Explore Denver, Colorado: A Complete Travel Guide to the Mile High City

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado is a vibrant blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Known as the Mile High City due to its elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) above sea level, Denver is where scenic beauty meets a thriving art scene, world-class cuisine, historic landmarks, and endless outdoor fun.
 

Whether you're here to explore the mountains, discover local breweries, or immerse yourself in culture and music, Denver offers something for every kind of traveler.

📍 Where Is Denver?

State: Colorado

Region: Western United States

Elevation: 5,280 feet (1 mile) above sea level

Nearest Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) – one of the largest in the U.S.

🚗 Getting to and Around Denver

✈️ By Air

Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major hub with domestic and international flights.

🚘 Getting Around

Light Rail and RTD buses serve downtown and suburbs.

Renting a car is ideal if you plan to visit the mountains.

Downtown is walkable, with e-scooters, bikes, and ride-shares easily available.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Denver

🏟️ 1. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

A world-famous outdoor concert venue set among towering red rock formations.

Hike the trails by day, then return for a once-in-a-lifetime live music experience at night.

Only 25 minutes from downtown Denver.

🏛️ 2. Denver Art Museum

Home to an extensive collection of Native American art and contemporary works.

The building itself is a modern architectural marvel.

Family-friendly and free for kids.

🦖 3. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Great for families and science lovers.

Features dinosaur skeletons, planetarium shows, and interactive exhibits.

Located in City Park, near the Denver Zoo.

🐾 4. Denver Zoo

One of the top-rated zoos in the U.S.

Home to over 3,000 animals across 80 acres.

Don’t miss the Toyota Elephant Passage and Predator Ridge.

🌆 5. Larimer Square

Denver’s oldest block, filled with history and charm.

Lined with independent boutiques, fine dining, and atmospheric lights strung overhead.

Ideal for romantic evenings and local shopping.

🎨 6. RiNo Art District

Short for River North, this area is Denver’s creative soul.

Expect massive street art murals, craft breweries, trendy eateries, and converted warehouses.

Monthly First Friday art walks are a must.

🍺 7. Take a Brewery Tour

Denver is often called the Napa Valley of Beer.

Visit iconic spots like Great Divide, Wynkoop Brewing, and Denver Beer Co.

Try a brewery bike tour or walk through the Denver Beer Trail.

🏛️ 8. Colorado State Capitol

Climb to the 13th step for a literal mile-high view.

Free tours available on weekdays.

The gold-domed building is rich in history and stunning inside and out.

🚵 9. Outdoor Adventures Near Denver

Mount Evans Scenic Byway – drive to 14,130 ft with unforgettable views.

Cherry Creek Bike Trail – a 40-mile trail ideal for cyclists and joggers.

Sloan’s Lake – kayaking and sunset walks just minutes from downtown.

🎭 10. See a Show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex

One of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S.

Home to the Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado, and Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Broadway shows and local theater productions year-round.

🏞️ Popular Day Trips from Denver

🧗 1. Boulder

Just 40 minutes away, known for hiking, Pearl Street Mall, and outdoor cafes.

⛷️ 2. Rocky Mountain National Park

A nature lover’s paradise with hiking trails, wildlife, and alpine lakes.

🎿 3. Winter Park or Breckenridge

For skiing in winter or hiking and mountain biking in summer.

🍽️ What to Eat and Drink in Denver

🥩 1. Denver Steak

Locally sourced beef, often served in upscale steakhouses like Guard and Grace.

🌮 2. Green Chile

A regional favorite, often served smothered over burritos, burgers, or fries.

🥘 3. Farm-to-Table Dining

Root Down, Mercantile Dining & Provision, and Acorn highlight Colorado-grown ingredients.

🍺 4. Craft Beer and Cider

With over 150 breweries in the metro area, Denver is heaven for beer lovers.

🛍️ Shopping in Denver

🛍️ 16th Street Mall

A mile-long pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and free shuttle service.

🛍️ Cherry Creek North

Upscale shopping with art galleries, spas, and luxury boutiques.

🎨 Denver Central Market (RiNo)

A gourmet food hall and artisan shop collective in the heart of the arts district.

🏨 Where to Stay in Denver

🏙️ Downtown Hotels

The Crawford Hotel at Union Station – historic luxury with easy access to everything.

Hyatt Regency – steps from the convention center and 16th Street Mall.

🏞️ Boutique & Neighborhood Hotels

The Ramble Hotel – stylish stay in RiNo.

Life House, Lower Highlands – a trendy boutique hotel near downtown.

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre at sunrise

Union Station's grand hall

The "LOVE THIS CITY" mural in RiNo

Sculptures at Denver Art Museum

Denver Botanic Gardens in spring bloom

🕓 Best Time to Visit Denver

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Festival season; perfect for hiking, biking, and outdoor patios

🍂 Fall (September–November)

Vibrant foliage and ideal for visiting the mountains

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Great for nearby ski trips and cozy city escapes

🎉 Annual Events in Denver

Great American Beer Festival (September): The largest beer festival in the U.S.

Denver PrideFest (June): One of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the region

Cinco de Mayo Festival: A vibrant celebration of Latino culture

Denver Film Festival (Fall): Showcasing independent films from around the globe

🎒 What to Pack

Sunscreen and sunglasses (Denver averages 300 sunny days/year)

Layers—weather changes quickly at high altitude

Reusable water bottle—hydration is key at high elevation

Comfortable walking shoes for downtown and trails

Light jacket, even in summer evenings

🧠 Interesting Facts About Denver

Denver has more breweries per capita than any U.S. city.

The city was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in 1858.

The Denver International Airport is larger than Manhattan in land area.

The blue horse sculpture at DIA is nicknamed “Blucifer” by locals.

The first cheeseburger was reportedly invented in Denver in the 1930s.

💬 Local Tips

Altitude sickness is real—drink water and take it easy your first day.

Tipping: 18–20% is standard in restaurants.

Public transit is efficient downtown, but a car is useful for mountain excursions.

Don’t underestimate the sun—Denver is closer to it than most cities.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Denver is a gateway to the Rockies, a hub for arts and culture, and a city that blends laid-back Western vibes with cutting-edge innovation. Whether you're hiking trails by morning and tasting craft beers by night, or soaking in mountain views from a downtown rooftop, Denver promises unforgettable experiences at every altitude.