So you're looking for stuff to do around Denver? Man, I remember my first time here – totally overwhelmed by options. Should you hike? Explore museums? Stuff your face at food halls? After living here six years and playing tour guide for countless visitors, I've got the inside scoop. Forget those generic lists. We're diving deep into what's actually worth your time.
Hey real quick – if you only remember one thing: Denver's magic happens when you combine mountain access with city vibes. That brewery patio with mountain views? That's the sweet spot.
Outdoor Adventures You Can't Miss
Let's get this out there: if you don't experience Colorado's outdoors, did you even visit? But skip the obvious Rocky Mountain National Park advice (though it's stunning). Here are better options without the crowds.
Hiking Without the Hassle
Red Rocks isn't just for concerts. The Trading Post Trail (17900 Trading Post Rd, Morrison) gives you those iconic views without a grueling climb. Open dawn to dusk, free entry. Took my cousin here last month – she gasped at every turn.
My Underrated Favorite: Eldorado Canyon
30 minutes from downtown (9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs). $10 vehicle entry. Gets busy after 9 AM – go early. The Fowler Trail is wheelchair-friendly with canyon views that'll make your Instagram explode. Saw a family of bighorn sheep there last spring!
| Trail | Drive Time | Difficulty | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Falcon Castle Ruins | 40 min | Easy-Moderate | Free | History + Views |
| Staunton State Park | 50 min | Moderate | $10 | Waterfalls & Wildlife |
| Lair o' the Bear | 30 min | Easy | Free | River Walks (Great for kids) |
Watch out summer hikers: afternoon thunderstorms are no joke. Got caught in one at 11,000 feet once – lightning struck 200 yards away. Terrifying.
City Experiences Beyond LoDo
Everyone hits Larimer Square. Cool, but let's dig deeper.
Denver's Secret Museums
The Forney Museum of Transportation (4303 Brighton Blvd) sounds nerdy until you stand beside a 1920s locomotive. $12 adults, open Wed-Sun 10-4. Weirdly fascinating.
For contemporary art without crowds: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (1485 Delgany St). $10 entry, closed Tue. Rooftop café has killer skyline views.
Pro Tip: Most museums have free days! Denver Art Museum first Sat of month, Botanic Gardens first Tue. Saves $15-20 per person.
Food Halls That Don't Suck
Avanti (3200 Pecos St) is okay but packed with tourists. Try these instead:
- Denver Central Market (2669 Larimer St): Grab SK Provisions' elk sandwich ($14) then High Point Creamery ice cream. Opens 7AM daily.
- Zeppelin Station (3501 Wazee St): Asian-Mexican fusion till 10PM. Try the kimchi quesadilla – sounds wrong, tastes right.
The Stanley Marketplace in Aurora deserves a shout too. Bit further out but worth it.
Season-Specific Stuff to Do Around Denver
What's fun changes drastically by season. Trust me, you don't want to try hiking Loveland Pass in January without spikes.
Winter Must-Dos
Tubing at Fraser Tubing Hill: 90 minutes west, $25/hour. Better than the overcrowded city spots. Open 10-4 weekends.
Bonfire Block Parties: Look for RiNo neighborhood events Jan-Feb. Outdoor fire pits, live music, mulled wine. Wear thermals – it gets cold!
Summer Secrets
Rent e-bikes from Denver Bicycle Cafe (1308 E 17th Ave) @ $50/day. Cruise Cherry Creek Trail to Confluence Park. Stop at Little Man Ice Cream (open till 11PM!).
Water Activities Alert: Stand-up paddleboarding at Chatfield Reservoir ($25 rentals). Avoid weekends – it's a zoo. Tried it last July and flipped twice. Still fun.
Nightlife Beyond the Breweries
Yeah, Denver has great beer. But there's more after dark.
| Spot | Type | Cover | Vibe | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nocturne Jazz | Live Music | $15-30 | Upscale intimate | Best cocktails in town |
| Adrift Tiki Bar | Themed Cocktails | None | Kitschy fun | Drinks are pricey but strong |
| 1UP Barcade | Arcade Bar | None | Casual retro | Skee-ball tournaments rule |
Warning about LoDo clubs: West Colfax dive bars have way more character. Try Horseshoe Lounge for cheap drinks and shuffleboard.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
If you've got a rental car, these beat sitting in traffic on I-70.
Under 2 Hours Away
- Georgetown Loop Railroad: Historic steam train through canyons. $35 adults, runs May-Oct. Book ahead!
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Panorama Point overlook might be Colorado's best view. $10 entry, 45 min drive.
- Fort Collins Brewery Tour: New Belgium's free tour (reserve 3 weeks ahead) or Odell's walk-in patio. Less hectic than Denver breweries.
Stuff to Do Around Denver When Broke
Freebies that don't feel cheap:
- First Friday Art Walks: RiNo galleries open late with free wine (5-9PM). Goes year-round.
- City Park Jazz: Free concerts Sundays June-August. Bring a blanket and picnic.
- Hammocking at Confluence Park: BYO hammock. Chill by the river downtown.
The state capitol building tour is surprisingly great – free and you stand exactly at mile high elevation.
FAQs: Stuff to Do Around Denver
What's unique to do that most tourists miss?
Bugling elk at Rocky Mountain Arsenal Refuge. Free wildlife drive Sept-Oct at dusk. Bring binoculars – saw 60 elk last fall.
Best stuff to do around Denver with kids?
Lakeside Amusement Park. Old-school rides, $3 entry + ride tickets. Cheaper than Elitch Gardens and more charming.
Rainy day backup plans?
Meow Wolf Denver ($45 tickets, book early) or escape rooms like Puzzah! ($32/person). Avoid Butterfly Pavilion – it's cool but tiny and overcrowded.
Where to see mountains without hiking?
Drive Mount Evans Scenic Byway ($12, summer only) – highest paved road in North America. Summit views will wreck you. Seriously, altitude headaches are real – bring water.
Look, I've made Denver tourism mistakes so you don't have to. That "authentic" Old West town? Tourist trap. The hyped brunch spot with 2-hour wait? Not worth it. Stuff to do around Denver should include both iconic spots and local secrets – now you've got both.
Denver's changed a lot since I moved here. More crowds, higher prices. But that mountain skyline still hits like the first time. Whatever stuff to do around Denver you pick, just remember: put the phone down sometimes and breathe that thin air.
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