Denver: 17 Coolest Things To Do for an Amazing Trip
Denver is home to world-class craft breweries, sprawling parks and enough indie boutiques to keep the most discerning shoppers happy. Culture Trip’s local insiders share their favorite things to do in and around the capital of Colorado, from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Music Venue
A natural amphitheater cut into the rocks of Colorado, Red Rocks is a unique venue that hosts high-profile gigs from the latest chart-topping stars, film screenings and even yoga. While it offers some reserved seating, general admission is also available, so show up early if you want to grab a great spot. You can even bring your own food. It can get a little chilly in the evenings, so wear layers if needed. Recommended by local insider Lily Shipman
Brewery Tour
Natural Feature
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Park, Zoo
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
Swimming Pool
Coloradans love the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which has 15 minerals in its water and is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver. For more than 130 years, it’s been welcoming people who want to re-energize their sore muscles. In the summer, rent a cabana for the full experience. However, don’t rule out winter – there is something special about the hot springs when it snows. Food is available to purchase, and if you forget a towel, it’s possible to rent one. Recommended by local insider Lily Shipman
South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
Market
The South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market is best enjoyed in summertime. Spend the day browsing the stalls of handmade jewelry, CBD-infused products and Colorado-related swag. The market closes at 1pm, so get here early to grab a parking spot – it is a very popular neighborhood – and make the most of your day. There’s plenty of delicious food stalls too, so come hungry. Recommended by local insider Rose Corbett
Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tours
Tours
Spook yourself silly by joining a pub crawl where you’ll hear scary tales of Denver’s paranormal past. Taking in some of Lower Downtown’s oldest bars and 19th-century buildings, the tour is led by a costumed guide and will reveal the city’s creepy haunted history complete with ghosts, mysterious footsteps and unexplained mysteries. Will you be brave enough to make it to the end? Recommended by Siobhan Grogan
Rocky Mountain zipline
Activities
Channel your inner Tarzan and take to the skies on a zipline tour of the Rocky Mountains for birds-eye views of this dazzling craggy landscape. With cables totaling more than 6,000ft (1,829m), there’s time to take in the views as you soar through the air high above the trees, before hiking to the next wire for another thrilling ride. Recommended by Siobhan Grogan
Colorado State Capitol
Building
The Blue Bear
Building
Larimer Square
Architectural Landmark, Shopping Mall
Larimer Square is known as the first commercial district in the city, making it the oldest and most historic block in Denver. Due to urban renewal efforts, Larimer Square is now a vibrant shopping and dining mecca, with many of the top-rated restaurants in the city. It’s also home to several high-end boutiques and nightclubs. Recommended Stephanie Harper
Denver Mint
Shop
Downtown Aquarium
Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium features over one million gallons of exhibits. The aquarium also offers a Mystic Mermaids live show and a 4D theater experience. Guests in the Aquarium Restaurant are seated around a 50,000 gallon floor-to-ceiling aquarium to dine with the fishes while they enjoy lunch or dinner. Recommended Stephanie Harper
Denver Zoo
Zoo
Also in City Park is the Denver Zoo, which houses more than 4,000 animals of 650 different species. Visitors will enjoy Bear Mountain, the Giraffe Encounter, Predator Ridge, Primate Panorama, Toyota Elephant Pagoda, and many more incredible exhibits, as well as live feedings and up-close animal encounters. The zoo also offers special events and programming throughout the year. Recommended Stephanie Harper
Denver Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden
The Denver Botanic Gardens is open year round, offering visitors and locals a sanctuary of plants and flowers. Beyond that, the Botanic Gardens hold events such as concerts and art installations, learning opportunities, and conservation efforts. They also have a children’s garden. No wonder they are ranked one of the top five botanic gardens in the country. Recommended Stephanie Harper
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Amusement Park, Park
Washington Park
Park
Washington Park, or “Wash Park” as the locals call it, is a lush getaway near downtown. The dog-friendly park features two lakes and an expanse of tree-lined paths to wander, as well as plenty of patches of grass. There are also two lovely flower gardens and is a popular place for people to exercise. Recommended Stephanie Harper
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Natural Feature
Just 60 miles west of Denver, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway sits as the highest paved road in North America. The day trip involves a winding drive to the 14,264-foot summit of Mount Evans, one of the 54 “fourteeners” in the state of Colorado. Visitors will also get to see stunning Echo Lake and Summit Lake. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience. Recommended Stephanie Harper