10 Denver Itineraries for Every Type of Traveler
Denver, Colorado is equal parts cosmopolitan city and mountain oasis. This makes it easily accessible no matter when you visit, and trust us, the calendar is packed with action year-round. Whether you're craving outdoor adventures or cultural richness, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the next top artist in the city's vibrant music scene, explore historical landmarks, or savor Denver's culinary delights. These itineraries are suitable for every type of traveler, so whether you're traveling alone, with a partner or have the whole family along for the ride, you'll experience the Mile High City in all its glory.
01 Exploring Denver in a day
Just passing through? Denver has a lot to offer you. Spend the day exploring the city's top attractions, such as the awe-inspiring Denver Botanic Gardens. This lush 24-acre park boasts over 18 unique gardens that showcase the city's striking plants and flowers. From ornamental gardens to conifers and conservation, beauty will surround you. Next, visit historic Larimer Square, where former saloons have transformed into lively shops, restaurants, and wine bars. Finished? Head to Red Rocks Ampitheatre to end the night with a concert. The 9,525 seat theater boasts a panoramic backdrop of ancient rock formations and routinely hosts the top names in music.
02 Three-day mile high adventure
Spend the next three days immersing yourself in city life. First up? Head to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which dates back to 1868. Today, you can explore mysteries of the ice age up close as you pass by displays with wooly mammoths and American lions. Discover anthropology, geology, paleontology, and zoology all under one roof. Next, head to the home of the Rockies as you watch Denver's champion baseball team hit one out of the park at Coors Field. Over the next couple of days, plan a road trip to nearby natural landmarks such as Golden Gate Canyon, Guanella Pass, and the Peak to Peak Byway.
03 A week of wonders in Denver
A week gives you ample time to explore Denver at your leisure, so work your way through the city's many diverse neighborhoods to find your vibe. Spend some time shopping in lively Cherry Creek, or make your way to a bustling cocktail bar or up-and-coming restaurant in Highland. Pack your bags because you could easily spend a full day (or two, or three) at museums such at the Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, and Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Finish your trip with breathtaking views of nature at the one and only Rocky Mountain National Park.
04 Romantic Denver retreat
Denver is renowned for its world-class cuisine, so make a date and set the mood at one of the city's premier restaurants. You'll find nearly every type of cuisine within the city limits, whether you're craving casual fare or fine dining. After your romantic dinner, talk a walk through the Denver Botanic Gardens and take a close-up glimpse of gorgeous plants ranging from the alpine to the aquatic. Round out the night with a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
05 Denver business trip with a twist
Regardless of trip length, it's time to combine business with pleasure. Take a quick tour of the city so you can identify hot spots to enjoy your stay. Spend relaxing evenings at Denver Union Station, which boasts some of the city's top bars and restaurants. Have a sweet tooth? Curb cravings with spekukloos cookies and award-winning Belgian hot cocoa at Wafels & Dinges. In the mood for tapas and a quick cocktail? Try James Beard award-winning Ultreia.
06 Family fun in the Mile High City
Vacationing with the kids? Bring them to the Denver Zoo and prepare for a day filled with smiles. Animal talks, demonstrations and events enhance your experience as you meet lions, tigers, bears, and dozens of other species — over 3,000, in fact. Once you've met the animals, try your hand at the many interactive exhibits showcased at Space Odyssey or the Denver Selfie Museum.
07 Event-driven Denver experience
Prepare for an action-packed vacation because there's always something going on in the Mile High City. Cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field; they play from the end of February through October, so there's plenty of time to catch a game. Music lovers will feel right at home among the ancient structures at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and with the top names in rock, pop, jazz, blues, and other genres all performing, there's truly something for everyone on the itinerary. If the weather's right, take your seat at a seasonal festival such as Summer on the Streets, Summer Brewfest, or the Denver Summer Whiskey Tasting Festival.
08 Senior-friendly discoveries
Denver is a senior-friendly city, so you can enjoy a trip that's both comfortable and accessible. Explore the Molly Brown House Museum, which is where famous Titanic survivor the Unsinkable Molly Brown called home. Shop and dine at historic Larimer Square, which used to house the saloons and ruckus of the Old West. Visit the Colorado State Capital, then take a gentle walk through Four Mile Historic Park. Once you've finished exploring the city, take a scenic drive to view nature in all its glory. Drives are especially beautiful in Fall, when beautiful foliage lines every street.
09 Solo traveler's Denver journey
You don't need to have a whole crew to enjoy the Mile High City. Traveling alone means less lines and more time to explore, so why not start out with a self-guided tour? With dozens of options to choose from, you can wind your way through the city on your own time. Explore unique neighborhoods such as RiNo, where you'll meet a plethora of colorful characters while discovering premier shopping, dining, and drinking. This trendy River North neighborhood houses the city's art district, so you'll find a variety of engaging art galleries and music venues, brewpubs, bars, and late night food trucks. It's the perfect place to meet locals while having a blast.
10 Cultural deep dive in Denver
Denver has a lively art scene to explore, so if you've come for art galleries and museums, you'll be extremely satisfied with what the city has on offer. View contemporary favorites at Plinth Gallery, Space Gallery, and the Dikeou Collection. Discover world-renowned works at the Denver Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, or Kirkland Museum of Fine Art. Craving a performance instead? There's always time for theater at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Ogden Theater, or Landmark Mayan Theater. This trip will keep you busy, but you'll get a great glimpse of all the city's cultural offerings.
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