Kelly + Christine
Things To Do
Union Station
If you take the train in from the airport, you'll automatically land here! You seriously can't go wrong with any of the food/drink options inside Union Station - Pigtrain has amazing coffee if you're feeling tired from your flight, The pancakes at Snooze are legendary, Mercantile offers sandwiches on the pricier side (but well worth it), and Kitchen Next Door has a fantastic happy hour.
Denver Milk Market
Very close to Union Station, the Rally hotel and Rockies Stadium, the Denver Milk Market has a bunch of shops and restaurants inside, Drag Bingo Brunch on Sundays, and the cutest alleyway in Denver to stop for a drink or some ice cream.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
This is our favorite art museum (and is walking distance from Union Station), check out the art and grab a drink on the rooftop bar!
Happy Camper
The pizza is great, the outdoor area is amazing. This is more of a place to hangout and drink outside than it is a place to get the best pizza in Denver (if you're looking for that, we HIGHLY recommend Blue Pan) but it is such a fun space to kill a few hours and soak up some sun.
Avanti Food and Beverage
This is a food hall that is set up as an incubator for new restaurant concepts with a rooftop area that offers a great view of the city. If you're on the wait list at Happy Camper this is a great place to go grab a drink and a snack while you wait!
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
The amphitheatere is open anytime before dusk (as long as there isn't a concert or event planned) - go here to climb the stairs and test your lungs, or park at the top to check out views of Denver and the 10/10 people watching.
Central Market
Similar to Avanti, this is a food hall/market where you can buy fresh baked bread and specialty cuts of meat, but also grab breakfast/lunch/dinner and cocktails.
Denver Zoo
This is legitimately a great zoo and is fun for both kids and adults!
Dio Mio
Our favorite Italian food in Denver - this is an affordable, casual spot in a trendy area with fresh made pasta. The focaccia is also a must if you go here.
Uncle
Everyone loves this Ramen. If you're planning on going, know that there is almost always, always a wait but that it is worth it.
Blue Pan Pizza West Highlands
The best pizza in Denver. It's "Detroit Style" which is a thicker pan pizza and will be the best pizza crust you've ever had in your life.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
Kelly's favorite taco spot, you can't order wrong here, everything is good!
Dos Santos
Christine's favorite taco spot, the OMFG taco and house made margs are heaven.
Confluence Park
Great spot for a picnic, or you can rent a bike from here and take the bike trail to Rino or Downtown!
Atomic Cowboy
Biscuits for brunch and pizza during the day (and by the slice late night). There are several locations around Denver and if Blue Pan isn't your thing, these NY slices likely will be.
El Five
This is a nicer/more expensive place to eat, but you can always just hop in for happy hour to see one of the best views in Denver.
Uchi Denver
Hands down our favorite place to go when we're going on a fancy date (it's expensive), but if you're just looking to try a little bit of everything for a fraction of the cost, check this place out for sushi and drink specials during happy hour.
Jelly Cafe - 13th Ave
Christine's favorite brunch spot (if you've come to visit, it's highly likely you went here with her and Kelly). They make their own jellies and have donut holes that make for a great brunch appetizer.
Sweet Cow
The cookies and cream ice cream is to die for.
Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen (Five Points)
Easily the best bagels in Denver, and is a short Uber ride from the hotel!
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you're spending some extra time in Denver, RMNP is worth the hype. It will likely be packed in July, so avoid Estes park and stay near Grand Lake instead. If you set that area as your home base, you'll also be close to Winter Park, which also has a ton of fun things to do in the summer including the Trestle mountain biking park.
Dillon Reservoir
Lake Dillon is a ton of fun in the summer. You can rent a pontoon, paddleboards, etc. and head out on the lake for really beautiful views of the mountains from the water. Frisco is right next door and has a really fun nightlife/places to eat.