Denver offers the ultimate vacation experience, blending a vibrant city atmosphere with boundless outdoor adventures. From live music concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to brewery hopping along the renowned Denver Beer Trail, there's no shortage of entertainment options. This guide gives advice on where to stay, what to do, and where to visit (including what breweries to not miss!) in this endlessly sunny city! Check out my Foodie's Guide to Denver, CO for the best places to eat in town.
Denver has some of the best parks. On a sunny day, you’ll find them packed with people playing volleyball, roller blading or grilling out with their friends. Some favorites: City Park (has the best sunset spot up by the Museum of Natural Science,) Washington Park (“Wash Park” if you’re a local, great for biking and roller blading) and Cheeseman Park (also beautiful sunset view.) Sloans Lake also has a magical sunset view on the west side of town.
City Park is a great place to bike, walk, and roller blade on a sunny day. Head up to the East side by the museum for the best sunset view over the mountains.
Wash Park, as the locals say, is constantly full of activity. There's a great loop for biking, walking, or roller blading. It's mostly flat and you'll often find volleyball nets set up, people playing tennis, or pick up basketball games.
Denver locals love to spend time outside and because of that, our public parks are amazing. It's worth spending some time exploring these parks either on foot, bike, or blade. Another recommendation would be Sloan's Lake Park over in the Highlands area.
Sloan's Lake is on the West side of Denver and a beautiful spot to check out a sunset over the mountains. The trail circumnavigates the lake which is the perfect sunny day stroll.
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Bike down the Cherry Creek Trail
The path runs through the city and down south for miles. Enjoy a cruise along the river and end your trail either at Breckenridge Brewery on the south end or the flagship REI on the north end. REI is a must for anyone looking to snag a deal on gear. Even if you’re not looking to buy, check out the rock wall and outdoor park along the river by REI.
This bike path runs along the Platt River in Denver. It's a flat path great for any form of outdoor exercise - walking, running, biking, or roller blading!
REI is a must for anyone looking to snag a deal on gear. Even if you’re not looking to buy, check out the rock wall and outdoor park along the river by REI.
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Listen to Live Music
Denver has some magical concert venues, Red Rocks being the most famous. Check a show outside at Red Rocks, at the Ogden Theatre for a more intimate show, or at Larimer Lounge to feel like a local.
The Ogden is a cozy venue usually showcasing smaller artists with a great vibe. This older venue has been around Denver for a while and for good reason! Check it out for a more intimate concert feel.
Head over to Larimer Lounge for a vibey music scene and dive bar experience. It's in Denver's artisan neighborhood that is also famous for all the local beer stops.
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Sports
If you need a sports fix, go cheer on Denver’s hockey team, basketball team, football team or baseball team. Rockies baseball games in the summer at $5 to sit in the rock pile and one of the most popular Tuesday night social activities.
Drink Craft Beer
With Denver being at such a high altitude, craft beer is extremely popular. There is a brewery just about on every corner. Here are a few of my favorites: Cohesion Brewing – this is for you Czech-style beer lovers. Cohesion has a beautifully unique interior with some of the best Czech lagers in the state. Our Mutual Friend (OMF) – My personal favorite as I’m a hoppy IPA gal. Their beers are some of the best in Denver, unique and funky with something for everyone. I recommend any Hazy IPA they have on tap. Odell’s – you’ve probably seen them in the store and they have two breweries here in Denver. They are constantly creating new beer and their can art is a massive draw. Both breweries have trivia and outdoor seating for a great night out. Not a beer drinker? Try out The Family Jones for some whiskey and gin. This distillery is beautifully designed and host to some of the smoothest whiskey in Colorado.
This is for you Czech-style beer lovers. Cohesion has a beautifully unique interior with some of the best Czech lagers in the state. They often will partner with local bakers, artists, and craftsmen to showcase their products at the brewery. Drink a beer and shop local!
OMF is my personal favorite as I’m a hoppy IPA gal. Their beers are some of the best in Denver, unique and funky with something for everyone. I recommend any Hazy IPA they have on tap. They also have the best swag of any brewery in Denver.
Yu’ve probably seen them in the store and they have two breweries here in Denver (Fivepoints and Sloan's Lake). They are constantly creating new beer and their can art is a massive draw. Both breweries have trivia and outdoor seating for a great night out.
This distillery is beautifully designed and host to some of the smoothest whiskey and gin in Colorado. I love their pre-made Old Fashioned.
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Day Trip
There are endless places to day trip to from Denver with the mountains right to the West. Check out my guide to Colorado's Best Trails and Mountain Town for more detailed information.
For an easy day trip, explore the college town of Boulder, CO just 30 minutes up the road from Denver. Go hike the flatirons in Chautauqua State Park (I recommend the Royal Arch trail) and fuel up at T|aco on tacos and margaritas.
The Maven is right in the middle of city life in Denver. The Dairy Block is a food hall and market where you can always find a weekend event, brunch, or local artisan pop ups.
This modern, luxury stay is in the heart of Cherry Creek, a lively neighborhood in Denver. It's walking distance from restaurants, shops, and bars in Cherry Creek and has one of the best places to eat in the lobby: Local Jones. It also has the very rare rooftop pool.
The Ramble is a chic boutique hotel in the RiNo district of Denver. Endless breweries, restaurants, and artisan shops are well within walking distance. This hotel has a bar locals frequent, a Pan-Latin restaurant, and a theatre.
This modern hotel has a Scandinavian and Japanese inspired design. You'll find amazing places to eat and shop on the lower levels. Don't miss out on Safta, the best Mediterranean food in Denver on the second level.
The Catbird Hotel has vibrant energy with a modern aesthetic. They have a beautiful rooftop bar and restaurant that overlooks the city skyline and the mountains.
Often traveling with my backpack and a pocket full of snacks, dabbling in budget and luxury travel. I'm always looking to discover hidden gems in new places and dive into local culture. Though most my days are spent on a bike, paddling a river or hiking through the forest, I love a relaxing beach day soaking in the sun and sangria. I call Jackson Hole, WY home but spend any free time I have exploring new places with friends, family, or solo. I'm a certified travel advisor so when you book hotels, expeditions, etc. with me, expect perks like upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and food and beverage credits. I'm here to plan your next girls trip, your honeymoon, a solo trip and everything in between. Let's adventure together!
