paperwork. There are additionally a number of unique interviews which you could learn. An inspiring and emotional expertise, the Molly Brown House Museum is likely one of the most memorable issues to do in Denver. An enchanting humanitarian with an enormous story, Molly is considered one of Denver’s most fascinating historic figures. You ought to permit no less than an hour or two to understand the museum completely.
20. Spend a day at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Who doesn’t love a very good amusement park? As promised, we’ve obtained loads to inform you about Elitch Gardens.
Elitch Gardens is the perfect amusement park in Denver and has been operating for over 130 years. The park encompasses a joined rollercoaster park and waterpark – good in summer time once you wish to cool off after queueing for the massive rides. The amusement park has a mix of family-friendly and grownup rides. Like Brain Drain and the Tower of Doom, some require notably steely nerves. However, just like the Ferris Wheel and Carousel, others are good no matter age and confidence.
In the adjoining waterpark, you’ll discover slides galore. Whether you desire a freefall thrill slide or a family-friendly lazy river, there are many journey selections. We’d advocate spending a full day at Elitch Gardens, particularly as you will have the theme park and water park to get pleasure from.
21. Visit Stanley Marketplace
If you love a good market morning, visiting Stanley Marketplace is one of the best things to do in Denver.
Stanley Marketplace actually started up as a beer hall venture. However, years later, it has become much, much more. You’ll find over fifty vendors under the covered market – selling everything from food and drink to handicraft products. The market even runs events like movie nights and yoga sessions.
Gone are the dreams of a beer hall; Stanley Marketplace is a thriving community spot. People often visit a market to get a feel of a new place. To embrace Denver and its community, Stanley Marketplace is a great place to start.
22. Play a spherical of golf at South Broadway Country Club
South Broadway is Denver’s first indoor golf course. Sure, you could venture out to Predator Ridge of one of the city’s other standard golf courses – but where is the fun in that? South Broadway is a fun, novel way to enjoy some golf while on holiday in Denver.
The club uses Trackman simulator technology to emulate a real game. Plus, you can play virtually on courses worldwide, including St Andrews. While you play, you can grab a cocktail or beer from the bar. Indoor golf is relaxing, indulgent, and sociable. It is also not weather dependent, so you can be hitting the golfing green virtually rain or shine.
We’d recommend South Broadway for golfing enthusiasts and newbies. The simulator makes the experience fun for everybody.
23. Spend time on the Downtown Aquarium
An aquarium meets restaurant in Downtown Denver, the Downtown Aquarium has all the innovative coolness you’d expect from one of Denver’s downtown attractions.
The vast complex includes a dining area, aquarium, and entertainment precinct. Visitors can awe at the shark tank, get up-close and personal at the stingray touch tank, or grab a meal to remember at the Aquarium Restaurant. The Aquarium Restaurant is our number one recommendation when visiting, as you dine with floor-to-ceiling aquarium views. You can watch the fish swim as you eat and enjoy the otherworldly underwater lighting.
If you weren’t sold already, the Downtown Aquarium also has mermaids. The ‘mystic mermaids’ put on underwater shows to teach about the importance of caring for nature while interacting with incredible animals like nurse sharks and sea turtles. The mermaids make visiting the aquarium a magical experience for families with young children.
24. Visit the Children’s Museum
Want a particular expertise on your youngster? The Denver Children’s Museum is designed to coach and encourage little minds with the catchphrase ‘kid-powered learning’.
No adults are allowed within the Children’s Museum until accompanied by a toddler (and vice versa). The environment is designed to be wholly kid-friendly and prioritizes peer social instances and interesting academic alternatives.
You’ll discover an artwork studio, journey forest, fireplace station, and lots of extra displays inside. The youngsters’s museum gives small world, discovery, out of doors, and artistic displays to satisfy all of the visiting youngsters’s academic wants.
For new dad and mom, it may be reassuring to know that there are designated nursing and altering amenities all through the museum. There is a café on-site for you and your youngster to refuel and refresh. You may even drop by the present store as you permit to deal with them to a toy as a memento.
How to get to Denver?
But, first issues first, how do you get to Denver? The greatest solution to get to Denver is to fly, as Denver International Airport is conveniently positioned within the metropolis’s outer suburbs.
While Denver International Airport runs flights worldwide, it additionally has home providers. You can attain Denver from most main US cities, together with Los Angeles, Austin, and even Honolulu. Flying is essentially the most handy solution to get to Denver in case you are touring from overseas, out of state, and even simply from the opposite facet of Colorado.
Of course, you could want to street journey your solution to Denver. In this case, we’d advocate stopping off in smaller cities like Canon City and cities like Grand Lake. You may even e book an in a single day cabin stay earlier than hitting the town life.
Getting round Denver
Getting round Denver is straightforward. As a vacationer, the entire enjoyable issues to do in Denver are within the metropolis heart or Downtown, so you will get away with strolling all over the place if you wish to.
Otherwise, you possibly can catch the sunshine rail or bus between suburbs. If you wish to splash out, there are at all times many taxis on standby, plus just a few horses and carriages for a very memorable transportation expertise.
Union Station is the transport hub in Downtown Denver. So, if you wish to catch transport into the middle, Union Station is the place you must set your vacation spot.
The greatest time to go to Denver
Generally, the best time to visit Denver is in spring or fall. April, May, September, and October are shoulder seasons, with fewer tourists and decent weather.
Colorado is famous for its winter activities, but, unfortunately, everyone knows it. Winter in Denver is busy and more expensive, as everyone rushes to enjoy what Denver offers. For a quiet break, plan a visit in spring or fall.
Where to remain in Denver
To Conclude
We hope you will have an unimaginable keep in Denver, aka the mile-high metropolis. Denver is full of issues to do and see, so that you shouldn’t have any subject creating an ideal itinerary. The Colorado capital will preserve you well-cared for and suitably entertained.