The Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a wide range of activities to keep them entertained. Whether you are on a road trip or planning a vacation, this guide will give you the lowdown on the best things to do in Denver. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the top tourist attractions, cultural offerings, and unique activities that you can experience in this vibrant city with seven arts districts, seven pro sports teams, and over 300 days of sunshine.

Cultural Attractions- Civic Center EATS

Denver’s Civic Center is a cultural hub of the city and hosts a variety of events year-round, including outdoor concerts and art festivals. One of Denver’s most popular events is Civic Center EATS, a gourmet food truck gathering that takes place every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM.

With around 20 food trucks, you can sample cuisine from all over the world while enjoying live music and the beautiful park surroundings, such as the Carnegie Library and the Greek Amphitheatre. The gourmet grilled cheeses and international exotic bowls were my top picks.

Family Offerings – The Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is a must-visit destination for families and animal lovers. This award-winning zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including rhinos, camels, penguins, Emperor tamarins, and rams, representing more than 600 species from around the world. The zoo’s exhibits and attractions are designed to educate visitors and inspire conservation efforts.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see Denver Zoo’s resident animals up close, including lions, tigers, and bears. I recommend spending some time in the bird exhibit, which has exceptional species like starlings, pheasants, kookaburras, and kingfishers.

Note: The Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature & Science are within walking distance of each other. You can also save money (around 40%) when visiting several attractions by purchasing the Denver CityPASS. In addition to this museum, you can also add 2, 3, or 4 more top Denver attractions to your pass. You can visit them in any order, whenever you wish, within a seven day period.

FYI: Another fun thing to do when you are in Denver is to ride over to Garden of the Gods, a beautiful paradise in Colorado Springs.

Union Station

Welcome to Denver’s Union Station, located in the charming LoDo neighborhood and renowned as Denver’s oldest transportation hub! You’ll be impressed by the diversity of options available here, including Amtrak, light rail, and the free MetroRide service. But this landmark building isn’t just about transportation – it’s also a modern luxury hotel, The Crawford Hotel, and a hub for entertainment and dining.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for top-rated cafes or searching for a lovely photo-op, you’ll find it here. From delicious food and drink to concerts or a weekly farmers’ market, Union Station is perfect whether it’s day or night. Be sure to explore Larimer Square after dark, where charming string lights create a magical ambiance.

Union Station is an iconic landmark that is adored by locals and tourists alike, serving as the city’s transportation hub and a popular destination for dining and shopping. You never know what events or free music concerts you’ll come across here, so make sure to check it out whenever you’re in town!

Native Roots Dispensary

For those looking for a different kind of “outdoor” experience, head to Native Root Dispensary. Colorado is one of the few states that has legalized recreational marijuana, and you can buy it legally at dispensaries like Native Root.

Here, you can buy different strains of marijuana, edibles, and other cannabis products, and learn more about Colorado’s marijuana culture.

Educational Offerings – Museum of Nature & Science

Discover an exciting and educational experience at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! Immerse yourself in fascinating exhibits that are sure to capture your attention. Marvel at the unique regions showcased in the wildlife exhibits, including the tundra, alpine, and Expedition Health.

While the Egyptian mummies were cool to see, the Gems & Minerals exhibit was my favorite – with bright and beautiful rhodochrosite crystals stealing the show! From watermelon tourmaline to Australian opals and blue azurite, the museum’s mineral collection is a must-see.

Don’t miss out on the planetarium and IMAX theater for an out-of-this-world adventure. As an added bonus, the museum’s exhibits also connect deeply to Colorado’s history rooted in mining.

Historic Attractions: Molly Brown House Museum

Another must-visit attraction in Denver is the Unsinkable Molly Brown House. This historic house was the home of Margaret “Molly” Brown who became famous for surviving the Titanic disaster. The guided tour offers insights into the life of this fascinating pioneer woman and the Victorian-era architecture of the house. 

The Denver Mint

Discover how money is printed and the fascinating world of coin production at the US Mint in Denver! Since 1906, the Denver Mint has been printing American currency and is responsible for producing more coins than anywhere else in the world. This free guided tour is a must-see and is sure to be one of your favorite experiences of the year.

You’ll be amazed at the mind-boggling amount of money kept in the mint! As a souvenir, you’ll also be given sealed uncirculated pennies. While cell phones, purses, and bags are prohibited, the historical significance of this site is worth it.

The Denver Mint is one of the nation’s oldest coin-producing facilities and its production floor is a wonder to behold.

FAQ: Tour tickets are available from the Tour Information Window on Cherokee St between Colfax Ave and West 14th Ave. It opens at 7 AM Monday through Thursday (excluding federal holidays), and will remain open until all tickets have been distributed. Must be over 7 to tour the Denver Mint.

Delightful Denver: Worth a Visit

Denver is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, or family fun. Plan your trip with this guide in mind and enjoy all the best things that the Mile High City has to offer.

From historic sites to cultural attractions, outdoor experiences to amazing food, Denver is a destination that keeps looking and moving forward.

Stay in Style at the Hyatt Regency Denver 

Looking for a spacious and comfortable base for your next trip to Denver? Look no further than the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center! With stylish rooms that meet all your needs, including plenty of outlets, great lighting, and picturesque windows that offer stunning views of the city. And, the bathroom is complete with a fantastic shower and top-quality kenetMD toiletries. 

But that’s not all – the impressive lobby boasts a kickin’ coffee bar, on-site bar, and restaurant, with plenty of cozy seating areas perfect for sipping cocktails and chatting. Book your stay today and experience all the comfort and convenience the Hyatt Regency Denver has to offer.

IPW18

I was in Denver attending the IPW travel conference, which brings thousands of tourism professionals from around 60 countries together for networking and “selling America”. Here are some of the fun photos from our incredible conference and visit.

Thanks to the Denver CVB for hosting my accommodations and providing me with a VIP card for attractions.

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