Things To Do
RTD - Public Transit
The RTD is the local public transit in the Denver metro area. You can take the train from the airport to downtown with ease, no need for a rental car! The service is not as comprehensive as some other major cities, but there are some great spots you can access via light rail!
Yacht Club
Award-winning local cocktail and hot dog bar! CAVIAR HOT DOG!
Sam's No.3
Downtown all-day breakfast spot. Huge menu, and next to Audrey’s college apartment (yes, she was there a lot).
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
A Denver staple. Phenomenal local breakfast/brunch spot with multiple locations in or near downtown Denver.
Little Man Ice Cream
Iconic cream can-shaped (or milk jug, to some) ice cream spot. It’s no Graeter’s (if you know, you know), but still amazing! A great way to start exploring the Highland neighborhood.
Casa Bonita
Possibly the most iconic Denver landmark. If you’ve seen South Park, you already know. It's the place of many birthday parties and celebrations, and where pretty much everyone has worked (or has a friend who worked there). The food is a bit underwhelming, but the show is the real reason you go. Cliff divers! Mariachi band! A little out of the city. You will need a reservation, as new ownership has been making some changes (probably for the better).
Magill's Ice Cream
This is THE ice cream spot. Out in the suburbs, Audrey’s family has been frequenting Magill’s for generations (well, technically two generations, since it opened in the 80s). Every birthday or special event cake was an ice cream cake from Magill’s. Try the Sleepless in Seattle flavor.
Union Station
Union Station is the transit hub for the light rail, but it is also a great restaurant hub. The station was originally built in 1881, with the most recent renovation and revitalizing efforts occurring in 2014, and it is beautiful.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is the site where Denver was founded. It is also a wonderful block with great food and great shopping!
Dairy Block
Dairy Block and neighboring McGregor Square are the new kids near Union Station and Coors Field. We’ve never been (well, Audrey may have been to Dairy Block in college, but she doesn’t remember… c’mon, it was college!), but the rumor is there’s some great food, sports bars, and shopping around!
The Wizard's Chest
The Wizard’s Chest is a fantastical, whimsical toy and costume shop with a lot of quirky and nerdy items for everyone.
Tattered Cover Bookstore
Tattered Cover is the local indie bookstore! Books, coffee, and cozy vibes. Check out Twist and Shout, the local record store, around the corner.
The Learned Lemur
The Learned Lemur is an interesting store to just check out, dealing in unique oddities and unusual antiques.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
If you’re only going to stop at one museum/cultural institution, make it the DMNS. Incredibly extensive prehistoric collection, along with mummies, gems and minerals, amazing dioramas, and many more. Check out the planetarium!
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the West, with art from all over the world, held in 13 permanent exhibits. They also recently merged with the Kirkland, another local art museum. If you’re in the area, also consider checking out the Clyfford Still Museum!
History Colorado Center
Telling stories of Colorado from the ancient past to modern day, the History Colorado Center is the history museum to see in Denver. They have many temporary exhibits highlighting relevant local history, as well as some amazing permanent exhibits. History Colorado manages numerous historical sites, cultural centers, and museums in Colorado. Check out the Center for Colorado Women’s History nearby!
Ballpark Museum
One of the best-kept secrets in Denver! Across the street from Coors Field, the Ballpark Museum is one of the best private collections of baseball memorabilia. They are dedicated to the 14 original ballparks!
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street sits on 24 acres with a wide variety of flora, in addition to being a birding hotspot. A beautiful slice of nature in the city!
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf, originally an artist collective in Santa Fe, NM, has been growing exponentially in recent years. The Denver location, called Meow Wolf Convergence Station, is an immersive, sensory art museum with a unique storyline connecting all the exhibits.
Butterfly Pavilion
Located about 15 minutes north of Denver, the Butterfly Pavilion is the first AZA-accredited invertebrate zoo. Obviously, they are huge on butterflies, but they also care for and research many other bugs and other invertebrate.
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is an outdoor museum/dinosaur track site. It is the site of the world’s first Stegosaurus fossil discovery! The trail is paved, and is about 2 miles (with half being uphill).
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is best known for its iconic concerts, but it also has some fantastic hikes! When there is no event occurring, the amphitheatre is open to the public– you can wander around the Red Rocks Hall of Fame, the steps, and the stage (be aware, there are a LOT of steps).
Lair o' the Bear Park
Just over the hogback (that’s the big ridge you see when you drive towards the mountains!), is Lair o’ the Bear Park. About 30 minutes from Denver, there are a few trails with easy terrain and beautiful foliage, and a lot of picnic tables.
Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park (and neighboring Chatfield State Park) is your “I don’t want to drive into the mountains, but I want to go on a hike” nature destination. Roxborough is pressed up against the mountains and the Dakota Hagback, with stunning red rock formations, the South Platte River, and ample wildlife. Audrey spent ages 1 through 12 in the Roxborough community nearby (which has grown significantly in the past decade), and spent many summer weeks doing day camps in the State Parks. Be wary of rattlesnakes, but also keep an eye out for the cute prairie dogs and other animals!
