Why Go to Denver
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Plenty of travelers fly into Denver and head straight for the mountains, but they're missing out. The Mile High City combines big-city energy with incredible natural surroundings in a way few places can. By all means hike and ski the Rockies, but save time for Denver's great restaurants, museums and famous craft beer scene. That's where you'll discover the city locals love.
Denverites are relaxed, active and outdoorsy, with a love of good food and good beer. Spend a day exploring the hiking paths, shopping districts and brewery trails, or catch a concert at the stunning Red Rocks Amphitheatre just outside town. Art and culture lovers can wander the Denver Art Museum and historic Larimer Square, then try something adventurous like Rocky Mountain oysters. Families will love the Denver Zoo and the Denver Mint, where you can see how coins are made.
Denver is the perfect start or finish for a Colorado adventure. I'll plan your city days and connect them to Rocky Mountain National Park, the ski resorts or a scenic train ride through the mountains.
BEST FOR
Foodies, museum fans, sports travelers and mountain-day-trippers
BEST MONTHS
April to June and September to October
EXPLORE
LoDo is near Union Station and Coors Field; Capitol Hill has historic architecture; RiNo features murals, galleries and dining.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Denver
North America › Mountain West › USA › Colorado
Rocky Mountain views, craft breweries and big-sky adventure in the Mile High City.
Mountain & Alpine
Brewery
Outdoor
Sports
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol your first day. The altitude hits harder than most visitors expect.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Don't miss the Western American art galleries.
Denver Art Museum
A striking museum with art from around the world, including an outstanding collection of Native American art.
Visit in summer for blooming gardens and outdoor concerts.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Beautiful gardens with plants from around the world, including a stunning Japanese garden.
Catch a concert, or visit during the day to hike the trails and explore the free visitor center.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
A breathtaking amphitheater carved into massive red sandstone rocks, about 25 minutes from downtown.
Grab a drink at the Terminal Bar, and sit by the station's indoor fire pits in winter.
Union Station
Denver's beautifully restored 1914 train station, now a lively hub of restaurants, bars and shops.
Head to the upper levels for views of the Rockies.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
A world-class museum with dinosaurs, space exhibits and a planetarium in City Park.
Denver's grand historic hotel, open since 1892, with a stunning atrium and afternoon tea.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Downtown
City
A stylish hotel inside Union Station, perfect for exploring LoDo.
The Crawford Hotel
Union Station
Boutique · City
Denver's oldest hotel, with Art Deco charm in LoDo.
The Oxford Hotel
LoDo
Boutique · City
A modern art-filled hotel near the Denver Art Museum.
The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton
Golden Triangle
Boutique · City
A large downtown hotel with mountain views and easy access to the 16th Street Mall.
Grand Hyatt Denver
Downtown
City
Polished luxury near the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Downtown
City
A modern hotel next to Union Station.
Hotel Born
Union Station
Boutique · City
A lively boutique hotel in the River North Art District.
The Ramble Hotel
RiNo / Larimer
Boutique
A huge resort with a water park, good for families.
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Aurora / near DIA
Family
A good-value hotel close to the 16th Street Mall.
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown
Downtown
Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Denver
High 53°F · Low 27°F · Rain 0.6 in
Ski season begins in the mountains.
The best times to visit Denver are April through June and September through October, when the weather is mild. Summer is warm and sunny, with Red Rocks concerts, while winter brings snow in the mountains and great skiing nearby.
Best Times to Visit Denver
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Denver's dining scene is creative and diverse, with farm-to-table restaurants, food halls and a booming craft beer scene.
- Craft beer: Denver is home to dozens of breweries, especially in RiNo.
- Food halls: Try Denver Central Market and Avanti for a variety of eats.
- Must-try: Green chile, Rocky Mountain trout and a local craft beer.
06
Bikes & Scooters
Bike lanes and scooters make it easy to get around downtown.
05
Rental Cars
A car is helpful for day trips to the mountains and Red Rocks.
04
Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available.
03
MallRide
The free MallRide shuttle runs along the 16th Street Mall downtown.
02
Light Rail
RTD light rail and commuter trains connect downtown with neighborhoods and suburbs.
01
Flying In
Denver International Airport (DEN) is connected to Union Station by the A Line train, about 37 minutes.
Most visitors fly into Denver International and take the A Line train to Union Station. Once you're here, light rail, the free MallRide and rideshares make it easy to get around, while a rental car is helpful for mountain day trips.
Getting Around Denver
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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