Looking for the best things to do in Denver, Colorado? Whether you’re into nature, art, or food, Denver has something for everyone.
You’re not the only one wanting to have an amazing time—many people don’t know where to begin. But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you.
Here’s a simple plan to check out the best places in Denver:
- Visit places like the Denver Art Museum and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
- Enjoy the peaceful Denver Botanic Gardens and shop at the 16th Street Mall.
- See animals at the Denver Zoo and explore the Garden of the Gods.
Keep reading to find out more and start planning your trip. By following this guide, you’ll have a great time with lots of fun and new experiences.
- 1. Denver Must-See: Denver Art Museum
- 2. Denver Must-See: Denver Botanic Gardens
- 3. Denver Must-See: Denver Zoo
- 4. Denver Must-See: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
- 5. Denver Must-See: Molly Brown House Museum
- 6. Denver Must-See: Garden of the Gods
- 7. Denver Must-See: 16th Street Mall
- Best Things To Do in Denver, Colorado: A Recap
- FAQ
1. Denver Must-See: Denver Art Museum
About the Place: The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is a large museum in the city of Denver, Colorado. It holds over 70,000 pieces of art from various periods and regions.
Known as one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado, the museum is famous for its Native American and Western American collections, with the Petrie Institute overseeing the Western art.
The museum has two buildings with unique designs. One was created by Italian architect Giò Ponti in 1971 and is known as the Martin Building. The other, designed by Daniel Libeskind, features bold and modern shapes.
In 2018, the museum underwent a $150 million renovation, adding new exhibit spaces, dining areas, and a welcoming entrance.
Reasons to Visit: You can explore something for everyone at the DAM. There are famous works, like Waterloo Bridge by Claude Monet. You’ll also see Fox Games by Sandy Skoglund, where a room filled with red foxes creates a quirky scene.
The museum also offers exhibits that share Native American history. The buildings themselves are a visual treat and fun to walk through. You can also enjoy nearby events in a beautiful park, perfect for relaxation.
A tour of the museum, along with its many services, makes for a great experience. Plus, it’s located near the mountains, adding to the charm of this art-filled destination.
2. Denver Must-See: Denver Botanic Gardens
About the Place: The Denver Botanic Gardens is a public garden located in the Cheesman Park area of Denver, Colorado. The park spans 23 acres and features many different types of plants, both indoors and outdoors.
You can explore thousands of plant species from around the world, including cacti and rainforest orchids. The garden also has a glass conservatory, themed gardens, and an amphitheater where concerts are held during the summer.
Reasons to Visit: The Denver Botanic Gardens is a peaceful place to visit in the city. It offers a great spot to relax and learn about the history of plants. You can take a tour of the garden, enjoy events like plant shows, and see art exhibits.
One highlight is the glass art by Dale Chihuly, especially in the pond in the Ellipse Garden. The park also offers services like classes and shows to make your visit more enjoyable.
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3. Denver Must-See: Denver Zoo
About the Place: Located in City Park, the Denver Zoo covers 80 acres and is home to 4,100 animals from over 600 species. It started in 1896 with one black bear.
Since then, it has become Colorado’s most visited cultural destination, with 2 million visitors each year. The zoo is a nonprofit certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is one of the top activities in Denver for animal lovers and families.
Reasons to Visit: The zoo is known for its unique exhibits. Primate Panorama has wide areas with trees and ropes for apes and monkeys. Predator Ridge lets animals move between three spaces, keeping their senses sharp.
The Toyota Elephant Passage has five large sections to switch animals around for more activity and comfort.
Denver Zoo cares deeply about protecting animals. It spends over $2 million each year to support projects that help animals in the wild. Visitors can learn through fun tours, school programs, and helpful services. It’s a great way to explore the animal world while supporting real change.
Whether you’re visiting the Mile High City for food, art, history, or nature, the Denver Zoo is a must-see stop.
4. Denver Must-See: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
About the Place: Red Rocks is a famous outdoor concert spot near the Mile High City of Denver. It sits between huge red rock formations and the nearby mountains. The open-air amphitheatre opened in 1941 and is owned by the city.
This park includes a large stage, almost 10,000 seats, and three tall rocks called Ship Rock, Creation Rock, and Stage Rock. These rocks help create a strong, clear sound. It’s also a great place for walking or running. The area offers services like food stands, parking, and restrooms.
Reasons to Visit: Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a top spot for concerts and events. In 1983, the band U2 played here and made music history. Since then, many artists have come to perform.
Visitors can explore the park or take a tour to learn more about the place and its history. There is a small museum that shows music memories and local rock art. Whether you love music, nature, or want to enjoy the city’s fresh air, Red Rocks is a great choice.
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5. Denver Must-See: Molly Brown House Museum
About the Place: The Molly Brown House Museum is a historic home in Denver, Colorado. It was once the residence of Margaret Brown, known for surviving the Titanic and for her activism.
The house showcases her life and the city’s history with exhibits that feature Victorian-era furnishings and art. It’s located in a peaceful area with views of the mountains.
The house is listed as a Denver Landmark and is part of the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
Reasons to Visit: The museum offers a chance to explore the life of a remarkable woman who contributed to education, women’s rights, and the community.
There are self-guided tours available, and special events take place throughout the year, such as story hours, tea parties, and garden gatherings.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to enjoy something different, the museum offers a great experience. Friendly staff and helpful services make the visit enjoyable.
6. Denver Must-See: Garden of the Gods
About the Place: Garden of the Gods is a large park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It covers 1,341 acres and is famous for its beautiful red rock formations. The park became a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is a great place to visit with stunning views of the park.
Reasons to Visit: Garden of the Gods offers a great view of the park and has cool exhibits about nature, plants, animals, and rocks. There is also a movie called How Did Those Red Rocks Get There? that plays every 20 minutes.
The Visitor Center also has a café and a store. Some of the money from the store helps support the park. If you love nature or just want to relax and enjoy beautiful views, this is a must-see spot.
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7. Denver Must-See: 16th Street Mall
About the Place: The 16th Street Mall is a popular place in Denver, a “mile-high” city. It stretches for 1.25 miles and has over 250 stores, 50 restaurants, and plenty of places to explore.
The mall opened in 1982 and runs from Union Station to Civic Center Station. It’s one of the top attractions in Denver, Colorado, offering something for everyone.
Reasons to Visit: The 16th Street Mall is a great spot for shopping and trying local food. You can enjoy some art, visit a museum, or attend an event. There is a free shuttle that moves along the street, making it easy to get from one end to the other. The buses are eco-friendly, running on natural gas.
As you walk around, you’ll find shops, food, and art displays. The mall is being updated, making it an exciting place to visit. Whether you’re interested in food, history, or shopping, the 16th Street Mall has something for everyone!
Best Things To Do in Denver, Colorado: A Recap
Denver has something for everyone, whether you love outdoor adventures or enjoy a more relaxed city vibe. With so many things to do and see, you’ll find endless chances to explore—whether you’re hiking in the nearby mountains or enjoying the city’s rich culture and history.
The best things to do in Denver help you enjoy the city’s unique charm and create unforgettable memories.
From trying local food, exploring art museums, to relaxing in beautiful parks, there’s always something to do. Whether you’re with family, friends, or traveling solo, the best things to do in Denver offer something for everyone, making it an ideal spot to experience all the excitement this city has to offer.