Things To Do
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the features that Denver is most known for is it's sitting less than a 30-minute drive from the Rocky Mountains' Front Range. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park, a 265,000-acre area dedicated to preserving much of this beautiful place, is 90 minutes from downtown Denver. It was designated as a national park in 1915, and millions of visitors take in its beauty on an annual basis. The Continental Divide runs through the middle of it, resulting in a more forested half, which is closer to Denver, and a drier and glaciated half on the other side. Its highest point is Longs Peak, which reaches 14,259 into the sky. Many visiting the park enjoy driving on Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. The easiest way to visit the park would be by taking a guided tour from Denver Downtown.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
One of the best things to do near Denver, Colorado, is go on the Denver Foothills Tour; a visit to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a highlight. Also enjoyed on this trip is a breathtaking view from Lookout Mountain, where the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave are located. Next will be a stop at peaceful Evergreen Lake. Regardless, the time spent at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, arguably the most beautiful amphitheater in the world, is what many remember most from this journey. Those who fill its 9,525 seats get to enjoy live music and other live performances while also gazing up at the large rock formation that stretches from behind the stage to high above the seating area to the left of the spectators.
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
Visitors looking for things to do around Denver, in addition to in the city itself, are encouraged to take a drive on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This 28-mile road, which can be reached via a 40-minute drive, is an excellent way for you to experience the Rocky Mountains fully. It is the country's highest paved road, gaining more than 7,000 feet in elevation and reaching 14,130 feet at its highest point. As you make your way into the mountains, you will come across several lookout points where you can stretch out your journey and take in increasingly impressive views of the Rockies. Many experienced Mount Evans Scenic Byway drivers recommend that newcomers take the guided tour and pay special attention to Echo Lake Park, which will be reached at roughly the midway point.
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
A couple more things to do near Denver that you should consider are visiting Pikes Peak and the Gardens of the Gods, both of which are near Colorado Springs, to the south of Denver. Although separate areas, the Garden of the Gods provides a tremendous opportunity to take a gorgeous view of Pikes Pike. Within the Garden of the Gods is an impressive group of picturesque red rock formations and a nice collection of hiking trails. It has such a reputation that TripAdvisor named it the nation's best park, ahead of runner-up Central Park in New York. Meanwhile, Pikes Peak has an elevation of 14,115 feet and is the highest point in the United States from it to the east. One memorable and comfortable way to climb is by taking a guided tour via the Pikes Peak Highway.
Denver Botanic Gardens
If you are looking for things to do in Denver, Colorado that are picturesque, a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens is recommended. It provides a peaceful respite from all of the activities that the city center offers. This oasis of greenery offers 23 acres of theme gardens as well as the UMB Bank Amphitheater, which has a capacity of up to 1,300. Simply put, this is where it is easy to fall in love with its beauty. You can spend hours here browsing its 50 gardens, which range from a traditional Japanese garden to an area that displays plants native to South Africa. Art aficionados will also enjoy the many art exhibits on display here at various times throughout the year. Also note that guided tours enhance many visitors' experiences.
Denver Zoo
Another of nature-focused Denver Colorado attraction is the Denver Zoo. A Visit Denver survey found that it was the top-paid attraction in the city. It is also viewed by many as one of the best zoos in the country. More than 2 million people visit it in an average year and enjoy seeing and learning more about the 4,000 animals that call this place home. One of its most memorable attractions is Bear Mountain, an area that mimics bears' natural habits as closely as possible using rock outcroppings taken from elsewhere in Colorado. Also famous is Predator Ridge, where animals such as hyenas and lions roam. Meanwhile, Primate Panorama is a great place to check out monkeys swinging from tree branches. Some visitors will also want to time their trips to certain parts of the zoo with feeding times there.
Downtown Aquarium
Those who love aquatic animals should ensure that a visit to Downtown Aquarium is on their list of Denver, Colorado things to do. It is home to a million gallons of water and thousands of animals, including impressive creatures such as sharks and even Sumatran tigers, which are endangered and, contrary to the reputation that feline animals have, enjoy swimming. You can also get into the water through its Swim with the Fish and Dive with the Sharks programs. One of the focuses of this aquarium is on the path that water takes along the Colorado River towards the Pacific Ocean; note that this river does typically not reach ocean water as it usually dries up just prior to reaching the Gulf of California. Another focus is on Indonesia's Kampar River, which empties into the Strait of Malacca, connected with the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
A visit to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is another of the top things to do in Denver for people who enjoy educating themselves. It is an excellent resource for those who want to learn more about the natural history of the Centennial State, the world, and the universe. One of the best ways to do the latter is to take a visit to its 125-seat Gates Planetarium. Also in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a 440-seat Phipps IMAX Theater. Its exhibits include dinosaur bones dating hundreds of millions of years and Egyptian mummies that are thousands of years old. It also has a wildlife exhibit that provides information on animals throughout the world. It touches upon anthropology, geology, health sciences, space sciences, paleontology, and zoology.
United States Mint
One of the things to see in Denver, Colorado is the United States Mint, which opened in 1897 and was initially home to coinage production in 1906. More coins are produced here than anywhere in the world; its current rate is 50 million coins a day. Any of the coins that are currently in your pockets with a "D" on them on the right side under "In God We Trust" were manufactured here. It is generally open every day except for federal holidays, and free tours are offered every day that it is open. During this time, visitors will learn more about the nuances of the printing process, from what goes into the designing of these coins up to their physical creation. Many are particularly enthralled by getting to see up close how the coin-making machines work.
Denver Public Library
The Denver Public Library system has more than 2 million items in circulation and is another great place to relax and take a break amidst the more energetic activities that are listed on your itinerary of Denver activities. It is a roomy building that has also received compliments about how organized it is. This structure is the result of a $92 million bond passed in the 1990s, resulting in its opening in 1995. Although it is most known for its books, cataphiles may find that hours have quickly passed while they were engrossed in its impressive map collection, many of which help tell the store of the area's frontier history. The library also offers free Wi-Fi access for those who want a relaxing place to get online, while some simply enjoy walking around it while appreciating the building's architecture.
Forney Museum of Transportation
This is a great place to add to your list of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado, if you enjoy learning more about various forms of transportation and taking a look at famous vehicles. Its initial one on display was a 1921 KisselKar, one of the vehicles manufactured by Kissel Motor Car Company, which was in operation from 1907-31. Another famous KisselKar here is a 1923 edition that was owned by Amelia Earhart, which has been nicknamed the "Gold Bug." In the years since its famous initial vehicle found its home here, it has been joined by all types of vehicles, including steam locomotives, carriages, bicycles, buggies, and sleighs. Note that its collection of steam locomotives includes the Union Pacific "Big Boy" Steam Locomotive #4005, which is one of just 25 that were manufactured.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
One of the best activities to do in Denver for those who enjoy live theatre is checking out a production put on by the Denver Center of the Performing Arts. This company, which was founded in 1972, has a 12-acre site at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which is home to numerous venues that range in size from 2,880 seats to 185 seats. It usually puts on and hosts productions throughout the year, including world premieres and Broadway touring productions. One of its most impressive venues is Boettcher Concert Hall, built in 1978 and has a capacity of 2,679, with 80% of its seats situated within 65 feet of the stage. This facility is the home of the Colorado Symphony. Meanwhile, its original structure was the Auditorium Theatre, which was renovated in 1979 and 2005, resulting in the creation of the 2,225-seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Clyfford Still Museum
Clyfford Still was one of the original abstract expressionists, and the Clyfford Still Museum provides a perfect opportunity to check out much of his work. This building was the result of Patricia Still, his wife at the time of his death, announcing in 2004 that she would provide Denver with 800 of his paintings and 1,600 various works that he had done on paper. It opened seven years later. Still's work was initially on display as part of a solo show in 1943 in San Francisco, followed by another in that city four years later. He later had his work displayed in Philadelphia and New York. Here in Denver, his creations are shown in nine galleries. Interactive features and peaceful outdoor terraces are also accessible at the Clyfford Still Museum. A hands-on art creation studio is here as well.
Molly Brown House Museum
Those who enjoy the movie, "Titanic," know who Molly Brown was. She was an activist, socialist, and philanthropist who survived the Titanic sinking in 1912. At 18, she moved to Leadville, Colo., a town of 3,000 today with a population of 13,000 then, and later married J.J. Brown there. After they accumulated significant wealth, they bought a mansion in Denver. That is the Molly Brown House Museum today. Once you enter the home, you will be enveloped by the feeling of what it was like for her when she lived there. Contributing to that will be the exhibits displayed there that help tell the story of her life. The building also shows what public life was like in Colorado during the time that she was there. Interestingly, she had also allowed Colorado's governor to use it as his official residence in 1902 while his original residence was being remodeled.
Coors Field
Catching a baseball game is one of the most fun things to do in Denver, and Coors Field is one of the best places to visit in Denver. The Colorado Rockies have been playing home games at this mile-high facility since 1995, the team's third season. It provides seating for 46,897, and home games are scheduled on a regular basis from April to September. If the team qualifies for the playoffs, postseason games will take place here in October as well. Those who enjoy offensive baseball, such as home runs, are encouraged to get out to a game. Coors Field has long held a reputation as a hitter-friendly park partially because the ball tends to fly further in the lighter air that exists at Denver's high altitude. That is why the fences are further from home plate here than is usually the case in baseball stadiums and why the baseballs are stored in humidors prior to games.
Empower Field at Mile High
If you are looking for stuff to do in Denver and your visit is in the fall, consider taking in a Denver Broncos National Football League game. In fact, for many, few would top this activity when compiling a list of things to do in Denver this weekend if the team is at home then. The Broncos are one of the league's best-supported franchises, as every game played here since it opened in 2001 has been sold out. However, NFL contests are not the only events held here. It has hosted rivalry college football games between the University of Colorado and Colorado State University, Major League Lacrosse matches played by the Denver Outlaws, Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer contests, a number of high-profile international soccer matches, an international rugby league match between England and New Zealand and concerts performed by the Eagles, Metallica, U2, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones.
Colorado Convention Center
There is a decent probability that the reason that you are in Denver is because of an event taking place at the Colorado Convention Center. It hosts about 400 of them in a normal year in its 800,000 square feet of space, which encompasses a 5,000-capacity ballroom, the 5,000-seat Bellco Theatre, its Exhibit Hall, and five meeting rooms. The Exhibit Hall, where 100,000 square feet of this facility's space is located, is where conventions, trade shows, and product launches tend to take place. Its first event was the 1990 National Basketball Association Draft for the Denver Nuggets. Today, some of its most commonly held events are the Great American Beer Festival, Denver Comic Con, World Science Fiction Convention, Denver Boat Show, Denver Auto Show, and Colorado Garden and Home Show. Meanwhile, the Bellco Theatre has hosted acts such as Melissa Etheridge, Rob Thomas, Il Divo, Dolly Parton, Demi Lovato, and Bruce Springsteen.
Larimer Square
Many view Larimer Square as a must-see in Denver. This includes U.S. News & World Report, which ranks it #1 on its list of the Best Things To Do in Denver. This destination has played a significant role in the history of Denver. This is the community's initial commercial block, having been created for that purpose in 1858 and then serving as its primary business area for decades. Although that focus lessened significantly throughout the 1900s, it started being restored in the 1960s. Today, it serves as a popular contemporary shopping area. Those coming to Denver to do shopping will likely already have Larimer Square on their itineraries, as it offers a tremendous variety of wares on sale. However, that is not all that it provides visitors as its various restaurants and nightlife energy attracts visitors for those reasons as well.
Union Station
If you are using public transportation that is not an airplane to Denver, your first introduction to the city will most likely be Union Station, best known as a stop on Amtrak's California Zephyr line between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. However, if that is not the case, it is well worth an addition to your list of places to visit in Denver, Colorado. Not only is it a historical attraction, but it also provides numerous shopping and dining options. The history of this site dates to 1881, although the original structure burned down in 1894 before it was rebuilt in 1914; another renovation was completed in 2014. That latest renovation included the opening of the luxurious Crawford Hotel, which is one of the places to see in Denver in its own right, as the building that it is located in dates to the station's founding. It also offers tours of Union Station.
16th Street Mall
If fun things to do in Denver, Colorado for you, include shopping, another place to consider is the 16th Street Mall. This pedestrian thoroughfare is 1-1/4 miles long and encompasses nearly all of the portion of 16th Street that goes through downtown Denver. Its origins date to 1982, when it was a fraction of the length that it is today, before it was extended in 2001 and 2002. Not only is it home to hundreds of stores, dozens of restaurants, and a number of entertaining street performers, but the Denver Pavilions' open-air shopping mall is here as well. If you want to include more relaxing Denver Colorado activities in your time in the Mile High City, note that taking in a film at the mall's movie theatre is an option. If you do not want to walk its entire length, take advantage of the Free MallRide bus service.
City Park
City Park is one of the Denver places to visit for those who enjoy the natural beauty. Included amongst its 330 acres are lakes, fields, playgrounds, water fountains, picnicking areas, tennis courts, a boathouse, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This park, developed in the 1880s, has provided visitors with a pastoral feel throughout its history. Its wide open spaces provide a sense of calmness as well as a welcoming environment for cyclists, runners, and bird watchers. It is situated about a mile east of downtown Denver and is about a mile long. This is also one of the best Denver tourist attractions as it relates to parking, as plenty is available here. Additionally, golfers should consider heading to the City Park Golf Course, which is located immediately north of City Park.
Washington Park
Another outdoor activity in Denver to consider is Washington Park. This lush area of green and blue beauty - gardens and lakes - consists of 165 acres and provides miles of running and bicycling paths, including one that follows the park's perimeter. It is also home to tennis courts, soccer fields, boats, a swimming pool, and a lawn bowling green. Its reputation is so high amongst locals that many compare its beauty and quality to New York's Central Park. Adding to its incredible setting are the 19th-century homes that surround it; the Washington Park neighborhood that it is a part of is one of Denver\'s oldest. This place was initially developed in 1899 and is situated 3 miles southeast of downtown Denver – the areas are connected via several bike trails – and is about a mile long.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
A must-do in Denver for aviation enthusiasts is the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum; this attraction has often been named one of the world's best aviation museums. It was founded in 1994 and is located on the former Lowry Air Force Base, 6 miles east of downtown Denver. Its focuses are on educating, entertaining, and inspiring its visitors. Dozens of aircraft are on display here while its flight simulator experiences provide visitors with realistic depictions of what it would feel like to fly planes such as these. Although aviation enthusiasts will get the most out of this place, reveling in all of the history on display, those who are not normally as interested in aviation will likely find themselves entertained as well.
Colorado State Capitol
A Denver sightseeing trip would not be complete without a visit to the Colorado State Capitol. This impressive structure was built from 1886-1901 and is reminiscent of the United States Capitol. It plays a significant role in Colorado politics, serving as the home to the state's governor's and lieutenant governor's offices and the Colorado General Assembly. Additionally, as a result of its architectural impressiveness, it attracts many visitors who are solely interested in that aspect of this structure. Inside, its entrance hall provides 180 feet of space between its floor and the top of the building's dome. Free tours are offered to visitors who want to explore its interior, while all but its dome may also be accessed through a self-guide through the building. Additionally, many visitors like to take pictures of the "One Mile Above Sea Level" engraving outside its west entrance.