Beautiful Places in Denver
Denver is known as the Mile High City because it is one mile above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the United States. The city sits in the South Platte River Valley, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains to the west and the High Plains to the east.
1 Meow Wolf Convergence Station
You’re not alone in wondering what the heck Meow Wolf is. It’s essentially an interactive and surreal art installation that occupies an indoor “station” on some sort of interdimensional train. Convergence Station has a timed entry system, so tickets must be purchased in advance. I recommend scheduling at least 2-3 hours inside. It’s an incredible experience, and my new favourite thing to do in Denver this year.
2 Voodoo Doughnut
I recall the frenzy that swept through Denver’s hipster community when Voodoo Doughnuts opened their first location on Colfax in 2013. It took weeks for the lines outside to thin enough for me to risk waiting that long for a donut. However, the Portland-based company has developed a cult-like following for their sweet and sometimes bizarre creations, such as the Spicy Margarita Cannolo, the Bacon Maple Bar, the Captain Crunch-topped Oh Captain My Captain.
3 Stanley Marketplace
Stanley Marketplace, located just over the Denver-Aurora border, is a single-roof community marketplace with over 50 independent Colorado businesses, including restaurants, bars, shops, salons, and more. Comida serves Mexican food, Cheluna Brewing Company serves beer, Sweet Cow serves ice cream, Maria Empanadas serves empanadas, and Qi-Lin serves ramen (their ramen is legit!). After that, browse the many stalls and support Colorado-owned local businesses!
4 Linger
Linger, a massive former mortuary that once housed Buffalo Bill’s remains, serves dinner to die for every night. Today, the space has been transformed into one of Denver’s most stylish dining establishments, but the new owners have kept many relics from the building’s dreadful past. For example, water is served from formaldehyde, and the massive “O’Linger mortuaries” sign has been changed to “Linger eatauries.” Oh, and the food is fantastic (it’s one of my favourite restaurants in town!).
5 The Beer Spa
Colorado has long been known for its inventive craft beer, but Denver’s recently opened The Beer Spa takes it to a whole new level. A full spectrum infrared sauna, “Zero Gravity” massage chairs, and private bubbly baths filled with barley and hops are among the spa services available. There’s also a full selection of craft beers, wines, and ciders to sip on during your beer spa day. It’s a great way to unwind on a rainy day, or the ideal gift for the beer enthusiast in your family. If you’re staying in RiNo or downtown Denver, the Beer Spa is a short walk away.
6 Grizzly Rose
Things to do at night in Denver are plentiful. The city has a vibrant nightlife. However, one of the most unique nightlife activities is to put on your boots, button up your pearl straps, and prepare for a honky tonk night on the town. Few live music venues are as unique – or as large – as Denver’s Grizzly Rose Country Music Hall. Try your luck on the mechanical bull if you dare. Of course, make a plan to get home safely without drinking and driving!
7 Colfax Avenue
Playboy magazine once dubbed Colfax the “longest, wickedest street in America.” Or perhaps it didn’t. In any case, there’s no denying that the 50-mile-long street has a unique charm. Dive bars, LGBT bars like X Bar, cheap eats, and historic theatres like The Fillmore, The Ogden, and The Bluebird can be found in the area around Capitol Hill. Walking down Colfax Avenue is still one of my favourite local activities, but be aware that after dark, some parts of it can feel less secure. If you enjoy live music or nightlife, it’s a great place to visit in Denver this weekend.
8 Rocky Mountain Arsenal
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see bison and other wildlife. This former chemicals weapons manufacturing centre, located between downtown and DIA, has made an amazing recovery and is now one of the country’s largest urban wildlife refuges. During the summer, the arsenal offers more than 20 miles of trails with some of the best hiking near Denver, as well as fishing. The best thing to do here, however, is to drive through the excellent 11-mile Wildlife Drive, which will allow you to see bison, deer, hawks, waterfowl, and other wildlife from the comfort of your car.
9 Confluence & Common Parks
Two of my favourite Denver parks are stacked back to back right downtown. These parks are located directly where Cherry Creek empties into the South Platte River. There are several bridges over the rushing water, plenty of green space, and breathtaking views here. Taking a picnic blanket to the top of the hill and watching the sunset over the Rocky Mountains is one of my favourite things to do in Denver. Check out the Denver Skate Park on the north end or the massive REI outdoor equipment store on the south end for more activities.
10 Little Man
I used to live a few blocks from Little Man, Denver’s iconic ice cream shop housed inside a giant milk can. My gym was right next to the shop, so every time I finished a workout, I had to gather my willpower to avoid ruining all my hard work with Little Man’s delectable scoop of the creamy stuff The only thing that saved me was Little Man’s popularity, which ensured that there was always a line out front. On a hot day, expect to wait for at least a half hour. But it was well worth it.
11 Denver Central Market
Denver Central Market is right in the heart of the trendy RiNo arts district. Inside a shared roof, 11 artisan vendors offer everything from chocolate to pizza to ice cream. In true River North fashion, the building and the alley behind it are covered in street art from head to toe. It’s a great place to take a break while walking around the district, or to start your evening before hitting the area’s lively nightlife.
12 Daniels & Fisher Clocktower
This historic clock tower at 16th and Arapahoe, once the tallest building in the Mountain West, is a Denver landmark and a popular location for local wedding ceremonies. It glows with a variety of date-specific colours at night (such as Rockies purple during baseball games). Skyline Park, located at the base of the clocktower, frequently hosts seasonal events such as ice skating rinks. A modern cabaret show is taking place in the basement.
The cruise Room
Dress up and head to Denver’s original Prohibition-era speakeasy for a drink. The art deco windowless interior of The Cruise Room, located inside The Oxford historic hotel, was inspired by the Queen Mary. Stepping inside transports you to the 1920s, when this bar served illegal gimlets and martinis to Denver’s elite.
Read More:
