Things To Do in Denver – Best Attractions
Denver is one of the oldest cities in America and dates back to the Old West. It’s the capital of the state of Colorado. The bustling city is famous for featuring landmark historical buildings, a lively art scene, rich culture, and the overall climate. Located close to the Rocky Mountains, Mile High city has a vibrant atmosphere and a plethora of attractions and fun activities.
Denver is one of America’s most popular and densely populated cities, and people and tourists have flocked to the city since the late 1800s. Whether you’re into art, wildlife, beer, history, or the great outdoors, the Mile High City is a great place to visit, with no shortage of fun things to do.
And yes, beer! Denver is one of the most important cities on the great American Beer Trail. Every craft beer enthusiast knows the Great American Beer Festival is the Superbowl of all things beer, and this Southwestern city hosts the annual event produced by the Brewer’s Association!
Attractions in Denver
Join us as we explore some of the best attractions in Denver, and maybe add some to your bucket list!
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is Denver’s oldest block and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States. The lively and bustling hub, chock full of beautiful sights and sounds, is the city’s beating heart. Larimer Square holds cultural and historical significance, and it is Denver’s first historic district that was refurbished to restore its characteristic 19th-century buildings.
Larimer Square is an elegant block that spans the length of a street and is chock full of art galleries, shops, fine dining restaurants, boutiques, and bars. A visit to Denver without seeing the historic city block is a visit gone to waste!
Clyfford Still Museum
Named after the world-renowned abstract expressionist, the Clyfford Still Museum is one of the best attractions in Denver, Colorado. Plus, it’s only a two-minute walk from the Denver Art Museum, which means you can tick off both places in one day!
The museum features 3200 artworks by Clyfford Still, including early sketches from the 1920s and his canvas masterpieces. This is Denver’s way of honoring the legacy of one of the most influential painters of the 20th century!
Red Rocks Amphitheater
The Red Rocks Amphitheater is the perfect place for people who love social interaction and beautiful outdoor events. It’s a live music venue and a city park and is one of the most popular attractions in Denver.
Red Rocks Amphitheater hosts some of the best live music performances and movie screenings that you can enjoy. The design and structure itself are a sight to behold! Even if you’re not one for live shows and social interaction, Red Rocks Amphitheater is an aesthetically pleasing attraction that can also be visited for the beautiful sandstone formations around the trails!
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the best art museums in the entire state! From its unique architectural design to the vast art collection, everything about this place is focused on art and aesthetics.
The main building opened in 1971 and was designed by famous Italian architect Gio Ponti. Denver Art Museum expanded in 2006, adding the Hamilton Building. The eye-catching design of the building is the result of architect Daniel Libeskind’s creative genius.
The museum has an extensive art collection spanning works from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. It even features Native American galleries that host breathtaking artworks covering the cultures, tribes, and 2000 years of American Indian history.
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
If you’re a sucker for scenery, you must visit Mt. Evans Scenic Byway on Colorado Highway 5. It’s the highest mountain road in the U.S and has a whopping elevation of 14,130 feet above sea level! The scenic byway takes you on a beautiful joyride from Echo Lake’s Highway 103 to the top of Summit Lake road.
The road is closed in the winters but open throughout the summers. There are even stopping points along the way for you to get out and enjoy the scenery. You can also spot wildlife as the height increases. At the top of the summit, you will be treated to magical panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lush green valley below.
Make sure you bring your camera along to take some Insta-worthy pictures!
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens are another necessary entry for nature lovers. They’re one of the best attractions in Denver if you love the peace and calm that accompany greenery and nature. It’s a beautiful movie-like oasis that spans 24-acres of land next to Cheesman Park.
Denver Botanic Gardens is one of America’s most extensive botanic gardens and consists of 43 individual gardens which feature sculptures, ponds, and plants from all over the world.
Visiting the Japanese Garden is a must if you’re familiar with ancient Japanese artworks and movies depicting Edo-era scenery. Other featured gardens include Marnie’s Pavilion, the Boettcher Memorial Conservatory, and the Mordecai Children’s Garden. While you’re there, check out famous sculptor Deborah Butterfield’s iconic horse piece made out of wood and the Colorado glass sculpture made using over 1000 hand-blown red-yellow glass pieces by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Coors Field
Coors Field is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team and one of the best attractions in Denver. Visit the 76-acre stadium for a fun day out with the family. You could see a game while enjoying hotdogs and beer or bring the family for a tour!
Tours are an excellent way to learn more about the inner workings of the stadium, cool facts, and historical significance, and they only last for an hour or two. Watching a game is a whole other ballpark. Grab a seat along the first baseline and witness the might of the Rocky Mountains in the distance. The stadium offers some of the best views in the city and makes for one of the most fun places to visit.
Colorado State Capitol
Colorado State Capitol is the home of the state’s General Assembly and the office of the Governor. The building is based on Neoclassical architectural style and is made of Colorado white granite. The 250-feet-high distinctive dome is famous for its crown of gold – a gift from Colorado gold miners in 1908.
The Capitol building is a treat for architecture lovers and offers a close look at a combination of different styles and designs. The floors of the building were made using yule marble. You can also book a free tour to catch up on Denver’s history or closely admire the gold and granite architecture.
Moreover, you can also put Denver’s mile-high claim to the test by checking out the granite steps that lead up to the building itself. The thirteenth step on the west side of the building will put you exactly one mile above sea level – hence Denver’s claim for being the Mile High City.
There’s a viewing platform on the drum of the throne that treats you to a breathtaking view of Denver’s skyline and the bustling city life below. The Colorado State Capitol is one of the best attractions in Denver and a must-visit for any tourist. If you’re interested in taking mesmerizing pictures of the city skyline, visiting the viewing platform around dawn or sunset is the best idea.
Honorary Mentions
Denver is loaded with attractions and fun-filled activities, and we can’t end this article without making a few honorary mentions that are just as important as the attractions above.
Denver Zoo
It is one of the most popular attractions in Denver, with a significant role in wildlife conservation efforts. It was founded in the late 1800s and remains active to this day. Visit for a chance to observe animal species ranging from polar bears from the arctic to Amur Tigers from Slavic Europe!
Denver Mint
The establishment was a branch of the National Mint, established during Colorado’s mining heyday to mint coins. Today, the Denver Mint is one of the best attractions in Denver and a vital relic of the past. As such, it mints coins and doubles as a museum for people to learn about Colorado’s gold rush days and mining legacy!
Union Station
Words can’t do justice to the century-old Union Station – the standing legacy of Colorado’s gold rush days. The renovated landmark is one of the most popular attractions in Europe and also functions as a public transit station.
Additionally, the Union Station also serves as an entertainment center where you can grab a bite with your friends or go for a couple of drinks down at the vintage Cooper Lounge. Like the Denver Mint and Colorado State Capitol, the Union Station is a proud historical landmark of Colorado’s colorful past and a must-visit for all newcomers.
We kept one of the best attractions in Denver for the last to end this article on a historical note. We hope you liked reading about the popular attractions in Denver and decide to visit Mile High City in the future. And remember to head out and explore more sites on your own because, at the end of the day, that’s what traveling is all about!
Things To Do in Lancaster