Top 10 Things to Do in Denver, Colorado If You Can't Sit Still
Updated: Jul 24
If you’re looking for a destination with a plethora of adventurous activities and a beautiful backdrop, Denver should be next on your list. Nestled beneath the vibrant Rocky Mountains, Denver truly has it all. From cute downtown shopping and bike-beer tours, to hikes with out-of-this-world views.
With summer rapidly approaching, Denver has a multitude of offerings to appease the "can’t-sit-still traveler". Here are just a few of our recommendations for things to do next time you're in Denver:
1. Bikes+Brewery tour= the best thing since sliced bread
Did you know going to a brewery in Denver could be a workout too? Bike n’ brew is the most convenient way to brewery hop, but also sip a cold one on the way! Head to the RINO district and check out the most productive way to tour and taste the many local breweries Denver has to offer.
2. Union Station for Breakfast?
Union Station, the old and new train station, is a great way to arrive or leave the city, be sure to check out the shops and restaurants inside. Snooze AM Eatery is a CO brunch must!
3. Wander around Larimer Square
Not far from Union Station, in the center of downtown Denver, Larimer Square is blocked off from cars to give pedestrians full access to the shops, restaurants and bars in the heart of the city. For a magical night in Denver, we suggest taking a stroll around the square at dusk to watch the twinkle lights illuminate the square, and end your night sipping a glass of bubbles on the patio of the champagne bar, Corridor 44.
4. Don't forget to some peanuts and cracker jacks
Are you a baseball fan? Check out the Rockies MLB schedule and score a crazy cheap ticket, sometimes as low as 5 big ones!! if your lucky, they might even have fireworks at the end…
5. Take in some nature
Looking for a little nature? The Denver Botanic Gardens make you forget you are in the middle of a city. Prepare to feel like the main character in a fairytale with all the exquisite gardens, pristine sculptures, and curated walking paths. Some of our favorite summer activities in the gardens are rocking out to the various concerts, taking a stroll, or planning picnic in the late afternoon sun. With the combined aroma of your surroundings and all the beautiful sights to see, learning about botany has never been such a serene experience.
6. Red Rock out!
Seeing a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater is an epic experience you can't pass up. Carved, literally, into the red rocks in Morrison, the ampitheater is about a 40 minute drive west of the city. Even without a show going on, the Red Rocks are still breathtaking.
No matter what time of day you're planning to visit, the world famous amphitheater has something to offer. If you’re an early bird, it is the perfect sunrise spot with the red light cascading on the city. If your feeling antsy and need a workout, head up in the middle of the day and join in a Yoga on the Rocks Class or create your own stadium workout. Be warned, there is 145 steps from the stage to the top and the amphitheater sits at over 6,000 feet above sea level, A.K.A be prepared to be winded.
And of course, if you are a music lover and time your trip right, you can attend a dream concert under the summer stars.
7. Foodie? Goodie!
Denver has a multitude of up-and-coming food blocks around the city. Our favorites are Milk Market at the Dairy Block, Denver Central Market in Rhino, and Avanti in the Highlands. Don’t miss out on the local artisan shops and art galleries in these funky neighborhoods too.
8. Take a hike
Some of the best hiking in the front range is less than an hour outside of Denver. Drive up to Boulder and hike the famous Flatirons, or Lookout Mountain. Both hikes have trail options depending what level of hike you're up to.
9. Check out the view
Want to challenge yourself? Pikes Peak (one of Colorado’s many 14,000 feet peaks) has a mile-long entrance to the mountain. It is called the Incline. It is a lot of steps and it's pretty dang hard. Once you get to the top though, the view is really the ultimate reward, oh and the bragging rights are nice too.
10. Cool down at the lake!
Craving for some water adventures in the landlocked state? Not to worry, drive just west of the city to the Soda Lakes and rent a paddleboard for the day or just relax by the lake.