A Weekend in Denver, Colorado
A Weekend in Denver, Colorado
Nikki | Weekend Postcards
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Welcome to the Mile High City, where urban city goers meets mountain adventurers. Denver is full of unique experiences for all visitors to enjoy. This guide includes tons of options to mix and match to build your perfect weekend exploring the town. Our recommendations are mainly geared toward adults with a few good options for families as well.
Over 40 recommendations are included in this guide:
- Where to Stay
- Things to do in Downtown
- Where to Eat & Drink in Denver
- Day Trip Options a Short Drive from Denver
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Where to Stay
Central Denver offers a great spot to stay where you are just a short walk or drive from so many of the local offerings in the surrounding area. Other great areas to stay in are the LoDo neighborhood and LoHi neighborhood.
the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
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A unique place to stay where every floor has a different theme. Staff members are super kind and helpful. Parking is available for a fee ($45 a night as of early Dec. 2023).
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Things to Do - Downtown Denver
Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station
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An eclectic, unusual and interactive experience where guests can immerse themselves into the art and get hands on with everything around them.
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Denver Union Station
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A bustling place for travel via train and many small local businesses are located inside the station here.
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Ball Arena
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NHL Arena and special events hub for concerts, large shows, other sporting events and Disney on Ice! There is always something happening here to check out.
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Civic Center Park
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We visited during holiday season when the park hosted the Christkant Market - A holiday German christmas market full of vendors, food, light displays and so much more.
During the year this park is home to many different events and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the sunshine. The state capital building is also located here.
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16th Street Mall
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CURRENTLY the road is under construction but most businesses located along this road are still operating their normal business hours. There is a free shuttle bus that takes people up and down the street.
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Larimer Square
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Wondrous square home to shopping, dining and special events. They have unique stores to make one of a kind purchases to take home with you from your trip. Full of fun all year round.
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Denver: Movement RiNo
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Indoor bouldering gym located in the RiNo neighborhood. Welcoming climbing community here and a great activity for a cold or rainy day.
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Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
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Attend a concert or special event here. When not in use, this space is common for people to use as a natural workout space. You will always see people running the stairs or using the steps to workout. There is a music museum that we highly recommend checking out. Additionally there are multiple hiking trails that intertwine the venue space and surrounding area.
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Dairy Block
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During the holiday season there is a hidden pop-up bar in the alley way next to the Dairy Block Space.
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Denver Botanic Gardens
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Outdoor garden space perfect to enjoy on a sunny spring or summer day. Most plants are in bloom during this time but other parts can still be enjoyed at other times of the year.
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The Ten Penny Store
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Super fun vintage clothing and records store. A fun way to spend an afternoon looking through the vintage racks and hopefully finding a new item to add to your personal collection.
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National Ballpark Museum
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A great stop for baseball fans and those who appreciate the sport.
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Tarantula Billiard & Bar
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A billiards hall and bar space but fun way to spend an evening with friends. It does get busy and their tables will fill up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot at the bar. They also offer a limited food menu to enjoy while playing a game.
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Denver Zoo
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A well regarded zoo, it is a great way to spend a day with your kids learning about conservation and the animals who call the Denver Zoo home.
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International Church of Cannabis
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Where to Eat and Drink - Downtown Denver
While you can concur much of Denver in just a weekend, when it comes to quality food spots, you will have to make another trip back to try all of these bites.Â
Breakfast & Brunch Spots
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
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My all time favorite breakfast place. My personal favorite item would be their pancakes and hash browns. Everything they serve is perfection. Space is designed to be very welcoming to all. Booze can be ordered for those of age too.
There is another location in Boulder, CO I would highly recommend as well.
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Morning Story - Denver
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My local Denver friend loves this spot. Really good eats and drinks to start your morning
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Lunch & Dinner Spots
Marco's Coal Fired | Ballpark
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We had the best pizzas here! Staff was super friendly and the place wasn't crazy busy so we were seated quickly. Food was served quickly too. For good vibes and good times, you must add this to your list.
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Toro
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Toro offers Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner options! Higher end restaurant with Latin-American dishes mixed with Asian influences. The vibes and the food are immaculate here.
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My Neighbor Felix LoHi
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Perdida
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Located just a bit south of central downtown, but this dining spot is not to be skipped. Delicious food and great staff!
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Afternoon & Evening Drinks
The Front Porch
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Super cute bar space with fun daily deals. On wednesday's they do a coin flip toss to do a drink discount if you win. Often will do "Name of the Day" discounts as well. Staff is friendly, atmosphere is unique and feels like you are sitting on your neighbors front porch.
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Roosevelt
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Highly regarded by many friends in Denver, the Roosevelt has a high end vibe making it a great place to spend your evening with friends.
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Our Mutual Friend Brewing
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A great place for local brews but note they do not serve food directly at OMF. Their next door neighbor PIT FIEND BBQ is a great place to check out for your BBQ food needs while in the area.
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Postino Broadway
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Charlie's Denver
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A fun place to get drinks and see a show on certain evenings. We did line-dancing here while in town. Very welcoming environment for all to enjoy.
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Death & Co Denver
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One of those very instagramable spots with fun drinks. Great for a ladies night out
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Coffee & Desserts
Milkbox Ice Creamery
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Treat yourself to delicious ice cream at the Milkbox located inside the Union Station.
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Method Coffee Roasters LoHi
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Pinwheel Coffee
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Three Saints Revival
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Ultreia
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Short Day Trips From Denver
Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak
Colorado Springs
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A top destination for the outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Home to a U.S. Olympic Training Site, it is a prime spot for athletes too.
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Pikes Peak
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You can drive up to the top of Pikes Peak or take a train up (pending weather and time of year). The elevation is HIGH and altitude sickness/light headedness is possible. Bring water with you and take your hikes at the top easy.
A small gift shop, snack space and restrooms are available at the summit. In the winter, it is VERY cold and windy at the summit. Be sure to dress appropriately.
Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased online and are PER person. There is a discount rate per carload up to 5 passengers. Rates vary depending on the time of year. You will need to use LOW gear to descend the mountain.
National Park and State Park passes are not valid here.
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Manitou Cliff Dwellings
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Unique and interesting to see while not being far from Colorado Springs. These cliff dwellings give a brief look into the past native members who lived on this land.
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The Incline
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RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!
VERY INTENSE incline hike not for the faint of heart. Would NOT recommend for anyone with injuries, knee or ankle pain, or who may have a medical condition. This incline is STEAP. Bring plenty of water and a hot. Check weather ahead of time to come prepared. Adhear to all posted signs on site. Do not park in the lot for the other nearby trail or pikes peak train. They will tow you.
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Garden of the Gods
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A wonderful, FREE park to explore. Hiking trails are relatively easy and many are paved through the park. You can also take a leisure drive through and marvel at the natural red rock color.
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U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
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Great for guests of all ages to enjoy the interactive museum. Not open everyday so always plan your trips ahead. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
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World Figure Skating Museum
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An interesting and informational museum highlighting many of the top U.S. Figure Skating skaters as well as feature costumes from around the world, and medals from olympic champions. Set aside about 30-45 minutes to throughly enjoy all of the information and exhibitions on display.
U.S. Figure Skating members get FREE access. There is an entrance fee for NON USFS members.
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The Broadmoor Seven Falls
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Only open seasonally, the Seven Falls provides a fun outdoor experience. This site includes a massive stair climb.
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Golden Bee
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Located just outside the Broadmoor hotel, the Golden Bee has been around for awhile and is a favorite spot for an evening dinner and drinks.
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The Broadmoor World Arena
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Home the the Broadmoor Skating Club, the World Arena is a huge venue and they host multiple concerts, special events and more each year. Check out their website to see what is coming up soon!
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
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Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe
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We stopped in for lunch after spending the morning at Pikes Peak and the food was delicious. A little more on the pricey side but well worth it. We went just before the lunch rush but it did take a little bit to be served our food. You may need to make reservations if going at a busy serving time.
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Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
If you'd like to expand your day trip from Denver into an overnight, here are some sleeping accommodations that are great in the area.Â
Estes Park
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Cute little mountain town located just outside the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the perfect getaway destination for relaxing, and enjoying the nature around you. I've visited about 5 times now and I love coming back each time.
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WorldMark Estes Park
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Lovely little cabins to stay in for both short and long term. Good for groups of people. Located along a river for great scenery, there are other top quality amenities like a pool and playground for kids to enjoy.
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Stanley Hotel
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Both a hotel and a historical point of interest in Estes Park. It inspired part of the movie The Shining.
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Rocky Mountain National Park
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Great national park to visit anytime of year. Always check weather reports ahead of your trip. Many roads are closed during the winter season and won't open until the following May. In the summer, entrance reservations may be required. Check out all regulations for your trip at the National Park service website and recreation.gov
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Coffee on the Rocks
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THE BARREL
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Beer hall that does NOT have food inside. A taco food truck is on-site in the outdoor seating area. Patrons are also welcome to order outside food and bring it in. They often host fun game nights like Bingo and Cornhole for free. Super fun experience.
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Golden, Colorado
Lookout Mountain Park
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Loved Denver and ready to plan your next trip? Check out some of our other guides:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki | Weekend Postcards
Available for hire
Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard.
Currently:đź“ŤLouisiana, U.S.A.
Just Posted: Lakeland, FL & Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local
Upcoming Trips: European Summer in Zablajk, Montenegro
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Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination.
On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to.
Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister.
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Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!
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