Things to Do in Denver: Best Attractions & Activities

Denver sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, and the best things to do in Denver reflect that double personality.

In the city, you can spend a morning among the galleries of the Denver Art Museum, an afternoon exploring the murals and breweries of the River North Art District and an evening at a Rockies game or on a patio in Larimer Square.

Just beyond the city limits, the foothills begin, with the red sandstone of Red Rocks, trails, mountain towns and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country less than two hours away.

What makes Denver special is how easily it combines urban life and the outdoors.

The restored Union Station, the historic warehouses of LoDo, the Victorian mansions of Capitol Hill and the creative energy of RiNo give the city a strong sense of place, while its sunny, dry climate encourages people to spend time outside year-round.

The food and craft beer scene is one of the most dynamic in the West, and the city's sports fans fill stadiums and arenas in every season.

This guide is built to be comprehensive, whether you have a single afternoon, a family week or a long weekend with friends.

We organize Denver by mood and traveler, with fun, free, family-friendly, adults-only, romantic, nighttime and rainy-day picks, then move through the seasons and the neighborhoods so you can build a trip that fits the way you like to travel.

The Best of Denver

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19 places on the map · tap a pin for details

📍 Morrison

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

About half an hour west of downtown, this world-famous outdoor amphitheater sits between two giant sandstone monoliths, with views across the plains to the Denver skyline. Catch a concert or a movie night in summer, or visit during the day to walk the seats and trails among the red rocks. The park is free to visit when there is no event, but it closes to the public before shows. Drive or take a rideshare, and bring water and sun protection.

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📍 LoDo

Union Station

Denver's grand Beaux-Arts train station, restored in 2014, is again the living room of downtown. The Great Hall is filled with restaurants, a bar and shops, the Crawford Hotel occupies the upper floors, and the A Line train to the airport departs from the platforms behind the building. In summer, children play in the plaza fountains. It is free to visit and an easy starting point for exploring LoDo.

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📍 LoDo

Larimer Square

Denver's oldest block is a lively square of restored Victorian buildings housing restaurants, bars and boutiques, with strings of lights crisscrossing above the street. Saved from demolition in the 1960s, it helped launch the revival of Lower Downtown. Come in the evening, when the lights are on and the patios are full, and book ahead at the popular restaurants.

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📍 Golden Triangle

Denver Art Museum

One of the largest art museums in the West occupies two striking buildings: the angular, titanium-clad Hamilton Building by Daniel Libeskind and the Martin Building by Gio Ponti. Its collections are especially strong in Indigenous arts of North America and art of the American West, and it hosts major traveling exhibitions. Admission is free for visitors 18 and under.

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📍 Golden Triangle

Clyfford Still Museum

Next to the Denver Art Museum, this museum is devoted to a single artist, Clyfford Still, one of the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism. Its concrete building, filled with natural light, displays his large, powerful canvases in rotating exhibitions. It is a quiet, focused visit that complements the larger museum next door.

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📍 Capitol Hill

Colorado State Capitol

The granite Capitol, crowned with a gold-leaf dome, overlooks Civic Center Park. Look for the mile-high markers on the west steps, admire the rare Colorado Rose Onyx inside, and join a free guided tour on weekdays. The grounds offer a classic view west toward the City and County Building and, on clear days, the mountains.

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📍 Cheesman Park

Denver Botanic Gardens

Dozens of themed gardens, a Japanese garden, water gardens and a tropical conservatory fill this garden next to Cheesman Park, with a special focus on plants adapted to the dry climate of the West. Summer concerts and winter holiday lights draw large crowds. Allow two to three hours, and buy timed tickets on busy days.

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📍 City Park

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

This large museum in City Park is known for its wildlife dioramas, dinosaur fossils, gems and minerals, and space exhibits, plus a planetarium and a giant-screen theater. Step out onto the terrace behind the museum for one of the classic views of the Denver skyline with the mountains beyond.

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📍 City Park

Denver Zoo

Founded in 1896, the Denver Zoo occupies a large part of City Park, with habitats for elephants, big cats, primates, reptiles and birds. It is a favorite family outing and is next door to the Museum of Nature & Science, making it easy to combine the two. In winter, Zoo Lights turns it into a festival of holiday lights.

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📍 LoDo

Coors Field

The home of the Colorado Rockies is a classic red-brick ballpark in LoDo, with a row of purple seats in the upper deck marking one mile above sea level and a large rooftop deck with views of the mountains. A game here is one of the best ways to spend a summer evening in Denver. Ballpark tours are offered on many days.

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📍 RiNo

RiNo Art District

The River North Art District is a former industrial area now covered with large, colorful murals and filled with galleries, breweries, food halls and restaurants. Walk the streets and alleys around Larimer Street and Brighton Boulevard to see the art, then stop at a taproom or the Denver Central Market. It changes constantly, so there is always something new.

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📍 Sun Valley

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

This immersive art experience fills a multi-level building with interconnected worlds of color, light, sound and surprising stories. Visitors wander through rooms, passages and installations at their own pace. It is fun for all ages and a great indoor option. Buy timed tickets online, especially on weekends.

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📍 Capitol Hill

Molly Brown House Museum

The Victorian home of Margaret Brown, the Titanic survivor and activist known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown, is now a museum. Guided tours tell her remarkable life story and show what life was like in Denver at the turn of the 20th century. Book ahead, since tours fill up.

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📍 Civic Center

U.S. Mint at Denver

One of the main coin production facilities in the United States offers free guided tours that show the history of coinage and a view of the production floor. Tours must be reserved online and fill quickly, and security rules are strict, so leave bags behind. Visitors must be at least seven years old.

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📍 Central Platte Valley

Confluence Park

Denver was born at the meeting of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, and Confluence Park marks the spot. Today it is a lively urban park with walking and cycling paths, a kayak chute and grassy banks, close to the REI flagship store, which occupies a historic tramway powerhouse. The river trails connect to LoDo and beyond.

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📍 Washington Park

Washington Park

One of Denver's most beloved parks, Wash Park has two lakes, flower gardens, tennis courts and miles of paths for walking, running and cycling. On sunny weekends it fills with locals playing volleyball, picnicking and paddling. Its flower gardens, including a replica of Martha Washington's garden at Mount Vernon, are lovely in summer.

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📍 Downtown

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Covering several blocks downtown, this complex is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States, home to touring Broadway shows, the Denver Center Theatre Company, the Colorado Symphony, Opera Colorado and the Colorado Ballet. Check the calendar and book tickets early for popular shows.

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📍 Golden Triangle

History Colorado Center

This modern museum tells the story of Colorado, from Indigenous peoples and the gold rush to mining towns, ranching and skiing, through interactive exhibits. It is a good introduction to the state before heading into the mountains, and a smart choice for a rainy or very hot day.

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📍 Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek North

This upscale district of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes sits next to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. It is a pleasant place to stroll, shop and have lunch on a patio, and it hosts the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in summer. The Cherry Creek Trail runs nearby.

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📍 Golden

Golden

About 30 minutes west of Denver, the small town of Golden sits at the foot of the mountains, with a historic main street, Clear Creek running through town and trails nearby. It is home to the Coors brewery, which offers tours, and the Colorado School of Mines. It makes an easy half-day trip from the city.

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📍 Morrison

Dinosaur Ridge

Near Red Rocks, this ridge preserves dinosaur tracks and fossil bones in the rock along a short road and trail. A visitor center explains the geology and paleontology, and guided tours are offered. It is a great stop for families, easily combined with a visit to Red Rocks.

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📍 Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

About two hours northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers alpine lakes, high peaks, wildlife and Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the country. A timed-entry permit is required during much of the year, and high roads close in winter, so check the National Park Service website before going. It is one of the best day trips from Denver.

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Fun Things to Do in Denver

The most fun things to do in Denver take advantage of the city's sunny weather, its love of sports and live music, and its easy access to the mountains.

Few cities make it so simple to combine a morning bike ride, an afternoon at a ballgame or an immersive art experience and an evening at one of the world's most famous concert venues.

Denver's best experiences are relaxed and social, often involving a patio, a craft beer or a mountain view. These picks mix classic attractions with activities that locals actually enjoy, so you can sample the city's playful side whatever your budget and pace.

Concert at Red Rocks
Seeing a show between the giant sandstone monoliths is one of the great live music experiences in America. Book early, arrive early and bring a layer for the evening.
Rockies game at Coors Field
Grab a cheap seat, find the purple mile-high row and watch the sun set behind the mountains from the rooftop deck.
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Explore surreal, immersive worlds of art, light and sound at your own pace.
Brewery hopping in RiNo
Walk between taprooms in the River North Art District, stopping to admire the murals along the way.
Bike the Cherry Creek Trail
Rent a bike and follow the trail along Cherry Creek between downtown and Cherry Creek North.
Film on the Rocks
Watch a movie on a big screen at Red Rocks on a summer evening, often with live music before the film.
Kayak at Confluence Park
Paddlers and tubers use the river chute at Confluence Park in summer, right in the middle of the city.
Day trip to Golden
Stroll the historic main street, tube on Clear Creek in summer and tour the Coors brewery.
Vintage rides at Lakeside
Lakeside Amusement Park, a historic park just outside the city that has operated for more than a century, has vintage rides and a classic atmosphere in summer.
Hockey or basketball at Ball Arena
Catch the Colorado Avalanche or the Denver Nuggets in action downtown.

Free Things to Do in Denver

There are more free things to do in Denver than most visitors expect, and many of the city's best experiences cost nothing.

Its public parks, historic districts, bike trails and civic buildings are open to everyone, and the sunny climate means you can enjoy them most of the year. Red Rocks Park, Union Station, Larimer Square, the State Capitol and the murals of RiNo are all free to explore.

Whether you are traveling on a budget or just want to balance a few paid attractions, these picks prove that Denver's best assets are remarkably easy to enjoy without spending a dollar.

Red Rocks Park on a non-show day
Walk the amphitheater's seats and the trails among the rocks for free when there is no event.
Union Station's Great Hall
Admire the restored 1914 hall and watch the bustle of downtown's living room.
Colorado State Capitol tour
Free guided tours on weekdays, plus the mile-high steps outside.
U.S. Mint tour
Free tours of the coin factory, reserved online in advance.
RiNo murals
Explore the outdoor gallery of large murals in the River North Art District.
Larimer Square
Stroll Denver's oldest block under the lights in the evening.
Washington Park
Walk around the lakes and flower gardens of one of the city's favorite parks.
City Park
Enjoy the lakes, the skyline view and the open lawns east of downtown.
Confluence Park
Watch kayakers and walk the river trails where Denver was founded.
Cherry Creek Trail
Walk or bike along the creek through the heart of the city.
Civic Center Park
Visit the plaza between the Capitol and the City and County Building, which hosts festivals and food trucks.
Dinosaur Ridge trail
Walk the road past dinosaur tracks and fossils near Red Rocks; guided tours cost extra.
Free museum days
Several Denver museums offer free days for Colorado residents through regional programs; check each museum's calendar.
16th Street pedestrian corridor
Walk the long pedestrian street through downtown between Union Station and Civic Center.
Sloan's Lake Park
Walk or cycle around one of the city's largest lakes, with views of the mountains and the skyline.

Things to Do in Denver with Kids (Family-Friendly)

Denver is a great city for families, with museums designed for curious children, a large zoo, parks, playgrounds and easy access to outdoor adventures.

Many of the best attractions are concentrated in City Park and downtown, and the mountains offer hiking, wildlife and snow just a short drive away. The dry climate makes outdoor activities pleasant much of the year, but sun protection and water are essential at this altitude.

These picks cover toddlers to teens, with options for every budget and season.

Denver Zoo
Elephants, big cats, primates and much more in City Park.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Dinosaurs, dioramas, a planetarium and space exhibits for curious minds.
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Hands-on play spaces designed for young children, near the South Platte River.
Downtown Aquarium
Tanks of freshwater and saltwater life, plus a restaurant among the fish.
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Kids love wandering through the colorful, surprising worlds.
Dinosaur Ridge
See real dinosaur tracks and fossils near Red Rocks.
Union Station fountains
In summer, children splash in the plaza fountains in front of the station.
Lakeside Amusement Park
A vintage amusement park with rides for younger children in summer.
Washington Park
Playgrounds, lakes and space to run and cycle.
Rockies game at Coors Field
Ballgames are family-friendly, with special areas and activities for kids.
Gaylord Rockies water park
This large resort near the airport has a water park open to hotel guests.

Things to Do in Denver for Adults

Denver has plenty for grown-up travelers, from one of the country's most celebrated craft beer scenes to cocktail bars, live music, theater and fine dining.

The city's nightlife is concentrated in LoDo, RiNo, LoHi and along Colfax Avenue, and its restaurants have earned national recognition. Spend an afternoon tasting beer in RiNo, an evening at a concert or the theater, or a day exploring mountain towns.

These picks focus on the experiences that adults will appreciate most.

Craft brewery tour
Denver has dozens of breweries, many concentrated in RiNo and the Ballpark area, with welcoming taprooms.
Concert at Red Rocks
One of the world's great outdoor venues, with concerts almost every night in summer.
Theater at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Touring Broadway shows, plays, opera and ballet downtown.
Great American Beer Festival
If your visit falls in the fall, this huge festival brings breweries from across the country to Denver.
Cocktail bars in LoDo and LoHi
From speakeasies to rooftop bars, the city's cocktail scene is lively and creative.
Fine dining
Denver's restaurants have earned Michelin stars, including The Wolf's Tailor, Colorado's first two-star restaurant.
Live music on Colfax
Historic venues along Colfax Avenue, such as the Ogden Theatre and the Fillmore Auditorium, host concerts most nights.
Coors brewery tour in Golden
Tour one of the largest breweries in the world, at the foot of the mountains.
Comedy shows
Denver's comedy clubs host local and national comedians.
Day trip to Boulder
Explore Pearl Street, hike in the Flatirons and visit the town's breweries, about 45 minutes from Denver.

Romantic Things to Do in Denver for Couples

With its mountain views, sunny days and cozy restaurants, Denver is an easy city for a romantic getaway.

Romantic things to do in Denver often combine the outdoors with good food: a sunset at Red Rocks, a picnic in a park, a scenic drive into the mountains or dinner on a rooftop with skyline views.

In winter, historic hotels and intimate restaurants offer warm retreats from the cold. These picks highlight the city's most romantic settings and experiences.

Sunset at Red Rocks
Climb to the top of the amphitheater and watch the light fade over the plains.
Afternoon tea at the Brown Palace
Share tea in the historic atrium, accompanied by live music.
Dinner in Larimer Square
Choose a restaurant under the lights of Denver's oldest block.
Rooftop drinks in LoHi
Watch the skyline light up from a rooftop bar across the river.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Stroll the gardens together, or attend a summer concert on the lawn.
Scenic drive into the mountains
Drive to Golden, Evergreen or the mountain parks for views and fresh air.
Picnic in Washington Park
Spread a blanket near the lakes and flower gardens.
Show at the Performing Arts Complex
End a dinner with a play, a concert or a ballet.
Stay at a historic hotel
Book a night at the Brown Palace or the Crawford Hotel at Union Station.
Day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Alpine lakes and high peaks make an unforgettable shared adventure.

Things to Do in Denver at Night

Denver's nightlife is lively and varied, with concerts, sports, theater, breweries, cocktail bars and late-night restaurants. LoDo and Union Station are busiest on game nights, RiNo and LoHi attract a creative crowd, and Colfax Avenue is known for its music venues and dive bars.

In summer, outdoor events and rooftop bars make the most of warm evenings. These picks will help you plan nights that suit your style.

Concert at Red Rocks
The ultimate Denver night out, under the stars between the rocks.
Night game at Coors Field
Baseball under the lights with the city glowing around the stadium.
Larimer Square after dark
Restaurants and bars under strings of lights.
Union Station
Drinks in the Great Hall and a look at the neon signs on the facade.
RiNo bars and breweries
Taprooms, cocktail bars and live music in the art district.
Colfax Avenue venues
Historic theaters and clubs host concerts most nights.
Rooftop bars in LoHi
Skyline views from across the river.
Theater downtown
Broadway tours and local productions at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Comedy club
Laugh the night away at one of the city's comedy venues.
Late-night eats
Classic diners and taquerias keep the city fed after midnight.

Indoor Things to Do in Denver (Rainy Day)

Denver is sunny much of the year, but snowstorms in winter and spring and afternoon thunderstorms in summer can send you indoors. Fortunately, the city has excellent museums, immersive experiences, food halls and theaters.

The Golden Triangle alone could fill a day, and City Park's museum and the downtown attractions offer more options. These picks will keep you busy whatever the weather.

Denver Art Museum
Two striking buildings and wide-ranging collections.
Clyfford Still Museum
A focused museum devoted to one Abstract Expressionist painter.
History Colorado Center
Interactive exhibits on the history of Colorado.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Dinosaurs, dioramas, planetarium shows and more.
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Hours of immersive art and exploration.
U.S. Mint tour
A look inside a working coin factory, by reservation.
Molly Brown House Museum
Guided tours of a Victorian home and a remarkable life.
Denver Central Market
A food hall in RiNo with vendors selling food, coffee and treats.
Union Station
Shops, restaurants and a bar in the historic Great Hall.
Downtown Aquarium
Marine and freshwater life, popular with families.
Denver Public Library Central Library
An architecturally striking library with special collections on the American West.
Theater and concerts
The Denver Performing Arts Complex hosts shows throughout the year.

Things to Do in Denver by Season

Denver has four real seasons, and each one shapes your trip. Summer is warm and dry, with afternoon thunderstorms, outdoor concerts and festivals almost every weekend. Fall brings golden aspens in the mountains and crisp, sunny days.

Winter can bring snow, though it often melts quickly in the city, and it is the season for skiing in the nearby mountains. Spring is changeable, with warm days that can quickly turn snowy, especially in March. Here's how to make the most of Denver whenever you visit.

December

December is festive in Denver, with snow possible but plenty of sunny days. The Parade of Lights usually winds through downtown in early December, the Denver Christkindlmarket fills a downtown park with German-style stalls, and both the Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens host popular holiday light displays. The ski resorts in the mountains open for the season, and the city's museums, theaters and restaurants are cozy places to spend chilly evenings. Dress in layers and check road conditions before driving into the mountains.

Parade of Lights downtownDenver ChristkindlmarketZoo Lights at the Denver ZooBlossoms of Light at Denver Botanic GardensFirst ski days in the mountains

January

January is one of the coldest months, but sunny days are common and snow often melts quickly in the city. The National Western Stock Show, a Denver tradition for more than a century, brings rodeos, livestock shows and Western culture to the city every January. It is the heart of ski season in the mountains along Interstate 70, and the city's professional basketball and hockey teams play at Ball Arena. Hotel prices are often lower outside special events.

National Western Stock ShowSkiing and snowboarding day tripsNuggets and Avalanche games at Ball ArenaMuseum days in the Golden TriangleWinter walks in Washington Park

February

February remains cold, with occasional snowstorms and many bright, sunny days. It is an excellent month for skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains, while in the city you can explore museums, catch a show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex or warm up in a brewery taproom. On mild days, a hike at Red Rocks or in the foothills can be surprisingly pleasant.

Skiing and snowshoeingShows at the Denver Performing Arts ComplexBrewery taprooms in RiNoSunny-day hikes at Red RocksDenver Art Museum exhibitions

Spring

Spring in Denver is changeable: warm, sunny days can be followed by snow, and March is often one of the snowiest months. The St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the city's biggest events, the Rockies open their season at Coors Field, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations fill Civic Center Park in May. The Red Rocks concert season begins, and the parks and gardens come back to life. Pack for all kinds of weather.

St. Patrick's Day ParadeRockies opening weeks at Coors FieldCinco de Mayo celebrations at Civic Center ParkStart of the Red Rocks concert seasonSpring blooms at Denver Botanic Gardens

Summer

Summer is high season, with warm, dry days and afternoon thunderstorms. Red Rocks hosts concerts almost every night, Film on the Rocks screens movies in the amphitheater, and festivals such as Denver PrideFest, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Underground Music Showcase fill the calendar. It is also the best season for hiking and driving in the mountains, when high roads and trails are open. Start outdoor activities early to avoid afternoon storms.

Concerts at Red RocksFilm on the RocksDenver PrideFestCherry Creek Arts FestivalMountain hikes and scenic drives

Fall

Fall is a favorite season, with crisp mornings, warm afternoons and golden aspens in the mountains, usually peaking in late September. The Great American Beer Festival, one of the largest beer events in the country, is held in Denver in the fall, along with Denver Oktoberfest, Día de los Muertos events and the Denver Film Festival in November. It is an ideal time for hiking and scenic drives before winter arrives.

Aspen leaf-peeping drivesGreat American Beer FestivalDenver OktoberfestDía de los Muertos eventsDenver Film Festival

Denver Neighborhoods: Where to Explore

Denver is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the historic warehouses of LoDo to the murals of RiNo and the Victorian homes of Capitol Hill. Most are easy to explore on foot or by bike, and many are connected by light rail, buses or a short rideshare. Here are six areas worth exploring.

Neighborhood

LoDo & Union Station

Lower Downtown is the historic heart of the city, a district of restored brick warehouses now filled with restaurants, bars, shops and lofts. Union Station, Larimer Square and Coors Field anchor the area, and the Dairy Block and Millennium Bridge add newer attractions. It is the liveliest part of downtown, especially on game days.

Neighborhood

RiNo Art District

The River North Art District, north of downtown, is a former industrial area transformed by artists, breweries and restaurants. Its streets are covered with large murals, and its warehouses house galleries, studios, food halls and taprooms. It is one of the most creative and fast-changing neighborhoods in the city.

Neighborhood

LoHi & Highland

Across the South Platte River from downtown, Lower Highland and Highland are known for their restaurants, rooftop bars and views of the skyline. Pedestrian bridges connect the area to LoDo, and its streets mix Victorian homes with modern buildings. It is a favorite neighborhood for dining and nightlife.

Neighborhood

Capitol Hill

East of downtown, Capitol Hill surrounds the Colorado State Capitol and is home to Victorian mansions, apartment buildings, bars and music venues. Colfax Avenue, one of the longest commercial streets in the country, runs through it. The Molly Brown House Museum and Cheesman Park are nearby.

Neighborhood

Golden Triangle

Just south of Civic Center Park, the Golden Triangle is the city's museum district, home to the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, History Colorado Center and the Denver Public Library's central branch. Galleries and restaurants line its streets.

Neighborhood

Cherry Creek

Southeast of downtown, Cherry Creek is an upscale area with a large shopping center, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and hotels in the walkable Cherry Creek North district. The Cherry Creek Trail, a popular path for cyclists and runners, follows the creek toward downtown.

Where to Stay & Getting Around

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See our full Best Hotels in Denver guide for the best areas, and plan smoothly with our Denver travel tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver a walkable city?

Downtown, LoDo, Larimer Square, Union Station, the Golden Triangle and neighborhoods like LoHi and RiNo are very walkable, and the city has an extensive network of bike paths. To reach Red Rocks, the mountains or outlying areas, you will need a car, a tour or rideshare.

How many days do you need in Denver?

Three days cover the city's highlights: downtown and Union Station, the museums of the Golden Triangle, RiNo, a Rockies game or show, and Red Rocks. With five days or more, you can add day trips to Boulder, Golden, Rocky Mountain National Park or the ski towns along Interstate 70.

What is Denver best known for?

Denver is known for its location one mile above sea level, its views of the Rocky Mountains, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, its craft beer scene, its sunny climate and its passion for outdoor activities. It is also the gateway to Colorado's ski resorts and national parks.

What are the best free things to do in Denver?

Many of the best experiences are free: visiting Red Rocks Park on a non-concert day, walking through Union Station and Larimer Square, exploring the murals of RiNo, touring the State Capitol and the U.S. Mint, and relaxing in Washington Park or City Park.

What is the best area to stay in Denver for tourists?

First-time visitors often stay downtown, in LoDo or near Union Station, for easy access to restaurants, sights and the airport train. Cherry Creek is quieter and more upscale, while RiNo and LoHi offer a trendier, neighborhood feel.

Can you visit the mountains from Denver without a car?

Partly. Organized tours run to Rocky Mountain National Park and mountain towns, and seasonal bus services connect Denver with some ski areas and trailheads. RTD buses connect Denver with Boulder. For flexibility, most visitors rent a car for mountain days.

The Best of Denver

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre