10 Fun Things to Do in Denver
Denver is consistently rated among the top places to live, and it’s easy to see why. With gorgeous mountain vistas, great food, and a bustling arts and tech scene, Denver’s popularity is unlikely to wane any time soon.
The mile high city welcomes over 31 million tourists per year. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something fun and laid back happening. If you’re lucky enough to count yourself amongst the horde, make sure you check out these spots around the city.
Have a Meal at Union Station
Denver’s LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood is at the epicenter of activity. It’s within walking or biking distance of nearly everything on this list, and is accessible by the stately, beaux arts Union Station.
Though it’s no longer as busy with rail activity as it surely was during Denver’s boom period of the early 20th century, it still functions as the command center of the light rail. You can get on the train from Denver International Airport and take it straight there.
Lunch outdoors at Union Station on one of Colorado’s 300 sunny days per year is the quintessential Denver experience. If you’re keen to see it at night, Union Station boasts a variety of chic cocktail bars. Sparkly attire and tails not included.
Stroll Along the 16th Street Mall
Loaded with iconic shops, restaurants, and hotels, the 16th street mall is the tourist hub of downtown Denver. Make no mistake, though, locals as well as out-of-towners flock to this area when they want a day on the town. Best of all, the 16th street mall is well within walking distance or a short rideshare away from other spots on this list. There’s also free transportation courtesy of a bus up and down the mall (in case the altitude gets to you).
Pick up Your New Favorite Read at the Tattered Cover
Much like New York City’s iconic The Strand bookstore, the Tattered Cover is Denver’s go-to local spot for book lovers of all stripes. It’s so iconic in fact, that it’s often not listed on bookshop roundups for locals - because it’s a given! Somehow both intimate and cavernous, each location of Tattered Cover is filled with floor-to-ceiling shelves in deep wood tones, begging to be perused for hours. The Tattered Cover is also the largest black-owned bookstore in the country.
Visit their convenient location in LoDo as you stop at other sites on this list, or fit in a trip at their original location after an afternoon in the City Park area. If you can’t make it to their metropolitan locations, you can always swing by at the airport.
A mural in RiNo by Colorado Artist Kenzie Sitterud
Visit a Brewery and Enjoy the Street Art in RiNo
Over the past few years, the River North District (or RiNo for short) has absolutely exploded in popularity. Full of hip craft breweries, local boutiques, and packed full of street art, it’s easy to wile away an afternoon in this vibrant walkable neighborhood. If you want to really dig into this neighborhood, take a walking street art tour or brewery tour.
Admire the Lake at Washington Park
Though Civic Center and City Park are much more widely photographed, Washington Park is where locals go to soak up the urban green space. Capped by a small lake at one end and circumnavigated by a spacious walking path, an afternoon at Wash Park is always well spent. Make sure to stop for ice cream at the nearby Denver institution, Bonnie Brae.
Lose Yourself at Meow Wolf
The famous immersive art exhibit in Santa Fe now has a branch in Denver! Built in a huge, multi-story complex, Meow Wolf is a giant, integrated art exhibit. Called “Convergence Station,” the Denver Meow Wolf asked artists to imagine what a transportation station on a distant planet might look like. Not only is it masterfully creative, it’s also kid friendly, as the exhibits are meant to be touched, moved, climbed on, and explored!
If you have sensory issues such as epilepsy or autism spectrum disorder, proceed with caution before going to Meow Wolf. Also, quite a few of the exhibits are not accessible. If you have accessibility concerns, make sure to reach out to Meow Wolf staff before your visit.
Hike or See a Show at Red Rocks
Thousands of musicians have “playing a show at Red Rocks” on their artistic bucket lists, and once you’ve experienced it, it’s easy to see why. With red canyon walls on 3 sides to cushion the sound perfectly, and an expansive view of the Denver skyline in the background, every musical experience is elevated to breathtaking.
In addition to booking just about every major musical act (including many collaborations between famous artists and the Denver Symphony), you can head to Red Rocks for yoga at dawn, or catch a classic movie such as The Princess Bride on Thursday nights. Even if there’s not a show on, the park itself is gorgeous and has a variety of trails for beginner to experienced hikers.
See the Lights in Larimer Square
Of all the urban spots in Denver, you must head over to Larimer Square. This pedestrian-friendly square has a warm atmosphere that is undeniably magical. It is also one of the most-photographed parts of Denver. Though parking can be a bear, once you’re there it’s a completely pedestrian-friendly area. You can scout out your location for a warm meal or craft cocktail here.
Explore All City Park Has to Offer
Outside of LoDo, the City Park area of Denver is the best place to go if you want to get your sightseeing on. All those iconic photos of Denver - the beautiful park with skyscrapers in the background and mountains beyond - are taken at City Park. In addition to the park itself, the area houses the enormous Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo. If you’re in town at wintertime, you won’t want to miss the winter lights display, Zoo Lights, or the very mild haunted house, Boo at the Zoo.
Experience Casa Bonita for Yourself
This is an officially-unofficial recommendation, as the cheesy pseudo-Mexican restaurant Casa Bonita is infamous among Denver metro locals. It even got its own episode on South Park. The pandemic hit this local landmark hard - but it’s been purchased by Denver locals and South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and is expected to reopen soon. Every Denver native has experienced the mediocre magic of Casa Bonita at least once, and if you want an authentic experience you should too. If my underwhelming review of Casa Bonita hasn’t sold you, don’t worry; they have pretty good sopapillas.
Those are a few tourist highlights around Denver that you must hit if you’re planning a trip to the mile high city! All of these locations are family friendly and good for groups of just about any size.
If you’re looking for more to do, check out my list of the best vintage shops in Denver.
