Denver is the state of Colorado’s capital and most populous city, as well as its largest metropolis.
The city is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains, east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Because it is precisely one mile (5280ft) above sea level, the city of Denver is known as “the Mile-High City.”
Denver is the nineteenth-largest city in the United States, with an estimated population of 704,621 in 2022.
The city has many things to see and do, from natural rock formations to the bustling downtown core, it’s perfect for a visit.
Things To Do In Denver
1. Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park is one of the most popular and well-known parks in Colorado.
The park is located just outside of Denver and is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
The park features beautiful red sandstone formations, hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the city and mountains.
Red Rocks Park is a great place to spend a day or two exploring. There are plenty of things to see and do in the park, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, or groups of friends.
Visitors can hike to the top of one of the many red rock formations, relax in one of the picnic areas, or take a scenic drive through the park.
Address: Red Rocks Park, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
2. Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States. It is home to more than 4,000 animals representing over 800 species. The zoo covers an area of 80 acres.
The zoo was founded in 1896, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. It was originally known as the City Beautiful Zoo, and was renamed Denver Zoo in 1951.
Denver Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
The zoo is open year-round, and offers a variety of educational programs, events, and exhibits.
Address: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, Colorado 80205
3. Larimer Square
Larimer Square is a historic block in Denver.
The square is located in the heart of downtown Denver and is home to some of the city’s best shopping, dining and nightlife.
Larimer Square was the city’s original commercial district and is still one of its most popular destination spots.
The square got its start in the 1860s when General William Larimer, Jr. staked out a claim on the land. He soon developed it into a thriving business district with brick buildings and gas streetlights.
Today, Larimer Square is a National Historic Landmark District and is home to more than 30 businesses, including restaurants, bars, shops and galleries.
If you’re looking for a place to shop, dine or be entertained in Denver, Larimer Square is the place to be.
The square is always buzzing with activity and there’s always something new to see and do. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, a night out on the town or just some good old-fashioned shopping, Larimer Square has it all.
Address: Larimer Square, 1400 Larimer St, Denver CO, 80202
4. Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is one of the best places to see and learn about aquatic life in the city.
The facility is home to over 500 different species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and mammals.
Guests can view these animals up close in naturalistic exhibits, touch tanks, and shows.
The aquarium also features several interactive attractions, such as a 4-D movie theater, an alpine slide, and a carousel.
Downtown Aquarium Denver is committed to education and conservation.
The facility offers educational programs for all ages, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and sleepovers.
The aquarium also participates in many research initiatives and rescue efforts.
Through its efforts, the Downtown Aquarium is working to make a difference for aquatic life both in Denver and around the world.
Address: Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St. Denver, CO 80211
5. Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens were founded in 1986, the gardens span 24 acres (9.7 ha) and feature a diverse collection of plants from around the world.
The gardens are home to a variety of gardens and exhibits, including the Japanese Garden, the Rocky Mountain Native Plant Garden, and the Water Garden.
The gardens also offer a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
Denver Botanic Gardens is open to the public year-round and is located just minutes from downtown Denver.
Address: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St Denver, Co 80206
6. Denver Art Museum
The Denver museum has a global art collection that represents cultures around the world, with more than 70,000 works of art in 12 collections.
Denver Art Museum (DAM) is highly regarded for its American Indian art exhibits and decorative art, which represents pieces from nearly every tribe across the United States.
The Denver Art Museum has hands-on activities, extensive art collections, and world-class exhibitions.
There is also an extensive collection of Modern and Contemporary Art.
The Denver Art Museum is located in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood near to Denver Public Library, Central Library.
Although there is a charge to enter, anyone aged 18 or under can visit free.
The gift shop at the Denver Art Museum offers a unique assortment of art-inspired products.
Address: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, Co 80204
7. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
One of the best things to do in Denver is to venture out and experience the Rocky Mountains.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is just 60 miles west of Denver and is the highest paved road in North America.
The trip from downtown Denver to the 14,260-foot summit of Mount Evans passes through five climate zones.
Along the way, you’ll find a number of lookout points from which you can admire the view of the Colorado Rockies and take in the Rockies air.
When driving to Mount Evans it’s best to take it slow as there are many twists and turns in the road but you also get to admire the stunning scenery, especially around Echo Lake Park.
Located about halfway between Idaho Springs and the top of Mount Evans, Echo Lake Park has amazing views, picnic facilities and hiking trails.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway does close for motor vehicle traffic during the Winter season but reopens in May.
Although hikers can access some hiking trails all year long.
Address: Mount Evans Welcome Center, 16 Mount Evans Hwy, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
8. Molly Brown House Museum
In 1893, Margaret “Molly” Brown was living in Denver, Colorado when she heard that her husband, James Joseph Brown, had struck gold in the Cripple Creek mining area. She rushed to be with him, but found that he had already left for Leadville with several friends to stake their claims. Molly decided to stay in Denver and wait for news from her husband. However, within a few weeks she began to hear rumors that he had been killed in a mining accident.
Unwilling to believe the rumors, Molly set out for Leadville herself. When she arrived, she learned that her husband was indeed alive and well – and very rich! The two returned to Denver where they built a lavish mansion on Capitol Hill. The mansion became known as the “Brown Palace” and was a popular gathering place for Denver’s social elite.
Molly Brown was not content to simply be a society matron, however. She was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and helped to establish the first Colorado chapter of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She also worked tirelessly to relief efforts after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and was dubbed the “Heroine of the Titanic” after she helped rescue several people from the sinking ship.
After James Brown’s death in 1922, Molly continued to live in the Brown Palace until her own death in 1932. The mansion was donated to the City of Denver and opened as a museum in 1950.
Today, the Molly Brown House Museum is a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can tour the house and learn about Molly Brown’s fascinating life and her significant role in Denver history.
Address: Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203
9. Denver Museum of Nature Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) is a municipal natural history and science museum.
Founded in 1900, it is the city’s oldest scientific institution.
The DMNS houses over 1.4 million artifacts and specimens, including an extensive fossil collection from the Rocky Mountain region and other parts of the world.
The museum has five main exhibit areas: Space Odyssey, Prehistoric Journey, Wildlife Halls, Discovery Zone, and an IMAX theater.
The Space Odyssey section includes a planetarium and exhibits about space science and Earth’s place in the universe.
The Prehistoric Journey section features dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, as well as hands-on educational activities for kids.
The Wildlife Halls section contains dioramas and live animals representing different ecosystems from around the world.
The Discovery Zone is a hands-on area for kids with interactive exhibits about science and nature.
The IMAX theater shows documentaries and educational films on a five-story screen.
Address: The Denver Museum of Nature Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
10. Washington Park
Take a break from the busy downtown scene and visit lovely Washington Park.
It’s one of the more relaxing things to do in Denver.
The park was originally designed by Architect Reinhard Scheutze in 1899.
Washington Park is located in the southeast of downtown Denver, Colorado.
The park is a major draw for both visitors and Coloradans.
Washington Park covers over 160 acres and has many outdoor activities
This immense city park boasts formal flower gardens, tree-lined paths, sport facilities, two play areas for kids, paddle boat rides and winding trails for cycling and jogging.
Address: Washington Park, S Downing St & E Louisiana Ave, Denver, CO 80209
11. Denver Firefighters Museum
The Denver Firefighters Museum is located in a historic firehouse in downtown Denver.
The museum uses an extensive collection of artefacts, photographs and documents dating from 1866 to the present to tell the story of the Denver’s history of fire fighting.
Explore behind-the-scenes, learn about fire safety, learn about the equipment firefighters used and explore the history of firefighting in Denver.
See real fire trucks and utilize more than 20 hands-on activity stations.
The Denver Firefighters Museum has a gift shop that is full of one-of-a-kind fire themed gifts.
Address: Denver Firefighters Museum, 1326 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80204
12. Coors Field
Coors Field is a stadium located in downtown Denver, Colorado is home to the Colorado Rockies major league baseball team.
The 76-acre Field stands at 20th and Blake streets in the lower downtown Denver Neighborhood.
Tours of Coors Field are available Monday through Saturday and provide a behind-the-scenes look at one of the premier ballparks.
A guided tour typically lasts 70-80 minutes and covers a distance of approximately one mile.
Highlights of the Coors Field tour include the field, rooftop, dugout, press box, visitors’ clubhouse, suite level and club level.
Address: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
13. Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum
The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum was founded in 1994 by lifelong aviation enthusiast and former United Airlines Captain John J. Hodge.
The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of aviation and spaceflight.
The museum houses a collection of over 50 aircraft, including a B-52 bomber, an F-4 Phantom fighter jet, and a NASA T-38 Talon trainer.
The museum also has an extensive library of books, magazines, and photographs.
Visitors can take part in hands-on activities, such as building model airplanes or learning about the science of flight.
Address: Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
14. Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art
The Kirkland Museum is located inside a beautiful two-story golden building within Denver’s Golden Triangle District in bustling downtown Denver.
One of Denver’s prestigious art museums, the Kirkland Museum will appeal to all art aficionados.
It’s a stone’s throw from the Denver Art Museum making it easy to visit both in a day.
This Denver museum collection contains over 30,000 works by more than 1,500 artists and designers.
The space is organised in a different way to standard art galleries by using a salon-style, displaying everything from Andy Warhol paintings to modern art chairs.
Due to the fragile nature of the collections and the style in which they are displayed, the art museums policy says that visitors must be ages 13+.
A Private Guided Tour is available for groups.
Address: Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, 1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204
FAQ
What is Denver known for?
Denver is known as The Mile High City.
It is where urban meets outdoor adventure.
Denver is a vibrant city known for its art, culture, food, music and outdoor activities in the Colorado rockies region.
Where is a good place to shop in Denver?
Cherry Creek North is the premier outdoor retail area.
Located just five minutes from downtown Denver, Cherry Creek has the largest and most diverse shopping space.
You can shop at hundreds of stores and boutiques.
What is a trendy area in the mile high city?
Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood is a mix of taverns, clothing stores, unique eateries, bookstores and hip, live music venues.
South Broadway is a wonderfully quirky place to live and play with plenty of options for entertainment.
Best known as SoBo, the South Broadway neighborhood is the main road to downtown Denver.
What Major sports teams play in Denver?
The most popular major sports team in Denver is their NFL team, the Denver Broncos.
The Denver Broncos home stadium is Sports Authority Field at Mile High, located in the Sun Valley neighborhood.
Also The Colorado Rockies a National League West baseball team that play at Coors Field.
Why is Denver so popular?
Its friendly climate.
Denver residents and visitors enjoy four distinct seasons.
In the summer, Denver experiences low relative humidity levels, creating lovely sunlit days and pleasant cool evenings.
