Denver is the state capital of Colorado and a vibrant city known for its art, food, and culture. It’s the perfect destination for tourists who want to experience a little bit of everything.
The “mile-high city” boasts a number of things for travelers to see and do. It’s the home of the Ball Arena (formerly called the Pepsi Center), where tourists from all over visit to watch their favorite hockey, professional wrestling and mixed martial arts sports games. And you can’t visit Denver without trying a craft beer from one of the city’s many breweries.
Denver Parks and Recreation
For a more mellow experience, the city is also home to the Denver Botanical Gardens, where guests can take in the sights and smells of its many flower beds. Visitors also love the Byers-Evans House, a historic building where guests can learn about women’s history at the famous History Colorado’s Center for Colorado Women’s History.
Travelers also enjoy driving along Trail Ridge Road to take in panoramic views of its surrounding nature. There’s a good chance you might see a Bighorn sheep along the way. Tourists can also drive just 60 miles west of the city to find the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America.
Food and Beverages
The food in Denver is another reason many people like to visit the city. Steuben’s, located in uptown Denver, is a popular restaurant and bar with an out-of-this-world lobster roll that’s been featured on tv. And at Ace Eat Serve, customers can spend an early afternoon on the outdoor patio as they sip some of the restaurant’s handcrafted cocktails.
If you’re traveling to Denver with limited time, you can still experience all that the city has to offer. There are plenty of historic landmarks, attractions, and destinations to explore during your day trip. There are even some free tours available to help guide you along the way. Here are seven must-see things to do while spending one day in Denver:
1. Become one with nature at Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see destination on many tourists’ to-do lists. It’s known for its adventurous hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and wide variety of tree and plant species. The perfect spot for sightseeing, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts yearly tourists from all over the world.
The park offers a number of activities for guests to enjoy, including guided tours, unique museums and exhibits, and delicious eateries. The waterfall at Chasm Lake is a famous attraction for locals and tourists alike. And the easy hike to Bear Lake provides fantastic views for older guests or families with children.
Although its peak season is from June to September, there’s still a lot to do at the park during the winter months. Many people enjoy winter activities such as cross-country skiing and sledding. And its snow-capped mountains are a sight to behold for tourists who visit the winter wonderland.
2. Explore the galleries at the Denver Art Museum
Art lovers may enjoy the Denver Art Museum, which houses more than 70,000 works of art separated into 12 collections. Their African Art collection celebrates the varied history and culture of the many tribes of Africa. Visitors can get an up-close look at the collection of traditional African instruments, tribal masks, and household items.
Tourists can also learn about the Black Topekans of the 1920s who worked as hotel workers at the Jayhawk Hotel, one of the most fashionable hotels of its time. And fashion enthusiasts will enjoy the museum’s Textile Art and Fashion collection, which includes over 5,000 artworks dating back to the 18th century.
The museum also offers free admission on select days, so don’t forget to check out their official website for more information when planning your visit.
3. Grab a bite to eat in Downtown Denver
Downtown Denver is a mile-long area filled with many fun things to see and do. From art galleries to retail shopping stores, Downtown Denver is one of the best places for tourists to experience the city’s rich culture.
It’s the perfect place for locals and tourists to grab a bite to eat due to its wide selection of eateries. Redeemer Pizza is a popular choice known for its handmade pizzas with sourdough crust. The Denver Central Market is another popular destination that houses several food and drink vendors. There, guests can watch the big game while they enjoy their meal in the laidback communal dining space.
If you have a sweet tooth, check out Wednesday’s Pie located beneath Larimer Square in downtown. The dessert shop features a number of delectable pies, but their whiskey peach pie made with fresh peaches is definitely a fan favorite.
4. Take a stadium tour at Coors Field
Coors Field is a beloved Denver baseball stadium that’s home to the state’s Colorado Rockies team. Fans from everywhere flock to the venue to see their favorite teams play in real-time.
And don’t worry, even if you can’t catch a baseball game, you can still be part of the action. Coors Field offers tours of its stadium to the public during its on and off-season. During the walking tour, a guide ushers tourists through the stadium to learn some interesting facts about its history. Coors Field offers a limited number of tickets for its tours, so it’s important to purchase them in advance to guarantee your entry into the venue.
Of course, you can’t visit Coors Field without having an ice-cold Coors beer. For a taste of history, try a round of beers at The Sandlot Brewery, the first brewery located in a major league ballpark.
5. Smell the roses at Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park is a popular tourist destination known for its lush greenery. The open field houses a variety of natural plants and flowers that are perfect for capturing in photos. In addition, it’s located right beside the Colorado state capitol building, making it a great place to relax after a full morning exploring the historic building.
While the tranquil vibes at the park are a huge draw for many tourists, there are other things to do at the park, too. The city park hosts plenty of public events throughout the year, from its Black Pride festival for LGBT+ members to its Taste of the South fair, which celebrates Southern cuisine and Black culture.
And if you happen to visit on a Thursday, be sure to check out the park’s annual Civic Center Eats celebration to sample from some of the city’s most popular food trucks.
6. Shop luxury brands at 16th street mall
Denver’s 16th Street Mall is an outdoor oasis for those who like to snag a good deal. Filled with a number of casual and luxury stores, the promenade is the best place to find what you’re looking for.
Visitors can take a free shuttle bus called the MallRide throughout the promenade to see all that it has to offer. The buses stop at each corner of the mall so you can take in all of its sights and sounds. Don’t forget to take a picture of the D&F Tower, which was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi.
The mall also offers a selection of fun activities for tourists to enjoy, including breweries, bars, and 12 movie theaters. And if you’re going with your beau, you can take a horse-drawn carriage around the mall for an intimate nighttime experience.
7. Step back in time at Larimer Square
Located in Downtown Denver, Larimer Square is a bustling block lined with historic buildings, from fine dining establishments to designer retail stores.
Larimer Square is a fantastic tourist destination for those who want to learn about the history behind the city. Named after General William Larimer in the 1800s, the square was once a small block between 14th and 15th street. It would later become home to many of the city’s firsts, including its first residence, city hall, and commercial district.
Now, tourists from all over visit the block to experience a part of its history in a modern way. Be sure to visit their official website for a list of special events, including live music, free movie viewings, and beer and wine tastings.
