To our traveling friend,
A little birdie told us that you finally booked that Denver trip, and we’re so excited to have you here.
As we eagerly wait for your arrival, we took the liberty in putting together your ultimate five-day Denver itinerary to take the vacation planning stress off your plate. From day trips to nightlife and all the good stuff in between, you’ll be getting a slice of everything. There’s much more to do here aside from rock climbing and skiing.
Please, take a look at what we’ve planned for your time here. While you’re more than welcome to mix, match, condense or skip anything, we do ask one thing:
Trust us.
We promise we won’t let you down.
Day One
Let’s keep things easy on your arrival day here. These options strike the perfect balance of laid-back and scenic, giving you ample time to settle in. This is your Denver soft launch, after all.
Start Strong at Union Station
Where: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver.
The Lowdown: Union Station sits at the heart of Downtown Denver and acts as both a travel hub and a landmark destination. It has a direct route from the airport via the light rail, offering the perfect “might as well” opportunity to kickstart your trip. There are travel-friendly food and booze options available, too. May we suggest the Terminal Bar? Plus, the beaming red lettering out front makes for a pretty cute photo-op.
Smell the Roses at The Denver Botanic Gardens
Where: 1007 York Street, Denver.
The Lowdown: A scenic stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is absolutely in order after some settling in. The Denver Botanic Gardens is a public garden full of lush pathways, fragrant flowers and a variety of exhibitions. The Gardens of the West exhibit is a must-see, showcasing plants exclusive to Colorado’s unique climate. Crowds are minimal if visiting on a weekday.
Day Two
Get up. Let’s cross off those touristy spots. Only the essentials, though. With five days, there is only so much that can get crammed in.
Travel Through Time at The Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Where: 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver.
The Lowdown: The Denver Museum of Nature and Science isn’t just for school field trips or babysitting adventures. It’s the soul of Denver’s cultural scene and has all of the niche interests one could ask for. From wildlife dioramas, space-inspired exhibits and even Egyptian mummies, it provides the perfect mix of education and entertainment. Who can’t resist a dinosaur skeleton? They’re cool for any age.
Go on a Different Type of Trip with Meow Wolf
Where: 1338 1st Street, Denver.
The Lowdown: Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience full of vivid colors, trippy visuals and interactive storytelling. One visit here jets you to an alternate universe that you’ll want to be present for. We recognize that cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms are legal here, but Meow Wolf is not the place for that. You don’t need to be fully launched into another stratosphere, especially with the rest of your trip ahead of you.
Take Yourself Out to a Rockies Game
Where: 2001 Blake Street, Denver.
The Lowdown: Round out the day with a visit to Coors Field for a sunset-tinted Rockies Game. Yes, the Rockies haven’t been playing well, we are aware. Coors Field, however, carries an electric atmosphere, gorgeous views and unmatched drive towards camaraderie. Also, tickets run cheaper a few days in advance, especially for the Rockpile, or nosebleed, section. And, scoreboard aside, Colorado nights under the bright lights are a summer staple.
Day Three
Let’s head slightly north for the day to show you a different side of Colorado. Don’t worry, the night will finish at home, but no Denver visit is complete without a taste of the mountains.
Soak Up a Summer Day in Golden
Where: Golden
The Lowdown: Golden is a charming mountain town located 30 minutes northwest of Denver and is known for its breweries, water access and sweeping views. The only risk is that you may run into some mountain traffic on the way out of town. So, either head up very early or late in the morning to avoid it, sleeping in is acceptable. Tubing along Clear Creek is the ideal way to cool off in the Colorado heat, though keep an eye on closures as water levels can run high. To wrap things up, swing by local recommendation Barrels and Bottles brewery, conveniently found on the route back to Denver.
Stroll Along the First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe
Where: West 13th Avenue, Denver.
The Lowdown: Something low-key like the Santa Fe Art Walk comes to mind after an exhaustive day trip. The First Friday Art Walk at Santa Fe takes place on the first Friday of every month, rain or shine, and runs from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. There is a wide range of art galleries, studios and co-ops filling the route, ensuring something eye-catching at every turn. It’s an accessible way of experiencing Denver’s art scene, set at your own pace. The best part, it’s free.
Day Four
You’ve already been well entrenched within the Mile High at this point, so why not conclude your last night here with a bang? Today is all about taking in the city one last time with spots that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
A Morning Well-Spent at Red Rocks
Where: 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison.
The Lowdown: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a non-negotiable. Undoubtedly, the shows are incredible. But ticket prices can run high, and we’d want you to see its full majesty without having to weave through heavy crowds. So, head up in the morning for impressive venue views, and maybe even throw in some yoga or a hike while you’re at it. Doing it this way gives you all of the perks of Red Rocks without the show chaos. If you don’t have time for a show, you can always look at the concert line-up next time you’re here.
Dinnertime at Atomic Cowboy
Where: 3237 East Colfax Avenue, Denver.
The Lowdown: Atomic Cowboy serves up biscuits by day and slings Fat Sully’s pizza by night. While there are a few locations around Denver, the Colfax one is just steps away from the Bluebird Theater, making it the perfect pre-show dinner spot or post-show rally point. Not to mention, it’s classic Colorado, cowboy charm meets western saloon vibes. No wonder locals still love to go here.
Chase Live Music at The Bluebird Theater
Where: 3317 East Colfax Avenue, Denver.
The Lowdown: End things on a high note by heading to the Bluebird Theater to catch some live music with a local musician or two. The Bluebird Theater is a surprisingly spacious yet intimate venue, with vintage marquees out front and a cozy theater interior. It has that old-school aura with both a lower and upper balcony area available, allowing for comfortable seating options while still having solid views of the stage. It’s a favorite, and you need to see it.
Day Five
Your trip is almost over – time flies when you’re having fun, right? Let’s take things slow here, especially after four days packed with excitement.
Shop at the South Pearl Street Farmers Market
Where: 1527 South Pearl Street, Denver.
The Lowdown: The South Pearl Street Farmers Market is one of Denver’s most beloved farmers markets. It pops up every Sunday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., running through early November, and lines the streets with local vendors selling anything from food, drinks, to clothes and crafts. Live music fills every space, making it the perfect kind of peaceful morning with your favorite drink in hand. But, an early start is necessary as crowds pile in quickly, especially later in the morning.
Wind Down at Washington Park
Where: 701 S Franklin St, Denver
The Lowdown: Lastly, make your way over to Washington Park for a gentle stroll or picnic to conclude your Mile High escapades. It’s a tried-and-true favorite and it’s just as enjoyable on your tenth visit as it is on your first. Not to mention, there are a few water features here filled with little critters. The ducks are friendly and the swan boats are cheap.
If only there were more time for your stay.
We’d love to have you again, especially in the winter months, so we can show you even more of what Denver has to offer. There are more hidden corners here than we can count, meaning there is always room to explore.
Regardless, we’re so excited to have you here this summer, and we can’t wait for your arrival.
See you soon,