Your #1 Guide to Eastern Colorado – Top 13 Things to do in Denver
Denver is Colorado’s state capitol and is nicknamed Mile High City because it sits at 5,280 feet, exactly one mile, above sea level. This colorful city is home to many breweries, museums, and outdoor activities. Denver is the largest city in the state and is the perfect place to fly to and escape into the Rocky Mountains. With so many things to do in this popular city, you can easily spend a whole week or more!
Personalized Trip Planner
If you are interested in a more tailored and detailed Travel Itinerary, I am happy to help. With my Custom Travel Itineraries you will receive a full travel consultation with me and a full Itinerary that is fit to your travel style and needs!
1. Concert Venue Near Denver – Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is one of Colorado’s top attractions. The sandstone rock contrasts against the red rock and makes for a gorgeous landscape. To view, the concert schedule visits their website. If you just want to visit the Red Rocks amphitheater during a non-concert time the park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many locals use the park as an outdoor gym.
2. Where to Shop in Downtown Denver -16th Street Mall
16th street mall is an outdoor mall located right in the middle of downtown Denver. This is a long shopping street filled with name-brand stores and trendy restaurants. To get around and save a few steps there is a convenient Denver bus. The bus is free to ride on and will take you up and down 16th Street.
3. Nearest National Park to Denver – Rocky Mountain National Park
One of my favorite National Parks is just a short 1-hour drive from Denver. The continental divide runs through Rocky Mountain National Park creating some of the best hiking and mountain landscapes in the state. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road for a scenic drive through the park. Make sure you are aware of the summer season reservation system when planning your visit.
4. Denver Botanical Gardens
The Denver Botanical Gardens is a nature lovers oasis. York Street hosts the main botanical gardens with 24 acres of lush colorful flowers, plants, and sculptures. One adult ticket to visit the York Street Botanical Gardens will cost about $15. Tickets can only be purchased online in advance, there are no on-site tickets available.
5. Denver Art Museum
If you like new and diverse art, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is a must-visit! The DAM is one of the nation’s largest art museums. Plan your visit on their website for tickets and to explore the featured exhibits, the museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. One ticket for an adult will cost about $10 if you are a resident of Colorado.
6. Colorado Sports Games
Colorado is home to the Rockies, Broncos, Rapids, and Avalanche sports teams. I love a good baseball game. The Colorado Rockies baseball team play at Coors Field which offers a large stadium, mountain views, and fresh cold brews. Purchase your tickets online at Vivid Seats or skip the extra online fees and buy your tickets at the Box Office located on the Blake Street side of the stadium.
7. Elitch Gardens Theme Park + Water Park
Looking for some family fun activities? Visit Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for a full day of fun. Elitch’s has been established in 1890 in Denver, Colorado. They closed for a short period of time then reopened with a new and improved park in 1995. To purchase tickets visit Elitch’s Website or you can purchase them at the gate. Daily tickets vary between $40-$70 per person. Parking is very limited an extra cost of about $20 per vehicle.
8. The Best Bars in Downtown Denver – Larimer Square
Just one block from 16th Street in Downtown Denver you will find a flag-filled historic street. The red, blue, white, and yellow Colorado flag lines Larimer Square creating a gorgeous backdrop. This area is gated because you can roam freely with open container alcohol. The street is filled with top restaurants serving trendy cocktails, Colorado beers, and rustic food.
9. Enjoy a Variety of Cuisines
Denver has an impressive restaurant scene with a variety of cuisines. Branch out from the Colorado breweries and try some authentic ethnic foods. A few of my favorite restaurants are Jerusalem Middle Eastern Restaurant and Maria Empanada. Maria Empanada was featured on the popular Food Network show, Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Read my Full Jerusalem Restaurant Review Here
10. Denver’s Best Malls
Denver has many shopping malls and outlet stores scattered throughout the city. If you live in an area that doesn’t offer some of your favorite stores like me, then take advantage of a big city’s shopping malls. Park Meadows Mall is one of my favorite areas for shopping.
11. Colorado Sunday Farmers Market
Load up on some fresh produce and grab a snack at the nearest Farmers Market. This is a great leisure activity to do on the weekends. Most markets will have ready-to-eat foods, live music, and more. Denver is filled with farmer’s markets, to find the one nearest you click here.
12. Day Trip to the Mountains
Vail is located in Eagle County, Colorado with 1.3 million tourists visiting each year. Summer and Winter are the peak seasons to visit this small mountain town. Vail is home to one of the top ski resorts in the United States making this a top spot to visit during the winter. Summer is also a popular time for tourists because of the variety of hiking, golfing, and festivals. I am a resident in Vail, Colorado, and absolutely love this charming town.
13. Denver Beer Gardens
A beer garden is a large “restaurant” that serves a variety of beers and snacks with long communal tables. If you like beer, a beer garden is a must-visit. Colorado is known for its many breweries and craft beers. Try a variety of local beers at the Lowry Beer Garden.
Visit the Western Slope of Colorado
Nice one ! That’s really well composed article covering the basic itinerary of travel in Colorado. Thank you for sharing.
Hey there! I just want to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve got here on this post. I am coming back to your web site for more soon.
Helpful information. Lucky me I found your website by chance, and I’m surprised why this accident didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
Very nice write-up. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!
Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve saved it for later!
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!