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⛰️ Things To Do In Denver
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items I love Denver… it's one of those cities that just has it all, for real! Sunshine, mountains, culture, food, and endless ways to spend your time. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic hike, a cozy local restaurant, or a night out that turns into a s...
Sections
5
🌲Outdoor Activities
🍴Restaurants
🍔Other Food & Drinks
🎨Arts & Entertainment
🏔️Local Favorites
🌲Outdoor Activities
Denver shines when it comes to the outdoors… from big lakes and mountain trails, to hidden parks and more… all are within easy reach. Here I'm highlighting spots where you can hike, bike, paddle, or simply soak up the Colorado sunshine.
Cheesman Park is one of those places that feels like a little escape right in the middle of the city. 🌳 I like it because I can go for a slow walk, or have a sunny picnic iwth family, or just stretching out on the grass with a book. You can't beat t...
Cheesman Park
Saturdays here feel like a neighborhood block party with fresh produce, local bites, and live music. I like to kick off my weekend at the farmer's market knowing that I'm also supporting Denver’s makers and growers.
City Park Farmers Market
I really appreciate this shaded trail on the 300+ sunny days in Denver! It winds through Denver and beyond, so you can get peaceful stretches for biking, jogging, or just a long walk to clear your head. It’s perfect for when I want a nature break wit...
High Line Canal Trail
This one's a very family-friendly spot with a playground, volleyball courts, and a small lake nearby. It’s the kind of park where kids can play, adults can relax, and everyone ends up staying longer than planned.
Garland Park Playground
Okay, so we're land-locked and our lakes pass for beaches… this one is Denver’s largest lake and it's perfect for paddle boarding, jogging the loop, or just spreading out a blanket by the water. The mountain views over the lake at sunset are hard to ...
Sloan's Lake
Everyone who visits me from out of town gets to come here because it's the best! From themed gardens, seasonal blooms, and a peaceful glass conservatory… It’s one of those places where you instantly feel calm and inspired, and I love giving my friend...
Denver Botanic Gardens
This park is nicely fenced-in so your pup can run free and make new friends. It’s low-key, laid-back, and seems to be a favorite hangout for many Denver dog owners.
Fuller Dog Park
This viewpoint is just a short drive from Denver, and it gives you sweeping views of the city and the Rockies. If you can catch a view at sunrise or sunset, the view is simply magical because the sky literally puts on a visual masterpiece for you.
Lookout Mountain Park in Golden | Scenic Trails & Views
This park is right in the heart of Denver where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek. If you're not a kayaker yourself, then you can watch them tackle the rapids; of course you can also dip your toes in, or relax on the grass and just people-wat...
Confluence Park
🍴Restaurants
They say food is one of the best ways to experience a city, and Denver doesn’t disappoint. From cozy neighborhood joints to buzzy spots everyone’s talking about, here are some can’t-miss restaurants worth checking out.
Okay… this little wood-fired pizza “cart” in RiNo has serious personality, with sourdough crusts, inventive toppings, and a cozy, local feel. This is the type of place where you can just grab a slice and hang out nearby.
Cart-Driver RiNo (Pizza Spot)
If you're in Denver for any amount of time, you'll soon learn that the name “Elway” is a staple in these parts. So for a steak fix without the chain vibe, head to Elway’s in LoDo. It's kind of high-end so they have really good cuts and pair them well...
Elway's Downtown (Steakhouse)
This is just a cozy comfy neighborhood spot with what I'd describe as “elevated comfort food” with warm vibes. It’s one of those places you just kind of stumble into and then realize later that you can’t wait to go back.
The Nickel (American)
Aahhh… Think delicate sashimi, inventive flavor combos, and a sleek, modern setting. If you want Japanese cuisine that feels special (not just sushi rolls), Uchi’s your spot.
Uchi Denver (Japanese)
A cozy and out-of-the-ordinary Chinese restaurant with a wide array of dumplings, dumplings, and more dumplings!
Dumpling Kitchen (Chinese)
This modern Vietnamese spot's claim to fame is how it does heritage dishes with style, and the whole place makes you feel like you're dining in someone’s favorite corner of Vietnam.
Sap Sua (Vietnamese)
This restaurant leans on the modern, bold, and fun side. They offer lots of vegetable-forward dishes, creative “Korean American” plates, and a menu built for sharing… Trust me, you'll want to share…
Tofu Story (Korean)
Here they offer Thai and South Asian food in a nice, cozy ambiance, and flavors that hit deep. You'll find all your fave Vietnamese staples on the menu here.
Aloy Thai Eatery (Thai)
I'll admit, I'm not a connoisseur on this but locals say that this place is a must for Mexican food lovers because they offer bold pozoles, a great mezcal list, and a warm, festive atmosphere that feels like it belongs in a food-lover’s travel diary.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal (Mexican)
Come here for pastas you’ll remember and a menu that's distinctly southern Italian.
Coperta (Italian)
This is a friendly place, with curries done right, good naan, and an approachable menu that doesn’t assume you’re already an expert.
Spice Room (Indian)
This bistro is quiet and charming, and the menu is filled with French classics done with care. They've got croissants, boeuf bourguignon, etc. all served in the kind of setting that makes you just automatically slow down.
Bistro Vendôme (French)
This one is a staple in Denver for plant-based comfort; they have quite the eclectic menu and a relaxed, artsy space to enjoy their animal-free selections in. The food here is so good, even non-vegans love eating here too!
City O' City (Vegetarian)
No Denver restaurant round-up list would be complete without representation from my part of the world because we do have a rich vibrant African community in this area. You'll get a great selection of mainly West African foods in this lovely family re...
African Grill & Bar (African)
🍔Other Food & Drinks
Because let’s be honest, sometimes you’re not looking for a full meal, you just want the perfect coffee, a sweet treat, or a guilt-free guilty pleasure. I've got you covered for all the in-between bites and sips.
This boutique, farm-to-cup coffee house in LoDo is perfect when you want a seriously good espresso without pretension. They have multiple locations around Denver and the vibe is very local.
Little Owl Coffee
Trompeau is a French bakery that's all about buttery croissants, savory tarts, and flaky goodness made fresh daily. It feels like stepping into a Parisian patisserie right in Denver.
Trompeau Bakery
Here's my favorite “taste of Africa” on-the-go. The only catch is that you have to follow their IG account to know where and when to catch them around town but I promise you, they're worth the chase 😋
Sweet Pepper Kitchen (Food Truck)
Em’s offers small-batch, made-to-order scoops (plus some fun flavor blends). It’s the kind of place you pop into on a warm evening and leave with a guilt-free grin.
Em's Ice Cream
A nice local option when you want something cool and refreshing yet indulgent.
NovaCane Sugarcane Juice + Acai
This is the kind of spot you slide into when you’re craving a really really good sandwich. You won't be disappointed.
The Porchetta House
Tea and books? Yes please! If you like sipping on a hot beverage while enjoying a nice cozy book, then you need to be in here.
Tea Lee's Tea House & Bookstore
Tom's is a high-end fish market with responsible sourcing, it's ideal when you want top-tier seafood rather than generic grocery options, especially since we're land-locked here in Colorado.
Tom's Seafood & Gourmet Market
🎨Arts & Entertainment
Denver has a creative streak that runs deep. Whether it’s live music, theater, museums, or quirky local art, check out these spots where the fun and culture come alive.
There's a unique mashup of decorative arts, Colorado art, and the preserved studio of Vance Kirkland in this museum. It feels like stepping into someone’s creative home, where every corner has a story.
The Kirkland Museum
This is actually a stretch of galleries, studios, murals, etc. that run along Santa Fe Drive. It's especially lively during the First Friday Art Walks and is one of those walkable neighborhoods you’ll wander into and get pleasantly lost in.
Art District on Santa Fe
Part cinema, part experience… grab a seat, order a cocktail (or snack), and settle in for something better than your average movie night.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Sloans Lake
An indoor art “world” you’ll wander through, with interactive rooms, narrative threads, and hidden things to discover. It feels like you're right inside art… Hard to explain… Just go and experience this.
Convergence Station by Meow Wolf
Roller coasters, rides, and in the summer, you also get water park elements. Great when you want the “full theme park” energy without going too far.
Elitch Gardens
For something more “wild” and meaningful, this sanctuary lets you walk above rescued large carnivores on their elevated walkways and learn their stories. It's best to visit this sanctuary when you have a bit of time to spare.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
🏔️Local Favorites
Some places just feel like Denver through and through. They’re the spots locals love and visitors always remember. Here are some of those must-visit gems that make the city feel special.
A cozy, down-to-earth salon in the Washington Park area where they treat you like a friend, take their time, and do killer nail work. It’s the kind of place you’ll walk into stressed and leave feeling polished and new.
Fingers & Toes
For book lovers, this a well-loved Denver institution, it has the warmth of a community bookstore and a curated mix of titles you won’t see everywhere. Definitely a stop if you want to dive into local literary vibes.
The Bookies Bookstore
If you can make your way to Denver's Golden Triangle, that's where you'll find this spa. It feels like a peaceful indoor garden where you can hit reset. Their massages, facials, and body treatments are thoughtfully done, and once you step inside you ...
Eden Spa