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Things to do in Denver

Bustling bars, breweries, lively music, and a gateway to the rocky mountains await in Colorado's capital.

Our most recommended things to do in Denver

Denver: Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park Ticket

1. Denver: Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park Ticket

Located in the heart of Denver and celebrating over 130 years of fun, Elitch Gardens is Colorado’s only world-class combination theme and water park. Enjoy an entire season of screaming fun. From thrilling roller coasters to pint-sized adventures, a splashin' water park and tons of special events, like Fright Fest, there's thrills for all. Don't miss the sweeping views of Denver while plummeting 200 feet on the Tower of Doom or swinging at 17-stories tall on Star Flyer.

Denver: Cannabis Tour

2. Denver: Cannabis Tour

Immerse yourself in the cannabis industry on this original tour. Enjoy transportation via a luxury party bus limousine, get exclusive access to a state-of-the-art cannabis growing facility, and visit two of Denver's best dispensaries on this guided tour. Learn about the industry and the plant from our expert guide while having a blast with new friends. Be amazed by a live glass-blowing demonstration with an opportunity to purchase the piece directly from the glass artist afterward. Tour start times run throughout the day and run for 3 to 3.5 hours.

Denver: Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting

3. Denver: Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting

Hungry for adrenaline-filled fun? Take on the Clear Creek in Denver for a beginners level whitewater rafting experience. Go through a safety talk with your guides before setting off into the beautiful canyon and make a splash as your crew paddle downstream. Make your way to the rafting center and meet your awesome crew for the day. Enjoy a short safety briefing and study the route you'll be taking down the middle Clear Creek rapids before getting wetsuited up and into the water. Encounter several continuous class I-II rapids and let the water carry you over the edge as you paddle to keep your raft straight. Lean into the thrill as you crash down Initiation Falls, Castle Falls, Mister Twister, Hightop, Speed Limit 55, and Mountain Lion. All the while immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and admire the picturesque landscape surrounding you. Keep an eye out between the splashes for wildlife that makes its home in the canyon. Reach the bottom of the Creek and spend time celebrating with your crew and exchanging stories, realising that your adventure into whitewater rafting has only just begun.

From Denver: Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour

4. From Denver: Red Rocks, Evergreen, and Echo Lake Tour

Discover the magic of Colorado's natural scenery on a guided tour through mountains, canyons, rock formations, and lakes. Take a break from the big city and dive into the wonders of the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, the quaint town of Evergreen, and the pristine Echo Lake. Just a short drive out of the city, you'll come across an outstanding variety of untouched landscapes. Visit Red Rocks Park and see the famous amphitheater carved into the rocks. Then, drive into the mountains via Bear Creek Canyon and see many of the Denver Mountain Parks. Browse the shops or enjoy a quick drink in the small mountainous town of Evergreen. Witness beautiful hilltop views by climbing up a mountain pass to Echo Lake. Stroll around this incredible glacial lake sitting at 10,600 feet high and have a great chance to observe local wildlife.

From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

5. From Denver: Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip and Lunch

Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park on this day trip from Denver. See nature at its finest as you take in unspoiled views and magnificent peaks. Cruise down Trail Edge Road and through Estes Park in a comfortable and airconditioned van. Stop for a nice picnic in a stunning natural setting.  Meet your local guide at the Denver Union Station and climb aboard a spacious van with plenty of legroom. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in views of the city of Boulder on the drive.  Stop to see the iconic Flatirons red-rock formation. Admire views of this 300-million-year-old wonder that lies in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Feel as though you are on top of the world as you cruise down Trail Edge Road which offers plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. Indulge in delicious picnic lunch as you enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Visit the Stanley Hotel which was made famous as the shooting location for Stephen King's film 'The Shining.' Encounter marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains as you drive through Estes Park. Return to your meeting point in Denver at the end of your Rocky Mountain adventure. 

Denver: BEYOND Light Show and Meditation

6. Denver: BEYOND Light Show and Meditation

Enjoy a fully-immersive experience with BEYOND: A Guided Meditation & Laser Light Experience featuring a guided mediation, enchanting music, wondrous sound, and an awe-inspiring laser and projection light experience designed to elevate the soul. See custom audiovisual art installations created by world-famous artists that explore powerful themes. For those who enjoy thinking and meditating while immersing themselves in music and visuals, this planetarium-style, classic rock laser light show is designed to electrify your consciousness. Each Beyond Light Experience starts promptly at 20 minutes past the hour, every hour, during operating hours. This is a non-consumption, family-friendly experience.

Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket

7. Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket

Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate a Western identity and a unique high-altitude climate and geography. Don't miss the Freyer – Newman Center. The Center is a physical manifestation of the Gardens’ celebration of the fusion of science and art. The Center houses the Helen Fowler Library, the Sturm Family Auditorium, art galleries, herbaria, classrooms, the School of Botanical Art & Illustration and the Copper Door Coffee Roasters coffee shop. The Gardens’ holdings are unique because horticulture, plant conservation and preservation, mycology, and art unite to document human relationships with these elements and the larger environment. Housing each of these programmatic elements in a single facility makes these assets more accessible to the public.

Denver: 6-Zipline Rocky Mountains Adventure Tour

8. Denver: 6-Zipline Rocky Mountains Adventure Tour

If you are traveling in or near Denver, Colorado and you like a little thrill and adventure, then this Rocky Mountain Zipline Adventure Tour is for you. And, at only 30 minutes from downtown, it's the closest zip line course to Denver. Nestled in a Rocky Mountain pine forest, at an elevation of over 8,000 feet (about 2,500 meters), you will fly at speeds of up to 50mph (75kph) and 200ft (about 75 meters) high on zip lines, which altogether total over 6,000 feet (2,000 meters) in length. You’ll soar through pine forests and over mountain meadows. It is a fantastic way to enjoy some fresh air, see some magnificent Rocky Mountain views, and have a whole lot of fun.

Denver: Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry

9. Denver: Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry

Visit the Molly Brown House Museum and learn about the life of Margaret "Molly" Tobin Brown and her family. Explore the grand historic home as you discover the inspirational story of Denver's Titanic heroine, her activism, philanthropy, and passion. Heroine of the Titanic exhibit is currently being featured throughout the Museum and in our audio tour. This special exhibit will be on view from April 1-September 25 and is included in your ticket.

From Denver: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour

10. From Denver: Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Guided Tour

Check out some of Colorado's most beautiful scenery on this full-day tour departing from Denver. See the stunning sandstone rock formations at the Garden of the Gods and head to the Pikes Peak Summit and take in views of Colorado Springs and the rest of the Rocky Mountain ranges Admire the variety of red, pink, and white sandstone formations as you explore the Garden of the Gods. Make the most of the scenic photo opportunities as you wonder at the beauty of these ancient geological formations. Be sure to check out the Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels formations. Head to the Pikes Peak, the tallest mountain in the southern front range of the Rocky Mountains. As you stand at the summit, admire views of Colorado Springs and the rest of the Rocky Mountain range. With the right conditions, you can see for miles into the distance. Descend the mountain and continue the tour with a drive through Manitou Springs, a small resort town located to the west of Colorado Springs. Finally, finish up back in central Denver.

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Frequently asked questions about Denver

What are the best day trips and excursions from Denver?

The best day trips and excursions from Denver are:

Idaho Springs

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Denver?

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Denver

Known as the Mile High City thanks to its elevation that is exactly one mile (5,280 feet or 1,609.344 meters) above sea level, Denver is the capital city of Colorado and the eastern entrance to the foothills of the soaring Rocky Mountains. There is so much to do in Denver that we enlisted the travel experts at TravelingMom, a leading family travel website, to share their favorite things to do and tips for making the most of a visit, even if you only have a few days. You can read more surprising facts about Denver here.

What should I do on my first trip to Denver?

With its stunning Rocky Mountain views and its downtown skyline, Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a great place to visit. Take a stroll on the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian walkway, lined with trees, shops, restaurants, and brightly painted pianos, courtesy of local artists. Downtown Denver offers so many kid-friendly experiences, most within walking distance, or short drive away. Our favorites are the Denver U.S. Mint, Downtown Aquarium, and the Denver Firefighters Museum.

What are some hidden gems to see in Denver?

If you're a sports fan, take in a Colorado Rockies home baseball game at Coors Field (April-September season), grab a ballpark hot dog, visit the Dinger's Playground and swing the bat at Kidszone -- it's free. Add a "Behind the Scenes" tour of this classic ballpark in the heart of downtown. Baseball not your thing? Denver has plenty of other options. depending on the season: American football's Denver Broncos, basketball's Denver Nuggets, hockey's Colorado Avalanche, and soccer's Colorado Rapids all call the city home. And of course, include a visit to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

How much time should I spend in Denver?

When planning a trip to Denver, we suggest spending at least two nights to see all the top atrractions in downtown. Add another day or two to your stay to explore Denver neighborhoods or the Front Range's top cities, like Golden, Boulder or Colorado Springs. If you plan to explore the nearby Rocky Mountains to play in the snow or enjoy our mountain towns (and you should!) I'd suggest adding at least two more nights.

What food is Denver known for?

Denver's roots are deeply seated in western culture, so many associate Denver's foodie scene with Rocky Mountain Oysters (breaded and deep fried bull testicles) and cuts of prime bison and beef steak. But Denver is much more than that! The Mile High City was named one of 2021’s Best Foodie Cities in America by Wallet Hub -- and there are a lot of reasons why. As a melting pot of cultures, local neighborhoods dish their family recipes, including cuisine from Mexico, India, Thailand, Italy, and more.

What is the best way to get around Denver?

Transportation in Denver is dependent on where you're based and where you want to go. If you stay in or near downtown Denver, the most affordable and convenient option is walking. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also convenient options. Fortunately, Denver also offers a public Light Rail system, which is the easiest and cheapest way to get to downtown Denver from Denver International Airport, as well as many of the city's neighborhoods. However, if you want to include a visit into the foothills or Rocky Mountains -- and you should! -- renting a car is your best option.

What are the best months to visit Denver?

Denver basks in the sunshine 245 days a year, so pick a season and chances are good you'll enjoy that Mile High sunshine. During winter, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains are stunning and there are loads of ski and snowboarding options. But the absolute best times to visit Denver are April and May. Our spring is colorful and the mountain air is crisp. The fall, September to October, offers the chance for leaf-peeping and still-warm weather. Denver is a city that likes to celebrate with cool events year-round starting in January with the National Western Rodeo and Stockshow, St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, Colorado Rockies basebal opening day in April, Denver Beer Fest in October, and the Parade of Lights in December.

What is Washington Park known for?

Whether your visit is family-centric or couples, you'll want to include a visit to Washington Park, running north to south from around Speer Boulevard to I-25. This continues to be named as one of the best places to live. Its namesake, Wash Park, highlights what the Mile High City is known for -- its amazing outdoors. This urban oasis features lush grass, colorful flower grandens, and multiple lakes for kayaking, paddleboating, and yes even fishing. Check out the surrounding track for running, walking or biking. Bring a picnic, let the kids romp in a nearby playground, and people watch from its expansive lawns.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

Downtown's historic Larimer Square is the perfect setting to experience Denver's food scene. Start with Rioja, the Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine by Chef-owner Jennifer Jasinski, of James Beard Foundation fame. The nearby south-of-the-border themed cuisine (and tequila!) of Tamaya, restaurant of chef celeb Richard Sandoval and the roof-top patio is worth the wait. The Uptown neighborhood features a wider variety of restaurants, sure to please all palates, ranging from American diners to farm-to-table chefs.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Known as the ultimate shopping mecca, if you think it, the Cherry Creek neighborhood will fulfill your shopping wish list. Browse its more than 160 shops, boutiques and restaurants (for when you need to rest your wearing shopping feet). For those with a luxury budget, check out the 40 exclusive stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Denver?

The Union Station neighborhood is a bustling hub of activity, with a prime location next to RTD's Light Rail, Denver's public train transportation. Located in the heart of downtown Denver is the recently renovated train station. Inside Union Station, discover 10 chef-owned restaurants and bars, boutiques and the 112-room Crawford Hotel. Steps away is the new Dairy Block and McGregor Square neighborhoods, featuring even more hotels, restaurants, shops, and Coors Field.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Denver?

Discover the Mile High City's largest outdoor space, the tree-lined City Park neighborhood, with miles of jogging and biking trails – and the best sunset over downtown Denver with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop! This is also home to two of the the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions: Denver Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science with its T-Rex life-size displays, IMAX and planetarium shows.

Other Sightseeing Options in Denver

Want to discover all there is to do in Denver? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Denver

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 619 reviews

Don’t even hesitate - this is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken! The Rocky Mountains are truly stunning in winter. Emily our tour guide was wonderful, had so many interesting facts to share and had boundless energy. The stop at the Stanley Hotel was a cool extra addition!

This was an amazing experience! It was even better than I thought it would be. The lights and art were both beautiful. The icing on the cake was the guided meditation! This is a must try!

It was easy to purchase and use. I suggest screenshotting your passes, but it was easy to just show it at each attraction and we had no problems. We would definitely buy it again!

Excellent way to get Romain attractions saving time and money

Hunter was awesome! Good tour would highly recommend