Denver
Denver is a laid-back city that loves the outdoors.
Denver is a year-round destination that blends urban excitement with a rich Western tradition and a passion for the outdoors, thanks to its 300 days of sunshine a year. Chef-owned dining establishments, brewpubs, professional sports, retail, family attractions, and arts and culture can all be found in its walkable downtown. Denver serves as the primary entry point to the top Western United States national parks, such as Mesa Verde, one of Colorado’s four national parks, Yellowstone in Wyoming, and the Canyonlands in Utah. The best part is that you don’t need a rented car. From Denver International Airport, you may take the airport train to the city center, where there is a ton of public transportation and bike sharing available.
Denver’s Downtown and Notable Neighborhoods
There are many outdoor cafés, breweries, wine bars, stores, professional sports stadiums, theaters, and museums in Denver’s walkable downtown. Explore various areas by foot or bicycle, stopping in the RiNo (River North) Art District, which is well-known for its street art everywhere you look, and its urban food halls and small music venues. Shop or eat in Larimer Square, where the red-brick Victorian buildings transport you back in time, and explore historic LoDo (Lower Downtown). With 160 upmarket retailers at Cherry Creek Shopping Center and a 16-block stretch of opulent boutiques, galleries, and eateries, Cherry Creek North is a shoppers’ dream. Take a photo with the Big Blue Bear sculpture at the Colorado Convention Center, formally known as “I See What You Mean,” and immerse yourself in the city’s craft beer culture by traveling the Denver Beer Trail. Sip a drink at Denver Union Station, a historic building that has a diverse array of eateries, pubs, and independently owned stores. Don’t miss the invention of the snap-button cowboy shirt at historic Rockmount Ranch Wear.
The Mile-High City’s Museums
A plethora of museums and cultural attractions await visitors of all ages in Denver, including the IMAX theater, Space Odyssey, a digital planetarium, dinosaur exhibits, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science; the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which houses ten venues featuring Broadway touring shows, opera, symphony, ballet, and theater; the History Colorado Center, which tells the stories of Colorado and the surrounding Rocky Mountains; the Denver Botanic Gardens, a verdant oasis in the middle of the city; the Denver Art Museum, with its renowned collections of American Indian and Western art; and the Clyfford Still Museum, which features the artwork of this American abstract expressionist. Acquire a Denver CityPASS or Mile High Culture Pass to receive discounted entry to various museums and sites.
Adventures in the Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are Denver’s backyard playground, providing breathtaking scenery, thrilling outdoor activities, and a glimpse of Old West history all within a short drive of the city. The only naturally formed, perfect arena for acoustics in the world, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a local favorite for trekking amidst the massive boulders. But, Red Rocks is perhaps more beloved for its renowned concerts. The well-known Coors Brewery, the biggest single-site brewery in the world, is located close to Golden and offers tours and free samples to guests. Only 114 kilometers from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers breathtaking views, hiking paths, and an abundance of animals. The highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway winds 96 kilometers from Denver to a 4,346-meter summit. Denver is also the starting point for some of the greatest skiing and snow activities in the world in wintertime.