Denver Travelers Recommend

A 3-day stay in Denver allows you to venture into districts beyond downtown for a taste of the city’s diversity, including experiencing the outdoors in any season, from ski resorts to hiking trails. You also have time to visit the Rocky Mountains or Colorado Springs. Here’s how to maximize a 3-day trip. 

Day 1: Capitol Culture

From its humble mining town roots, the Mile-High City has risen to new cultural heights, with museums to suit any taste. Get a primer on western expansion at the History Colorado Center, go abstract at the Clyfford Still Museum, or tour the Victorian home of a famous Titanic survivor at the Molly Brown House. A stroll in the Denver Botanic Gardens lets you connect with high-desert blooms right in the heart of the vibrant Uptown neighborhood. If traveling with kids, visit the acclaimed Denver Zoo or Denver Museum of Nature & Science for a surefire way to burn off some energy and keep the whole family happy.  Prebook tickets, discount passes, or tours that include these attractions for an easy day of sightseeing.

Day 2: Be a Rocky Mountain Explorer

Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains is a major draw for residents and visitors alike. From wildlife-watching and leisurely hikes to extreme sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and snowboarding, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and play. In summer, venture into Rocky Mountain National Park for alpine lakes and moose sightings, hike among the Boulder Flatirons, or marvel at the views from the summit of Mt. Evans. Journey south to Colorado Springs to explore the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, Colorado’s most famous “14-er” (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet, or 4267 meters). Winter means ski season, and several resorts such as Winter Park and Copper Mountain are close enough for you to spend a day on the slopes and still get a good night’s sleep in your Denver hotel. 

Day 3: Beers, Bites, and More

Back in the urban mix, treat yourself to a tour of Denver’s expanding dining and brewery scene, with the highest concentration of hot spots in Lower Downtown (LoDo). With options ranging from farm-to-table to hearty western fare (try the Rocky Mountain oysters if you dare!), a food tour offers a great way to hit up several hot spots without any guesswork. The city is also a craft beer haven, so pop into local breweries for a flight of seasonal lagers, stouts, and ales, or join a distillery tour to see how modern mixologists are reinventing Colorado’s prairie whiskey traditions.

Rocky Mountain National Park has long been associated with America’s great outdoors.  Easy access from nearby cities plus wildlife—elk, moose, coyote, eagle, deer, black bear, and bighorn sheep sightings are possible—make it a popular destination. Here’s how to explore the offerings of this diverse natural habitat in the Rocky Mountains. 

Group Tours

Tours to the national park offer an immersive experience in the natural surroundings. Visit in any season to find sweeping views of Rocky Mountain peaks. Stops at the Alpine Visitors Center and Continental Divide are often included along with a lakeside picnic or cafe lunch. Expect to hear commentary on the region’s natural, cultural, and geologic history on coach or minivan tours. Moderately paced hiking tours for small groups are ideal for outdoorsy folks who prefer to hit the aspen-lined trails.

Private Tours

Ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends, private tours to the park provide a more flexible itinerary along with the undivided attention of a personal guide to show you the region. Enjoy the exclusivity of your own vehicle, which allows for better viewing and the opportunity to request photo stops without competing for elbow room.

Things to Know

• Rocky Mountain National Park lies 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Denver. 
• The journey is about a 1.5-hour drive from the Colorado capital, passing Boulder en route.
• The Continental Divide and other points of interest reach upwards of 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) in elevation.
• A guided tour lets someone else do the driving and leaves you hands-free for Instagramming the wildlife.
• Day trips to the destination typically last eight hours, including travel time.
• Most tours offer pickup and drop-off at Denver Union Station or a similar downtown location.

Boasting abundant year-round sunshine and quick access to the natural playgrounds of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is an ideal base camp for adventurous travelers. You can easily hit the slopes or trails and be back in the Mile-High City in time for dinner. Here are some popular ways to explore Colorado’s Front Range.

Hiking

The foothills of the Rockies are a hiker’s paradise, with miles of well-maintained trails winding through evergreen forests, canyons, wildflower meadows, and rock formations. Join a hiking tour to take the guesswork out of choosing a route. You can select from group outings or customized options like a challenging full-day jaunt or a more leisurely sunset hike.

Sightseeing

From dinosaur fossils and buffalo herds to Wild West lore, there’s plenty of history as well as modern mountain charm to be found in the Front Range. A sightseeing tour makes it easy to soak up the best of Colorado’s scenery and culture without renting a car. Popular stops include Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Creek Canyon, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, and the resort town of Estes Park.

Fly Fishing

Cast a line for wild trout and other freshwater species that thrive in Colorado’s clean rivers. No need to pack all your gear, as private or small-group fishing tours provide all the equipment, plus the expertise of river guides who know all the most scenic and successful spots for fresh catch.

Winter Sports

The Rocky Mountains truly shine in the wintertime, when ski resorts open and snow seekers flock to the slopes for fresh powder and some of the most spectacular alpine views in North America. Downhill skiers and snowboarders have plenty of options within a few hours of Denver, while snowshoeing or cross-country tours offer a more mellow way to play in the snow.

Mountain Biking

One of Colorado's most popular outdoor activities, mountain biking is an exciting and athletic way to explore foothills scenery and epic routes like the Colorado Trail during warmer months. Guided tours set you up with high-quality rental bikes and offer customized options for skill levels, from novices to advanced riders.

With two days in Denver, there’s time to explore Colorado culture and experience the natural playground of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Take advantage of Denver’s walkable dining and shopping districts packed with history, and get a new perspective on a Front Range day trip. Here’s how to enjoy two days in Denver. 

Day 1: Explore Mile-High History

**Morning:**Denver’s compact downtown is easy to explore on foot or via public transit. Get oriented as you admire the gleaming dome of the Colorado State Capitol building, stroll past Victorian mansions on Capitol Hill, stop for tea at the stately Brown Palace Hotel, or pick up Western-style souvenirs with a ride on the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle.

**Afternoon:**Explore two of Denver’s hottest historic neighborhoods, Lower Downtown (LoDo) and River North (RiNo), on a walking tour. Learn how a former industrial district transformed into a thriving arts scene and take a break for local beer at a craft brewery. 

**Night:**Gold Rush legends meet trendy nightlife in the city’s LoDo district. Check out the renovated Union Station for dinner and drinks in a historic train depot. For an evening chill, encounter the ghosts of Denver’s rollicking past—it started as a Wild West mining camp—on a haunted history pub crawl. 

Day 2: Head for the Hills

**Morning:**Get an early start to venture west of the city for a dose of mountain culture and scenery. Hike and test the natural acoustics at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, look for wildlife in Bear Creek Canyon, and visit Old West showman Buffalo Bill’s grave from atop Lookout Mountain. If you don’t have a car or prefer to focus on the views instead of the roads, guided day trips offer an easy escape. 

**Afternoon:**Colorado’s mountain towns are known for their relaxed, homey atmosphere and mountain-view scenery. Stop for a gourmet coffee and walk around Evergreen Lake, check out Colorado counterculture in Boulder, or browse shops in downtown in Golden, home of Coors Brewery.

**Night:**Maximize your time in the mountains with a sunset hike, watching the changing colors wash over the Front Range. Back in Denver, reward your efforts with a locally sourced meal from the ever-changing restaurant scenes of Uptown or Cherry Creek.

Once a mining boom town, now a modern metropolis, Denver boasts abundant cultural offerings against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Wild West history meets a gourmet palate in downtown bars and restaurants, while parks offer plenty of ways to soak up the famous Colorado sunshine. Here’s how to maximize a day in the Mile-High City.

Morning: Get a Culture Fix

Plan an artsy start to the day at one of Denver’s many museums. Browse Native American and Western collections at the Denver Art Museum, step inside a Victorian mansion at the Byers-Evans House, or ponder modern themes at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Consider a city discount pass if you plan on stopping at multiple museums and attractions. Rest your feet over brunch of a Denver omelette or fresh-baked bagels, snagging a seat at an outdoor patio if the weather’s nice.

Afternoon: Bike the Best of Downtown

Get a great perspective on downtown’s main attractions on a bike tour. Flat streets, generous bike paths, and riverside trails make Denver a bike-friendly town. Ride alongside locals while taking in views of landmarks such as Coors Field stadium, the State Capital Building, 16th-Street Mall, and Platte River. Some bike tours include brewery stops. If not, hop from bike tour to craft beer tour to learn more about the city’s booming microbrew scene. Alternatively, save your legs and join a motor scooter tour.

Night: Mile-High Happy Hour

Reward yourself after all that peddling with a guided bar crawl to a handful of downtown Denver’s hippest watering holes. There’s plenty to explore, with spots specializing in everything from mixed cocktails to locally brewed craft beer. After kicking off the night with drinks, head to historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) for dinner to taste for yourself why Denver’s culinary scene draws top chefs and rave reviews.  

Denver’s best museums offer a wide variety of subject matters ranging from art and science to a colorful cast of historic characters. It’s worth setting aside a day—or three—to immerse yourself in the cultural riches of these institutions. Here are some of our favorites.

Denver Art Museum

For art lovers, the Denver Art Museum is home to more than 70,000 pieces of artwork divided between 10 permanent collections—and the building itself is a work of art by architect Daniel Libeskind. See one of the largest art museums located between Chicago and the West Coast as part of a Denver city sightseeing tour or with the multi-attraction Mile High Culture Pass.

Molly Brown House Museum

Anyone who’s seen Titanic will be familiar with one of Denver’s most famous hometown heroes, Margaret Brown—posthumously known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Learn more about the Titanic survivor, including her impact on modern-day cruise and flight safety, at the Molly Brown House Museum. The home is included on many Denver city tours.

Children’s Museum of Denver

Both the young and the young at heart will enjoy the hands-on collection at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Museumgoers are encouraged to interact with everything—climb aboard a real city fire truck, paint your own masterpiece, or climb three stories for spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies.

Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum

Famous Wild West showman William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was laid to rest atop Lookout Mountain in nearby Golden, Colorado—an easy and worthwhile day trip from the Mile High City. The site now includes a museum with exhibits highlighting the life and times of this legendary figure of the American West, including one of his actual Stetson cowboy hats. See the museum on a tour of Denver’s picturesque Rocky Mountain foothills.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The comprehensive collection at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science includes more than a million objects, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Situated in City Park near the Denver Zoo, the museum comprises eight interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to explore themes like prehistoric Earth, ancient Egyptian history, and space exploration.