Top 10 Things to Do in Denver

Top 10 Things to Do in Denver

Planning a trip to Denver? This 2026 guide covers the top 10 things to do, from iconic outdoor experiences to local attractions worth adding to your itinerary.

Use this list to compare highlights, discover what makes Denver unique, and find tours that match your travel style.

Denver, Colorado outdoor adventure scenery

Highlights of "Denver"

Map preview generated from the featured coordinates for this destination.

Use the links below to open each attraction in Google Maps.

  1. 1. Start at Denver Union StationView on map
  2. 2. Explore the RiNo Art DistrictView on map
  3. 3. Visit the Denver Art MuseumView on map
  4. 4. Spend time in City ParkView on map
  5. 5. Take a regional trip to Red RocksView on map
  6. 6. Visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife RefugeView on map

About Denver

  • Location: Denver is in Colorado, United States.
  • Climate: alpine climate.
  • Known for: Start at Denver Union Station, the RiNo Art District, Visit the Denver Art Museum, Spend time in City Park, Take a regional trip to Red Rocks
  • Identity: Denver is a cultural center.

Top Tours

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado's most majestic places.

4.9 (3321 reviews)

From $189

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park-Small Group Tour & Picnic
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park-Small Group Tour & Picnic

In Denver, climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of…

4.9 (3505 reviews)

From $193.50

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour from Denver
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour from Denver

Discover some of Colorado's wildest Rocky Mountain Scenery on this full-day, small-group tour from Denver.

4.9 (219 reviews)

From $189

Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge

Venture beyond Denver, and discover what Colorado has to offer: on this small-group tour, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Continental Divide, and…

4.9 (801 reviews)

From $149

Mount Blue Sky, Clear Creek Canyon & Red Rocks Park (Mount Evans)
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Mount Blue Sky, Clear Creek Canyon & Red Rocks Park (Mount Evans)

Escape Denver and immerse yourself in the nature of Mt.

4.7 (64 reviews)

From $149

Breckenridge & Continental Divide Explorer
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Breckenridge & Continental Divide Explorer

In Denver, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies on a full-day tour to Breckenridge.

4.9 (191 reviews)

From $169

Things to Do in Denver

  1. 1. Start at Denver Union Station

    The restored rail station is both a transportation hub and a useful gateway to LoDo. Walk the surrounding historic blocks, continue toward Coors Field or the river corridor, and use the station's rail connections if arriving from Denver International Airport.

  2. 2. Explore the RiNo Art District

    RiNo mixes murals, galleries, converted industrial buildings, food halls, breweries, and live venues north of downtown. Walk a compact section rather than trying to cover the entire district, and look for current exhibitions and events.

  3. 3. Visit the Denver Art Museum

    The Denver Art Museum anchors the Golden Triangle cultural area near Civic Center. Allow a substantial indoor block, then pair it with nearby architecture, the State Capitol area, or another museum rather than crossing the city repeatedly.

  4. 4. Spend time in City Park

    City Park provides lawns, lakes, skyline and mountain views, and access to major attractions including the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. It is a genuine Denver urban park and a useful contrast to downtown streets.

  5. 5. Take a regional trip to Red Rocks

    Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre lies west of central Denver in the foothills and is owned by the City and County of Denver, but it is geographically outside the urban core near Morrison. Visit for the sandstone setting, amphitheatre, trails, or a performance, and plan travel time accordingly.

  6. 6. Visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

    Northeast of central Denver, this federally managed wildlife refuge protects prairie habitat on a former military-industrial site. Wildlife drives and trails can add a nature-focused half day, but it should be treated as a separate refuge rather than a downtown Denver park.

Best time to visit

Denver works year-round, with different strengths by season

  • Spring and fall often provide comfortable city walking but can bring rapid weather changes.
  • Summer favors patios, parks, concerts, and early outdoor starts; afternoon storms can affect mountain outings.
  • Winter can alternate between snow and mild sunny periods, while mountain conditions are much more severe than in the city.

Travel tips

  • Remember that Denver is on the high plains; the high mountains begin west of the city.
  • Use the airport rail line and central transit when they fit your itinerary, then rent a car or book a tour for regional mountain outings.
  • Drink water and allow time to adjust to the elevation before strenuous exercise.
  • Group LoDo, downtown, RiNo, and museum districts geographically to reduce unnecessary driving.

FAQs about Denver

How many days are ideal for Denver?

Three to four days allows two or three city-focused days plus a regional outdoor day.

Is Red Rocks in downtown Denver?

No. The park is owned by Denver but sits in the foothills near Morrison, so it requires a separate drive or tour.

Do I need a car?

Not for many central Denver attractions, especially if using airport rail and local transit. A car becomes more useful for foothill and mountain day trips.

Learn More About Denver

Best Tours in Denver

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado's most majestic places.

4.9 (3321 reviews)

From $189

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park-Small Group Tour & Picnic
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park-Small Group Tour & Picnic

In Denver, climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of…

4.9 (3505 reviews)

From $193.50

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour from Denver
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour from Denver

Discover some of Colorado's wildest Rocky Mountain Scenery on this full-day, small-group tour from Denver.

4.9 (219 reviews)

From $189

Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge

Venture beyond Denver, and discover what Colorado has to offer: on this small-group tour, visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Continental Divide, and…

4.9 (801 reviews)

From $149

Mount Blue Sky, Clear Creek Canyon & Red Rocks Park (Mount Evans)
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Mount Blue Sky, Clear Creek Canyon & Red Rocks Park (Mount Evans)

Escape Denver and immerse yourself in the nature of Mt.

4.7 (64 reviews)

From $149

Breckenridge & Continental Divide Explorer
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Breckenridge & Continental Divide Explorer

In Denver, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Colorado Rockies on a full-day tour to Breckenridge.

4.9 (191 reviews)

From $169

Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver

In Denver, this full-day, small-group tour takes you out of the city and into the rugged Rocky Mountains.

4.9 (454 reviews)

From $139

Red Rocks Morning Hike
Hiking

Denver, Colorado

Red Rocks Morning Hike

In Denver, if you're seeking a quick adventure, take a four hour tour that treats you to a few of the best things of Colorado.

4.9 (111 reviews)

From $119

Red Rocks & Beyond
Sightseeing & City Tours

Denver, Colorado

Red Rocks & Beyond

The Denver foothills are packed with some of Colorado's best sights, from Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain and scenic Lariat Loop.

4.8 (1725 reviews)

From $89

Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake

Explore Colorado’s natural playgrounds, just a short drive from downtown Denver.

4.9 (921 reviews)

From $95

Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado Rocky Mountains View of Mt BlueSky
Hiking

Denver, Colorado

Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado Rocky Mountains View of Mt BlueSky

There are so many great hikes in the Denver area, how can you choose?

4.9 (417 reviews)

From $85

Hiking in the Rockies - Group hike tour near Denver
Hiking

Denver, Colorado

Hiking in the Rockies - Group hike tour near Denver

In Denver, enjoy the beauty of a hike in the Rockies without the worry of getting lost or picking an unsuitable trail during this full-day excursion.

4.9 (146 reviews)

From $69

Sunset Hiking Tour in the Rocky Mountains near Denver
Hiking

Denver, Colorado

Sunset Hiking Tour in the Rocky Mountains near Denver

In Denver, do you want to go for a hike but don't know which trail to pick, and don't want to get lost in the forest?

5.0 (49 reviews)

From $69

Denver and Foothills Mountain Small-Group Tour
Sightseeing & City Tours

Denver, Colorado

Denver and Foothills Mountain Small-Group Tour

Explore the grand scenery of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s Wild West history on a small-group bus tour from Denver.

4.9 (590 reviews)

From $79

Foothills Explorer Tour from Denver
Sightseeing & City Tours

Denver, Colorado

Foothills Explorer Tour from Denver

Enjoy an introductory visit to the Rocky Mountains—and still leave enough time to continue your Denver sightseeing—on this half-day, small-group tour.

4.9 (177 reviews)

From $89

Small-Group Half-Day Tour Foothills of the Rockies from Denver
Wildlife

Denver, Colorado

Small-Group Half-Day Tour Foothills of the Rockies from Denver

First-time visitors to Denver appreciate this opportunity to escape the city for a few hours to see key attractions in the foothills.

4.8 (106 reviews)

From $90

Golden to Red Rocks Loop
Cycling

Denver, Colorado

Golden to Red Rocks Loop

Golden to Red Rocks Loop is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front and center.…

Platte River Brewery Tour
Cycling

Denver, Colorado

Platte River Brewery Tour

Platte River Brewery Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front and center.…

Switzerland Trail Tour
Cycling

Denver, Colorado

Switzerland Trail Tour

Switzerland Trail Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front and center.…

2 hour LoDo Walking Tour
Walking Tours

Denver, Colorado

2 hour LoDo Walking Tour

2 hour LoDo Walking Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front and center.…

Classroom Programs

Denver, Colorado

Classroom Programs

Classroom Programs is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front and center. Expect…

1 Hour Best of Mid and Lower Downtown Walking Tour
Likely to sell out
Walking Tours

Denver, Colorado

1 Hour Best of Mid and Lower Downtown Walking Tour

1 Hour Best of Mid and Lower Downtown Walking Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the…

Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods Tour
Sightseeing & City Tours

Denver, Colorado

Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods Tour

Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front…

Bike & Brew Tour
Cycling

Denver, Colorado

Bike & Brew Tour

Bike & Brew Tour is a guided outdoor experience based in Denver, Colorado that keeps the logistics simple and the scenery front and center. Expect a…