Denver is a city that has it all… Beautiful nature, fabulous restaurants, iconic sports stadiums, and music venues. But that’s not all, with 300+ days of sunshine in a year and constant fun events in the city there really is something for everyone here.
With so many options for things to do in Denver, it can be hard to choose from all the activities. So I’ve rounded up a list of all the best things to do in the Mile High City to help you plan your next trip to colorful Colorado!
1. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
This is first on the list because this is truly the most Denver thing you can do.
This geographically formed open-air amphitheater has become the most iconic place to visit while in Colorado.
It’s one of the most popular music venues in the country with the stage and seats set between two giant monoliths in Red Rocks Park along the eastern part of the Rocky Mountains. But even though it’s in the mountains, it’s only a short drive away from downtown Denver!
The venue looks out onto the city of Denver so you can see the sparkling lights of the city and the stars in the sky above you on a clear night. Not only are there amazing views, but the acoustics in the amphitheater are incredible. Seeing a show here should be on the very top of your Colorado bucket list!
Check out the upcoming events to see if any of your favorite artists are playing here soon.
If you don’t have time for a concert, no worries! The park is open to visitors most days for free. Pay a visit to take in the amazing views or even have a picnic on the iconic steps!
If the forecast is clear, head here for sunrise to catch an amazing view over Denver. Just make sure to check the website or call 720-865-2494 to make sure they’re open for visitors.
If there’s one thing to prioritize while in Denver, Red Rocks is it!
- Location: 18300 W. Alameda Parkway Morrison, CO 80465
- Non-event days: Open one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset
- Event days: Open one hour before sunrise until approximately 2 p.m.
Recommended Tours:
The Foothills Of The Rocky Mountains & Red Rocks From Denver
Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour
2. Watch Your Favorite Sports Team
Whether it’s a baseball game at Coors Field, catching a Nuggets or Avalanche game at Ball Arena, or spending an NFL Sunday at Mile High Stadium, Denver has many popular sports teams and iconic venues to see them play.
Check out the links below to find tickets to cheer on your favorite sports teams!
3. Experience Meow Wolf
This 4-story immersive art exhibition is anything but another ordinary art museum.
Known for its psychedelic and colorful exhibitions, Meow Wolf has become one of the most fun and imaginative things to do in Denver. With over 70 rooms and portals to wander through, plan to spend a couple of hours taking in the creative dreamscape of Meow Wolf.
It’s located in the colorfully lit-up building next to Empower Stadium and has become an iconic part of the drive into Denver. Visiting Meow Wolf will be a memorable experience for anyone!
- Visit their website
- Buy tickets here
- Location: 1338 1st Street Denver, CO 80204
4. Get Out in Nature
With over 300 days of sunshine per year and the stunning geology of Colorado, getting out into nature during your time in Denver is something you won’t regret.
You don’t have to go far away from the city to find some wonderful hikes, trails, or places to enjoy a day becoming one with nature. Check out the app All Trails to find the most popular trails around you and read real people’s reviews of them!
I recommend taking a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to see what this state is all about!
Whether you’ve got just a couple of hours or a whole day, here’s a list of some popular trails, hikes, and parks near Denver:
- Paint Mines Interpretive Park
- Green Mountain
- Roxborough State Park
- Lookout Mountain
- Bear Creek Trail at Lair O the Bear
- Clear Creek Trail in Golden
- Saint Mary’s Glacier
- North Table Mountain
- Deer Creek Canyon loop hike
Recommended Tours:
Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder
Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
5. Catch a Concert
You might be surprised to hear that while Denver is mostly known for its mountains, sunshine, and dispensaries, it is also a pretty big music city.
Denver has no shortage of local music venues. With a wide range of intimate venues and bigger stages making it the perfect place to catch a concert from one of your favorite artists or discover someone new!
From small, up-close venues like the Bluebird Theater, the Ogden Theatre, and the Gothic Theatre to bigger venues like Mission Ballroom and Fillmore Auditorium, to the biggest venues like Ball Arena and Empower Field Stadium, there’s never a night where someone isn’t playing in Mile High City.
If you’re wanting to find out what’s on during your visit, check out the current concerts in Denver.
6. Spend a Night in Larimer Square
Larimer Square was the city’s first commercial district dating back to the late 1800s. Nowadays, it’s the heartbeat of the creative downtown district.
Unique, delicious restaurants and trendy shops line the streets, topped off with hanging lights above the block, this street has become a Denver favorite and makes for a great date night in the city.
No matter the season, Larimer Square will be busy with visitors and locals alike out to eat or just exploring downtown. Check out upcoming events in Larimer Square to plan a fun night out on the town!
- Website: Explore Larimer Square
- Location: 1430 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
Recommended Tours:
2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver
7. Learn Something New at the Molly Brown House Museum
Molly Brown was one of the few survivors of the infamous Titanic sinking. Since then, this remarkable woman has been recognized for her heroic acts in helping fellow survivors of that frightful event.
The philanthropist and activist lead an eventful life and her beautiful historic home in Denver has been turned into an interesting museum documenting her life as well as the historic remnants of Victorian Denver.
While it might not be as famous as some of the other attractions on this list, a visit to the Molly Brown House Museum is a hidden gem that should not be missed off your Denver itinerary!
8. Hit the Ski Slopes
With the Rocky Mountains just miles away from downtown, Denver has become one of the most popular places for skiers to come visit in the winter.
There are many high-quality ski resorts that are within a couple-hour drive from the city, so whether you’re an experienced skier or a newbie wanting to try it out, Denver is the perfect place for your next weekend ski trip.
Popular places to ski close to Denver:
- Loveland Ski Area – reasonably priced, 1-hour drive from Denver
- Winter Park – many runs for various experience levels, a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Denver
- Copper Mountain Resort – runs for all levels, a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Denver
- Echo Mountain Resort – small but less expensive and close to Denver, a 50-minute drive
9. Relax in Denver Botanic Gardens
Head to Denver Botanic to experience an afternoon full of imagination, nature, and beauty. With over 50 gardens for visitors to explore, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenes at these gardens.
Join a tour to get the full experience or simply buy a ticket and wander through the grounds. Either way, you’ll leave feeling inspired by the beautiful nature.
The gardens change throughout the seasons, but the best time to see summer blooms is June through October.
Head to the internationally-inspired gardens to wander through gardens modeled after cultures such as Japan, China, and South Africa. Take a stroll through the water gardens in the spring or through the Gardens of the West area to see flowers and plants that thrive in the arid climate of Colorado.
During the holiday season, the grounds transform into a colorful wonderland with their holiday light display called “Blossoms of Light”. Come out for a family-friendly event that will be sure to get you in the holiday mood!
- Website: Denver Botanic Gardens
- Location: 1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206
10. Enjoy Union Station
Union Station is more than just a place to catch a train. Located in the middle of downtown, this famous building has become a hub of activity in Denver.
With trendy restaurants, unique shops, amazing architecture, and buzzing energy, visiting Union Station is a great way to spend an evening out on the town.
If you really want to immerse yourself here, check out the Crawford Hotel. It’s an amazing hotel located just above the iconic station where you can’t help but be filled with excitement as you experience the energy of the buzzing train station and the upscale feel of the hotel.
Check out the event calendar to see upcoming events at Union Station. Don’t miss out on the spectacular holiday events this winter!
- Website: Denver Union Station
- Location: 1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202
11. Try the Adventure Golf & Raceway
If mini golf is your thing, this epic mini golf course needs to top your mini golf bucket list!
At Adventure Golf, there’s not one, not two, but three 18-hole courses to play. That’s 54 holes to put your putt-putt skills to the test!
This isn’t your average mini golf course. With amazing effects like an actual erupting volcano, this is more than just putt-putt. It’s a show!
Make it a whole day by also getting tickets for go-karts, bumper cars, and ropes course maze.
- Website: Adventure Gold & Raceway
- Location: 9650 North Sheridan Blvd. Westminster, CO 80031
12. Picnic in Washington Park
Known by locals as “Wash Park”, think of this area as the mini Central Park of Denver.
With two lakes, winding walking paths, and expansive stretches of green grass, this public park has become the city’s most popular hang-out spot.
Pack a blanket and some snacks and head here for a fun place to picnic or join in on one of the many volleyball games happening on warm summer nights.
You’ll find many people exercising, playing lawn games, or simply enjoying this little slice of nature within the city. Stroll through the flower gardens in the park for a lovely afternoon walk.
Around Wash Park are some great breweries, restaurants, and shopping streets. Head to South Pearl Street or Old South Gaylord to grab a bite to eat or browse through some unique shops.
- Website: Explore Washington Park
- Location: 701 S. Franklin Street Denver, CO 80209
13. Grab a Drink at a Local Brewery
In the mood for a pint? Head to a local brewery in Denver!
With over 150 breweries to choose from, you can be sure to find one that serves up a pint just how you like it.
Whether it be a special occasion you want to “cheers!” or just a fun place to meet up with friends, Denver’s got a brewery for you.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular breweries in the city:
- Great Divide Brewing Company
- Bruz Beers
- Call to Arms Brewing Company
- Wynkoop Brewing Company
- Station 26 Brewing Company
- Denver Beer Co
Recommended Tours:
Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver
Gluten Free Food & Brew Tours
14. Wander around Dairy Block
Dairy Block is one of Denver’s hottest neighborhoods for dining, drinking, and shopping.
Located near Coors Field, Downtown, in this area you’ll find cool bars, trendy shops, and art galleries.
Head to Denver Milk Market for a 16-venue food hall with delicious and unique eats, or check out the upcoming events for an updated list of live music, trivia nights, and other fun events not to miss at the Dairy Block!
- Website: Dairy Block
- Location: 1800 Wazee St. Denver, CO 80202
Tips for Visiting Denver
Layers, layers, layers!
When packing for Colorado, make sure to pack in layers.
Because of the quick-changing weather in Colorado, you could have snow, rain, sunshine, and 70-degree days all within a week!
Needing a jacket in the summer or a short-sleeve shirt in the winter is common in Colorado, so check the forecast before you head out to make sure you have the right clothing, but to be certain to pack a few different layers of clothes to wear.
Adjusting to the altitude
Denver didn’t earn the title of “Mile High City” for no reason! The capital city of Denver is at 5,280 feet above sea level and many of the destinations in the mountains are even higher in elevation.
For some people, this takes a little time to adjust to! If you do feel symptoms of altitude sickness, they will typically go away within a few days, but you can follow these tips to help your body adjust to the altitude while in Colorado:
- Drink plenty of water before and during your trip
- Avoid heavy exercise on your first day
- Avoid alcohol at first
- Give yourself time to adjust (typically by day 3 you should feel normal!)
Rental car tips
If you’re heading out to Colorado in the winter, make sure you make a wise choice when you are picking out your rental car.
Chances are there will be some slippery or snowy conditions during your visit so opting for a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle can be smart.
Make sure you brake early and drive cautiously if the roads are slippery!