Things to do in Denver

Lower Downtown (LoDo)

LoDo hosts some of Denver’s best places to eat, drink, and shop, not to mention a list of historic superlatives. The district, which was established as the original city of Denver in 1858, also sits adjacent to Larmarie Square, the oldest block in the city. Whether you are here for a morning stroll, lunch, or a night on the town, there’s always something going on over here thanks to more than 100 dining and shopping spots.

The Lower Highland (LoHi)

This neighborhood serves as the city’s cultural district. Here you can see old and new before your very eyes: Victorian homes, 19th-century brick warehouses, modern apartment complexes, and mixed-use buildings clash from block to block. Still, no one seems to notice (or care) in places like the Avanti Food and Beverage hall, where a variety of vendors serve up fresh fare.

River North Art District (RiNo)

While the Denver Highlands showcases a more polished urban playground, RiNo honors the creatives of the city as the premiere art district. Murals seem to splash onto the sides of buildings in the blink of an eye, as revelers sip on brews at a rockabilly-themed brewery before they head out to an open-house at an art gallery.

Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is the perfect launching point for some of the best outdoor activities in the entire United States.

Hike Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

While it may be best known as a concert venue, Red Rocks Park is also a favorite spot, just 15 miles out of Denver, to hike, mountain bike, practice yoga, and more. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy the sights here, be it along the 1.5-mile Trading Post Trail or the 6-mile loop on Red Rocks Trail. It’s also a great place to catch a sunrise.

Explore Eldorado Canyon State Park

Situated about 30 miles northwest of Denver, this Boulder County state park offers four hiking trails, as well as opportunities to fish, rock climb, picnic, and more. There are some 500 routes for climbers at “Eldo,” as it’s known affectionately by locals, who love going to this hidden gem of a park.

Take a day trip to the Rocky Mountains

Whether you travel into Rocky Mountain National Park, or explore the perimeters, this is one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts. Peaks rise up from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet in elevation, making for picture-perfect moments whether you’re on foot or in a car, including the chance at night to enjoy some astronomy as millions of stars explode across the sky.

Sometimes, the best-kept secrets can be in plain sight. In Denver, the 26-mile Colfax Avenue, reveals an authentic and timeless side of the city with its historic, quirky, and even eerie landmarks. Learn about hauntings and other strange happenings as you explore Capitol Hill on a ghost tour with a resident of the area.