Denver is a place that strikes the perfect balance between urban culture and outdoor adventure, as it sits exactly one mile above sea level with the Rocky Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop. 

Whether you’re catching a Rockies game, exploring museums housing dinosaur fossils and contemporary masterpieces, or wandering through historic neighborhoods where craft breweries outnumber those in any other U.S. city, Denver delivers. The 300 days of sunshine each year don’t hurt either, making outdoor exploration possible nearly any time you visit.

If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Denver, this list has you covered. From the Red Rocks concerts to Union Station history, these are the activities that’ll make your trip to the Mile High City unforgettable.

1. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands as one of the most legendary concert venues in the world, having been naturally formed by two towering red sandstone monoliths known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock. The open-air amphitheatre seats 9,525 people and offers acoustics so perfect that nearly every major artist dreams of performing here. 

In addition to concerts, Red Rocks Park spans 700 acres with hiking trails that wind through rust-colored rock formations, providing spectacular views of downtown Denver and the Front Range. The Trading Post Trail, a 1.4-mile loop, takes hikers through stunning sandstone buttes. During the day, visitors practice yoga on the amphitheatre steps, jog the stairs for a serious workout, or simply explore the natural beauty that makes this geological wonder so special. It’s also home to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, located in the Trading Post building.

Insider Tip: Arrive early in the morning before 10 am to explore the amphitheatre without crowds, especially on concert days when the venue closes around 2 pm to the general public. If attending a show, sit in row 30 or higher for the best views of both performers and the Denver skyline at sunset.

Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Phone: (720) 865-2494

Hours: Park open 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset daily

Estimated Cost: Free park admission, concert tickets vary ($40-150+)

2. Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum houses one of the most impressive art collections between Chicago and the West Coast, with more than 70,000 works spread across two architecturally stunning buildings. The Hamilton Building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, features sharp angles and dramatic spaces that are themselves works of art. The collection ranges from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, with particularly strong holdings in Western American art, Native American pieces, and modern works.

Notable highlights include extensive galleries showcasing Indigenous art, a renowned collection of Western paintings and sculptures documenting two centuries of frontier life, and rotating exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists. The Sie Welcome Center houses The Ponti restaurant, offering locally sourced seasonal menus, while the rooftop observation areas provide breathtaking views of the mountains and downtown Denver.

Insider Tip: Visit on the first Monday of each month for free admission thanks to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The museum is closed on Wednesdays, and peak pricing applies on weekends. Children 18 and under always enter free through the Free for Kids program.

Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (720) 865-5000

Hours: Sun-Mon 10 am-5 pm, Tue 10 am-8 pm, Thu-Sat 10 am-5 pm; Closed Wed

Estimated Cost: $27-30 adults, $24-27 seniors/students, free for ages 18 and under

3. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has served as the Rocky Mountain region’s premier natural history institution since 1900, featuring exhibitions that bring together Colorado wildlife, ancient fossils, space exploration, and hands-on science experiences. The museum spans 500,000 square feet and houses over one million objects, including 89 detailed wildlife dioramas showcasing specimens from six continents.

The museum’s permanent exhibits cover everything from Egyptian mummies and gems and minerals to health science and space exploration. The Phipps IMAX 3D Theater showcases nature documentaries on a massive screen, while the Gates Planetarium offers immersive shows exploring black holes, stars, and the universe. The Discovery Zone provides interactive experiences specifically designed for young children, making this one of the most family-friendly attractions in the city.

Insider Tip: Free admission days occur monthly thanks to SCFD funding. Visit on weekday afternoons for smaller crowds, and allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore the main exhibits. Parking is free on-site, but the lots fill quickly on weekends.

Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205

Phone: (303) 370-6000

Hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm

Estimated Cost: $25.95 adults, $20.95 children (ages 3-18); planetarium and IMAX extra

4. Explore Union Station

Denver Union Station has served as the city’s transportation hub since 1881, though the current Beaux-Arts building dates to 1914 following a fire. After extensive renovations completed in 2014, Union Station transformed into one of downtown Denver’s most vibrant gathering places, blending its historic architecture with modern restaurants, boutique shops, and The Crawford Hotel. The Great Hall features soaring 65-foot ceilings, ornate white molding, enormous arched windows, and comfortable leather seating where locals and visitors alike gather to work, relax, or people-watch.

Beyond its role as a functioning transit hub connecting light rail, commuter buses, and Amtrak, Union Station offers chef-driven dining from James Beard Award-winning restaurants, a branch of Denver’s beloved Tattered Cover bookstore, and Pigtrain Coffee serving locally roasted brews. The Terminal Bar, housed in the restored original ticket station, serves Colorado spirits and 30 rotating regional draft beers. Outside, a farmers’ market is set up every Saturday from 9 am-2 pm during the summer months, with pop-up fountains for children to play in.

Insider Tip: The Great Hall closes for cleaning from midnight to 5:30 am, but Union Station remains open 24/7 for hotel guests and Amtrak passengers. Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter atmosphere, or come evenings to experience the bustling social scene. The A Line provides direct service to Denver International Airport in 37 minutes for just $10.50.

Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: N/A

Hours: Open 24/7 (individual business hours vary)

Estimated Cost: Free to explore

5. Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens presents 24 acres of diverse plant collections and themed gardens at its York Street location, showcasing flora from around the world adapted to Colorado’s unique high-altitude climate. The gardens feature over 50 distinct areas, from a traditional Japanese garden with koi ponds to the conservatory housing tropical plants year-round. The Mordecai Children’s Garden engages young visitors with interactive water features and exploration areas, while the Science Pyramid presents the “Welcome Home: Meet Your Habitat” exhibition.

Seasonal highlights transform the gardens throughout the year. Spring brings vibrant tulip displays, summer features the popular Concert Series with live music in the amphitheater, and the holiday season showcases Blossoms of Light, Denver’s most beloved holiday tradition, with thousands of illuminated sculptures. The Freyer-Newman Center houses art galleries, the Helen Fowler Library, and the Sturm Family Auditorium, showing free films. The Copper Door coffee shop provides refreshments, while art exhibitions rotate throughout the year, merging horticultural beauty with creative expression.

Insider Tip: Hours vary by season, extending to 8 pm during summer months and closing at 4 pm in winter. Purchase tickets online in advance, especially for special events. Free days occur monthly thanks to SCFD funding. Limited free parking is available in the on-site garage, with additional street parking in nearby Cheesman Park.

Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206

Phone: (720) 865-3500

Hours: Winter 9 am-4 pm, Spring/Fall 9 am-7 pm, Summer 9 am-8 pm (hours vary seasonally)

Estimated Cost: $16-18 adults, $12-14 seniors/students, free for members

6. Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station

Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station, which opened in 2021, represents the art collective’s largest and most ambitious immersive installation to date. This multidimensional experience covers over 90,000 square feet across four floors, featuring 70+ individual art installations created by more than 300 artists. Visitors essentially step into a cosmic transit station where four alien worlds converge, creating an interactive narrative where memories serve as currency, and every room holds secrets waiting to be discovered.

The installation includes the neon-lit streets of C Street, the Kaleidogothic Cathedral in the Ice Cities of Eemia, the subterranean labyrinth of Ossuary, and countless hidden portals connecting these otherworldly realms. Interactive elements, shifting soundscapes, and story-rich installations engage all your senses. The optional QPASS ($3) transforms your visit into an interactive quest, allowing you to collect memories and unlock deeper storylines. Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring, though many visitors return multiple times to discover areas they missed and solve the complex puzzles woven throughout.

Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance, as time slots often sell out days ahead, especially on weekends. Limited parking is available on-site for $15 (credit/debit only), but rates increase significantly on Denver Broncos game days. Consider using rideshare or public transit. Visit during weekday afternoons for a less crowded experience.

Address: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (866) 636-9969

Hours: Hours vary by day (check website before visiting)

Estimated Cost: $45-55 adults, $35-45 children (ages 3-12), Annual Portal Pass available

7. Catch a Rockies Game at Coors Field

Coors Field has been home to Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies since 1995 and offers one of baseball’s most distinctive ballpark experiences with stunning Rocky Mountain views visible behind the outfield. The 50,000-seat stadium features the famous purple row of seats marking exactly one mile above sea level, a unique bragging right for fans who snag these spots. Beyond baseball, Coors Field hosts concerts and special events, with its downtown location at 20th and Blake making it easily accessible.

The ballpark atmosphere combines America’s pastime with Denver’s craft beer culture. The SandLot Brewery inside Coors Field crafts game-day beers, while McGregor Square, directly across from the stadium, offers a massive outdoor screen, restaurants, and bars perfect for pre-game gatherings or watching away games. Behind-the-scenes tours take visitors through the press box, visitors’ clubhouse, and onto the field itself, providing insights into the stadium’s design and the Rockies’ history.

Insider Tip: Game tickets range from budget-friendly to premium, with the best value often found in the upper deck where mountain views shine. Parking lots open 2.5 hours before game time. Tours cost approximately $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children, though prices may vary. Book tours in advance online or at the ticket office on Blake Street.

Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205

Phone: (303) 762-5437

Hours: Varies by game schedule; tours Mon-Sat

Estimated Cost: Game tickets $15-100+, tours $12-15

8. Wander the 16th Street Mall

The 16th Street Mall stretches for one mile through downtown Denver, creating a pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The tree-lined mall recently completed a major three-year renovation, enhancing its role as downtown’s commercial and social heart. The free MallRide shuttle runs the entire length, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore the dozens of national retailers, local boutiques, and diverse dining options.

Denver Pavilions anchors the mall’s south end with a movie theater and upscale bowling alley, while attractions like the Museum of Illusions and Flight Club Darts provide interactive entertainment. Skyline Park features a summer beer garden and converts to an ice skating rink during the winter months. Street performers and musicians also add energy to the atmosphere, and the surrounding blocks connect to other downtown attractions, including the Colorado State Capitol building, Larimer Square’s historic Victorian buildings, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Insider Tip: The MallRide operates daily from early morning until late evening, providing free transportation along the mall’s entire length. Visit during weekdays for shopping and dining without weekend crowds. Many shops and restaurants have outdoor seating during warmer months, perfect for people-watching.

Address: 16th St from Wynkoop St to Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (303) 534-6161

Hours: Open 24/7 (individual business hours vary)

Estimated Cost: Free to explore

9. Explore RiNo Art District

The River North Art District, known as RiNo, has transformed from an industrial warehouse neighborhood into Denver’s creative epicenter, packed with street art murals, galleries, breweries, and innovative restaurants. This walkable area showcases some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy walls, with new murals appearing regularly during events like the Crush Walls street art festival. The district’s gritty-meets-artistic vibe attracts locals and visitors who appreciate Denver’s contemporary culture.

RiNo also houses over 20 craft breweries and taprooms, cementing Denver’s reputation as America’s craft beer capital. Notable spots include TRVE Brewing Company for metal-inspired saisons, Epic Brewing for creative IPAs, and Ratio Beerworks in a converted auto shop. Art galleries like David B. Smith and Robischon showcase progressive American and international artists, while The Source and Denver Central Market serve as the culinary hubs featuring dozens of local food vendors, coffee roasters, and artisan shops under one roof. 

If you’re visiting Denver, you won’t want to miss the First Friday art walks, which bring the community together monthly with gallery openings and live music.

Insider Tip: Parking can be challenging, so consider biking or using rideshare services. The Denver Microbrew Tour offers guided experiences through RiNo’s brewery scene, visiting 4 breweries and sampling 10+ beers. Visit on weekday afternoons to explore galleries and murals without the weekend crowds, or come Friday evenings to experience the neighborhood’s vibrant social scene.

Address: Bounded by Broadway, Downing St, 38th Ave, and the South Platte River

Phone: N/A

Hours: Open 24/7 (business hours vary)

Estimated Cost: Free to explore; brewery tastings $5-15

10. Visit the Colorado State Capitol Building

The Colorado State Capitol building stands as an architectural landmark in downtown Denver with its distinctive gold-leaf dome visible from throughout the city. The 24-karat gold covering the dome honors the Colorado Gold Rush that brought prosperity to the state. The building’s 15th step also marks exactly one mile above sea level, designated by an official marker and providing another opportunity to claim Mile High City bragging rights.

Free guided tours take visitors through the ornate interior featuring Colorado Rose Onyx wainscoting, stained glass windows depicting Colorado’s history, and legislative chambers where state government conducts business. The rotunda reaches 180 feet to the dome’s interior, adorned with murals depicting Colorado history, and you can climb the 93 steps to the observation deck for 360-degree views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. 

The surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood features historic Victorian homes, the Molly Brown House Museum, and numerous restaurants and coffee shops along Colfax Avenue.

Insider Tip: Free tours operate Monday through Friday, with the last tour starting around 3 pm. Arrive early as tour spots fill quickly, especially during the summer months. The building remains open for self-guided visits when tours aren’t available. Security screening is required for entry.

Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Phone: (303) 866-2604

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5 pm; tours vary

Estimated Cost: Free

11. Tour the Historic Larimer Square

Larimer Square represents Denver’s oldest and most historic block, where the city was founded in 1858. This Victorian-era street has been beautifully preserved and renovated, featuring gas-style street lamps, outdoor patios, and brick facades housing upscale boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The square’s architectural charm makes it one of Denver’s most photographed locations, especially during the holidays when thousands of lights transform the street into a magical winter scene.

The dining scene at Larimer Square ranges from casual to fine dining, with notable establishments offering everything from wood-fired steaks to craft cocktails in intimate speakeasies. Local retailers sell everything from Colorado-made goods to high-end fashion, creating a shopping experience that mixes unique finds with national brands. The square regularly hosts events including art markets, fashion shows, and live music, maintaining its reputation as a cultural gathering place. 

Lower Downtown (LoDo) is just around the corner, with a historic atmosphere, plenty of restaurants, and Coors Field just blocks away — plus, easy access to Union Station.

Insider Tip: Street parking is limited and metered, so arrive via the MallRide from 16th Street Mall or use nearby parking garages. Evening visits showcase the atmospheric lighting, while daytime offers better browsing in boutiques. Many restaurants feature happy hour specials on weekdays.

Address: Larimer St between 14th and 15th Streets, Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (303) 534-2367

Hours: Open 24/7 (business hours vary)

Estimated Cost: Free to explore

Get Ready to Experience Denver

Whether you’re drawn to craft beer culture, outdoor activities with mountain backdrops, or immersive art installations that push boundaries, the Mile High City delivers memorable experiences year-round. What’s more, the city’s walkable downtown, efficient public transit, and 300 days of annual sunshine make it easy to pack multiple adventures into one short visit. 

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