Sierra DawsonI used to think Denver was all about mountains, beer, and football—that’s it. I mean, I live here and haven’t explored much beyond that.
But then, some friends came to visit from out of town, and of course, they expected me to show them around like some kind of local expert. Suddenly, I had to think back to all the cool places I’ve been.
That little “tour guide” moment became one of the best weekends I’ve had in the city. I didn’t expect to enjoy it all this much, but now I’d happily do everything again. So here’s my go-to list of things to do in Denver that are 100% worth checking out.
- 1. Catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- 2. Take flight at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- 3. Explore the wild at Denver Zoo
- 4. Slow down at Denver Botanic Gardens
- 5. Watch a game at Coors Field
- 6. Go street art spotting in RiNo Art District
- 7. Get nerdy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- 8. Wander the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping District
- 9. Read a book at Tattered Cover Bookstore
- 10. Eat your way through Denver Central Market
1. Catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
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Website: https://www.redrocksonline.com/
Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Contact: +1 720-865-2494
Hours: Open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Pricing: $$
I’ll be honest: Red Rocks Amphitheatre wasn’t just a concert venue for me. It felt more like a natural wonder that happens to host shows, surrounded by massive red sandstone formations.
Located about 10 miles west of Denver in Morrison, this open-air amphitheater has hosted everyone from The Beatles to Billie Eilish. Even if there’s no concert, it’s free to visit during the day, and the views alone are breathtaking.
Concert ticket prices vary greatly, depending on the artists, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to over $200.
Pro Tip:
Bring a stadium cushion or blanket; those stone seats are no joke after an hour or two.
2. Take flight at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
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Website: https://wingsmuseum.org/
Location: 7711 E Academy Blvd
Contact: +1 303-360-5360
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Wings Over the Rockies is a must if you’re into aviation. Set in a historic Air Force hangar at the former Lowry Air Base, the museum houses over 50 aircraft and space vehicles, including a real B-52 bomber and Star Wars X-Wing replica.
Adult tickets cost $19.95, while kids aged 4-6 enter for $11.95 (under four can come in free). The museum also hosts cool events like cockpit days, where you can climb inside select aircraft.
What I loved the most was the simulator experience. It’s $10 extra, but totally worth it if you’ve ever wanted to “fly” a jet. If you’re keen, there’s also a second, more interactive location called “Exploration of Flight” at Centennial Airport.
Pro Tip:
Check Groupon before you go! You can often score impressive discounts, typically 20-30% off the regular ticket prices. It’s a smart way to save on admission.
3. Explore the wild at Denver Zoo
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Website: https://denverzoo.org/
Location: 2300 Steele St
Contact: +1 720-337-1400
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
I’ve visited several zoos in my lifetime, but Denver Zoo always surprises me with how thoughtfully everything is designed. It’s a 90-acre campus inside City Park—home to over 3,000 animals, including lions, elephants, and Komodo dragons.
They also have giraffe encounters and other close-up experiences starting at $35, which is worth it. And if you’re eco-conscious, you’ll love that it’s a certified green attraction with strong sustainability practices.
You can also join night events, such as the Glowing Wild Sensory-Friendly Night (immersive lantern event) and Glowing Wild Adult Nights (a lantern experience without the kids). All these and more may vary by season, so it’s best to check their website.
Pro Tip:
Download the FREE Denver Zoo app here before you visit. It will save you much time navigating and finding the nearest facilities.
4. Slow down at Denver Botanic Gardens
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Website: https://www.botanicgardens.org/
Location: 1007 York St
Contact: +1 720-865-3500
Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Denver Botanic Gardens is my go-to whenever I need a breather in the middle of the city. It’s peaceful and colorful, with over 24 acres of curated flowers from around the world.
You’ll find everything from Japanese gardens to tropical greenhouses and even rotating art exhibits. And speaking of exhibitions, you can check the Habitat Lounge in the Science Pyramid to learn more about animals and plants.
I loved sitting by the Monet Pool, watching the water lilies sway while sipping an iced coffee from Offshoots Cafe—Denver Botanic Gardens’ on-site cafe.
Pro Tip:
you’re there in the summer evening. Entry may cost extra, but the atmosphere is magical.
5. Watch a game at Coors Field
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Website: https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark
Location: 2001 Blake St
Contact: (303) 292-0200
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $$
Even if you’re not a massive baseball fan, catching a game at Coors Field is such a Denver thing. The stadium is smack in LoDo (Lower Downtown), and you get sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains from the upper levels, which are pretty epic during sunset.
I paid $18 for a nosebleed seat and still had a blast, so don’t worry if you’re on a budget. Food and drinks are standard stadium prices (think $6 hot dogs and $12 beers), but you’re here for the vibe, anyway.
You can also book a behind-the-scenes stadium tour for $15, which includes access to the dugout and press box. The tour is only available on non-game days.
Pro Tip:
For the best cheap seats, grab a spot in the Rockpile section (center field) or arrive early and try snagging tickets through game day ticket drops.
6. Go street art spotting in RiNo Art District
Website: https://rinoartdistrict.org/
Location: 1320 27th St G
Hours: Always open
Pricing: $$
The River North Art District, RiNo for short, is like an open-air gallery that changes every few weeks. You can’t walk two blocks without seeing giant murals, graffiti masterpieces, and artists painting in real time.
And trust me when I say you’ll end up joining a $25 guided mural tour on foot, which gives way more context than you’d expect. This tour runs almost daily. If you’re a solo traveler, it’s also a fun way to meet people.
Beyond the street art, the area is full of craft breweries, food trucks, and converted warehouse cafes.
Most galleries and shops are open from 11 AM to 6 PM, but RiNo comes alive on the first Fridays of the month, where music, pop-up markets, and free entry to studios exist.
Pro Tip:
If you’re exploring independently, start around Larimer Street and 26th, then work towards Walnut and Blake. This route takes you through the core of RiNo’s art, food, and culture scene.
7. Get nerdy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
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Website: https://www.dmns.org/
Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd
Contact: +1 303-370-6000
Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has a planetarium, dinosaur fossils, and Egyptian mummies. Besides that, there’s an entire space exhibit where you can geek out for at least 45 minutes.
The IMAX and planetarium show costs an extra $5, and you can book everything online to skip the line. They also have films and shows where you can discover more about black holes, volcanoes, and many other things.
The museum is inside City Park, so you can plan a picnic or zoo visit there afterward. If you’ve got curious kids (or you’re one at heart), this spot is 100% worth the trip.
Pro Tip:
If you visit on a weekday, go around 2 PM when the school groups clear out. It’s much quieter and still gives you a few solid hours before closing.
8. Wander the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping District
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Website: https://shopcherrycreek.com/
Location: Cherry Creek Shopping District, 3000 E 1st Ave
Contact: +1 303-388-3900
Hours: Varies by establishment
Pricing: $$
Cherry Creek might just be Denver’s poshest playground where locals go to splurge, and visitors go to “accidentally” max out their cards.
You’ve got Cherry Creek Mall for big brands and Cherry Creek North for indie boutiques, art galleries, and rooftop brunch spots. Most stores are open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, with later hours on Fridays and weekends.
I explored the Denver Darling Boutique and grabbed a coffee from Aviano before checking out the free outdoor art scattered across the district. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s a fun area to walk around.
Pro Tip:
Visit on Saturday morning when the Cherry Creek Fresh Market is on (seasonal, April-November). You’ll find farm-fresh produce, handmade soaps, live music, and lots of local bites you won’t find anywhere else.
9. Read a book at Tattered Cover Bookstore
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Website: https://www.tatteredcover.com/
Location: 2526 E Colfax Ave
Contact: +1 303-322-7727
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Tattered Cover Bookstore isn’t just a place to buy books but a Denver institution. The original location was in Cherry Creek, but the current one near Union Station still feels like a cozy library, coffeehouse, and indie hangout.
You’ll find bestsellers, local authors, banned books, and a whole section for kids. The entry is free (though good luck leaving without buying at least one book).
I like that they also host author signings and readings. Plus, they have book club meet-ups on select organized dates, so check Tattered Cover Bookstore’s website and be a member.
Pro Tip:
Ask the staff for their “blind date with a book” shelf. These are wrapped in brown paper with only clues on the front. I grabbed one that said “1970s thriller + found footage + unreliable narrator,” which was a win.
10. Eat your way through Denver Central Market
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Website: https://www.denvercentralmarket.com/
Location: 2669 Larimer St
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Located in the RiNo district, Denver Central Market is a local food hall that quickly became one of my favorite places to dine. It’s stylish without being pretentious, with 10+ vendors offering everything from wood-fired pizza and oysters to fresh gelato.
I went for chicken banh mi from Culture Meat & Cheese and a single-origin espresso from Crema Bodega. If you’re overwhelmed by choice (like I was), just ask the vendors what’s popular. They’re genuinely friendly and not pushy.
There’s no entry fee; you just have to pay for whatever catches your eye.
Pro Tip:
There’s limited seating inside, so aim for an early lunch around 11 AM or a late dinner after 7 PM. If the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the patio. It’s perfect for people-watching and spotting street art.
