Denver, Colorado Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
With 300 days of sunshine and beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, Denver gives you so many excuses to spend time enjoying the outdoors. Dig deeper into the “Mile High City” and you’ll find a thriving food scene as well as incredible breweries almost everywhere you turn. Not only is it a great starting point for travelers venturing into the Rockies, Denver alone has so much to offer.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination? (You can select more than one)
Quiet & Relaxing, Outdoorsy, Energetic & Active, Historic
What’s the Destination Known For?
Skiing, beautiful scenery and a walkable downtown
Getting There
Denver Airports:
(DEN) Denver International Airport
Located 25 miles from downtown Denver, this airport is actually the largest in size in the United States.
Local Etiquette
Call ahead and make a reservation for dinner to avoid a long wait
In Denver, dogs must be on a leash except in dog parks
Drones aren’t allowed to fly in national parks and wilderness areas.
Check out Your Responsibility Code by the National Ski Area Association if you’ll be hitting the slopes. #KnowtheCode
Remember that skiing is like driving. The folks in front always have the right of way.
Keep to yourself if you’re using public transportation. Oh and don’t take up a seat with your purse - your purse didn’t pay for a seat.
Don’t touch the art in museums. Just don’t do it.
Weather
Temperatures
Spring:
High: 70F / 21C
Low: 25F / -4C
Summer:
High: 88F / 31C
Low: 53F / 12C
Fall:
High: 77F / 25C
Low: 23F / -5C
Winter:
High: 47F / 8C
Low: 15F / -9C
Snow lasts late October - late April but it is heavier & wetter in the spring months. March - May and September - October have great weather and less crowds.
5280 ft / 1609 m
Getting Around
In City Transportation…
Airport Rail - The cheapest way to get downtown from the airport quickly and vice versa, tickets are only $9 each way. The train leaves every 15 minutes from 6AM-8PM and every 30 minutes outside of those hours.
Walking - Many popular attractions and shopping areas are within walking distance of downtown Colorado. Just make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.
Uber & Lyft - This is a quick way to get around town and a rideshare will save you some $$$. If you’re new to Lyft, you can use the code VISITDEN for up to $20 in ride credits.
Car rental - If you’re wanting to see areas farther from downtown Denver, renting a car is a great option. Just beware, prices for parking downtown can add up.
Scooter - Rent a scooter or go on a guided tour to change it up for a day.
Bike - Cover some of the 85 miles of bike trails in Denver with B-Cycle, Denver’s bike sharing program.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
$-tier
Sam’s No. 3
Southwestern Diner
Dress is casual
The menu is very large so there’s something for everyone
$$-tier
Four Friends Kitchen
American Food
Dress is casual
Ask for rooftop seating!
$$$-tier
Urban Farmer Denver
Steakhouse
Dress is casual
Order the Tableside Cherry Crisp… it comes complete with oat streusel, vanilla and brown sugar brandy ice cream
Brunch
$-tier
Illegal Pete’s
Mexican
Dress is casual
Delicious breakfast burritos! People only know about their lunch so you can skip the crowd for a yummy brunch.
$$-tier
Gozo
American
Dress is casual
Their brunch menu is TO DIE FOR. Ever heard of a Kombucha Mimosa? You’re going to want to try one.
$$$-tier
Panzano
Italian
Dress is casual
This restaurant, located in the Hotel Monaco, has an old fashioned atmosphere and is known for an incredible brunch menu.
Lunch
$-tier
Tocabe
Southwestern Food
Dress is casual
Great American Indian options
$$-tier
Marco’s Coal Fired Pizzeria
Italian
Dress is casual
The attention to detail here makes for a great pizza!
$$$-tier
ChoLon Modern Asian
Asian
Dress is casual
Family style so everyone can try a variety of things.
Dinner
$-tier
Pete’s Kitchen
Greek Diner
Dress is casual
Go for one of their classic Greek dishes.
$$-tier
Root Down
Type of food (BBQ, French cuisine, Thai, etc.)
Dress is casual
“Root Down aims to connect the neighborhood to a dining experience in the same way ingredients are connected to food.” This healthy eatery offers upscale food & drinks that are fresh, light and tasty.
$$$-tier
The Capital Grille
Steakhouse
Dress is casual
Say hello to filet mignon, lobster tail and other great dishes all cooked to perfection!
Other (Food Trucks, Late Night Bites, Ice Cream Shops, etc.)
Food Trucks
Denver Biscuit Company
American
3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206-1711
Dress is casual
They only serve biscuits until 2PM so make sure you get there on time
Manna From Heaven Gourmet Food Truck
Quiero Arepas
Latin American Food
3200 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
Dress is casual
Known for being an all-natural, gluten-free kitchen. Venezuelan style arepas made from scratch, the traditional way.
Top things to See and Do
Skiing
Denver has some of the best skiing in North America. If you are visiting during the winter months, there are plenty of mountains to choose from:
Echo Mountain - the closest resort to Denver with the cheapest lift tickets in Colorado
Loveland Ski Resort - this resort doesn’t have a lot of amenities but draws the most locals
Eldora Mountain - a relatively inexpensive spot with a good variety of terrain
Arapahoe Basin - known for fluffy powder & a laid-back vibe
Winter Park Resort - has reliable snowfall & a train that will take you from Denver straight into the base village
Keystone Ski Resort - a large resort with something for everyone
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
An artsy, geologically-formed concert venue with a great view of the stars
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Check out their website for upcoming concerts
Although this venue is known for it’s summer concert series, it is also a beautiful hiking and biking destination during the day
Yoga on the Rocks - tickets are only available online
Fly Fishing
The best way to explore the rivers and lakes of Denver - don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it looks to catch one
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
DIY Fly Fishing - only if you’re experienced and have the time to research river access and stream flows
Anyone over 16 is required to obtain a fishing license in Colorado. If you are going to be fishing for three or more days, you are also required to purchase a habitat stamp.
Guided Fly Fishing - This is a great option if you are new to the game. There are many reliable companies to choose from:
Denver Botanic Gardens
Visit a wide range of gardens and a 700-acre native plant refuge right in the heart of Denver
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open Monday - Wednesday 9AM-3PM & Thursday - Sunday 9AM-8PM
Tickets are $9 for a child and $12.50 for an adult
Denver Art Museum
This historical spot is known for its collection of American Indian Art.
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open Saturday - Thursday 10AM-5PM & Friday 10AM-8PM
Admission for adults is $10 for Colorado residents and $13 for out-of-state visitors. Kids 18 and younger enter free!
Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month
If you’re into museums, check out the Mile High Culture Pass
Denver Zoo
“Denver Zoo seeks to inspire exploration and discovery, and creates connections with people, animals and nature.”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Admission gates are open daily 9AM-4PM. Grounds close at 5PM.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for children and $17 for seniors
Mountain Biking
Hitting the trails is a great way to get the whole family involved if you are visiting in the summer months.
You have a few options on how to go about your biking trip:
Confluence Park
This dog-friendly park is a great spot for a picnic!
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Open daily 5AM-11PM
Go kayaking
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Visit the home of the 7-story “Brain Drain”
Here are the deets you need to know before visiting…
Festivals/Parades
“This free festival makes it easy to add a little culture to your weekend. Check out exhibits from more than 200 juried visual arts, live music, delicious food and beverages and activities for kids.”
This free, family-friendly holiday fest has live ice carving, fire pits and ornament decorating.
“Slow Food Nations is a festival of flavor, culture and exploration! From the Taste Marketplace and Edible Beats Street, to workshops and family fun, we’re taking over Larimer Square in downtown Denver. Kick it off with an opening party featuring the best of Colorado, and connect with farmers and artisans, chefs and food lovers over the weekend.”
This two-day festival includes teams competing in the Chinese tradition of dragon boat races, martial arts demonstrations and an “Awakening the Dragon” ceremony.
Nightlife
Where to go and hang once the sun sets – bars, nightclubs, etc. Try and find BOTH places where the locals hang AND places where the tourists hang. For each location, record the name, address, website, and anything interesting it might be known for (e.g. live Tango demonstration by professional dancers every Thursday night at 9PM.)
Club Vinyl
1082 N Broadway
“Stylish nightspot with 4 levels & dance floors, outdoor seating, hookah & bottle service.”
Star Bar
2137 Larimer St
One of Denver’s best dive bars
The Church Nightclub
1160 Lincoln St
Dance club in a renovated church
Breweries
“There is never a shortage of excuses to drink beer in this town.”
Rooftop Bars
Continue to enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather by taking the party outside
Here are some of the best in Denver
Hidden Gems
River North (RiNo)
An urban neighborhood with plenty of live music and street art for all you wanderers
Crêpes n’ Crêpes
This remarkable cafe in the heart of Cherry Creek will take you to France, with authentic savoury and sweet crepes.
Devil’s Food Bakery
This hole-in-the-wall bakery & coffee shop has a retro cafe style and serves everything from breakfast to dinner! Most locals know that the brunch and pastries are a must-try.
