Things to do today in Denver, Colorado, USA

Denver is located in the state of Colorado in the United States. It is the state capital and also the most populous city.

Denver is considered one of the best places to visit in the US . If you judge the city by its history, you might think differently. The metropolis of Denver was essentially uninhabited in 1858.

Then the gold rush came and people flocked to it. Within 30 years, Denver, Colorado was flooded.

Today, many people come to Denver, Colorado to experience the Rocky Mountains.

Denver International Airport makes the Rockies easily accessible for those who come from different parts of the world to explore Colorado’s most famous attraction.

While you’re there, you can maximize your stay with a few Denver day trips and some of the best things to do near Denver, Colorado.

Epic street art in Denver, Colorado

Denver’s street art scene is rocking and the RiNo (River North) Arts District is ripe for discovery. Epic street art can be found pretty much everywhere you go.

In every back alley, on every wall and in every prison there seems to be a mural or some other installation.

The vibrant designs have transformed this old industrial area into a street art hotspot and creative hub.

Denver Central Market is a great place for a meal with plenty of choices right in the heart of RiNo’s street art .

Art Museum in Denver, Colorado

The Denver Art Museum is impressive from the inside. The Frederic C. Hamilton Building designed by Daniel Libeskind is truly a unique building. Libeskind is said to have been inspired by the Rocky Mountains .

The new part of the museum is the Martin Building. This modern and ambitious infrastructure, due to fully reopen in 2021, will present the museum’s collections in an innovative way.

The Denver Art Museum has beautifully showcased the work of Vincent van Gogh. In the past, the valuable “Edge of Wheat Field with Poppies” adorned the walls, among other things.

The Clocktower Cabaret in Denver, Colorado

If you’re visiting Denver, be sure to catch a show at The Clocktower Cabaret. This unique venue is located in the basement of the historic Daniels & Fisher Towers.

Located on the 16th Street Mall, it’s easy to create the perfect night out with dinner on the Mall and a show at the Clocktower.

As you walk down the stairs and enter the venue, it feels like you are taking a step back in time. The cozy space has tables and booths arranged in front of the stage area where you can enjoy the show with snacks and a few drinks.

The lovely bar at the back is also available for those wanting a slightly more upscale view of the show. It’s almost worth coming here to enjoy the venue itself, but the entertainment is even better.

The Clocktower Cabaret prides itself on the variety of acts that perform on its stage. Here you will find burlesque, comedy, drag, dance, music, circus acts and much more that lives up to the name cabaret.

There is a live show practically every night. Depending on when you come to Denver, there are also numerous opportunities to see themed shows.

The Red Rocks Amphitheaters

Since the early 1900’s, this outdoor amphitheater has hosted thousands of events in its stunning setting.

Although concerts have been held here since the early 20th century, it was only officially opened in 1941 after the construction of a proper amphitheater.

Around 50,000 cubic meters of earth and rock were removed to make room for the tiered seating and stage area, which is surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs.

This famous concert venue is only a 30 minute drive from Denver and if you plan ahead you can secure tickets to one of the many performances that take place each month.

On the weekends you have to avoid the locals who use the amphitheater for training.

The visitor center has an exhibit on the geology and architecture of Red Rocks. There is also an Artists Hall of Fame with photos from concerts over the last 75 years.

Larimer Square

Denver’s oldest neighborhood is filled with interesting shops, well-regarded restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife that you’ll definitely want to be a part of.

Before becoming what it is today, Larimer Square was a residential area that used doors made from coffins. That was the idea of ​​General Larimer, who founded the city of Denver in 1858.

In 1971, after many important things had happened in the area, Larimer Square was designated Denver’s first Historic District.

Today, a visit to Larimer Square is almost always part of a guided city tour. It really is on the list of things to do in Denver.

Coors Field

Coors Field is a football stadium in Denver, Colorado that stretches over 76 acres. It is the place of Major League Baseball.

Coors Field has a wonderful view of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

You can behind the scenes and explore the unknown parts of Coors Field? You can do that by signing up for a guided tour.

For all guests with tickets, delicious food and drinks are available for purchase at The Rooftop. The rooftop offers 38,000 square meters of fantastic views of the playing field and the Colorado skyline.

Union Station Denver

Union Station is a real entertainment center. If you’re not in a hurry, sit for a moment and watch the people walk by, the shops fill up, and the passengers jostle for the next ride.

Denver Botanic Garden

With 24 acres of colorful landscapes, Denver Botanical Gardens is a nature lover’s paradise. Different gardens have specific themes related to the weather and Colorado’s particular location.

If you enjoy learning about the flora of different parts of the world, you will love the internationally inspired gardens here. These are the gardens of Tea Garden, the South African Plaza and Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion.

Washington Park

Going to Washington Park is one of the free things to do in Denver, Colorado. This place is a popular place for locals and visitors who want to relax and be surrounded by nature.

Washington Park is your 450-acre playground. Here you can play tennis, have a picnic, go boating or jogging. You can also relax on the lawn and review the day.

The Wash Park, as the locals call it, is a real hit with the kids. If you are visiting the park with the family, there are playgrounds on the premises where the children can enjoy themselves for hours.

Some people claim that Washington Park is Denver’s version of Central Park in New York . Visit them – it’s the only way to find out!

City park

City Park is definitely on your list of Denver attractions. Aside from being a prime tourist spot, you can easily combine a trip to the park with all the other Denver attractions that are nearby.

These include the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Learn more about them as we move on.

In the City Park you can go by boat. There is a boathouse where you can rent boats for Ferril Lake. There is another lake in the park called Duck Lake where you can fish.

You can also go jogging or cycling in City Park. There are designated hiking trails throughout the site.

On the north side of the park is the City Park Golf Course.

Denver Zoo

A trip to the Denver Zoo is one of the Denver Colorado activities that are perfect for the whole family.

The zoo occupies an area of ​​80 hectares in the city park and has come a long way since its inception.

The idea of ​​starting a zoo in Denver came about when the city’s mayor received a black bear cub as a gift. She ended up living on the grounds of the city park.

Today at the Denver Zoo you can see the black-footed penguin, alligator snapping turtle and Amur tiger, among others.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is adjacent to City Park and the Denver Zoo.

A visit to this museum is one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado, as it’s a fun way to learn about and remember different areas of science.

The Gates Planetarium is the one of most attractive site in Denver. Like the Dorrance Planetarium in Phoenix, Arizona, this theater offers shows about science, nature, and everything in between.

Some other activities near Denver

Rocky Mountain National Park

Denver is a great home base for visiting Rocky Mountain National Parks, one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States.

Established on August 1st, 1876, it is home to incredible wildlife (if you are lucky you may see moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer and even bear), stunning landscapes of mountain peaks, forests, tundra and beautiful alpine lakes, and most importantly, many good hiking trails of varying difficulty , like the Sky Pond Trail, the Fern Lake Trail (one of the most challenging in the park), and the Cub Lake Trail.

Rocky Mountain National Park is huge and you should spend at least a couple of days there to see everything it has to offer. But if you’re short on time, you can also take a day trip – it’s the perfect place for a road trip.

Trip to Boulder

Boulder, Denver’s northwest neighbor, is a vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Many people come here to spend a few hours gazing at Colorado ‘s famous mountains after exploring Denver, to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park .

But don’t see Boulder as just a stop on your way.
In addition to being a college town (it’s home to the University of Colorado, Boulder), the city also offers plenty of outdoor activities.

In summer, hike, mountain bike, or rock climb the famous Flatirons that dot this city’s landscape – Boulder is an outdoorsy paradise to keep you in shape.

There is also a vibrant arts scene here that not only attracts rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In the evening, make your way to Flagstaff Mountain for an incredible sunset—one of the most popular places in Boulder to enjoy panoramic views.

Hiking

There’s plenty to choose from, including some with access to public transport. If you don’t have a car, you can take the Flatiron Flyer Bus to Chautauqua Park in Boulder.

Alternatively, you can hike in Morrison near the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater.

If you want to see the stunning high-altitude mountains, consider Brainard Lake Recreation Area or Herman Gulch for your next hike.

The best thing about hiking in Denver is that you can take a hike in the morning and be back in town at a brewery in the afternoon.

Beginners and avid hikers alike will love the challenging, beautiful scenery of the Colorado Rockies. The best time for hiking is from mid-May to October.

Once the snow settles on the trails, you’ll need a little avalanche knowledge to safely get into the mountains, but many hikes within 45 minutes of Denver are still fairly safe.

Wildlife sanctuary

There are different types of animals that have been rescued and live in the wild, but are still monitored, cared for and protected by the people behind the Wild Animal Sanctuary.

Prepare to marvel at the giant animals on the “world’s longest footbridge,” which stretches 1.5 miles.

What is Denver known for?

Denver is best known for its great year-round climate, coupled with magnificent natural spectacles.

That’s why many of the fun things to do in Denver, Colorado are related to the thriving outdoors.

Denver is located in the eastern part of the Rocky Mountain Range. Because of its location, the city receives more sunshine than other U.S. cities such as Miami and San Diego .

That being said, the natural makeup of the Denver, Colorado area is mesmerizing.

It has been proven that sports games throw balls farther when played on Denver grounds. This is because the city is high and the air is thinner as a result. It also has less vapor, making the air “bluer” than usual.

What food is Denver most famous for?

The food Denver is best known for is Rocky Mountain oysters. What makes this meal so special? And before we dig any further – it’s seafood? Rocky Mountain oysters are actually bull calf testicles. You slice them, fry them and serve them with classic sauces.

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