22 Things To Do In Denver For First-Timers and Free Spirits
Denver, Colorado, means different things to different people, and that's part of what makes it so magnetic. For some, it's the gateway to the Rockies — a launchpad for adrenaline-fueled weekends filled with skiing, hiking, and mountain air so crisp it almost stings. For others, it’s a city of culture and creativity. Some come for the sports — to stand shoulder to shoulder with die-hard fans at a Nuggets game or watch the Broncos light up Mile High Stadium. Others are drawn to the quieter corners.
Whatever version of Denver you meet — the wild one, the artistic one, the historic one — it feels like there’s always something just a little unexpected around the next corner. That's the magic of the Mile High City: it doesn’t fit neatly into a single box, and honestly, it’s better that way.
This guide highlights the top things to do in Denver, carefully selected to help you experience the city’s full range: its culture, its flavors, and the outdoor spirit that defines it.
You’re Technically Closer to Space in Denver Than at Any Other Major City
At exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver's elevation doesn't just earn it the "Mile High City" nickname — it literally places you closer to space than residents of any other big U.S. city. Airplanes take off with slightly less fuel because the thinner air requires less lift.
1. Catch a Colorado Rockies Game at Coors Field
📍 Location: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
Fun Fact
At 5,280 feet above sea level, Coors Field is the highest Major League Baseball stadium in the country—meaning baseballs actually travel farther here.
Coors Field offers one of the most scenic backdrops in baseball. Sitting in the stands, you get the rare chance to watch a major league game with the Rocky Mountains stretching out behind the outfield.
Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, the atmosphere is worth experiencing. Coors Field is known for being one of the most relaxed, family-friendly stadiums around, with wide concourses, excellent sightlines, and a lively rooftop bar area with sweeping views of downtown.
Game day energy spills into the neighboring LoDo district, packed with breweries, restaurants, and patios perfect for a pre-game bite or post-game celebration.
2. Explore Meow Wolf: Convergence Station
📍 Location: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204
Fun Fact
Meow Wolf's Denver location spans over 90,000 square feet, with four full floors of mind-bending, interactive art across multiple storylines and alien dimensions.
Prepare to leave reality at the door. Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station isn’t just a museum or gallery—it’s an immersive art experience that pulls you into four vivid, otherworldly realms connected by hidden portals, vibrant corridors, and mind-bending architecture.
Every hallway, room, and installation tells part of a larger narrative, but the best way to experience it is simply to explore. Touch everything, open every door, follow every strange sound. You might find yourself in a neon-lit swamp, a futuristic train station, or an alien marketplace—all connected by intricate visual storytelling.
3. Drive the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
📍 Location: Begins near Idaho Springs, about 30 miles west of Denver
Fun Fact
Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, reaching over 14,130 feet above sea level.
For views that literally take your breath away, set your GPS for Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This stunning drive climbs from dense pine forests up into alpine tundra, with jaw-dropping vistas around every hairpin turn.
You’ll pass shimmering lakes, sheer cliffs, and meadows often dotted with mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The final stretch brings you so high that even in mid-summer, snowbanks often linger beside the road.
At the summit, park your car and take the short but steep walk to the very top of Mount Evans, where panoramic views stretch across the Rockies and the clouds feel close enough to touch. Dress warmly, bring water, and take it slow—the thin air at 14,000 feet hits harder than you expect.
This drive offers a rare, unforgettable chance to experience true high-altitude wilderness without a daylong hike.
The Denver Mint Produces More Coins Than Anywhere Else in the World
Quietly tucked downtown, the U.S. Mint in Denver isn’t just a historical site — it’s an industrial powerhouse. It cranks out billions of coins every year, more than any other mint facility on Earth. If you have pocket change right now, odds are a few coins were born in Denver.
4. Tour the Colorado State Capitol
📍 Location: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Fun Fact
There's a marker on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol that reads exactly 5,280 feet above sea level—giving Denver its famous nickname, the Mile High City.
The Colorado State Capitol is more than just a government building—it’s a literal and symbolic high point of Denver. With its gleaming gold dome and sweeping city views, it’s one of the city's most striking landmarks.
Free guided tours take you through the grand chambers, historic artifacts, and rich stained-glass windows that tell Colorado’s story. A highlight: climbing up to the observation deck just beneath the dome, where you'll get one of the best views of downtown, the Front Range, and on clear days, all the way to Pikes Peak.
Don’t miss the famous “Mile High” marker embedded in the Capitol’s west steps—a popular photo op and a must-do for first-time visitors.
5. Wander Larimer Square at Night
📍 Location: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
Fun Fact
Larimer Square was Denver’s very first historic district, officially preserved in 1971 to protect its Victorian-era charm.
When the sun sets, Larimer Square lights up—literally. Thousands of twinkling string lights crisscross the block, casting a warm glow over brick facades, boutique shops, and some of the city's best restaurants.
It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. Browse through locally owned stores, snap photos of the historic buildings, and linger over dinner at one of the area's standout restaurants. Many of the spaces here date back to the 1800s, but inside you’ll find sleek modern design and menus that rival any big-city food scene.
Larimer Square manages to feel lively without overwhelming you—an ideal nightcap after a day of exploring.
6. Sip Local Beer at a Denver Craft Brewery
📍 Location: Multiple locations—favorites include Great Divide Brewing Co. and Denver Beer Co.
Denver takes its beer seriously—and with good reason. The city’s craft brewing scene is not just big; it’s innovative, community-driven, and woven into the daily rhythm of life.
Spend an afternoon brewery-hopping and you'll taste everything from crisp lagers to barrel-aged sours to high-altitude IPAs. Start with iconic names like Great Divide Brewing Co., known for its bold Yeti Imperial Stout, or Denver Beer Co., famous for its sunny patio and approachable beers.
Many breweries are clustered together, especially in neighborhoods like RiNo and LoDo, making it easy to sample multiple spots in one outing. Expect food trucks, live music, and a laid-back vibe where locals and visitors mingle without pretension.
If you’re looking for a true taste of Denver, there’s no better place to start than a local taproom.
7. Admire Art at the Clyfford Still Museum
📍 Location: 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204
Fun Fact
The Clyfford Still Museum houses about 95% of the artist’s total output, making it one of the most complete single-artist collections anywhere in the world.
Quiet, contemplative, and powerful—the Clyfford Still Museum is one of Denver’s hidden gems for art lovers. Unlike sprawling museums that can leave you exhausted, this focused space invites you to slow down and truly connect with one artist’s life's work.
Clyfford Still, a pioneer of American abstract expressionism, broke away from traditional forms to create massive, emotion-driven canvases. Walking through the museum feels almost meditative; the natural light, minimalist design, and careful curation allow the art to speak without distraction.
You don’t need to know much about Still to be moved by the sheer energy and scale of his paintings.
8. Bike or Kayak at Confluence Park
📍 Location: 2250 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Fun Fact
Confluence Park marks the historic site where Denver was founded during the Gold Rush of 1858.
Tucked right into downtown Denver, Confluence Park blends natural beauty with city energy. It’s where Cherry Creek flows into the South Platte River, creating a dynamic spot perfect for biking, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water.
The park connects directly to miles of paved trails, making it easy to explore on two wheels. Kayak rentals are available nearby if you want to paddle through the urban landscape, with skyline views rising in the background.
On warm days, you’ll find locals sprawled out on the grassy banks, kids splashing in the shallow waters, and a steady stream of runners and cyclists making the most of the sunny weather.
It’s a reminder that in Denver, you’re never far from your next outdoor adventure— even right in the heart of the city.
9. Catch a Show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
📍 Location: 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Fun Fact
Spanning four city blocks and ten performance spaces, the Denver Performing Arts Complex is one of the largest cultural centers in the country.
If you appreciate the performing arts, Denver’s cultural heartbeat lives at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Home to the Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Symphony, Opera Colorado, and multiple acclaimed theater companies, this sprawling campus offers a full calendar of productions year-round.
You might catch a Broadway national tour one night and a bold local theater production the next. The complex itself feels expansive but navigable, with outdoor sculptures, bright lobbies, and a buzz of creative energy that’s unmistakable.
The Blue Mustang Statue at Denver Airport Was Sculpted by an Artist Who Was Tragically Killed by It
The 32-foot-tall, fiery-eyed "Blue Mustang" (nicknamed Blucifer by locals) at Denver International Airport is iconic — but few know the artist, Luis Jiménez, died after a piece of the sculpture fell on him during construction. Today, it's both a beloved and slightly eerie local landmark.
10. Shop and Stroll Along the 16th Street Mall
📍 Location: 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Fun Fact
Designed by architect I.M. Pei (who also designed the Louvre Pyramid), the 16th Street Mall stretches over a mile through downtown Denver.
The 16th Street Mall isn’t just for tourists—it’s where locals grab lunch, catch a movie, or meet up after work. This mile-long pedestrian-friendly street is lined with national retailers, local boutiques, coffee shops, and an ever-changing mix of street performers and food carts.
A free shuttle called the MallRide runs up and down the strip every few minutes, making it easy to explore the entire length without breaking a sweat. Side streets and connecting plazas often hide surprising finds, too — art installations, live music, and tucked-away restaurants worth detouring for.
While it's busiest on weekends and after work hours, visiting early in the morning gives you a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
11. Get Lost in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
📍 Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Fun Fact
The museum’s dinosaur fossil collection includes a fully assembled Stegosaurus—the official state fossil of Colorado.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the kind of place where kids and adults get equally wide-eyed. Spanning everything from ancient fossils to cutting-edge space exhibits, it’s easy to spend a full day here and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Permanent exhibits cover dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, gems and minerals, health science, and outer space. Interactive displays, immersive dioramas, and a massive planetarium keep the experience dynamic and engaging.
One highlight: the Space Odyssey exhibit, where you can step into a futuristic command center and simulate space missions. Another: the Prehistoric Journey wing, packed with towering dinosaur skeletons that feel straight out of a movie.
12. Experience the Surreal at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
📍 Location: 1485 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202
Fun Fact
The MCA Denver was designed by award-winning architect David Adjaye, who also led the design of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
If you’re looking for art that challenges, surprises, or maybe even confuses you in the best way, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is the place to go. This sleek, industrial-style building houses rotating exhibitions that are bold, daring, and often unexpected.
You won’t find sprawling permanent collections here. Instead, MCA focuses on dynamic temporary exhibits that showcase emerging artists, unconventional mediums, and provocative themes. One visit might feature political sculpture; the next, a fully immersive installation built into an entire room.
The rooftop café offers one of the city's best hidden patios, perfect for coffee or a cocktail after exploring the galleries. Even if you’re not sure you're a "contemporary art person," MCA’s thought-provoking energy makes it well worth a visit.
13. Visit the Denver Zoo
📍 Location: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Fun Fact
The Denver Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to use natu1ralistic enclosures instead of cages, starting with its innovative Bear Mountain exhibit in 1918.
The Denver Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals—it’s about experiencing them up close in thoughtfully designed habitats that mirror the wild. Spread across 80 acres in City Park, the zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, from playful river otters to majestic African lions.
Interactive exhibits like the Toyota Elephant Passage and Predator Ridge bring visitors face-to-face with some of the zoo’s most fascinating residents. Kids (and adults) will love the train ride through the grounds, the immersive animal shows, and the behind-the-scenes tours available for a closer look at conservation efforts.
With shaded pathways, family-friendly amenities, and new exhibits opening regularly, the Denver Zoo is more than a quick stop—it’s an adventure all its own.
14. Catch a Sunrise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
📍 Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Fun Fact
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.
Red Rocks isn’t just a concert venue—it’s a geological wonder that deserves a visit any time of day. While the legendary shows under the stars are unforgettable, catching a sunrise here is pure magic.
Arrive early and watch as the first light spills across the towering red sandstone formations and the Denver skyline flickers awake in the distance. It’s a favorite time for locals to run the amphitheater steps, hike the nearby trails, or simply sit and take it all in.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a morning yoga session or an impromptu acoustic set by a traveling musician. No ticket required—just you, the rocks, and a sky that feels almost too big to be real.
Denver's First Professional Sports Team Was a Baseball Club... That Played in a Converted Cricket Field
Before the Nuggets, Rockies, Broncos, or Avalanche, Denver’s first major sports team was the Denver Bears, a baseball team formed in the late 1800s. Their early games were played on a field originally built for cricket, reflecting Denver’s unexpected British immigrant influence at the time.
15. Unwind in the Denver Botanic Gardens
📍 Location: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Fun Fact
The Denver Botanic Gardens feature a rare collection of plants specifically adapted to high-altitude climates—making it one of the most diverse alpine gardens in North America.
For a peaceful break from the urban buzz, head to the Denver Botanic Gardens. Spread across 24 acres, this beautifully curated space offers everything from sunny desert landscapes to lush tropical greenhouses and carefully designed themed gardens.
The Japanese Garden and the Monet Pool, with its floating lilies, are standout spots, but every path seems to lead to something unexpected—a sculpture tucked among wildflowers, a hidden bench under towering trees.
Seasonal exhibitions, concerts, and garden-to-table dinners keep the gardens lively year-round. Whether you’re a serious botanist or just looking for a quiet place to wander, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city.
16. Dig into Wild Game at The Buckhorn Exchange
📍 Location: 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204
Fun Fact
Opened in 1893, The Buckhorn Exchange holds Colorado Liquor License No. 1—and has served everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to Buffalo Bill.
Step into Denver’s Wild West past with a meal at The Buckhorn Exchange. This legendary saloon and restaurant offers a menu that leans boldly into Colorado’s frontier roots—think elk, bison, rattlesnake, and even yak.
The walls are packed with Old West memorabilia, taxidermy, and historic photos that make it feel like a museum and steakhouse rolled into one. The atmosphere is lively but welcoming, and the staff knows their way around a hearty cut of meat.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the famous Rocky Mountain oysters. If not, the buffalo prime rib is a sure bet. Either way, dining at The Buckhorn Exchange gives you a taste of the rugged spirit that still shapes Denver today.
17. Catch a Denver Nuggets Game at Ball Arena
Catching a Denver Nuggets game isn’t just about basketball — it’s stepping into a living piece of the city’s soul. Ball Arena, with a seating capacity of over 19,000 fans, buzzes with an energy that feels uniquely "Denver" — high-altitude intensity mixed with Rocky Mountain pride.
Across the league’s 30 cities, few stadiums offer what Ball Arena does: a panoramic view of downtown skyscrapers with the Rockies silhouetted behind them, a rare blend of urban grit and raw nature. The altitude here isn’t just a quirky stat — visiting teams feel it by the second half, and Nuggets fans know it’s their secret weapon.
Of course, today's superstar is Nikola Jokić — the Serbian magician who casually redefined what a center could be. But Denver's hardwood history runs deep. Legends like Alex English, Fat Lever, and Carmelo Anthony once made the Mile High City a feared stop on every NBA road trip.
Every game, whether against Oklahoma City or a Finals contender, feels like a celebration of resilience, creativity, and heart. Loud, proud, and a little unconventional — just like Denver itself.
18. Tour the Historic Union Station
📍 Location: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Fun Fact
Originally opened in 1881, Union Station underwent a massive renovation in 2014 that transformed it into Denver’s living room—a hub of dining, shopping, and lodging.
Union Station isn't just a train station anymore—it's a destination in itself. The Beaux-Arts building now houses some of Denver’s best bars, cafés, and restaurants, all centered around a grand Great Hall filled with cozy couches, chandeliers, and buzzing energy.
Grab coffee and pastries at Mercantile Dining & Provision, sip craft cocktails at the Cooper Lounge overlooking the main floor, or even stay overnight at the luxurious Crawford Hotel tucked inside the building. Amtrak and commuter trains still roll through, but for most visitors, Union Station is more about soaking up the historic elegance and vibrant city life.
19. Drive the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway
📍 Location: Starts near Golden, Morrison, and Evergreen, Colorado (just west of Denver)
Fun Fact
The Lariat Loop was originally built in the early 1900s as part of Denver’s "circle drive" tourist routes—one of the earliest car-focused scenic byways in the U.S.
If you want to see Colorado’s mountain beauty without committing to a full-day drive, the Lariat Loop delivers. This 40-mile scenic byway winds through charming historic towns like Golden and Evergreen, past sandstone cliffs, alpine lakes, and plenty of trailheads.
Highlights include Lookout Mountain, where you can visit Buffalo Bill’s grave and catch sweeping views of the plains below. Stop by the Lookout Mountain Nature Center, sip coffee in downtown Evergreen, or pop into small museums like the Morrison Natural History Museum along the way.
The best part? The loop is easy to tackle in a few hours, but it never feels rushed. You can build your own adventure—hike a trail, grab lunch, snap photos, or simply enjoy the view from behind the wheel.
20. Check Out a First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe
📍 Location: Art District on Santa Fe, Denver, CO 80204
Fun Fact
The Art District on Santa Fe is home to over 100 galleries, artist studios, and creative businesses—the highest concentration of art spaces in Colorado.
On the first Friday of every month, Santa Fe Drive transforms into an open-air gallery packed with energy, creativity, and a serious dose of local flavor. The First Friday Art Walk is a community celebration where you can browse dozens of galleries, pop-up exhibits, street performances, food trucks, and artist studios.
The vibe is casual and electric—musicians playing on corners, art spilling out onto sidewalks, crowds weaving in and out of brightly lit spaces. It’s one of the best ways to see Denver’s creative side up close, from established painters to emerging multimedia artists.
Even if you’re not buying, walking the strip with a local brew in hand and catching impromptu performances makes for an unforgettable evening. Come early if you want a quieter look at the art, or stay late to see the scene truly come alive.
21. Roam the Denver Art Museum
📍 Location: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Fun Fact
The Denver Art Museum’s striking Hamilton Building, with its jagged, titanium-clad design, was created by architect Daniel Libeskind to reflect the nearby Rocky Mountains.
The Denver Art Museum isn't just a place to view art—it's an experience in itself. Known for its bold architecture and even bolder exhibitions, the museum holds one of the nation’s best collections of Indigenous American art, alongside impressive Western, African, and contemporary works.
Inside, you'll find everything from centuries-old Navajo textiles to cutting-edge modern installations. Rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh, and interactive spaces encourage visitors to sketch, create, and get hands-on with the art.
The newly renovated Martin Building adds even more space to explore, making it easy to lose a few hours wandering from gallery to gallery.
22. Relax in City Park
📍 Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Fun Fact
City Park is Denver’s largest urban park and was designed in the 1880s to mimic the grand city parks of Paris.
When you need a break from sightseeing, head to City Park—Denver’s sprawling green heart. With wide open lawns, paddleboat rentals, picnic areas, playgrounds, and two major attractions (the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science), there's no shortage of ways to spend a sunny afternoon.
You can stroll along shaded paths, rent a paddleboat on Ferril Lake, or simply people-watch against a skyline backdrop framed by the distant Rocky Mountains. Sunday evenings often bring free jazz concerts during the summer months, adding a soundtrack to your sunset views.
Conclusion
Denver is a city that rewards curiosity. One minute you're exploring a cutting-edge art exhibit; the next, you're standing on a mountaintop with the whole Front Range stretched out before you.
With so many experiences packed into and around the city, there's no need to choose between urban exploration and outdoor adventure; you can have both, often in the same afternoon.
This list of top things to do is just a starting point. Denver’s real magic reveals itself when you follow a trail, step into a gallery, or sit down at a neighborhood brewery and let the energy of the city guide you.
If you are planning to visit the city, Karta offers amazing deals on Denver vacation rentals.
FAQ
1. What is Denver best known for?
Denver is known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, a thriving craft beer scene, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, outdoor recreation, and a strong arts and cultural community.
2. When is the best time to visit Denver?
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer the best balance of mild weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of outdoor events and festivals.
3. What’s the weather like in Denver?
Denver experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, winters bring occasional snow but lots of sunshine, and spring and fall are comfortably mild with colorful landscapes.
4. Do I need a car to get around Denver?
Not necessarily. Downtown Denver is very walkable, and public transit (including light rail and buses) is reliable. For day trips to the mountains or scenic byways, renting a car is recommended.
