The Top 10 Things To Do In Denver, CO 2023
The Mile High City is a great place to visit with a laid-back environment and so many fun things to do. Cheer on a sports team, visit the Capitol Center, or head to the museums. Take in nature with a hike at Red Rock and top off your day with wine tasting or a Brewery tour.
#10 - Red Rock Canyon
Get out of the hotel and see some nature while in Colorado. This area is great for walking, running, or biking and has several trails for you to follow. You can also work out on the steps of the Red Rock Amphitheater itself. You can even enjoy an outdoor concert here or visit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. It really is Read Moreworth the 15-mile drive from Denver (or take a shuttle) to see the gorgeous rock formations at this National Historic Landmark. We make it a stop on all of our trips.
#9 - Colorado Rockies Game at Coors Field
A Rockies game can often be an all-day and night experience. The surrounding neighborhood is lined with sports bars that will be filled up before and after the game. Many of the establishments on Blake street feature rooftop bars that will provide a fun view as you enjoy your cocktails. We experienced the Rockies’ Read Moreopening day, which was an even bigger party than usual! There are several unique sections such as the “Rooftop” and the “Rockpile.” Be sure to munch on one of our favorite treats: a strawberry and brownie kabob!
#8 - Capitol Center
Visit this historic area to see the gold-domed Capitol building and sit atop its steps at the one-mile-high marker. Enjoy the beautiful parks, Liberty Bell, public art installations, and museums this area has to offer.
#7 - Larimer Square
For some great restaurants, wine bars, shopping, and nightlife visit this charming street nestled under a canopy of lights. Being the oldest block in the city, you can experience the history of early Denver as you walk along and visit the many boutique shops. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Osteria Marco and capped the Read Morenight off at Crú Food and Wine Bar.
#6 - Casa Bonita
Located in a nondescript shopping center, you would never know the entertainment awaiting you inside. Open for over 40 years, this bizarre and awesome restaurant offers Mexican-style lunches and dinners. The real pizazz comes from the live show of cliff divers falling from a 30 ft. waterfall! With a Read Moregorilla! You can also enjoy live music, play games at the arcade, and take home a souvenir from the funky gift shop. This restaurant speaks for itself.
The beautiful view from the park looking towards downtown Denver.
#5 - Sloan’s Lake Park
With a beautiful view of the city skyline to one side and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the other, this park offers a quiet retreat for a relaxing day. We enjoyed walking around the biggest lake in Denver while watching the ducks splash in the water. You can also enjoy bike riding, fishing, and boating at this Read More290-acre park. There are tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields, and picnic areas to make it an outdoor and sporty day. This park is about 11 minutes from the middle of Denver. We stopped here on our way back from Red Rocks Canyon and Casa Bonita since we were already taking a drive. Best part? It’s free!
#4 - Empower Field at Mile High Game or Tour
Now known as Empower Field at Mile High, this is an informative and fun tour! It starts at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum and lasts about an hour and a half. You visit the executive suites, visitor locker room, and even get to walk on the field. Parking is free and tickets are about $25. You can drive here Read Moreor take the light rail and get off at Decatur/Federal Station. We enjoyed the art and sculptures at the main entrance of the stadium. If you come during the season, try to catch a game!
#3 - Botanical Garden & Cherry Creek
When we visit a new city we always try to spend some time in nature. Denver has so much nature to offer with Red Rocks and Sloan’s Lake, but if you don’t have time to get out of the city then be sure to check out the Denver Botanical Garden. First off, it’s gigantic! Secondly, it’s so well put together and offers so Read Moremany unique exhibits. In fact, it houses North America’s largest collection of plants from cold temperature climates. It even hosts concerts in the summer, so be sure to check its calendar when you’ll be in town. After we visited the garden, we enjoyed lunch at the nearby Cherry Creek Shopping Center and even took a brief stroll along the beautiful creek.
A large crowd enjoying one of the area’s rooftop bars.
#2 - Rooftop Bars
As we mentioned in our section about Coors Field, many restaurants and watering holes in downtown Denver feature bars and party areas on their rooftops. Some of our favorites were near said ballpark, like the 1UP arcade bar, Hayter’s and Co, and Jackson’s! All of those have drink specials, delicious food, Read Moreand fun and social atmospheres.
#1 - Lucky Strike Bowling and Arcade
We usually stay in a hotel near the 16th street mall, so after a day full of activities sometimes it’s nice to spend a night doing something fun near the hotel. We spent one night such as this at the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley and Arcade. We had some bar food and drinks while bowling a couple of games, then proceeded Read Moreto the arcade to see who would be that evening’s Skee Ball champion. This would also be a great place for families during the day to let their kids get out some energy!
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Denver Travel Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before going to Denver? Definitely pack for a variety of weather. Research the area of the hotel and make a plan for how you’ll get to your activities.Read More
What to do in Denver for the first time? Denver is a great sports town, so a Rockies, Broncos, Avalanche, or Nuggets game would be a great choice. Red Rocks is a must-see and Casa Bonita will give you a dining experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.
How many days are enough to visit Denver? Since Denver offers activities both downtown and in neighboring areas, we recommend at least three days for a trip to Denver.
How do I prepare for a trip to Colorado? As it gets closer to your trip, be sure to check the weather forecast to pack accordingly. Make a plan for each day and try to bundle activities that are close to each other on the same day.
How long does it take to adjust to altitude in Denver? It may take 1-2 days to acclimate to the elevation. If you aren’t feeling well by the second night you should seek medical attention. Some tips to combat altitude sickness include drinking lots of water, eating plenty of carbs, and do climbing at a slower pace.