So you're heading to the Mile High City and wondering about the best things to do around Denver Colorado? Let's cut straight to it – I've explored every corner of this region for years, and I'll give it to you straight. Forget the generic lists. Whether you're craving mountain air or urban energy, here's what actually delivers.
Must-See Denver Attractions
First-time visitors always ask me about Denver staples. These spots consistently deliver:
Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
Just 10 miles northeast of downtown (8600 Gateway Rd, Commerce City), this wildlife sanctuary surprises most visitors. Free entry sunrise to sunset. Last time I went, bison blocked the road for 20 minutes – bring binoculars!
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Visitor Center Hours | Wed-Sun 9am-4pm (Closed Mon-Tue) |
| Best Time to Visit | Dawn/dusk for wildlife sightings |
| My Tip | Download the audio tour app before going (cell service spotty) |
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Even without concerts, hiking trails offer insane city views. The visitor center (open daily 8am-7pm) has killer coffee. Parking costs $10 on event days but otherwise free.
Beyond the City: Mountain Escapes
Denver's real magic lies in its backyard. These are my top picks for things to do around Denver Colorado in the mountains:
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
America's highest paved road (14,130 ft). $15 vehicle fee, open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pro tip: Go before 8am to avoid thunderstorms. Last July, I saw mountain goats 3 feet from my car!
| Drive Time from Denver | Attraction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 60 mins | Idaho Springs | Historic mining town with hot springs |
| 75 mins | St. Mary's Glacier | 1.5-mile hike to year-round snowfield |
| 90 mins | Georgetown Loop Railroad | Historic steam train ($35 adult) |
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden. $10 daily pass. Panorama Point overlook made me gasp first visit. Camping spots book months ahead.
Urban Adventures in Denver Proper
When mountain fatigue hits, Denver's neighborhoods deliver unique vibes:
RiNo Art District
Street art central between Larimer and Walnut. Free walking tours Saturdays at 10am. Honestly, some murals are overhyped – focus near 27th & Larimer for the best ones.
My favorite Saturday ritual: Grab coffee at Crema (2862 Larimer St), browse Ratio Beerworks' patio, then catch live jazz at Nocturne Jazz Club ($15 cover).
Denver Central Market
2669 Larimer St. Open 7am-9pm daily. Skip touristy Union Station and come here for legit local flavors. Culture Meat & Cheese's sandwiches? Worth every penny of the $14 price tag.
Free Things to Do Around Denver Colorado
Budget constraints? No problem:
- First Fridays Art Walks: Santa Fe Drive galleries open 6-9pm with free wine
- City Park Jazz: Sunday evening concerts June-August (bring picnic blanket)
- Colorado State Capitol Tour: Free 60-min tours (Mon-Fri 10am-3pm)
Seasonal Activities Breakdown
What to do depends heavily on timing:
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Loveland Ski Area (exit 216 on I-70) offers $89 lift tickets – cheaper than Vail. Ice skating at Downtown Rink (free if you bring skates).
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Concert season at Red Rocks. Water tubing in Clear Creek Canyon ($20 rentals in Golden). Farmers markets everywhere – South Pearl Street's is my favorite.
Family-Friendly Finds
Traveling with kids? These work every time:
- Denver Zoo: $24 adult tickets. Get there at opening to see active animals.
- Children's Museum: $17 admission. Wednesday nights $3 after 4pm.
- Lakeside Amusement Park: Old-school charm with $4.75 ride tickets.
Foodie Experiences You Can't Miss
Denver's food scene punches above its weight:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Buckhorn Exchange (1000 Osage St) | Rocky Mountain Oysters | $$$ (Historic but touristy) |
| El Five (2930 Umatilla St) | Mediterranean small plates | $$$ (Views worth it) |
| Steve's Snappin' Dogs (3525 E Colfax) | Wild Boar Dog | $ (Best quick bite) |
Local insight: Skip Voodoo Doughnuts – lines are ridiculous. Head to Habit Doughnut Dispensary in RiNo instead.
Day Trip Destinations
When you need to escape the city:
Boulder (30 mins NW)
Pearl Street Mall street performers. Chautauqua hiking trails. $2.50 RTD bus from Denver Union Station.
Fort Collins (1hr North)
Budweiser tour (free samples!). Horsetooth Reservoir swimming. New Belgium Brewery reservations essential.
Things to Do Around Denver Colorado: FAQ Section
Let's tackle common questions I get:
What's the best free activity near Denver?
Hiking Lookout Mountain. Drive up Lariat Loop from Golden. Sunset views beat any paid attraction.
Where can I experience real Colorado culture?
Wednesday night rodeos at the Stock Show Complex (Jun-Aug). Grab $15 general admission tickets. Smells like leather and horses – authentic.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
Hydrate like it's your job. Skip alcohol first 24 hours. I learned this the hard way after collapsing at 14,000 ft.
Best scenic drive within 2 hours?
Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Requires $30 park pass but unbeatable vistas.
Offbeat Gems Most Guides Miss
For those seeking unique things to do around Denver Colorado:
- Casa Bonita (6715 W Colfax): Reopened after renovation. $25 includes mediocre Mexican food but cliff divers!
- International Church of Cannabis (400 S Logan St): $15 laser light shows in psychedelic chapel.
- Forney Museum of Transportation: Over 600 vehicles including Amelia Earhart's car.
Practical Considerations
Stuff you really need to know:
Getting Around
RTD light rail covers most tourist zones. $3 regional day pass beats Uber for airport trips. Parking? Nightmare downtown – use SpotHero app to reserve spots.
Weather Prep
Afternoon thunderstorms are routine July-August. Always pack layers – 40° temperature swings happen. My hiking pack always has rain shell and sunscreen.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the hardest part about things to do around Denver Colorado is choosing. One trip I focused solely on breweries (150+ within metro area). Next time, mountain towns stole the show. My advice? Pick one region per day. Trying to cram in both mountains and city activities leads to exhaustion and missed moments. Give yourself permission to linger where the vibe feels right. That hidden speakeasy behind the bookcase? Worth ditching the itinerary for.