best things to do in denver colorado
Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant city surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains and filled with a rich cultural scene. Here are some of the best things to do in Denver:
- Explore the 16th Street Mall: This pedestrian shopping and entertainment promenade is lined with street performers, restaurants, and shops.
- Visit the Denver Art Museum: The museum’s unique architecture and extensive collection of art from around the world make it a must-visit attraction.
- Take a stroll through LoDo (Lower Downtown): This historic neighborhood is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and bars, and is a great place to experience Denver’s vibrant nightlife.
- Visit the Colorado State Capitol: Take a guided tour of the Capitol building and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.
- Enjoy the outdoors: Denver has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
- Visit the Denver Zoo: The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, and offers a petting zoo and playground for kids.
- Check out the breweries: Denver is known for its craft beer scene, with over 100 breweries in the metro area. Some popular ones include Great Divide Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co., and Wynkoop Brewing Co.
- Visit the History Colorado Center: This museum tells the story of Colorado’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Take a tour of Coors Field: Catch a Colorado Rockies game at this state-of-the-art baseball stadium.
- Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens feature over 23 acres of plants and flowers, and offer a peaceful escape from the city.
- Explore the trendy neighborhood of RiNo (River North Arts District): This neighborhood is known for its street art, galleries, and restaurants.
- Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science: This museum features exhibits on science, nature, and culture, including a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
- Take a hike: Denver has plenty of hiking trails, including the popular Chautauqua Trail and the Mount Falcon Park Trail.
- Visit the Larimer Square: This historic square is now a popular shopping and dining destination, with upscale boutiques and restaurants.
- Attend a festival or event: Denver hosts a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Denver Film Festival, the Denver Comic Con, and the Great American Beer Festival.
Some popular day trips from Denver include:
- Rocky Mountain National Park: A beautiful national park with stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife.
- Boulder: A charming college town with a vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Estes Park: A picturesque mountain town at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Georgetown: A historic mining town with a charming downtown area and scenic train rides.
- Golden: A historic town with a charming downtown area and a famous brewery.
Some popular neighborhoods to explore in Denver include:
- LoDo (Lower Downtown): A historic neighborhood with charming shops and restaurants.
- RiNo (River North Arts District): A trendy neighborhood with street art, galleries, and restaurants.
- Larimer Square: A historic square with upscale boutiques and restaurants.
- Capitol Hill: A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Highland: A charming neighborhood with a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Overall, Denver is a vibrant and eclectic city with something for everyone, from outdoor recreation to cultural attractions and a thriving food and drink scene.