Top tourist attractions in Denver, CO.
Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. The city is known for its mild climate, scenic mountain views, and fun activities. With more than 30 million people visiting the city annually, there are many things to do and see in Denver.
Denver offers many museums to explore. For example, the Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the country and features an extensive permanent collection. There are also many interactive exhibits to enjoy.
The Clyfford Still Museum is another museum to visit. Here you can see paintings by famous artists. During the summer, they host concerts and entertainment events.
You can also explore Denver’s rich history at the Denver Public Library. This historic building was built in the year 1910. Its fifth floor houses a Western History exhibit. In addition, the library hosts storytelling sessions and book readings.
One of the unique things to do in Denver is to visit the Forney Museum of Transportation. This museum began as a private collection by J.D. Forney.
Another great place to visit in Denver is the Denver Zoo. Visitors can participate in animal-watching experiences, learn about animals native to the area, or spend a day exploring the zoo’s many species.
To enjoy a scenic view of the Rocky Mountains, you can head to the Denver Botanic Gardens. They have five different gardens, including the Internationally Inspired Garden, a collection of plants worldwide.
Top 15 things to do in Denver, Colorado
- Denver Zoo
- Coors Field
- Downtown Aquarium
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Art Museum
- Elitch Gardens
- Larimer Square
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Stanley Marketplace
- Water World
- Meow Wolf Denver
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- Washington Park
- Chatfield State Park
Denver Zoo
You’ll love visiting the Denver Zoo if you’re an animal lover. This zoo is located in the city park of Denver and features animals from all over the world. You can experience animal encounters, rides, and a host of activities. The zoo is also a popular place to visit for special events.
One of the highlights of the Denver Zoo is Stingray Cove. It is a new interactive exhibit. Visitors will be able to feed the rays, including cownose rays, southern stingrays, and other species. An 18,000-gallon saltwater pool will also be available for guests to enjoy.
The Denver Zoo is an excellent place for children to learn about wildlife. It offers several animal encounters and educational lectures during the day. There are also a variety of rides, including the carousel.
Coors Field
Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, is a unique place to watch a ball game. However, it is not just a great place to watch a game but also has a lot of other attractions. From the water feature to the Rock Pile, there are plenty of things to see at Coors Field.
Coors Field is an ideal place to watch a baseball game in the Lower Downtown area. The stadium is near Union Station, which makes it easy for fans to get to the game.
Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies, a Major League Baseball team. They have also hosted professional ice hockey games and concerts. In the summer, the stadium is filled with fans, many of whom enjoy a play on the patio or a picnic.
Downtown Aquarium
Downtown Aquarium is a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike. This aquarium is located in downtown Denver, close to museums and other fun things to do.
Downtown Aquarium is a public aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It has over one million gallons of water and is open seven days a week.
The aquarium boasts several features, including the Aquarium Adventure exhibit. It’s also got a full-service restaurant with a 150,000-gallon aquarium.
You can watch a mermaid show, a dive tank, and an aquarium with a shark and stingray for entertainment. You can even do some snorkeling and scuba diving.
For dining, the restaurant offers lunch and dinner. They also have a dive bar that opens at happy hour and is closed on weekends.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the top five botanical gardens in the country. It is a beautiful destination to visit during your Colorado getaway. This 24-acre garden in Cheesman Park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
This Denver garden has some themed parks, each with its unique characteristics. They include a traditional Japanese garden, an orchid garden, an alpine rock garden, and a tropical conservatory.
Aside from its beautiful gardens, Denver Botanic Gardens also offers a variety of tours and special events. For example, visitors can attend a summer concert series or a winter festival. There are also guided hikes and yoga.
The gardens are also home to an arboretum and a tropical conservatory. Both of these are must-sees. These areas are filled with thousands of tropical plants.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a world-class natural history museum. Its collection includes over 1 million objects. Founded in 1900, the museum features dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, wildlife, and outer space exhibits. The museum offers a full day of fun for families with children of all ages.
For more information on the museum, visit the website. Ticket reservations can be made online for special shows. Visitors can also purchase tickets to explore the museum on their own.
The American Alliance of Museums accredits the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It employs 350 full-time staff and a 25-member board of trustees as a nonprofit institution. Many of the museum’s permanent exhibits are interactive.
Denver Art Museum
Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the region, with more than 70,000 pieces of art. Located in downtown Denver, the museum features a range of diverse collections. The collection includes works that span many decades and special multimedia exhibits.
The museum also hosts special lectures and classes, and the Insight program brings together curious visitors and the museum staff for conversations. It’s a great way to experience the museum without a ticket.
Some of the most popular events at the Denver Art Museum include the Logan Lecture Series and the Anderman Photography Lecture Series. Free admission is offered to youths aged 18 and younger on certain days. Ticketed exhibitions may also be discounted for Colorado residents.
Elitch Gardens
Located in the heart of Denver, Colorado, Elitch Gardens is a family-friendly theme park open throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It features more than 50 rides and attractions. In addition to the exciting rides and water slides, visitors will enjoy the breathtaking views of downtown Denver.
The history of the Elitch Gardens theme and water park dates back to the 1800s. Initially, it was a small family-owned park. However, as it grew, it became a full-fledged entertainment destination.
Since its inception, the park has welcomed locals and tourists to its location in the city. Visitors can enjoy various fun activities and events, including fireworks, extravaganzas, and haunted houses. Guests are also offered a selection of restaurants and other dining options.
Visitors can also opt to participate in the free summer concert series. Some of the attractions at the park include a haunted house, a haunted maze, and a water slide.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is Denver’s original historic district. It’s one of the city’s oldest blocks and home to various restaurants, shops, and entertainment. In addition, the block is a magnet for young professionals and hipsters.
Larimer Square’s history goes back to 1858, when General William Larimer founded Denver. He built a log cabin on the square and sold it for $400. But in the 1940s, the city’s first city hall was demolished. A decade later, George Clayton built a frame building to replace the log cabin. In 1910, the building was converted into a hotel.
In the 1970s, the square was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Larimer Square is an exciting destination for tourists and locals alike. There are live music, craft beer festivals, and charity fundraisers.
Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is Denver’s largest state park. It offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The park is excellent for all skill levels. From ice fishing to swimming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are interested in hiking, the park has several trails. Aside from paved and gravel paths, there are also mixed-use trails. In addition, you can take a scenic hike through the marshlands, grasslands, and prairies.
There is a group picnic area and a volleyball court. Additionally, there is a boat ramp. In the summer, you can swim in the lake. However, the shoreline is roped off for safety.
The campgrounds are open year-round. These campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs and tents. They have restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Plus, the campgrounds have a fire ring.
Stanley Marketplace
Stanley Marketplace is a 140,000-square-foot community center and shopping destination. It’s located in the Westerly Creek Village neighborhood of Aurora, Colorado, and is easily accessible from Denver’s downtown core.
The marketplace features more than a dozen shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. So whether you’re looking for a place to relax with a beer or find a local business with a unique vision, Stanley Marketplace is a great destination.
Some shops and restaurants at Stanley Market include the Stanley Beer Hall, Annette, the Denver Biscuit Company, and Miette et Chocolat. You can also get a haircut, a spa, and a dentist.
Stanley Marketplace is a part food hall and part urban bazaar. There’s a wide variety of eateries, all set against a backdrop of steel and concrete. This is one of the Denver area’s most popular spots for dining and drinking.
Water World
If you want to get away from the city and have fun, you’ll want to visit Water World in Denver. This water park is a popular attraction among locals and tourists.
The park features more than 50 attractions. It has a range of family rides and thrill rides. Some of the rides include water slides, tubing, and raft rides. Guests can also purchase drinks and food.
There are two wave pools and a 1,000-foot lazy river. In addition, guests can rent tubes and lockers. However, visitors should note that Water World does limit personal coolers.
One of the most exciting rides is the Voyage to the Center of the Earth. During this ride, riders can take in the sights of a prehistoric cave. Riders go through several dropoffs, spirals, and other impressive features throughout the journey.
Meow Wolf Denver
Meow Wolf Denver has just opened its third permanent installation in the city. This 90,000-square-foot venue houses a live performance venue, a movie theater, and various immersive exhibits. It is a perfect option for visitors who have little time on their hands.
The four-story exhibit is a work of art that brings a futuristic theme to Denver. Visitors can experience the space through interactive games, secret passages, and more. Guests can also climb into vehicles to take a tour of the area.
Convergence Station combines world-building and science fiction into an immersive experience. The first floor of the building features rooms that are reminiscent of a modern transportation station. Other areas have portals that take guests to other planets. In the middle of the space, guests can listen to music played through a symphony created by an engineer who escaped from the multiverse.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a unique museum in the Denver area. The museum is located on the former Lowry Air Force Base grounds and is the official Air and Space Museum of Colorado. Several aircraft are displayed here, including the US Air Force B-1A Lancer. This museum is also home to several artifacts and an interactive education program.
The Wings Over the Rockies Air-Space Museum is a unique experience perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re a history buff, a jet-setter, or an enthusiast, there’s something for you here. In addition to the main building, there are also traveling exhibits.
The Aircraft Museum is a large part of the Wings Over the Rockies Air-Space Museum. It contains numerous displays of historical aircraft, military uniforms, and space vehicles.
Washington Park
Washington Park Denver is a 160-acre park in the city of Denver. It is a recreational paradise for both locals and visitors. It is a beautiful place to explore and relax, with two lakes, a paved perimeter loop, and a recreation center.
Washington Park has ample green space with lakes, paths, and playgrounds. It is also a community center with a pool and fitness equipment. Unfortunately, some programs have been cut due to the lack of funding. However, FANS, a volunteer group, has been working on expanding and improving the park.
The Washington Park Boathouse was built in 1913 and renovated in 2012. You can rent the boathouse for private parties. Wash Park is home to two formal flower gardens. In addition, there are dozens of restaurants, cafes, and stores.
Chatfield State Park
Chatfield State Park is a quaint, peaceful park in southwest Denver. The site features miles of trails, a boat launch, and a great blue heron nest. Located 30 minutes from downtown Denver, Chatfield offers activities for the whole family. So whether you want to hike, bike, fish, or go ice fishing, there’s something for everyone.
The Audubon Center at Chatfield State Park is an outdoor learning lab dedicated to nature education. It features a variety of programs, such as nature tours and educational seminars. Regular, family-friendly programs include campfire nights, ranger-led hikes, and radio-controlled aircraft programs.
You can also enjoy a day of boating, ice fishing, sailing, or skiing. In addition, this park offers a marina and a floating restaurant.
Chatfield State Park is home to several mammals, including mule deer, whitetail deer, prairie dogs, and cottontail rabbits. In addition, its great blue heron nest is a popular spot for bird watching.