26 Things to Do in Denver, As Suggested by Locals 

Denver, Colorado, often referred to as the “Mile-High City” (because its elevation is exactly one mile above sea level), is perhaps one of the most active cities in the U.S. due to its abundance of sunny days and prime location at the base of the Rockies.  

As Colorado’s capital city, it hosts a wide range of attractions and events. For example, the annual National Western Stock Show has called Denver its home base for over a century to celebrate the city’s rich ranching history. Its many breweries support the Great American Beer Festival, which draws crowds from around the world every year. Also, thanks to its large Mexican American population, Denver hosts epic celebrations for Cinco de Mayo, El Grito de la Independencia, and Dia De Los Muertos!  

Denver has a long list of amenities, making it an attractive place to put down roots, too. Its diverse economy offers opportunities in aerospace, telecommunications, technology, finance, and healthcare. It’s home to a long list of prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. It also hosts four professional sports teams (the Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche, and Broncos). Did we mention Denver’s thriving arts and cultural community, stunning natural beauty, unbelievable restaurant scene (Colorado is home to five 1-Michelin star restaurants—three of which are in Denver!), and abundance of warm and welcoming residents? 

Believe it or not, these are just a few of the reasons why you should come to visit and why you’ll probably want to stay. Read on; we’ll share some more exciting things to see and do in Denver, as recommended by the locals!

1. Become awestruck at Red Rocks

Derek Shaw, CEO and founder of local moving company Moving Proz Denver, recommended Red Rocks as one of the major must-see attractions in the city. “When visiting Denver, you can’t miss Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a hike and possibly a concert under the stars.” This cultural icon has become a rite of passage for music lovers and musicians alike. Many concertgoers say seeing a show there is a magical, transformative experience. 

If you can’t catch a show, you can still visit the venue for a movie screening, yoga class, or a hike on one of Red Rocks Park’s many trails. There’s also a visitor center and museum, which provides information on the amphitheater’s history and the legendary artists who’ve performed there, including The Beatles, U2, and Jimi Hendrix.

2. Become cultured at the Denver Art Museum (DAC)

“The Denver Art Museum is a must for its amazing Native American and contemporary art collections,” says Shaw. Located in the middle of Denver’s Civic Center, the museum is one of the largest art museums in the western U.S. It houses over 70,000 works of art from around the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and much more. Their Native American art collection is one of the museum’s highlights, featuring works from just about every tribe in North America, with pieces ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.  

You’ll also find an extensive range of temporary exhibitions featuring various themes, artists, and movements. The museum has hosted exhibitions from revered artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Kahlo. If you’re an art scholar, you’ll enjoy the classes, workshops, lectures, and interactive attractions.  

Good to know: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and 10 am to 8 pm on Tuesdays.

3. Get educated about beer at the Coors Brewery

“Beer lovers should check out the Coors Brewery Tour in Golden,” says Shaw. “You can see the brewing process and taste some samples!” The brewery is one of the world’s largest, most iconic breweries, not to mention its long history as one of the leading beer producers in the U.S. On your guided tour, you’ll visit the malting, brewing, and packaging areas and learn all about the ingredients and the brewing process. You’ll also learn about the company’s history and the tech behind beer production. At the end of the tour, visitors of legal age can sample the beers, including limited-edition and specialty varieties. And don’t forget to swing by the gift shop for some Coors swag on your way out! 

Good to know: The brewery is open for tours and sampling Thursdays through Mondays, but they do require advance booking. Tickets are on a first-come-first-serve basis and are almost always sold out at least a couple of weeks in advance, so be sure to get yours ASAP!

4. Spend the day at Union Station

“Don’t forget Union Station!” Shaw adds, “It’s a cool blend of history and modern amenities, great for a relaxed day out.” The building itself first opened in 1881 as a rail hub, bringing a ton of trade and commerce to the city, but it’s had its ups and downs since. Long story short, the station was renovated and revitalized in the 2010s and is now a bustling, dynamic space where you can eat, shop, play, or just hang out and do some people-watching in the plaza. The station also hosts live music, farmer’s markets, and holiday-season celebrations.

5. Relax and enjoy a ball game at Coors Field

Shaw also had a suggestion for visiting sports fans. “If you’re into sports, catching a game at Coors Field is a classic Denver experience,” he says. “The views of the Rockies are incredible, and the atmosphere is always fun!” Located in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district, the stadium has impressive views of the Rockies and the Denver skyline, especially if you hang out on the rooftop for a beer and bite to eat while enjoying the game. Fun fact: The thinner altitude at the park (because it’s mile-high) causes the balls to travel farther, leading to higher-scoring games and more home runs. To counteract the altitude’s effects, the balls are stored in a humidor. 

6. Try your hand at Formula One racing

Loni Peterson, owner of local LP Creative Events and assistant teaching professor at Colorado University Boulder, gave us some really unique ideas — including for the thrill seekers among us! “Denver is the ONLY location for a real F1 driving experience/simulation at Denver Racing Social,” she says. Is F1 not your thing? DRS offers a diverse range of packages for fans of all things racing. They host watch parties and events for fans who like to mingle and membership options to accommodate your need for speed. 

7. Play golf, rain or shine

“There are tons of indoor golfing activities you can do like Fade it, One Shot Back, and Optimum Golf,” says Peterson. If you’ve never been, these indoor golf places offer hundreds of simulated courses from around the world for you to play solo or with friends. They’ve got putting greens where you can work on your short game, and you can also take lessons from a pro in some locations. All offer a place to kick back, relax, and enjoy food and beverages when you’re through!

8. Take a day trip to Idaho Springs

If you want to get out of the city for a bit, Peterson recommends a St. Mary’s Glacier hike followed by pizza at Beau Jo’s in Idaho Springs. St. Mary’s is a short hike, about 1.5 miles round trip, and the trail leads to a gorgeous, crystal-clear alpine lake fed by meltwater from the snowfield. It’s referred to as a glacier, but it’s technically a semi-permanent snowfield where you’ll find year-round snow, making it the perfect place for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding (especially in the winter and spring). It’s an excellent area for picnicking, fishing, and summer camping.  

Head to Beau Jo’s for a Colorado mountain pizza pie when you’ve worked up an appetite. If you’ve never heard of it, a Colorado mountain pie features a crust with hand-rolled edges that create a little valley for your sauce, cheese, and toppings. The sizes come by the pound, so come really hungry and/or bring friends!

9. Get your sushi on at Uchi

Krissy Simmons, local lifestyle blogger and founder of thatboujeebohemian.com, knows all about where to eat, drink, and be merry in the city, so we asked about her faves! “Uchi is Denver’s best sushi restaurant with a daily happy hour making sure you eat well at an affordable price,” she says. The atmosphere is gorgeous, and so are the plates—perfect for a date night or a night out with friends! If you want to learn how to make your own sushi, Uchi sometimes offers classes where you can get schooled by the pros! You can check their website for the schedule. 

10. Explore the Lower Highland (LoHi) neighborhood

“Whether you’re looking to grab ice cream at the renowned Little Man Ice Cream, enjoy a rooftop view of the city from Avanti or El Five, or scooter around into local hot spots, this is where you’ll want to be!” Simmons told us. It’s a hip, bustling neighborhood with a mix of Victorian homes, modern townhouses, and chic high-rise lofts. You’ll find young professionals and families alike in LoHi enjoying the parks and greenspaces as well as the exciting dining and nightlife scene. Because it’s a tight-knit community, local businesses and residents often team up and offer events like street fairs, farmer’s markets, and other gatherings. 

11. Have dinner at Casa Bonita

As a local, trusted personal concierge for 14 years in the Denver area, Allison Welch of As You Wish Lifestyle was happy to give us some unique ideas for fun stuff to do in Denver, starting with an unforgettable experience at Casa Bonita. The food is good, but the ambiance makes it a Denver icon. The building looks like a giant pink hacienda on the outside, but the inside is an oasis complete with tropical plants, winding paths, and a 30-foot waterfall and pool. You can enjoy your enchiladas in an intimate cavern setting, next to the waterfall where you can watch the cliff divers (yes, there are cliff diving shows in the restaurant!), or in the plaza room where you can enjoy mariachi, bands, skits, puppet shows, and all kinds of other fun stuff. There’s really no other place like it!

12. Go tubing down the river in Golden

A day trip to Golden for tubing in Clear Creek is a favorite on hot summer days, but it definitely doesn’t come with a lazy vibe, so get ready for adventure! Clear Creek is a whitewater excursion with changing rapids that will get your heart racing and your face smiling. There are places along the creek where you can rent tubes and equipment, but you can bring your own river tubes, too.  

Good to know: You’ll have an awesome time, but stay safe! Be mindful of the flags posted to let you know how fast the rapids are. Red flags mean no tubing, and yellow means safe for adults but not kids under 18. Always wear a life jacket, water shoes, or sandals, and keep your valuables zipped up and stored tight on your person. 

13. Stray from the usual sporting spots

“Yes, most people will say go see the Broncos, The Nuggets, The Avalanche,” says Chris Starkey, owner of Imprint Events Group, “but how about seeing our professional Roller Derby team at the Rollerdome?  Or Denver’s soccer team, The Colorado Rapids at Dicks Sporting Park?  These experiences are convenient, easy to get to, and provide a fantastic time out for some family fun!” 

14. Go out and play!

“Chatfield or Cherry Creek Reservoir or Bear Creek Lake are the paddleboarding go-tos,” says Starkey.  “The lake is filled with paddleboards everywhere with their own unique community enjoying an amazing day outside.”  

Starkey suggests a little volleyball in the park if you’re not up for paddleboarding but still want to go outside and play. “Cheeseman or Wash Park are the best places to get involved in a volleyball game with ranked players,” he says. “Even if you don’t want to play, watching the skill level is insane!”

15. Take a foodie tour

“Denver is an incredible city, brimming with numerous notable restaurants, attractions, and outdoor activities,” says Sara Schiffer, founder and CEO of Proof PR. “As a foodie myself, I have to highlight some of my favorite spots.” 

“For brunch, you can’t go wrong with Los Chingones in RiNo. I recommend you grab a group of friends and share a mimosa tower with Huevos Rancheros or the El Jefe Burrito. I also love HashTAG for the classic breakfast diner experience.”  

“For lunch, TAG Burger Bar has some incredible options, but I go for the Old School because there’s nothing better than a classic burger. They also have some delicious Boozy Shakes if you’re looking for something a little more fun!” 

“For dinner, if you want to try something upscale, visit Guard and Grace, a Michelin-recommended restaurant by local chef Troy Guard. And for some ice cream, you have to go to Bonnie Brae. It’s a Denver institution and really lives up to the hype.” 

16. Check out Flight Club

“Flight Club on 16th Street Mall is a must-visit for a little friendly competition,” says Schiffer. “Not only does it offer fantastic food and drinks, including shareable options like flatbreads and truffle fries, but you can also enjoy a fast-paced experience with your friends playing a new kind of darts! Luckily for me, there’s no math involved—just pure fun and games. The venue is also gorgeous, perfect for when it’s a little too hot outside.”

17. Marvel at the view from the Pike’s Peak Railway

Gequinn Mattox, CEO, owner, and event pro at Yourz by Dezign Events, gave us some classic ideas for enjoying the natural beauty surrounding the city. “You HAVE to check out the Pikes Peak Cog Railway!” she says. “It is AMAZING! Pikes Peak (known as America’s Mountain because it inspired the lyrics to “America the Beautiful”) is the highlight of the 3.5-hour roundtrip journey.” You’ll get a panoramic bird’s eye view of the area’s dense forests and alpine meadows, and at the Pikes Peak summit, there’s a visitor center with exhibits, a gift shop, and the famous high-altitude donuts in the sky!

18. Indulge in the hot springs

If you’ve never taken a soak in a natural hot spring, you should definitely take a day trip and go while you’re in the area! “Hot Springs at Glenwood Springs or Mt. Princeton Hot Springs,” says Mattox. “Either way, you can’t go wrong. There’s NOTHING like the feeling of diving into a hot springs pool or lying in a stream as the natural hot springs flow out of the mountains and over your body. It’s so soothing and relaxing!” 

19. Engage in some retail therapy at Cherry Creek North

“Cherry Creek North is Denver’s premier shopping district,” says Andrea Monath Schumacher, interior designer and owner of Andrea Schumacher Interiors. “Offering a mix of high-end boutiques, galleries, and well-known retailers, the district spans 16 blocks and is a pedestrian-friendly area perfect for a leisurely shopping spree.” 

“Visitors can browse designer clothing, unique home décor, and artisanal goods, all while enjoying the district’s charming ambiance,” she says. “Cherry Creek North is also home to a variety of cafes and restaurants, providing plenty of options for a relaxing break between shopping. Whether you’re looking for luxury items or something more unique, it has something to offer every shopper.”

20. Try kayaking at the river next to REI (downtown)

“Kayaking on the South Platte River near downtown Denver is a thrilling experience for adventure seekers!” says Schumacher. “Located next to the flagship REI store, the river is an urban waterway that offers a unique opportunity to enjoy water sports in the city’s heart. The river features a series of small rapids and calm stretches, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers. The scenic views of the city skyline and surrounding parks also add to the appeal. After you go kayaking, go and explore the nearby Confluence Park or browse the extensive outdoor gear selection at REI. Kayaking on the South Platte River combines the excitement of adventure sports and the convenience of downtown.” 

21. Get cultured in the Golden Triangle Creative District

Sanya Andersen-Vie, director of marketing and communications at Clyfford Still Museum, recommends immersing yourself in some Denver art and culture! “The Golden Triangle Creative District includes the State Capitol, the Denver Mint, and Civic Center Park — a unique outdoor space used throughout the year for food, music, community, and sporting events.”  

“The district also features some of Denver’s best museums, including the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts, and the History Colorado Center. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring art, history, and unique architecture!” 

“The Clyfford Still Museum houses 93% of everything the Museum’s namesake ever created—an unparalleled collection of 3,125 vibrant works on paper and immersive abstract paintings by one of the 20th century’s most important artists. While you’re in Denver, take the opportunity to explore an artist’s life through their work in a space designed to display the collection.” 

Good to know: The Clyfford Still Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

22. Find your Zen in the Denver Botanic Gardens

“Denver is one of those special cities that is as fun to live in as it is to visit,” says D. Fritz, local photographer and owner of River + Root Photography. “It boasts abundant activities year-round, and the seasonality and variety of things to do are part of what makes it so special.” 

“As wedding photographers, we’ve had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in the Denver Botanic Gardens, and despite being frequent visitors, we still find ourselves visiting for our own pleasure when we can! Situated just off Cheesman Park, the gardens are well worth a visit — grab a coffee from Copper Door Coffee and enjoy the stroll. And if it’s a cold day, make sure to check out the tropical conservatory. The humid warmth is a dream in the midst of a Denver winter. Regardless of season, the gardens are stunning.” 

Good to know: The gardens are open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. 

23. Check out the city’s fantastic community events

“Our last tip is to check out events calendars if planning a visit to Denver,” says Fritz. “Denver does seasonal events right, and there is always something unique going on. In the summer, look into outdoor music shows, many of which are free or low-cost at places like Levitt Pavilion. In the fall, harvest festivals and leaf-peeping events are practically constant. And approaching the holidays, craft fairs pop up all over the city. In the late spring, consider strolling neighborhoods to admire the outrageous gardens and landscaping that make the city feel lush and alive after cold winters. Happy adventuring!”

24. Explore the River North Arts District (RiNo)

Josie Skinner, Denver-based photographer and owner of JosieV Photography, clued us in on some great neighborhoods to explore. “Personally, I love the RiNo Area; there are a ton of bars, restaurants, and cool street art. You can spend an afternoon or evening walking down Larimer Street shopping, brewery or bar hopping, and checking out some of the best restaurants in the area. My favorites are Mister Oso, Beckon, Major Tom, Redeemer Pizza, and Work and Class. If you’d just like to relax with some friends and a drink, try The Block Distilling, Nocturne, Honey Elixir, Death and CO, Beacon, or Tracks. If you’re a coffee lover, I recommend Crema, Queen City, or DC/AM!”

25. Make time for South Broadway, too!

“One more neighborhood worth checking out is South Broadway,” says Skinner. “There are tons of great vintage and thrift stores you can walk through, and a great dive bar scene later in the evening. Lastly, check out a concert! Denver has a phenomenal music scene, and between the AEG venues like Mission Ballroom, the Ogden theater, and the CO Clubs scene at places like the Church and 1134 Broadway, you are never short on great shows!”

26. See History Colorado Center and Center for Colorado Women’s History

Whether you’re a history buff or not, Jake Jensen of History Colorado gave us some great ideas for where to satisfy our curious streak. “Colorado’s history is full of rich stories that both inspire wonder in the past and help us cultivate an informed future,” he says. “Dive deep into those stories at the History Colorado Center and the Center for Colorado Women’s History, both located downtown in the buzzing Golden Triangle Creative District.” 

“The History Colorado Center has more than 15 exhibitions that span four floors and capture the spirit of our state. One of the highlights of the center is The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever, an exhibit spotlighting the living culture of the Cheyenne and Arapaho — two separate Tribes with distinct histories that were bound together forever after the tragedy at Sand Creek.”  

“Pop in any time of the year for interactive experiences, thoughtful art displays, and fun for all ages. Just two blocks away, be sure to visit the Center for Colorado Women’s History. It’s a historic home and museum that focuses on the bold stories, memories, and experiences of women of Colorado as told through exhibits, personalized tours, and special events.” 

Good to know: History Colorado Center is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The Center for Colorado Women’s History is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm. 

Denver is waiting to welcome you

As you can see, there’s an abundance of things to see and do in Denver! We hope our list of suggestions from the people who know the city best has provided you with some inspo and encouragement to explore this gorgeous city. If you’ve never been here, prepare to fall in love with its natural beauty, vibrant personality, and fun-loving people. Denver’s pretty much the whole package. Just be warned, once you’ve visited, you probably won’t want to leave!