courtesy of Jeff Turner
With its rich cultural scene, incredible architecture, gorgeous mountain views and nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, Denver is a city that’s full of entertainment at every turn. Whether you’re interested in visiting during spring, summer, fall or winter, this must-see destination offers a ton of monumentally exciting things to do for any traveler type!
If you’re planning a trip to the Mile-High City, be sure to check out our favorite things to do in the area to make your vacation truly unforgettable. Here are our suggestions:
For the Outdoorsy Folk
Adventures Out West – From hot-air balloon rides and zip-lining, to Segway tours and Jeep rides, Adventures Out West offers a wide assortment of ways to fully experience the great outdoors while visiting Denver.
Colorado Rocky Mountains – Denver is the perfect place to experience Colorado’s majesty mountain scenery, offering ideally close proximity to Breckenridge, Vail and Winter Park resorts, where guests can bike, hike, ski, snowboard and much more.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater – Spanning across nearly 900 acres, Red Rocks Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. It’s also home to an expansive amphitheater, which hosts concerts for many major and local musicians, including John Mayer, Sting, FUN, Earth Wind & Fire, and more.
For the Shopaholics
16th Street Denver Mall – A mile-long mall in the heart of downtown, the beautiful 16th Street Denver Mall is lined with shops, retail stores, outdoor cafes and more, ideal for an eventful afternoon of a little retail therapy.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center – This 16-block venue features 160 stores, and an assortment of premium restaurants, galleries, spas and a large indoor kids’ play area.
Larimer Square – An urban-style, sophisticated shopping district, Larimer Square offers more than 200 fashion lines from the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan, as well as diverse restaurants, clubs and bars.
For the Foodies
Colt & Gray – A small, locally owned neighborhood restaurant with big standards for excellence, Colt & Gray offers upscale American cuisine, with plates like Spinach Spaetzle, Dry-Aged Tenderloin Filet, Hudson Valley Duck Leg and many other delicious options.
ChoLon – This modern Asian bistro features Far East-inspired appetizers, small and shared plates, and stir-fry dishes, such as Miso-Glazed Cod, Bacon Fried Rice Carbonara, and Tamarind Glazed Short Rib.
Rioja – This sophisticated, thoughtfully appointed restaurant features unique Mediterranean-inspired dishes ideal for a variety of palates, including Grilled Spanish Octopus Puttanesca, Black Truffle Gnocchi, Yogurt Poached Lamb T-Bone and more.
Trillium – An upbeat urban bistro, Trillium offers rustic, traditional American and Scandinavian flavors made with the freshest ingredients available. Select from a number of delectable small plates, smorgasbord items, cheeses and caviar dishes, and full-size plated meals.
For Families
Denver Zoo – One of the nation’s most popular zoos, Denver Zoo houses more than 4,000 of nature’s most beautiful creatures, from rare Amur leopards and Komodo dragons, to king vultures and tamanduas, and everything in between.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science – This interactive museum features a variety of fascinating exhibits and activities for kids, including Gates Planetarium, Discovery Zone, Prehistoric Journey and more.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park – The only downtown theme and water park in America since 1890, Elitch Gardens—open from May to October each year—features 54 exciting rides, attractions and shows.
With so much to do in Denver during your visit, you may have to plan a trip back to experience it all! Use our suggested top picks for things to do in the Mile-High City to get you started! Plus, find even more helpful resources for your upcoming getaway online, including our E-Z Rent-A-Car coupons, travel-related blog posts and more!
courtesy of Maarten Heerlien
