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Things to do in Denver

Bustling bars, breweries, lively music, and a gateway to the rocky mountains await in Colorado's capital.

Our most recommended things to do in Denver

Denver: Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park Ticket

1. Denver: Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park Ticket

Located in the heart of Denver and celebrating over 130 years of fun, Elitch Gardens is Colorado’s only world-class combination theme and water park. Enjoy an entire season of screaming fun. From thrilling roller coasters to pint-sized adventures, a splashin' water park and tons of special events, like Fright Fest, there's thrills for all. Don't miss the sweeping views of Denver while plummeting 200 feet on the Tower of Doom or swinging at 17-stories tall on Star Flyer.

Denver: Cannabis Tour

2. Denver: Cannabis Tour

Immerse yourself in the cannabis industry on this original tour. Enjoy transportation via a luxury party bus limousine, get exclusive access to a state-of-the-art cannabis growing facility, and visit two of Denver's best dispensaries on this guided tour. Learn about the industry and the plant from our expert guide while having a blast with new friends. Be amazed by a live glass-blowing demonstration with an opportunity to purchase the piece directly from the glass artist afterward. Tour start times run throughout the day and run for 3 to 3.5 hours.

Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket

3. Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket

Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate a Western identity and a unique high-altitude climate and geography. Don't miss the Freyer – Newman Center. The Center is a physical manifestation of the Gardens’ celebration of the fusion of science and art. The Center houses the Helen Fowler Library, the Sturm Family Auditorium, art galleries, herbaria, classrooms, the School of Botanical Art & Illustration and the Copper Door Coffee Roasters coffee shop. The Gardens’ holdings are unique because horticulture, plant conservation and preservation, mycology, and art unite to document human relationships with these elements and the larger environment. Housing each of these programmatic elements in a single facility makes these assets more accessible to the public.

Near Denver: Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting - Beginner

4. Near Denver: Clear Creek Whitewater Rafting - Beginner

Soak up the adventure and beauty of Clear Creek on this guided rafting trip from Idaho Springs. Take on class II-III rapids on this thrilling tour that includes helmets and personal flotation devices. Meet your guide and get set up with your rafting gear before setting off through plenty of whitewater rapids, beautiful scenery, and some calmer waters. Have a blast splashing through Class II-III rapids with help from your guide that gives you tips to sharpen your paddling skills. Relax as you meander through the historic mining town of Idaho Springs past the Argo Gold Mine and Charlie Taylor waterwheel. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the canyons surrounding you as you float down stream. This is a fabulous trip for first timers, families, and large groups with varying ability levels. Travel on the second most rafted river in Colorado which has more rapids per mile than any other river in Colorado. Clear Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 66 miles long. The creek flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains.  Colorado Adventure Center is one of the most reputable outfitters on Clear Creek with one of the best-trained, skilled and highly certified guide staffs.

Denver: BEYOND Light Show and Meditation

5. Denver: BEYOND Light Show and Meditation

Enjoy a fully-immersive experience with BEYOND: A Guided Meditation & Laser Light Experience featuring a guided mediation, enchanting music, wondrous sound, and an awe-inspiring laser and projection light experience designed to elevate the soul. See custom audiovisual art installations created by world-famous artists that explore powerful themes. For those who enjoy thinking and meditating while immersing themselves in music and visuals, this planetarium-style, classic rock laser light show is designed to electrify your consciousness. Each Beyond Light Experience starts promptly at 20 minutes past the hour, every hour, during operating hours. This is a non-consumption, family-friendly experience.

Denver CityPASS®: Save up to 43% on Top Attractions

6. Denver CityPASS®: Save up to 43% on Top Attractions

Enjoy your choice of admission to 3, 4, or 5 of the most popular attractions in Denver at up to 43% off of regular combined admission. Marvel at the underwater worlds of the Downtown Aquarium, explore an urban oasis at the Denver Botanical gardens, and discover the wonders of nature at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Other attractions to choose from include The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, The Denver Art Museum, and The History Colorado Center.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

7. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall/Winter Tour

Get to know the wild side of Denver, with a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the day to walk through the stunning mountain and valley scenes, spotting wildlife and touring around a glacier lake. Delight in a meal and shopping in Estes Park, then catchup on local history at the Stanley Hotel. Arrive at the Rocky Mountain National Park and allow yourself to explore the diverse natural beauty of Colorado. Walk the snowy paths, and catch sight of elk grazing on rich grasses in Moraine Park. Then, gaze at the mountains and park views at Many Parks Curve. Explore the nature-made Alluvial Fan in Horseshoe Park, and meander through the mountain village of Estes Park, admiring artwork, shops, and the leisurely pace of discovery. Grab some lunch in the village, and continue through the day to learn more about the power of Mother Nature. Make a visit to the Historic Stanley Hotel, and experience this manor-style hotel. Who knows, maybe you'll find it so inviting, you'll book a night or two in the glacial mountains.

Near Denver: SkyTrek Aerial Challenge Course Ticket

8. Near Denver: SkyTrek Aerial Challenge Course Ticket

Book entry tickets to the Colorado Sky Trek, an aerial adventure park in Idaho Springs featuring over 60 challenging obstacles, elements, and ziplines. Enjoy a mining theme, designed with the area's history in mind. Choose from 3 distinct routes built to suit all ages and abilities. Test your mental and physical abilities by choosing to go on the easy (Copper), intermediate (Silver), or advanced (Gold) courses. Have a blast navigating through obstacles, while learning a little history along the way. Reach heights of up to 50+ feet during your aerial adventure. Wear a harness and be securely connected to a safety device at all times while completing each obstacle. At the end of each course, take a short zipline back to the central tower.

Denver: Denver Terrors Ghost Tour

9. Denver: Denver Terrors Ghost Tour

Like the looming Rockies, Denver’s dark history casts a long shadow over the Mile High City. Dive deep into the haunted history at the heart of the city’s oldest neighborhood, Capitol Hill, on a guided walking tour. Choose between a standard 1-hour tour or a 1.5-hour extended tour. Hear stories take you on a journey back to a time of wealth, luxury, and deceit. This collection of stories will unearth the dark secrets that are the foundation on which this iconic city was built. Follow your guide through 8-13 (standard or extended tour) different sites and historic houses around the state’s Capitol building. Find out where the unsinkable Molly Brown, one of the most famous survivors of the sinking of the Titanic, might still show her face. See a side of Denver not often seen by visitors. Take a walk through the beautiful neighborhood that is the heart of the Mile High City while listening to the chilling tales of its past. Have an informative, memorable, and slightly terrifying night on a tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Denver and seasoned locals alike.

From Denver: Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour

10. From Denver: Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour

Discover the magic of Colorado's natural scenery on a guided tour through mountains, canyons, rock formations, and lakes. Take a break from the big city and dive into the wonders of the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, the quaint town of Evergreen, and the pristine Echo Lake. Just a short drive out of the city, you'll come across an outstanding variety of untouched landscapes. Visit Red Rocks Park and see the famous amphitheater carved into the rocks. Then, drive into the mountains via Bear Creek Canyon and see many of the Denver Mountain Parks. Browse the shops or enjoy a quick drink in the small mountainous town of Evergreen. Witness beautiful hilltop views by climbing up a mountain pass to Echo Lake. Stroll around this incredible glacial lake sitting at 10,600 feet high and have a great chance to observe local wildlife.

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Frequently asked questions about Denver

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Denver

Known as the Mile High City thanks to its elevation that is exactly one mile (5,280 feet or 1,609.344 meters) above sea level, Denver is the capital city of Colorado and the eastern entrance to the foothills of the soaring Rocky Mountains. There is so much to do in Denver that we enlisted the travel experts at TravelingMom, a leading family travel website, to share their favorite things to do and tips for making the most of a visit, even if you only have a few days. You can read more surprising facts about Denver here.

What should I do on my first trip to Denver?

With its stunning Rocky Mountain views and its downtown skyline, Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a great place to visit. Take a stroll on the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian walkway, lined with trees, shops, restaurants, and brightly painted pianos, courtesy of local artists. Downtown Denver offers so many kid-friendly experiences, most within walking distance, or short drive away. Our favorites are the Denver U.S. Mint, Downtown Aquarium, and the Denver Firefighters Museum.

What are some hidden gems to see in Denver?

If you're a sports fan, take in a Colorado Rockies home baseball game at Coors Field (April-September season), grab a ballpark hot dog, visit the Dinger's Playground and swing the bat at Kidszone -- it's free. Add a "Behind the Scenes" tour of this classic ballpark in the heart of downtown. Baseball not your thing? Denver has plenty of other options. depending on the season: American football's Denver Broncos, basketball's Denver Nuggets, hockey's Colorado Avalanche, and soccer's Colorado Rapids all call the city home. And of course, include a visit to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

How much time should I spend in Denver?

When planning a trip to Denver, we suggest spending at least two nights to see all the top atrractions in downtown. Add another day or two to your stay to explore Denver neighborhoods or the Front Range's top cities, like Golden, Boulder or Colorado Springs. If you plan to explore the nearby Rocky Mountains to play in the snow or enjoy our mountain towns (and you should!) I'd suggest adding at least two more nights.

What food is Denver known for?

Denver's roots are deeply seated in western culture, so many associate Denver's foodie scene with Rocky Mountain Oysters (breaded and deep fried bull testicles) and cuts of prime bison and beef steak. But Denver is much more than that! The Mile High City was named one of 2021’s Best Foodie Cities in America by Wallet Hub -- and there are a lot of reasons why. As a melting pot of cultures, local neighborhoods dish their family recipes, including cuisine from Mexico, India, Thailand, Italy, and more.

What is the best way to get around Denver?

Transportation in Denver is dependent on where you're based and where you want to go. If you stay in or near downtown Denver, the most affordable and convenient option is walking. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also convenient options. Fortunately, Denver also offers a public Light Rail system, which is the easiest and cheapest way to get to downtown Denver from Denver International Airport, as well as many of the city's neighborhoods. However, if you want to include a visit into the foothills or Rocky Mountains -- and you should! -- renting a car is your best option.

What are the best months to visit Denver?

Denver basks in the sunshine 245 days a year, so pick a season and chances are good you'll enjoy that Mile High sunshine. During winter, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains are stunning and there are loads of ski and snowboarding options. But the absolute best times to visit Denver are April and May. Our spring is colorful and the mountain air is crisp. The fall, September to October, offers the chance for leaf-peeping and still-warm weather. Denver is a city that likes to celebrate with cool events year-round starting in January with the National Western Rodeo and Stockshow, St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, Colorado Rockies basebal opening day in April, Denver Beer Fest in October, and the Parade of Lights in December.

What is Washington Park known for?

Whether your visit is family-centric or couples, you'll want to include a visit to Washington Park, running north to south from around Speer Boulevard to I-25. This continues to be named as one of the best places to live. Its namesake, Wash Park, highlights what the Mile High City is known for -- its amazing outdoors. This urban oasis features lush grass, colorful flower grandens, and multiple lakes for kayaking, paddleboating, and yes even fishing. Check out the surrounding track for running, walking or biking. Bring a picnic, let the kids romp in a nearby playground, and people watch from its expansive lawns.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

Downtown's historic Larimer Square is the perfect setting to experience Denver's food scene. Start with Rioja, the Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine by Chef-owner Jennifer Jasinski, of James Beard Foundation fame. The nearby south-of-the-border themed cuisine (and tequila!) of Tamaya, restaurant of chef celeb Richard Sandoval and the roof-top patio is worth the wait. The Uptown neighborhood features a wider variety of restaurants, sure to please all palates, ranging from American diners to farm-to-table chefs.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Known as the ultimate shopping mecca, if you think it, the Cherry Creek neighborhood will fulfill your shopping wish list. Browse its more than 160 shops, boutiques and restaurants (for when you need to rest your wearing shopping feet). For those with a luxury budget, check out the 40 exclusive stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Denver?

The Union Station neighborhood is a bustling hub of activity, with a prime location next to RTD's Light Rail, Denver's public train transportation. Located in the heart of downtown Denver is the recently renovated train station. Inside Union Station, discover 10 chef-owned restaurants and bars, boutiques and the 112-room Crawford Hotel. Steps away is the new Dairy Block and McGregor Square neighborhoods, featuring even more hotels, restaurants, shops, and Coors Field.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Denver?

Discover the Mile High City's largest outdoor space, the tree-lined City Park neighborhood, with miles of jogging and biking trails – and the best sunset over downtown Denver with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop! This is also home to two of the the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions: Denver Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science with its T-Rex life-size displays, IMAX and planetarium shows.

Other Sightseeing Options in Denver

Want to discover all there is to do in Denver? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Denver

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 578 reviews

Walt was so fun and informative! He really knew his stuff and took the time to answer questions. We had a pretty severely autistic young man with us so our tour took twice as long, however Walt handled it all so well! He was patient, made sure that our friend David was doing well and was getting the information he needed. As an added note, when I called my Uber at the very end of the night, Walt stayed with me and made sure I was safe, even though he had stayed late already and was struggling with a kidney stone. What an incredible human! 1000000000/10 will be doing this again! Thank you Walt!

It was a great experience. There was a wide range of flavors, something for everyone. And we didn’t just learn about beer, we learned about history of the city, fun facts, and so much more. Our guide Paul kept us very entertained, and we got to meet new people. Overall we had so much fun!

Great time with the family. Best part was going through the trees. GoPro videos are really special and crystal clear!

Great tour, the guide is funny and very friendly. Great beers and nice area to see some graffiti. Highly recommended

I did the zoo, aquarium, science museum, art museum, and botanical garden. It was a great way to experience the city