Best things to do in Denver

It would be all too easy to succumb to the call of the mountains in Mile High City. With the foothills of the Rockies just miles away, scenic backdrops are guaranteed in this city – whatever activity you choose. But some of the best things to do in Denver do lure you indoors and away from the nearby craggy peaks.

There’s a myriad of things to do with options like getting up close to some of the world’s most technical aircraft, watching baseball players knock home runs further than you’ve ever seen before, or browsing around 100 vintage stores for childhood memories and collectibles. Whatever you do in Denver, don’t miss the winding drive up to Mount Evans – a once in a lifetime road trip.

Denver Botanic Gardens

1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206

Get close to nature when exploring Denver Botanic Gardens without the fuss of leaving the city. You’ll find 24 acres of exotic oasis on York Street, right next to Cheesman Park. Stroll through the peaceful gardens to brush up on your botanical knowledge or catch one of the ever-changing art exhibits. Though you might find that the paintings, sculptures and carvings are overshadowed by the natural beauty of glorious flowers, shrubs and trees.

See a concert in the amphitheater, spot familiar blooms in the ‘Gardens of the West’, or seek out new petals, plants and greenery in the internationally inspired gardens. The Tropical Conservatory never fails to impress, and the Japanese Garden and South African Plaza are must-sees in this peaceful, urban attraction.

Molly Brown House

1340 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80203

Saved from demolition in 1970, the Molly Brown House was once the home of socialite and philanthropist Margaret (Molly) Brown. A champion for social change within Denver, Molly campaigned, fundraised and volunteered for political issues, war efforts and civil rights movements.

Famous locally, she eventually gained notoriety nationally for surviving the sinking of the Titanic, helping to save many others in the iconic tragedy. Her fellow lifeboat passengers nicknamed her ‘the unsinkable Molly Brown’ and her heroic efforts back home in Denver ensured her house was memorialized for future generations to see.

Tour the house with a guide to discover more of Molly’s incredible story, learn about her family and explore a sympathetically restored, architecturally significant part of historic Denver.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Prepare to be wowed by Denver’s iconic, 250-million-year-old music venue – Red Rocks Park. The acoustics and spectacle of the geologically formed amphitheater are the main attraction, where musicians (from Sting to Skrillex) take to the stage to perform under the stars. Comedians fill the Red Rocks bowl with laughter, while film nights and Yoga on the Rocks add diversity to this epic attraction.

Take a seat – or stretch and relax on a yoga mat – between the two 300-foot, sandstone monoliths. Alternatively if you feel like exploring, you can learn about the venue’s history in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, the visitor center or the Red Rocks Hall of Fame.

Got extra time? Don’t miss the opportunity to hike or bike the surrounding trails. Routes take you through valleys and meadows surrounded by spectacular rock formations.

Get nostalgic on South Broadway

1874 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210

Browsing South Broadway’s collection of music venues, galleries, bookstores and unique restaurants is famously one of the best things to do in Denver. South Broadway’s ‘SoBo’ is Denver’s hippest spot, with designer boutiques, Insta-worthy cafes and craft shops all worthy of your vacation dollars. But, for some, the best part of SoBo is the collection of around 100 vintage and antique stores on ‘Antique Row’.

Discerning buyers can pick up ceramics, silverware and furniture from decades gone by, but there are nostalgic treasures from childhood to find too. The shelves at Fifty-Two 80s are lined with every kind of pop culture collectible from the 80s you can imagine. Here, toys, video games and figurines from your favorite Saturday morning cartoon aren’t hard to find.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Idaho Springs, CO 80452

Head 60 miles west of Denver to experience the drive of your life. You’ll be motoring through five climate zones on the highest paved road in the USA. Weaving up into the mountains, your destination is the summit of Mount Evans. But, as is so often the case, here it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey along the winding byway.

As you drive up, stop regularly to take in the snowcapped peaks, stunning Echo Lake and more than a few mountain goats. Spot a variety of wildlife including prairie dogs, bighorns, pika and elk which will likely take your mind off any altitude sickness, but with a summit of 14,264 feet, it pays to be prepared. Pack plenty of water and take time to acclimatize on the drive up to the mountain.

Coors Field

2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205

Show your support for the Rockies – or the opposing team ­– at Coors Field. This 50,000 spectator-capacity, 76-acre stadium is the home turf for Major League Baseball team the Colorado Rockies. Also known as Mile High City, the views over the Rocky Mountains aren’t the only unusual aspect of this sport’s stadium.

Stats fans will already know that Coors Field is renowned as a ‘hitter’s park’. The high-altitude and wind conditions at play here mean that a ball can travel around 9% further at these heights than at sea level. Pitching is also affected by the thinner air – making this stadium a must-visit for baseball fans.

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230

Ever since a group of volunteers took over Hangar 1 in the former Lowry Air Force Base in 1994, Wings Over the Rockies has been educating visitors on the wonder of air travel. Over the years, the museum has curated an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft that sit within 100,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Take a good look at a piece of moon rock, check out a Bell UH-1 ‘Huey’ helicopter or take a rare look inside the cockpit of a General Dynamics F-16 fighter. From small prop planes to technically advanced spacecraft and parts, the museum is a fascinating look into flight history. For added fun, the ¾ scale Star Wars X-Wing fighter replica has an interactive R2-D2 in the cockpit.

For the ultimate flight experience, book a training session and ride in one of the museum’s full-motion MaxFlight simulators. 

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022

Considered one of the USA’s largest urban wildlife refuges, this natural gem is just a 10-mile drive northeast of downtown Denver. You can explore the 15,000 acres of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in a variety of ways but taking the 11-mile Wildlife Drive is one of the best options. Take the free auto tour from the comfort of your vehicle by listening to the ‘Truth and Legend’ podcast. You’ll hear about resident wildlife and the history of the refuge as you take in the scenery.

Look for mountain bluebirds and yellow-headed blackbirds in spring. Summer is the season to spot burrowing owls raising their young and painted turtles swimming in the wetlands. Winter and autumn are spectacular seasons to watch coyotes, bison and bald eagles in the refuge.

If Denver’s Red Rocks have inspired you, why not use Denver as a base to visit Colorado’s Garden of the Gods? Just a 90-minute drive south of the city, the giant sandstone formations and mountain air are not to be missed.

Learn more about Denver

Ready to book a stay in Denver? Our collection of guides has everything you need to plan a trip to the city.

• Best restaurants in Denver
• Denver driving guide
• Denver’s neighborhoods