Denver, CO — Staycation Inspiration
10 Things To Do In Town
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
- Vibe: Epic and iconic
- Description: Hike among giant sandstone formations by day, catch a concert under the stars by night.
- Special Events: Film on the Rocks, sunrise yoga, major concerts
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- RiNo Art District + Street Art Tour
- Vibe: Colorful and cool
- Description: Explore Denver’s creative heart with murals, breweries, and converted warehouse galleries.
- Special Events: Crush Walls festival (September)
- Best Time: Year-round
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Vibe: Peaceful and pretty
- Description: Wander through curated gardens, tropical conservatories, and seasonal blooms.
- Special Events: Blossoms of Light (winter), summer concerts
- Best Time: Spring and summer
- Union Station + LoDo Exploration
- Vibe: Historic and polished
- Description: Grab a craft coffee or cocktail in this 100-year-old station turned social hub.
- Special Events: Farmers markets and pop-ups
- Best Time: Year-round
- Meow Wolf: Convergence Station
- Vibe: Surreal and immersive
- Description: Explore an alternate dimension of art, storytelling, and mind-bending installations.
- Special Events: DJ nights and special exhibits
- Best Time: Any time, especially winter
- Denver Art Museum
- Vibe: Thoughtful and bold
- Description: See world-class collections in a striking, angular building downtown.
- Special Events: First Free Saturdays
- Best Time: Year-round
- Colorado State Capitol + Civic Center Park
- Vibe: Classic and grand
- Description: Tour the gold-domed Capitol and stand at exactly one mile above sea level.
- Special Events: Taste of Colorado (Labor Day)
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- City Park + Denver Zoo
- Vibe: Lush and family-friendly
- Description: Rent a paddle boat, visit the zoo, or enjoy skyline views backed by the Rockies.
- Special Events: Jazz in the Park (summer Sundays)
- Best Time: Late spring to early fall
- Cherry Creek Trail + Shopping District
- Vibe: Active and upscale
- Description: Walk or bike along the creek, then grab a bite or window shop in one of Denver’s swankier spots.
- Special Events: Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July)
- Best Time: Summer and early fall
- Coors Field Game or Tour
- Vibe: Classic and casual
- Description: Watch the Rockies play or take a behind-the-scenes look at this stadium with mountain views.
- Special Events: Post-game fireworks, theme nights
- Best Time: Baseball season (April–September)
10 Things To Do Within 30 Miles
- Golden Day Trip + Brewery Crawl
- Vibe: Mountain-town charm
- Description: Stroll historic Golden, visit Coors Brewery, or hike along Clear Creek.
- Special Events: Golden Fine Arts Festival (August)
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- Lookout Mountain + Buffalo Bill Museum
- Vibe: Scenic and western
- Description: Drive up for sweeping views and a dive into Wild West history.
- Special Events: None
- Best Time: Late spring through fall
- Washington Park (“Wash Park”)
- Vibe: Locally loved and lively
- Description: Bike, paddle, picnic, or play volleyball in Denver’s most beloved park.
- Special Events: Summer runs and festivals
- Best Time: Spring to early fall
- Dinosaur Ridge
- Vibe: Educational and outdoorsy
- Description: Walk alongside real dino fossils and ancient footprints just outside town.
- Special Events: Fossil fun days
- Best Time: Spring and fall
- Roxborough State Park
- Vibe: Quiet and dramatic
- Description: Hike through red rock formations without the Red Rocks crowd.
- Special Events: Guided nature hikes
- Best Time: Spring and fall
- Wheat Ridge + Sloan’s Lake Loop
- Vibe: Chill and local
- Description: Bike or walk this city lake loop and spot geese, mountain views, and paddleboarders.
- Special Events: Dragon Boat Festival (July)
- Best Time: Summer
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science + Planetarium
- Vibe: Curious and interactive
- Description: Explore exhibits on dinosaurs, space, health, and weather — plus great IMAX shows.
- Special Events: Science Lounge (21+ nights)
- Best Time: Year-round
- Highlands Neighborhood + Avanti Food Hall
- Vibe: Trendy and rooftop-ready
- Description: Enjoy skyline views, creative food stalls, and stylish indie boutiques.
- Special Events: Local art shows and pop-ups
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- Cherry Creek Reservoir
- Vibe: Relaxed and recreational
- Description: Kayak, swim, or picnic at this reservoir park just southeast of the city.
- Special Events: Triathlons and nature programs
- Best Time: Summer
- Stanley Marketplace (Aurora)
- Vibe: Local and buzzy
- Description: Eat, shop, and explore dozens of local vendors in a former airplane hangar.
- Special Events: Night markets and tastings
- Best Time: Weekends year-round
10 Things To Do Within 60 Miles
- Boulder Pearl Street + Flatirons Hike
- Vibe: Chill and collegiate
- Description: Browse open-air shops, then hike or picnic beneath iconic flat rock formations.
- Special Events: Pearl Street Arts Fest (July)
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- Evergreen Lake Day Trip
- Vibe: Cozy and outdoorsy
- Description: Paddle in summer, ice skate in winter, or just relax with a mountain picnic.
- Special Events: Lake Concert Series, Ice Fest
- Best Time: Summer and winter
- Idaho Springs + Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- Vibe: Classic Colorado
- Description: Soak in hot springs or drive one of the highest paved roads in North America.
- Special Events: Road opens seasonally (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Best Time: Summer
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Vibe: Forested and peaceful
- Description: Hike or camp in aspen groves with quiet trails and plenty of wildlife.
- Special Events: Wildflower walks
- Best Time: Fall and spring
- Red Feather Lakes (on edge of range)
- Vibe: Remote and relaxing
- Description: Rent a cabin, fish, or read by the lake surrounded by pine forests.
- Special Events: None
- Best Time: Summer
- Nederland + Carousel of Happiness
- Vibe: Whimsical and mountainy
- Description: Ride a hand-carved carousel, sip coffee by the creek, and hike nearby trails.
- Special Events: Frozen Dead Guy Days (March)
- Best Time: Summer or early fall
- Lariat Loop Scenic Drive
- Vibe: Classic Colorado views
- Description: Take a self-guided loop through mountains, meadows, and historic towns like Morrison and Golden.
- Special Events: Scenic byway programs
- Best Time: Fall foliage season
- St. Mary’s Glacier
- Vibe: Snowy and surreal
- Description: Hike to a glacier-fed lake that’s beautiful even in summer.
- Special Events: None
- Best Time: Summer
- Estes Park + Rocky Mountain National Park (just past 60 miles)
- Vibe: Majestic and bucket list
- Description: If you’re up for a longer day trip, it’s worth it — elk sightings, alpine hikes, and epic views.
- Special Events: Elk Fest (fall), Trail Ridge Road opens seasonally
- Best Time: Late spring to early fall
- Manitou Springs + Garden of the Gods (on edge of range)
- Vibe: Striking and spiritual
- Description: Walk among towering red rock spires and visit this artsy town near Colorado Springs.
- Special Events: Summer festivals
- Best Time: Spring and fall
