Figuring out what things to do in Denver can feel overwhelming when the city and the mountains both have so much to offer.
Short visits, changing weather, and a long list of Denver attractions make it easy to waste time on tourist traps or miss local favorites.
This post cuts through the noise with nine carefully chosen picks that balance outdoor adventure, museums, food and family-friendly options.
Each recommendation includes practical tips for timing, transit, and budget-friendly alternatives (yes, free options are covered).
By the end, you’ll discover exactly where to go, what to skip, and how to plan a weekend or week in Denver that actually feels well spent.
What makes Denver special for visitors
Denver is the Mile High City that mixes lively urban culture with quick mountain access. I spent five days exploring downtown, hiking nearby trails, and sampling local breweries—and that combo defines the best things to do in Denver for many travelers.
You can do Denver sightseeing at museums and then join a trailhead the same afternoon. I visited Union Station Denver for coffee and Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver for sunrise yoga.
The city sits at 5,280 feet and sees over 300 sunny days per year, which helps outdoor activities Denver thrive. For things to do in downtown Denver, try Larimer Square, the food halls, and late-night live music.
Outdoor options span easy Denver hiking trails to full-day mountain routes within a one-hour drive. Free things to do in Denver include parks, public art, and seasonal street festivals that I found lively and affordable.
At NomadEveryday, we recommend splitting your visit: one urban day focused on museums, breweries, and dining, and one mountain day for hiking or scenic drives. Pack layers, a small daypack, and walking shoes to handle city streets and higher-elevation trails with ease.
9 best Denver attractions you shouldn’t miss
Experience Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks is the most memorable Denver attraction for live shows and sunrise yoga. It sits at 6,450-foot elevation and uses sandstone walls for natural acoustics.
I saw a concert here and the sound filled the bowl perfectly—no speakers needed. Red Rocks ranks high among things to do in Denver.
At NomadEveryday, we book tickets early and arrive two hours before showtime to secure parking and good spots.
- Bring a warm layer for cool, windy nights
- Walk the short trails for stunning views before sunset
- Consider a guided tour or yoga session for sunrise (book here: Red Rocks tours)
Visiting Red Rocks makes Denver sightseeing feel uniquely alive. Plan for parking and enjoy the music.
Explore RiNo street art and murals
RiNo street art ranks as a top pick for things to do in Denver for art lovers. I mapped more than 40 murals during a two-hour walk. The work covers alleys, brewery walls, and converted warehouses.
At NomadEveryday, we start tours at the El Milagro mural—which recently hosted a celebration at Arkins Park honoring Clinica Tepeyac. Walk east along Larimer to spot dense clusters of new pieces.
I recommend a late afternoon visit for warm light and fewer crowds. The monthly First Fridays Art Walks bring artists, vendors, and short performances that change the mood of the streets (and they’re completely free).
Go by foot or rented bike to slow down and notice detail. Free street viewing makes this one of the best free things to do in Denver. If you like offbeat art walks, see our offbeat things to do in Chicago guide for similar ideas.
Walking reveals small works you miss from a car, so plan a two-hour loop and stay flexible.
Visit City Park and its attractions
City Park is a must-visit for things to do in Denver. It spans about 330 acres east of downtown.
The Denver Zoo houses over 4,000 animals across diverse habitats. I spent three hours and saw big cats, primates, and colorful birds. Ever watched a snow leopard stalk its enclosure from just three feet away? It’s mesmerizing.
At NomadEveryday, we recommend the Museum of Nature & Science for families and adults. The museum pairs fossil halls—including incredible T-Rex exhibits—with an IMAX theater for immersive learning.
Trails loop around lakes and offer clear skyline views perfect for photos. You can picnic, run short Denver hiking trails, or rent a paddleboat.
A morning visit gives the best light and fewer crowds. That makes it ideal for family things to do in Denver or romantic things to do in Denver. Two to four hours covers the zoo and museum, but you can extend the visit for a picnic or a longer hike.
Stroll Larimer Square and Union Station
At NomadEveryday, we recommend a stroll through Larimer Square and a visit to Union Station Denver.
Larimer Square captures Denver charm with historic brick and lively storefronts. I counted seven notable restaurants and about a dozen boutiques on one short block. The string lights at night? Pure magic.
Union Station feels like the city’s living room with a packed food hall vibe. The station hosts about a dozen vendors, bars, a hotel lobby, and frequent events.
Combining both spots makes for easy evening plans in downtown Denver. I suggest arriving around 6 p.m. for happy hour and lighter crowds, based on my visits.
This pair ranks high among my favorite Denver attractions for families and romantic outings. See more urban ideas on our things to do in Seattle guide.
Tour Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a peaceful urban oasis that I recommend highly for visitors. I toured five themed areas in about 90 minutes and left with fresh ideas for outdoor activities.
The plant variety and layout make this one of the top things to do in Denver for calm mornings. At NomadEveryday, we joined a small sunrise yoga class on the terrace and watched light hit the rock displays. The session lasted 45 minutes and felt restorative.
The children’s Mordecai Garden is hands-on and perfect for family things to do in Denver with kids. Seasonal displays change monthly, so repeat visits stay fresh.
If you want relaxed Denver sightseeing near downtown, plan 60–120 minutes here. Bring water, wear layers, and check event hours before you go.
Catch a game at Coors Field or Ball Arena
Denver offers a thrilling pro sports vibe worth experiencing. I sat in the outfield at Coors Field and watched a home run fly farther because of Mile High altitude—the ball just keeps going.
At NomadEveryday, we recommend booking a stadium tour for behind-the-scenes access and locker room views. Coors Field hosts the Rockies; Ball Arena hosts the Nuggets and Avalanche.
The Denver sports scene feels loud, fast, and local on game night. I put live sports near the top of my list of things to do in Denver. Game nights rank among the best things to do in downtown Denver for families and couples.
Buy tickets early for weekend games and try an upper-deck seat for skyline views. If you enjoy stadium tours, check our best things to do in San Antonio post for similar venue tips.
Evening games capture downtown energy and make for memorable nights. Rockies baseball games stretch into long summer evenings and Ball Arena tours reveal courtside access and ice-level views.
Discover Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium Denver is one of the best things to do in Denver for families and marine fans. I spent 90 minutes moving through tanks and touch exhibits. The stingray touch tank stood out—feeling those smooth wings glide under your hand is unforgettable.
The mermaid show runs about 12 minutes and draws a cheerful crowd. I loved the choreography and the storytelling. The aquarium galleries offer interactive marine experiences that highlight local and tropical ecosystems.
This makes it a top pick for indoor activities Denver. At NomadEveryday, we suggest visiting on weekday afternoons to avoid lines and make the most of each exhibit.
Stingray petting plus close shark viewing creates lasting memories for kids and adults. Buy timed tickets online to skip the kiosk lines. Expect a 90–120 minute visit to see main exhibits, catch a show, and enjoy a meal.
Walk the 16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall captures Denver’s lively downtown spirit. I walked the full 1.25-mile promenade and timed the free MallRide at about five minutes between stops.
I saw street performers every few blocks, plus dozens of storefronts and eateries. The mix of shopping and dining makes it ideal for short strolls or longer afternoons. The energy here gives an honest feel of Denver attractions.
At NomadEveryday, we start at Union Station and walk south. Browse boutiques. Grab coffee. Catch a quick performance. Hop the free shuttle back if your feet need a break.
The mall stays lively past dusk with lights and music. Street performers often draw small crowds at night. It ranks high among family things to do in Denver and romantic things to do in Denver—a great option for things to do in Denver this weekend.
Experience Denver’s brewery scene
At NomadEveryday, we rank Denver’s brewery scene as a top Denver attraction. I visited eight taprooms in two days and counted more than 150 breweries across the metro.
Follow the Denver beer trail for stops like Great Divide, Wynkoop, Ratio Beerworks, and Prost Brewing. Taprooms reveal local life and community. They host trivia, seasonal cans, and food trucks that shape neighborhood vibe.
Try a flight to taste four styles fast. This makes sampling one of the best things to do in Denver this weekend or at night.
Start in RiNo for bold IPAs and downtown for easy walks between breweries. Taproom tours work well for family things to do in Denver or things to do in downtown Denver with friends. Plus, the craft beer culture here is second to none.
Best day trips from Denver
Denver makes a perfect base for dramatic day trips. I drove to each spot over three weekends and logged drive times so you get realistic plans.
At NomadEveryday, we map routes, test timing, and note crowd patterns for quick decision making.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain National Park | 70 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes | Bring layers; sunrise trail for elk viewing |
| Garden of the Gods | 70 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes | Go early; parking fills by midday |
| Pikes Peak Cog Railway | 60 miles | 1 hour 20 minutes | Book rail tickets in advance; thin air at summit |
| Castle Rock zip-lining | 40 miles | 45 minutes | Closed-toe shoes; reserve weekend slots |
Those four trips show why Denver sightseeing pairs city life with easy mountain access. If you plan a longer western route, check best places to stay in Salt Lake City for overnight options.
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Where can I find free things to do in Denver
Denver has excellent no-cost options for visitors. I say that after three trips over 18 months where I tested routes on foot and by transit.
At NomadEveryday, we map out practical routes and verify access so you can plan low-cost Denver sightseeing with confidence.
- First Fridays Art Walks: Join events in RiNo and Santa Fe for gallery openings and street performers that cost nothing to enjoy
- Colorado State Capitol tours run free; expect a guided visit of about 45 minutes that covers history and the Mile High marker
- Denver hiking trails: Walk dozens of miles inside city parks and nearby foothills for skyline views and mountain access without a fee
- Stroll RiNo murals and the 16th Street Mall for easy, no-cost outdoor culture in downtown Denver
- Check museum calendars for free museum days at local institutions and plan visits on those dates to save on entry fees
You can design a full weekend of things to do in Denver with minimal spending. My advice: pick two neighborhoods, walk them, and use parks and public art as main attractions. You’ll see why Denver feels both urban and outdoorsy for little or no cost.
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Best time to visit Denver for activities
I recommend late spring and early fall as the best times to visit Denver for activities. I say that from visits in May and September when crowds felt 30–50% smaller and hotel rates fell about 20% compared with July.
Spring (March–May) brings mild days in the 50s–70s and blooming trails. It suits Denver hiking trails and free things to do in Denver with kids.
Summer (June–August) delivers warm days near 85–90°F and festival energy. Expect higher prices and busy Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver concert nights. But the vibe? Absolutely electric.
Fall (September–October) gives crisp air, clear views and fewer crowds. I found weekday hiking trails nearly empty and Denver breweries less packed.
Winter (December–February) favors ski trips and snow sports within an hour of the city. City museums and indoor activities Denver offer quiet afternoons and lower hotel rates midweek.
At NomadEveryday, we prefer late September for clear skies, lower rates and easier parking at Union Station and Larimer Square. Booking shoulder-season weekdays gives the best value.
Aim for Tuesday–Thursday stays and plan outdoor activities after 9 a.m. to adjust to altitude. Quick tip: prioritize the activity that matters most—book Red Rocks shows early, reserve brewery tours, and save Rocky Mountain day trips for clear-weather windows.
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