Denver’s Most Remarkable Places to Experience

I first visited Denver back in 2019, right before the world changed. Coming from my small Ohio hometown, the city felt like a perfect mix of urban energy and outdoor adventure. Even now, after exploring countless cities across the US, Denver still holds a special place in my travel memories.

What makes Denver so different is how it manages to be both a proper city and an outdoor playground at the same time. One minute you’re sipping coffee in a downtown café, the next you’re hiking through red rocks or catching a concert under the stars. The city sits right where the plains meet the Rockies, giving you endless options for both city fun and mountain adventures.

Looking to explore the Mile High City yourself? I’ve put together this list based on my own wanderings through Denver’s neighborhoods and chatted with some locals who know all the hidden spots you won’t find in typical tourist guides.

Denver Botanic Gardens

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens, a 24-acre oasis in the heart of the city. Located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, this urban garden features over 50 different themed gardens, from a traditional Japanese garden to a South African plaza, plus the largest collection of plants from cold temperate climates in North America. Walking through the gardens feels like taking a trip around the world, with each section showcasing unique plant species and landscaping styles that thrive in Colorado’s climate.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Music lovers flock to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for its natural acoustics and one-of-a-kind setting, but this destination offers much more than just concerts. Located just 15 miles west of Denver, the venue sits nestled between massive 300-foot sandstone formations that date back over 160 million years. During the day, fitness enthusiasts use the amphitheater’s steps for workouts, while hikers explore the surrounding park’s six distinct trails. Though the summer concert season draws the biggest crowds, visitors can check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, or simply take in the panoramic views of the Denver skyline year-round.

Denver Art Museum

Step into a world of creativity at the Denver Art Museum, one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast. The museum’s unique architecture catches your eye right away, with its sharp angles and glass panels making it a work of art itself. Inside, you’ll find over 70,000 pieces spread across multiple floors, from Native American artifacts to contemporary installations. The museum’s hands-on art studios let you channel your inner artist, while the rooftop cafe offers great views of the city along with your coffee. It’s an ideal spot to spend a rainy afternoon or escape the summer heat while discovering art from around the globe.

Denver Zoo

Get up close with wildlife from around the world at the Denver Zoo, one of the city’s most popular family attractions. Spread across 80 acres in City Park, you can observe over 3,000 animals representing 450 different species. Take a stroll through Predator Ridge to see African lions and hyenas, or head to Toyota Elephant Passage where Asian elephants roam in their spacious habitat. For a special experience, book an animal encounter to feed the giraffes or help train the sea lions. Kids especially love the Pioneer Train ride that loops around the zoo grounds, offering a fun way to rest tired feet while spotting animals along the way.

Union Station

Union Station first opened its doors in 1881, standing proud in the heart of downtown Denver as both a working train station and a beloved local hangout. Walking through the station’s white stone walls today feels like stepping into a carefully preserved piece of Colorado history, where modern-day travelers mix with locals enjoying the station’s many restaurants and shops. The Great Hall, with its soaring windows and restored wooden benches, serves as Denver’s living room – a place where you can sip coffee from Pigtrain Coffee Co., grab a bite at Mercantile Dining & Provision, or simply watch the steady stream of passengers coming and going. The Crawford Hotel, nestled in the upper floors, offers rooms that blend the building’s historic charm with modern comfort, while the Terminal Bar, housed in the station’s original ticket windows, pours local craft beers for thirsty visitors.

Larimer Square

If you’ve never been to Denver before, you need to visit Larimer Square. Located in the heart of downtown, this historic block is Denver’s oldest commercial district and remains one of the city’s most popular gathering spots. The charming Victorian buildings, strung with twinkling lights year-round, house some of Denver’s best restaurants, boutique shops, and cocktail bars.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Ever wondered what it’s like to come face-to-face with a T-Rex? At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, you can do just that while exploring one of the largest natural history museums in the western United States. Located in City Park, this family-favorite spot brings science to life through interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. You can journey through ancient Egyptian tombs, discover the secrets of space exploration, and get up close with Colorado’s prehistoric residents. The museum’s gem and mineral collection is one of the finest in North America, featuring a piece of the moon and glittering gold nuggets from Colorado’s mining heyday.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

If you’re looking to experience Colorado’s majesty by car, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is your perfect introduction. Rising up to 14,130 feet above sea level, this winding road holds the title of North America’s highest paved route. The 28-mile journey takes you through five distinct climate zones, offering close encounters with mountain goats and bighorn sheep along the way. The Summit Lake Park, perched at 12,800 feet, serves as a natural rest stop where you can marvel at the surrounding peaks and valleys. Year-round snow patches dot the landscape, and the thin mountain air creates a surreal atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re touching the clouds. For the best experience, pack a picnic and start your drive early – the afternoon thunderstorms are as reliable as clockwork in these parts.

Colorado State Capitol

Standing tall in downtown Denver, the Colorado State Capitol is where the state’s political magic happens. With its gleaming gold dome that you can spot from blocks away, this historic building offers free guided tours that take you through ornate chambers and up to an observation deck with views of both the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains. What makes it extra special? The 13th step of the Capitol’s entrance is exactly one mile above sea level, making it the perfect spot to snap that “Mile High City” photo everyone wants.

16th Street Mall

The 16th Street Mall is where I always find myself gravitating back to whenever I’m in downtown Denver. This mile-long pedestrian promenade runs through the heart of the city, lined with over 300 stores, restaurants, and local businesses that make it impossible to leave empty-handed. You’ll spot the free MallRide shuttle buses ferrying people up and down the street, but I prefer to walk and take in the street performers, outdoor cafes, and historic buildings that give this place its charm. It’s not trying to be Times Square or Rodeo Drive – it’s purely Denver, right down to the specially designed granite pavers that form a rattlesnake pattern along the ground. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, meeting friends for lunch, or just people-watching on a sunny afternoon, the mall captures the laid-back spirit that makes Denver special.

Washington Park

Washington Park first caught my eye when I moved to Denver in the early 2000s. Located in the heart of the city, this sprawling 165-acre park stands as one of Denver’s most cherished green spaces, flanked by historic brick homes and tree-lined streets. The park features two lakes, Smith and Grasmere, where locals gather for afternoon picnics and paddleboat rides. Its flower gardens, designed after George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon, bloom with colorful displays throughout spring and summer. The 2.6-mile jogging path that circles the park fills with runners, cyclists, and dog walkers each morning, while the park’s eight tennis courts and expansive lawns host everything from volleyball games to yoga classes.

Coors Field

Baseball fans know there’s something special about Coors Field, opened back in 1995 in downtown Denver’s Lower Downtown district. Sitting pretty at 5,200 feet above sea level, it’s the highest Major League Baseball park in the country, which means balls tend to fly farther here than anywhere else. The red brick facade and forest green seats give the stadium a classic ballpark feel, while the “Purple Row” of seats – exactly one mile above sea level – adds a uniquely Colorado touch. Beyond watching the Colorado Rockies play, visitors can grab local craft beers at the Rooftop deck, catch amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, or tour the on-site microbrewery. The pre-game atmosphere around Blake Street buzzes with energy as fans fill the surrounding bars and restaurants, making game day an experience that goes well beyond nine innings.

Denver Mint

Many visitors are drawn to the Denver Mint to see how American currency is made, but this historic landmark is much more than just a working production facility. The building itself, completed in 1904, stands as one of the oldest structures in Denver and remains a prime example of Italian Renaissance architecture. Free guided tours let you peek into the coin-making process and learn about the mint’s role in producing up to 50 million coins every day. While most people come to watch pennies and quarters being made, the mint also offers an interesting look at Colorado’s gold rush history and its connection to the nation’s money supply through various exhibits and displays.

City Park

Looking to escape the city buzz without leaving Denver? City Park is where locals go to recharge, stretching across 330 acres of green space right in the heart of the city. Home to both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, this sprawling park has been Denver’s favorite hangout spot since 1880. You can rent a paddleboat on Ferril Lake, join a pickup game at one of the many sports fields, or simply spread out a blanket for a picnic with a perfect view of the downtown skyline and Rocky Mountains. The park really comes alive in summer when free jazz concerts fill the air every Sunday, drawing crowds of music lovers and picnickers to its grassy slopes.

Denver Downtown Aquarium

I first visited the Denver Downtown Aquarium back in 2018, drawn by its reputation as one of the city’s most unique attractions. Located in the heart of downtown, this 50,000-square-foot facility goes beyond what you’d expect from a typical aquarium. The space combines an impressive collection of marine life with unexpected features like a full-service restaurant and lounge. More than 500 species call this place home, from playful tigers splashing in their exhibit to graceful stingrays gliding through touch tanks. The highlight for many visitors is the centerpiece tank – a massive 150,000-gallon underwater ecosystem where divers regularly feed schools of fish while sharks patrol nearby, offering an up-close look at ocean life in the middle of landlocked Colorado.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Step into Denver’s premier shopping destination at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, where luxury retail meets modern comfort. This upscale mall houses over 160 shops, including high-end brands like Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. Take a break between shopping sprees at one of the many restaurants, from quick bites at the food court to sit-down meals at Elway’s steakhouse. The mall’s bright, open layout and indoor plaza make it perfect for year-round shopping, while the free parking and valet service add an extra touch of convenience to your visit.

Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Many visitors flock to Elitch Gardens Theme Park for its mix of classic rides and modern thrills, but this downtown Denver attraction offers much more than just roller coasters. The park features two distinct areas – a traditional amusement park with over 50 rides and a refreshing water park that’s perfect for hot summer days. During the warmer months, the park hosts regular live entertainment and special events, from concerts to fireworks displays, but families can find plenty of excitement here throughout the regular season. While thrill-seekers head straight for rides like the Mind Eraser and Twister II, others enjoy the gentler attractions and games scattered throughout the 70-acre property.

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Denver’s Performing Arts Complex is where the heart of the city’s culture beats strongest. The second-largest performing arts center in the country spreads across four blocks downtown, pulling in both locals and visitors with its mix of theatrical productions, symphony performances, and opera shows. I’ve spent countless evenings here, watching everything from Broadway hits to local dance troupes take the stage across its various venues. The complex houses ten performance spaces, including the historic Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and hosts over 10,000 seats total – making it a cornerstone of Denver’s entertainment scene. While many come for the big-name shows, I’ve found some of the most memorable experiences happen during the smaller, intimate performances in its studio theaters.