Discover the top things to do in Denver with American Holidays. This vibrant city provides convenient access to the adventures of the Rocky Mountains National Park, with a further three parks within driving distance, making it an ideal hub for adventure lovers.
But it’s not all just about the outdoors. The mile high city is home to dynamic culinary and art scenes that draw explorers and food enthusiasts alike. With over 100 craft beer pubs and tap rooms, the city is also a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, adding another layer of excitement to your Denver holiday.
Awe-Inspiring Art
Denver offers a bustling art scene that will have art lovers in pure delight from the start of their Denver holiday. Home to seven unique art districts, Denver offers a wealth of art, varying in style and medium.
One of the most popular, the River North Art District, also known as RiNo, is a hub for everything Denver art. Situated north of downtown Denver, this neighbourhood has had a complete overhaul in recent years, transforming from an industrial area into an art hotspot. The street art in RiNo is one of the main draws to the area, with many parts of the neighbourhood offering colourful depictions from local artists. Be sure to pop through on the first Friday of the month between 18:00-21:00 for a glimpse into some of the galleries and enjoy the street art entertainment.
The Art District on Santa Fe is another must-visit, offering the largest concentration of galleries in Colorado. This area boasts everything from traditional art to contemporary masterpieces in the various galleries, a true gem for art lovers. While the Art District on Santa Fe also partakes in the first Friday event, for a more intimate experience, every third Friday of the month offers collector preview events, with a chance to explore new exhibits and meet the artists.
The Denver Art Museum is one of the top things to do in Denver, housing one of the largest collections of Indigenous Arts in America. This instantly recognisable building invites you to savour some of the best art exhibitions in Colorado, offering a true sense of the Denver art scene.
Get Your Grub On
Denver is one of the top foodie destinations in Colorado, offering up a bevy of fantastic foodie feasts. The city is home to three Michelin star awarded restaurants that will tantalise your tastebuds from the moment you arrive. A further four Denver restaurants are on the Guide’s Bib Gourmand selection, meaning fantastic food quality with good prices, so don’t worry if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, there are options for everyone. Michelin also recommends a further 15 restaurants, deeming them the best for high quality dishes, made with pristine ingredients.
Creative Craft Beers
If you have a passion for craft beer, a trip to Denver could be just what you need. This city is a craft beer paradise, offering visitors the chance to discover local breweries and taste some of the most distinctive craft beers around. With over 100 brewpubs, taprooms, and craft breweries scattered throughout the Denver metro area, it’s easy to see why Denver is considered one of the premier beer cities in the US.
Explore the Outdoors
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a must while on holiday in Denver. These stunning gardens are full to the brim with various themes, offering a fun day discovering the local flora. Expanding over 23 acres, the Denver Botanic Gardens are the ideal place for families to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Plus, the onsite amphitheatre hosts some fantastic concerts throughout the year, so keep an eye out for the schedule while on holiday in Denver.
The Garden of the Gods is one of the top registered National Natural Landmarks in North America. Only 1.5 hours from Denver, this stunning site is an absolute must while on holiday in Denver. Made up of over 300 sandstone rock formations, the expansive landscape, with a backdrop of the bluest skies and Pikes Peak, is a true nature lovers’ playground.
Situated just 25 minutes from Denver, the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a top attraction for music lovers. This fantastic amphitheatre hosts some of the world’s biggest stars, from One Republic to Ed Sheeran. Adding to this list are some of history’s greatest artists, including the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, John Denver, and many more. This legendary stage offers a night you truly won’t forget, so check out what shows are on while you’re on a Denver holiday. The visitors centre is also a must, featuring a load of memorabilia and a trip down the secret tunnel of signatures, featuring some of the biggest performers to grace the stage.
Denver and Beyond – Discover the National Parks
A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is a must while in the city, providing a perfect chance to appreciate wildlife, embark on hikes, or bike through the gorgeous landscapes. Denver’s winter is perfect for skiing trips into the Rocky Mountains, with its status as the largest après-ski town, making it an ideal destination for various winter sports. Situated only 1.5 hours from the city, Denver is the perfect base for your Rocky Mountain adventure. You need to book a timeslot for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, which is always best to do ahead of time. We highly recommend the Rockies to the Red Rocks with Rocky Mountaineer to truly experience all the Rocky Mountains and beyond have to offer on one epic train adventure.
For a more tranquil national park experience, head to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a 5 hour drive from Denver. Here, you can experience the true essence of tranquillity. The vast expanse made up of black volcanic rock offers some sensational hiking trails and rock climbing adventures. If you’re looking for one of the most Instagrammable places in Colorado, look no further than Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with its pristine beauty and tranquil landscapes.
History hunters, Mesa Verde National Park might be just what the doctor ordered. Situated 6.5 hours drive from Denver, the park is home to more than 600 cave dwellings that once housed the Ancestral Pueblo people. The guided tours of these dwellings are simply sensational, inviting you on a journey to the past. There are tours to some of the more famous sites, including Cliff Palace, which once housed over 100 people, but they fill up pretty quickly, so be sure to book in advance. All this before even getting to the incredible natural landscapes, inviting you to hike and explore this amazing UNESCO World Heritage site.
Adventure seekers are in for a treat at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, a world of adventure awaits. Grab a sandboard and head down the dunes, or take a trip to the creek after the winter months for a day of ultimate tubing. If stargazing is on your Denver holiday to do list, the preserve is a certified International Dark Sky Park. While around 4 hours away from Denver, the park is easy to reach thanks to the 26 byways of Colorado, with over 50% having electric car charging stations.
Explore More of Denver with American Holidays
There is so much to do and see on holiday in Denver. Luckily, your Personal Travel Planner is on call to help you plan the ultimate Denver holiday, giving you the chance to discover more. Contact us today to discuss your dream holiday!
