Explore Denver, Colorado, this holiday! Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado, and the best places to visit in Denver, Colorado below. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.
Table Of Content
- Cheesman Park
- City Park
- Clyfford Still Museum
- Colorado State Capitol
- Colorado Symphony
- Coors Field
- Denver Art Museum
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Denver Zoo
- Forney Museum of Transportation
- Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
- Larimer Square
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- Molly Brown House
- Red Rocks
- Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
- Tattered Cover Bookstore
- Union Station
- Washington Park
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Cheesman Park
Ever heard about the haunted park?
Cheesman Park is a popular haunted location in Denver’s downtown district.
It’s one of the eeriest places in the country, not just in Colorado.
Mount Prospect was the name it was known by in the past.
Don’t be fooled by the park’s tranquil appearance when you enter the place!
In the past, the city of Colorado used this plot of land as a portion of a cemetery that spanned over 320 acres.
Those at the upper end of the social range were buried at one end, while criminals and beggars were buried at the other.
There were around 5,500 unclaimed remains in the cemetery at one point. Still, the city finally took authority over it and chopped them up into little bits.
Even though it’s a spooky location, the neo-classical pavilion on its eastern tip gives spectacular Rocky Mountains scenery.
Many kilometers of running routes are available as well as plenty of room for a picnic with your friends.
Address: 8th Ave & Franklin St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
City Park
Three-in-one.
No, I’m not referring to instant coffee.
I’m referring to City Park!
You may go to the zoo or the museum, or just wander about and get a feel for the city’s culture by visiting the city itself.
The 3,144-acre City Park is home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2 of Denver’s most popular destinations.
Kayaking and paddle boating on Ferril Lake, which is open from March to October, conditions allowing, are other options at City Park.
Additionally, City Park contains a number of recreational facilities, such as a playground, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and historical landmarks and sculptures.
In the summer months, City Park Jazz, a neighborhood event where hundreds of people come to hear local musicians and munch on food trucks, takes place.
There is a great observation platform at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Visitors can grab an Instagram-worthy shot of the Denver cityscape rising above the greenery.
Address: Colorado Blvd. and York St., Denver, CO 80205, USA
Clyfford Still Museum
History and art in one place?
Check out Clyfford Still Museum!
A staggering 3,200 works by Clyfford Still, a prominent abstract expressionist artist, are housed at the museum.
Upon his death in 1980, Clyfford is still generally regarded as one of the most influential American painters.
As a result, his work is permanently placed in just one site in a community ready to construct a dedicated museum.
To commemorate Still’s most cherished works, the Clyfford Still Museum was first dedicated in 2011. It featured some of his most well-known paintings, including those he completed in the 1950s.
Make your eyes peeled for vibrant splashes of color and informative signage to keep things exciting while being brief.
This museum in Colorado also provides a fascinating insight into how an artistic style may gradually but steadily grow and alter.
Because it’s smaller and less crowded than many other museums, you’ll get a more personalized experience here.
Address: 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Up for an adventure? Colorado has a lot to offer! View our noteworthy trip ideas for Boulder and Breckenridge. Have a fun time on your vacation! Look out for more terrific things to do in Boulder, Colorado, and the best things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Colorado State Capitol
Out of budget? All good! The Colorado State Capitol offers free tours!
The Colorado State Capitol’s golden dome is one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks and is right next door.
During weekdays, free tours are available, making them one of the top free stuff to do in Denver.
The famed golden dome of the structure may be photographed even if you don’t have time to go on a tour.
The height of 5,280 feet above sea level, which lends Denver the nickname “Mile High City,” may be found on the 13th Capitol step and is marked by a monument.
Colorado’s State Capitol is not just the seat of state government. Still, it also has a step that, depending on who you ask, will place you exactly one mile above ocean level.
Steps on this stunning structure have been officially identified as being the precise height of Denver’s mile-high claim, and there are three of them.
If you’re interested in Denver’s past, the Capitol is one of the greatest sites.
Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States
Colorado Symphony
Wondering where to go at night in Denver?
Why not watch the Colorado Symphony perform?
The Colorado Symphony is Denver’s primary orchestra and one of the several large orchestras in the Rocky Mountains.
The Denver Symphony was founded in 1934 by Horace Tureman.
It became completely professional in 1945, which is where the Colorado Symphony gets its name and history.
Located in Denver, Colorado, the country’s first and only 360-degree concert venue was completed in 1978.
Every seat in the 2,700-seat auditorium is less than 85 feet from the stage, thanks to the remarkable seating arrangement of its five sections.
The Colorado Symphony, under the direction of music director Andrew Litton, delivers a wide range of concerts and activities throughout the year.
In addition to the Symphony’s regular performances, the orchestra actively participates in a wide range of community engagement initiatives.
If you’re looking for things to do with your loved ones in Denver, consider checking this out!
Address: 1000 14th St #15, Denver, CO 80202, United States
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Coors Field
Baseball fans will definitely get entertained in Coors Field!
Coors Field is a great place to take the whole family if you search for a family-friendly stadium in Denver.
The Colorado Rockies, a Major League Baseball club beloved by many, play their home games at this field, named after the city’s famous beverage.
There is enough room to accommodate 50,000 fans at Coors Field, which encompasses 76 acres.
If you’re lucky enough to get a seat in the right field or first base, the Rocky Mountains will tower over you as the game unfolds.
It’s not only throughout the regular season.
Fortunately, there are still many things to do that will make people of all ages happy.
Off-season ground tours are still available and provide a fascinating look into the world of professional baseball.
Visit the field and try video batting cages and fast pitches in an interactive section!
Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the top attractions in Colorado.
Whether you’re into art, Denver Art Museum will surely entertain you!
Founded in 1893, the Denver Artists’ Club was renamed the Denver Art Museum in 1924.
Denver’s Art Museum is one of the major art galleries between Chicago and the West Coast, boasting a diverse collection of art from across the world and pieces by local artists.
More than 70,000 beautiful works of art from a diverse range of artists worldwide are housed in two beautiful buildings in the city’s renowned Golden Triangle Creative District.
The museum has an excellent combination of long-term and seasonal exhibits that are brilliant and amazing.
For art lovers and casual visitors alike, the building itself has a wow effect with its striking design and various exhibits within.
There are so many fantastic displays that it’s difficult to pick one that sticks out.
You’ll be blown away by the variety of items on display!
Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Denver Botanic Gardens
Be-leaf(believe) me when I say that this garden will bring you peace.
Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens with your family as you are surrounded by different plant life!
The 23-acre Denver Botanic Gardens, located directly east of Cheesman Park, features an enclosed conservatory, a variety of themed gardens, and a public theater that presents a mainstream music series during the summer months.
You may relax with a beer in the Japanese tea garden and bring your packed picnic to indulge on a bright Denver day with flora from across the planet.
Check out Dale Chihuly’s “Colorado” or Deborah Butterfield’s “Horse” sculptures for the best artworks.
There are xeriscaped drought-resistant fields, the Mordecai Children’s Garden, and a stunning Monet Pool full of gorgeous lilies for the most intriguing gardens!
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton offers a butterfly farm, a children’s playground, and the historic Hildebrand Ranch, in addition to the original Denver Botanic Gardens.
It’s a fantastic family activity in Denver!
Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, United States
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Fun day for the family?
Don’t miss out on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science!
Situated in the middle of Chicago and the West Coast, Denver’s Museum of Nature and Science holds the title of the biggest natural history museum in the United States.
When it opened its doors on December 6, 1900, as the Colorado Museum of Natural History, the museum was better known as the Denver Museum of Natural History for most of its existence.
Those who enjoy the natural sciences will find all sorts of fascinating displays in this spectacular building.
Several buses stop near this museum, making it simple to get there.
It’s only a short drive south of Denver Zoo if you’ve already had a full day of sightseeing planned!
To top it all off, finding legendary creatures that belong at a museum dedicated to the natural world is one of Denver’s most popular attractions.
Kent Pendleton initiated the habit of hiding gnomes and elves throughout the exhibit in the 1970s, and now the museum is filled with them!
Visit the museum and find the gnomes and elves with your family!
Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Denver Zoo
Everyone loves the zoo. If you don’t, you will!
The Denver Zoo has a lot to offer!
It initially opened its doors in the 1890s, and it has significantly improved since then.
Fun tourist destinations in Colorado that will let you experience like you’re in the middle of the African jungle may be found here!
The Denver Zoo is home to almost 4,000 animal species.
It encompasses an enormous section of City Park, covering eight acres and showcasing various animals.
Invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and birds are just some of the things you’ll see.
In addition, there are other activities available at the Denver Zoo.
The staff will give entertaining presentations if you arrive during the normal feeding times.
Photo safaris, life-size animatronic dinos, and more are among the many fun things to look forward to during the resort’s special events.
The whole family will definitely love this place!
Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Forney Museum of Transportation
Are you into vintage and antique cars?
Forney Museum of Transportation is the place you’re looking for!
You will be impressed by the collections at Denver’s Forney Museum of Transportation if you enjoy antique automobiles.
The owner of Forney Industries, J.D. Forney, donated most of his personal collection to the gallery.
That vintage car from his wife and children in 1961 began his obsession with rare, one-of-a-kind, or plain strange autos!
He would take in everything that had wheels.
600 items are now part of the collection, which continues to grow in the spirit of Forney’s efforts.
Mannequins with goofy eyes are positioned around and inside these cars to provide a little bit of life to the exhibits.
The museum has a Kissel Gold Bug Speedster belonging to Amelia Earhart, a Denver Cable Car from 1888, a “Big Boy” locomotive given by Union Pacific, and an impressive collection of Ford Model T cars.
This rare and fun museum will surely be worth your time!
Address: 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216, United States
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Suppose you’re a regular person who enjoys art. In that case, you should know that visiting museums is one of the most enjoyable activities to do in Denver.
Because why not?
Denver’s Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art has gained notoriety but is still rarely recognized.
In contrast to other museums in the local area, this one has a salon-style arrangement of its collection that sets it apart.
Perhaps this will pique your aesthetic curiosity if you’re not interested in the world art collection, which includes artifacts from the main design eras since 1870.
As the name suggests, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is named after the famed painter from Colorado, Vance Kirkland.
His works are displayed in one of the museum’s three core exhibitions.
Be reminded that because of the delicate condition of some of the artwork, guests ages 13 and over are only allowed in.
Address: 1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Larimer Square
You will never run out of things to do here in Larimer Square!
It is considered one of the most gorgeous spots in the United States.
Larimer Square, on Larimer Street between fourteenth and fifteenth streets, is unquestionably the most trendy part of town.
It is one of Denver’s most exclusive hangouts for affluent residents and celebrities alike.
This is where the city of Denver began to take shape as we know it today.
It was in a degraded state for a long time until it was gently restored and re-opened.
One block long, it is home to various intriguing shops, from pubs and restaurants to boutiques and clubs.
The Green Russel, a favorite speakeasy in Denver, is the perfect place to unwind after an evening of window shopping.
The Drunken Bakery is a must-stop for macaroons. The ceiling and floor are reversed in the quirky home design!
Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is one of the best things to do in Colorado.
If you want to see a majestic view, climb up Mount Evans!
In Mount Evans Scenic Byway, you can just easily drive up and reach the top!
Upon reaching Mount Evans’ 7,000-foot top through the 28-mile-long Scenic Byway, visitors are greeted with breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountain Front Range.
If you don’t feel like hiking, this is a terrific way to see the sights without putting yourself through the effort.
Simply pay a vehicle admission charge and ride up the Summit Lake route to the peak of Echo Lake’s Highway 103.
Even though this road is only available for a limited amount of time every year, it’s still a great spot to explore.
As far as paved roads go, this is one of the highest you’ll find in America.
You’ll be 14,264 feet above sea level when you reach the summit of Mount Evans and its route.
The Rocky Mountains may be seen from various convenient locations along the road’s cliffside.
Address: 16 Mount Evans Hwy, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Molly Brown House
Did you know that several people survived the Titanic?
Molly Brown House Museum will surely fascinate you.
Margaret Brown is one of the survivors. She was an activist and philanthropist during that time.
Although she survived the Titanic, there’s much more to her story than that.
A 1970s restoration campaign saved her beautiful Capitol Hill residence and converted it into a unique house museum.
That’s why this museum is here to tell you in all its glory!
And, unlike popular belief, Brown managed to survive the ship’s sinking and acquire the nickname “Unsinkable Molly Brown.”
The museum is housed in a historic structure known as the House of Lions, which was constructed in the late 1800s.
Molly Brown’s life and suffrage activities are well documented in the suffrage movement of the period, so why not include this place in your itinerary and learn more?
Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203, United States
Red Rocks
The Red Rocks is one of the best places to visit in Colorado.
Sit back and relax! Red Rocks Amphitheater will surely take your stress away!
There is no better venue in Colorado than the Red Rocks Amphitheater for a night of live music and excitement.
One of the most breathtaking outdoor music venues in the United States is Red Rocks.
The theater is surrounded by red sandstone rocks that date back 300 million years.
It has a capacity of 9,525 and a stunning view of the Front Range. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a Denver must-see.
Most performances occur throughout the summer, but Diplo is performing in January. In addition, the Film on the Rocks movie night series is still held at the drive-in.
If nothing else, Red Rocks is a must-see for anybody visiting the area. Those without a vehicle can take the in-demand Denver Foothills Explorer trip.
Red Rocks Amphitheater should be on your bucket list regardless of whether or not you intend to attend any performances there.
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, United States
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Big fan of whiskey?
You can learn a lot about whiskey in Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey.
Make sure to stay sober, though!
Even though Colorado’s first distillery just opened in 2004, Stranahan’s has been leading the effort in the state’s recent surge in distilling.
Despite the rustic ambiance of the in-house bar, the distillery (and taproom) retain an industrial vibe thanks to the metal columns and bent metal used throughout.
Regardless of where you’re sipping your whiskey, one thing is for sure it’s the best booze in town.
Those seeking a bottle of the distillery’s limited edition Snowflake may find themselves camped there overnight.
A visit to Stranahan’s Denver location is now an essential part of every trip to Denver.
The only issue with the 1-hour educational tour of the distillery is that it closes with a whiskey tasting of samples so lavish that you’re sure to lose everything that you have learned about the place.
Address: 200 S Kalamath St, Denver, CO 80223, United States
Tattered Cover Bookstore
Calling out all bookworms!
Tattered Cover Book Store is waiting for you!
It is currently one of Denver’s most stunning independent bookshops.
Originally, the Tattered Cover Book Store had only 950 sq. ft and two staff in Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood.
There are three large sites in the greater Denver Metro area (Colfax Avenue, the southern part of City Park; Historic Lower Downtown, beside Union Station; and Highlands Ranch Town Center), a leading bookshop in the United States for more than forty years.
It’s an independent bookshop with lots of cozy nooks and crannies where you can relax and read in the company of other bookworms. They also offer free Wi-Fi, a cafe, and a top-notch newsstand at each location.
In addition to new books and discount editions, Tattered Cover book shops now offer old books, an increasing portion of their inventory.
Look around, shop for books, or just relax. This bookshop is definitely worth visiting!
Address: 2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206, United States
Union Station
Fill your belly and your heart with food and happiness in Union Station!
One hundred years ago, the historic railroad station functioned as an essential gateway to the West Coast.
In 2014, after a significant renovation, Denver Union Station became the Mile High City’s cultural hub. It also became one of Denver’s most famous tourist attractions.
Union Station serves as a reminder of Denver’s rich history. It is also a working public transportation hub in the city’s heart!
In addition, Union Station serves as a one-stop shop for a variety of services, including entertainment and dining.
A night out at the station is one of the most remarkable things to do if you are in Denver.
Enjoy a meal at one of the station’s superb eateries, a game of checkerboard, or a drink at the Terminal Bar with your pals in the newly renovated lobby of Union Station.
Address: Denver, CO 80202, United States
Washington Park
Take a rest from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the tranquility that Denver’s Washington Park offers.
Denver’s Washington Park is among the state’s most beloved open spaces.
Consider renting a paddleboat or a bicycle and taking a spin around Smith Lake at this park to help you find your bearings.
Head to the ancient boathouse next to the dock to get started.
There are a lot of runners, bikers, and picnickers at Washington Park on a typical day. The greatest thing to do in Washington Park is to practice your serves at the volleyball nets.
All summer long, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of arranged and unplanned games in the park.
Preparation is key, so make reservations for a net and bring your own, or just prepare to meet new people.
There’s a large playground on site at Grasmere Lake, the park’s second lake if you opt to bring your children.
The Mount Vernon Garden, a refuge for the exhausted, is located in Washington Park and welcomes visitors with open arms.
The garden’s many seats provide a peaceful place to rest and contemplate the beauty of the plants you’ve seen along the way.
Address: S. Downing St. & E. Louisiana Ave, Denver, CO 80209, USA
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Volunteering at an animal shelter is one of the best things to do. Shelters for abused and abandoned animals require your assistance. People not properly caring for their pets and allowing them to breed without restriction is the primary source of the pet overpopulation problem at shelters. A female dog can have approximately two litters every year. Puppies usually number between six and 10 in a litter. A single mother dog and her progeny might produce as many as 67,000 puppies if permitted to breed indefinitely. The truth about cats is even more surprising. Each litter of kittens from a female cat typically has four to six babies. A single mother cat and her kids could produce as many as 420,000 offspring over seven years.
Volunteering to spend time with the animals can help them live better lives and have a better chance of being adopted. Because you are keeping them socialized and preventing them from going stir-crazy in their kennels, which can happen when the shelter is overcrowded.
If you’re short on time, donate old towels and bedding to rescue groups or the humane society. Animal shelters are always short of warm bedding. If your kids don’t utilize their baby blankets, a puppy or cat could. Humane societies and rescue groups can always use cat and dog food, litter, leashes, and toys.
Spread the love by volunteering at one of the animal shelters in Denver, Colorado.
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