Top things to do in Denver
Mile High views, breweries and easy day trips from the city
Top picks in Denver
Standout bookings right now
A mix of indoor sights, live music, family outings and easy short trips from the centre. Start with the city landmarks, then balance museum time with a night out or a mountain day trip.
Four Mile Historic Park
Museum & park set on 12 acres includes an 1800s log cabin, barn with farm animals & guided tours.
"Check the event calendar before you go if you want one of the park’s special programs."
Larimer Lounge
$An east-of-downtown live music venue and bar that hosts bands, DJs and electronic sets. It suits a night out with live shows and a late finish; the venue also has an outdoor patio.
Colorado Sightseer
Half- and full-day tours through the Rocky Mountains and other areas.
"Pick the half-day option if you only have one free afternoon."
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Imposing 1800s cathedral with tall spires, vibrant stained glass, a large organ, events & more.
"Keep your visit respectful if services or events are underway."
Play Street Museum - Lowry
A children’s museum with themed play areas such as an airplane, ice cream truck and veterinary office. It suits younger kids and families; the space is geared to imaginative, hands-on play.
Trinity United Methodist Church
A concert venue in a church setting with string quartet performances and a candlelit atmosphere. It suits a relaxed evening out; the intimate setting is the main draw.
"Arrive a little early if you want a better seat and time to settle in."
Molly Brown House Museum
The 1889 home of Titanic survivor Molly Brown, with Victorian furnishings and art. It suits museum visitors and history fans; a self-guided visit makes it easy to fit into the day.
"Allow a little extra time for the gift shop if you like museum stores."
Ogden Theatre
$$Historic (since 1919) concert venue for touring bands that can feel intimate even when packed.
"Check the set times before you arrive so you do not miss the opener."
McGregor Square
A plaza with restaurants, bars and a baseball stadium nearby that hosts concerts.
"Check what is on before you go, since the atmosphere changes with events."
Puttshack - Denver
A modern mini-golf venue with interactive holes, a bar and friendly service. It suits groups and an easy evening out; the tech-heavy course is the main draw.
"Expect the course to be busy on late evenings and weekends."
International Church of Cannabis
Social center in a former Lutheran church, with a psychedelic interior & hourly music & light shows.
Slick City Action Park
Visitors say this action park offers a wide variety of slides for all ages, including intense options for teens and adults, along with a dedicated play area for younger children. They also highlight the clean facilities, fun atmosphere, and friendly, helpful staff. Guests mention it's a great place for birthday parties and family outings, providing an active and enjoyable experience.
National Western Complex
Event venue hosting shows such as rodeos, stock exhibitions, and wrestling tournaments, plus swap meets.
Colorado State Capitol
Corinthian-style, gold-domed edifice offering tours, exhibits & photo ops at 1 mile above sea level.
Bowlero Cherry Creek
Bowling alley and entertainment center with a sports bar, grill, and arcade, plus a pro shop.
Top places to visit in Denver
Spots that define the city for first-time visitors
A varied mix of museums, parks, wildlife spots and indoor stops, with city-centre options alongside short trips from downtown.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Horticultural library at Denver Botanic Gardens including rare books, seed catalogs & other items.
Denver Art Museum
In the city, this museum pairs two buildings with Western and regional art. It suits museumgoers who want a major collection, and the museum has free days and discounts.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
A short trip from the centre, this free refuge is for hiking, biking or driving the loop to look for bison and deer. It suits wildlife watchers, and the visitor centre is informative.
Majestic View Nature Center
A short trip from the centre, this nature centre has exhibits for kids and trails with wildlife. It suits families, and the best approach is to pair the exhibits with a short walk.
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Changing exhibits of modern painting, sculpture & more in an eco-friendly space with a rooftop cafe.
Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station
In the city, this is a walk-through art experience with interactive rooms, hidden spaces and a story arc. It suits anyone after something unusual and hands-on.
Elitch Gardens
In the city, this amusement park combines roller coasters, arcade games and shows. It suits active days out, with a water park also on site.
International Church of Cannabis
In the city, this former church is now a psychedelic social space with music and light shows. It suits visitors who want a brief, offbeat stop.
Lucky Strike Denver
Upscale entertainment destination with bowling, craft food & cocktails, plus lively arcades.
ISKCON Denver
In the city, this temple offers a quiet spiritual space with free vegetarian food, live music and dancing. It suits visitors after a peaceful stop.
Foothills Golf Course
A short trip from the centre, this golf complex has an 18-hole championship course plus practice areas. It suits golfers who want a full round outside the city core.
The Green House
In the city, this is a community centre. It suits visitors looking for a local, low-key stop.
Denver Public Library: Sam Gary Branch Library
In the city, this modern library is set up for reading, study and quiet time. It suits anyone needing a calm break, and it includes an idea lab.
Green Mountain Trailhead
A short trip from the centre, this is a hiking area. It suits walkers wanting an outdoor trailhead without a long drive.
Four Mile Historic Park
Museum & park set on 12 acres includes an 1800s log cabin, barn with farm animals & guided tours.
Uvalda Trail
A short trip from the centre, this hiking area sits by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal refuge. It suits walkers pairing a trail with wildlife-country scenery.
Berkeley Lake Park
Outdoor recreation area encircling a fishing lake with a paved path, tennis courts & a dog run.
Play Street Museum - Lowry
People say this children's museum offers a variety of play areas, including an airplane, ice cream truck, and veterinary office, and features a monthly spotlight topic. They highlight the clean, organized, and imaginative space, and the fun, engaging, and educational experience for kids of all ages. They also like the friendly, helpful, and calm staff.
Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Program
Government office
Boettcher Concert Hall at Denver Performing Arts Complex
Stylish performance hall with an in-the-round design hosts the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
Freyer - Newman Center
Botanical garden
Where to stay
Reliable bases for exploring the city
Reliable bases for exploring the city
Westminster Station Nature Play Park
Shady city park with a splash pad, waterfall and sand pit, plus picnic spots.
Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station
Surreal, walk-through art experience with many interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures & a story arc.
Marquis Theater
Intimate concert venue for indie rockers, ranging from local bands to nationally touring acts.
Denver Public Library: Virginia Village Branch Library
Neighborhood branch of the Denver Public Library system featuring a DVD collection and computer use.
Colorado Convention Center
Expansive, contemporary convention center with meeting & expo facilities & lots of public art.
Chuze Fitness
Spacious facility with clean showers, a sauna and massage chairs, offering free passes.
Mershops Town Center at Aurora
Bustling indoor mall featuring 150-plus retailers, including big-box stores, & restaurants.
Pat Schroeder Visitor Center
Trails and clean restrooms highlight this visitors center that also offers bison-spotting drives.
Planet Fitness
Reviewers consistently praise this gym for its modern and well-maintained equipment, including numerous treadmills, alongside amenities such as tanning beds and massage chairs. The friendly staff and consistently clean facility and locker rooms are also frequently highlighted. Some reviews mention the staff can be unprofessional.
Outdoor picks for a fair-weather day
Outdoor-friendly picks for clear days
This mix runs from central parks and gardens to short trips for wildlife, disc golf, and water parks. The cards are ordered to keep the day varied.
Melrose Inspirational Garden
In the city, this is a small garden stop near west Denver. It suits a short pause or a low-key walk, and it is easy to fold into a neighbourhood day out.
Washington Park
In the city, this is a large park with paths, lakes, and space for boating or tennis. It suits walkers, runners, and families, and the loop makes an easy all-day outdoor stop.
Shorter Community AME Church Garden
In the city, this is a garden stop in north-central Denver. It suits a brief, quiet pause, and the small scale makes it best as a quick add-on.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal - Lake Ladora Hike
A short trip from the centre, this wildlife-refuge hike is known for bison, lake views, and picnic facilities. It suits walkers and birdwatchers, and the trail time works well for a half-day outing.
Berkeley Lake Park
Outdoor recreation area encircling a fishing lake with a paved path, tennis courts & a dog run.
Lake Mary Loop Trail
A short trip from the centre, this wildlife-refuge trail features wildflowers, birding, fishing, and hiking. It suits people who want a quieter nature outing, and the focus is on walking the loop.
Memorial Park and Johnny Roberts Disc Golf Course
A short trip from the centre, this park combines a short disc golf course with water features. It suits casual players and beginners, and the compact layout makes for an easy round.
Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve
A short trip from the centre, this small preserve has trails around ponds and lakes. It suits quieter walks and easy nature time, and the scale keeps it unhurried.
Crown Hill Park
A short trip from the centre, this lakeside park has trails for walking, biking, skating, bird-watching, and horseback riding. It suits people who want views and open space, and the loop is useful for sunset walks.
Majestic View Nature Center
A short trip from the centre, this nature centre has exhibits for kids and trails with wildlife. It suits families, and the best approach is to pair the exhibits with a short walk.
Bayaud Park Picnic Area
In the city, this is a picnic ground. It suits a basic outdoor break, and it works best as a reserved or planned stop rather than a standalone visit.
Water World
A short trip from the centre, this summer water park has rides, pools, and a lazy river. It suits families and anyone planning a full-day splashy outing, so expect a seasonal visit.
Washington Park Picnic Site #2
In the city, this is a picnic ground inside Washington Park. It suits a simple lunch stop, and it works best if you are already spending time in the park.
Pirates Cove Water Park
Seasonal outdoor park with leisure & lap pools, 35-ft. slide, tubing river & concession stand.
Picnic Area 1 MLK/Beeler
In the city, this is a picnic ground. It suits a quick outdoor meal stop, and it is best used as part of a wider park visit.
Washington Park Mount Vernon Garden
Garden featuring lakes and picnic tables, plus a public restroom.
Ralston Creek Trail
Nature preserve with trails for walking and biking.
Levitt Pavilion Denver
Designed for free concerts, this state-of-the-art amphitheater also hosts a few ticketed events.
Elitch Gardens
Amusement park with roller coasters among other thrill rides, plus arcade games & shows.
Green Mountain Trailhead
Hiking area
Denver Botanic Gardens
Horticultural library at Denver Botanic Gardens including rare books, seed catalogs & other items.