So you're planning a Denver trip? Smart move. I've lived here 12 years and still discover new gems. Finding the best places to visit in Denver Colorado isn't just about hitting tourist spots – it's about balancing iconic landmarks with neighborhood secrets. Last summer, my cousin visited and insisted on only doing "top 10" attractions. Big mistake. She missed the real vibe.
We'll cover everything: free options, kid-friendly spots, ticket hacks, parking nightmares (trust me, I've paid $45 for 3 hours downtown), and those hidden local treasures. Oh, and I won't sugarcoat – some "must-sees" aren't worth the hype.
Denver's Absolute Must-Do Experiences
These three spots give you Denver's essence. Miss these and you missed the city.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
It's not just a concert venue. Even if you can't catch a show (tickets sell out fast), go at sunrise. I do this monthly – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison. Free entry when no events. Park at Upper North Lot. Trails open daily 1hr before sunrise to 1hr after sunset. Pro tip: The museum displays Elvis's 1964 contract ($15,000 for two nights!).
Denver Union Station
1701 Wynkoop St. Free to enter, but budget $15 for cocktails at The Cooper Lounge. Trains run 5am-1am. Skip the overpriced breakfast – grab a $8 croissant at Pigtrain Coffee instead. Parking? Nightmare. Take the A-Line train from DEN airport ($10.50).
| Attraction | Address | Hours | Cost | Parking Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Art Museum | 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy | Wed-Sun 10am-5pm | $18 (free under 18) | Cultural Center Garage - $10 all day |
| Botanic Gardens | 1007 York St | 9am-8pm daily | $15.50 adult | Street parking free before 10am |
| Museum of Nature & Science | 2001 Colorado Blvd | 9am-5pm daily | $22.95 adult | Lot $10 cash only |
| Larimer Square | 1430 Larimer St | Shops vary | Free (dining $$$) | Valet $20+ - use Uber |
Personal beef? The Clyfford Still Museum (1250 Bannock St). $10 admission for one artist's work? Unless you're a hardcore abstract expressionism fan, skip it.
Denver's Outdoor Wonders (Free & Paid)
We don't call it the Mile High City for nothing. But altitude sickness is real – hydrate!
City Park's Secret
2001 Colorado Blvd. Beyond the museums, find Ferril Lake. Rent kayaks ($20/hr) or join free yoga Saturdays 9am. Best skyline photos at sunset near the boat house. Free entry, open 5am-11pm.
Confluence Park
15th & Platte St. Where Cherry Creek meets South Platte River. Locals tube here in summer (bring your own tube - REI sells for $25). Watch kayakers navigate rapids. Free, open 24/7. Coffee recommendation: Aviano (9th & Lincoln) is worth the detour.
Free Outdoor Spots I Actually Use:
- ✓ Wash Park (S Downing St) - paddleboating
- ✓ Sloan's Lake - skyline jogging trail
- ✓ RiNo Art District murals (Larimer & 35th)
- ✓ South Pearl St farmers market (Sundays May-Nov)
Rocky Mountain Arsenal? 15 miles northeast. Bison sightings are cool but $20/car feels steep when you can see elk near Idaho Springs for free.
Kid-Tested Places to Visit in Denver Colorado
As a dad of twins, I've survived every meltdown at these spots.
| Attraction | Best For Ages | Price Hack | Food Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Zoo (2300 Steele St) | 3+ | Free days: Dec 25, Jan 1-2, Feb 6 | BYO snacks allowed |
| Children's Museum (2121 Children's Museum Dr) | 1-10 | 4-7:30pm Wed $6 (normally $17) | On-site cafe $$$ |
| Downtown Aquarium (700 Water St) | All ages | Online tickets save 15% | Skip restaurant - overpriced |
| Elitch Gardens (2000 Elitch Cir) | 8+ | After 4pm discount ($35 vs $60) | Hidden pretzel stand near Ferris wheel |
Warning about the Butterfly Pavilion (6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster). $13 admission for a single greenhouse? My kids lasted 20 minutes. Save your cash.
Local Secrets: Beyond Tourist Zones
Denver's neighborhoods are where the magic happens:
Highlands Hidden Alley
32nd & Tejon. Look for the "Cart-Driver" sign – behind it lies an alley with:
- Crema Coffee (best pour-over $6)
- Recess beer garden (local IPAs $7)
- Senor Bear rooftop (tacos $4 during 3-5pm happy hour)
Baker District Books & Booze
South Broadway between Alameda & Arizona:
1. Mutiny Cafe (used books + coffee)
2. Historians Alehouse (1900s photos & $5 drafts)
3. Sweet Action Ice Cream - try goat cheese beet (seriously)
"My favorite Saturday route: Start at Onefold (8am breakfast burritos), hit Tattered Cover bookstore, then walk to Milk Market for $1 oysters at 3pm. Total cost under $40." – Mark, LoHi resident since 2015
When to Visit: Seasonal Realities
Denver weather lies. "Sunny" can mean 25°F in winter.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
❄️ Must-do: Union Station lights (free)
️ Avoid: Red Rocks - icy stairs
🧥 Wear: Layers + waterproof boots
💡 Insider: Hotel bars (Brown Palace) have $12 hot toddies
Summer (June-Aug)
☀️ Must-do: City Park Jazz Sundays (free)
⚠️ Avoid: Botanic Gardens midday crowds
🧴 Wear: SPF 50 (altitude burns)
💡 Insider: Rent bikes via B-cycle $10/day
Your Denver Questions Answered
How many days do I need for places to visit in Denver Colorado?
3 full days minimum:
- Day 1: Downtown core (Union Station, LoDo)
- Day 2: Culture + parks (Museum, City Park)
- Day 3: Neighborhood day (Highlands/RiNo)
Is Denver walkable? Should I rent a car?
Downtown is walkable. For Red Rocks/Rocky Mountain day trips, rent. Use RTD trains from airport. Warning: Downtown parking averages $35/day. I use SpotHero app for garage deals.
What overrated places should I skip?
1. 16th Street Mall – generic chains and $9 hot dogs
2. Buffalo Bill Museum – 45-min drive for dusty artifacts
3. Celestial Seasonings tour – free tea samples can't save the 10-min factory walk
Where can I find authentic green chili?
Santiago's (multiple locations) for breakfast burritos smothered ($4.50). El Taco de Mexico (714 Santa Fe Dr) for lunch. Warning: "Mild" here means "medium" elsewhere.
Make Your Trip Stress-Free
Budget Hacks
- CityPASS: $89 for 4 attractions (saves $50+)
- Free museum days: denver.org/free-museum-days
- Picnic at Wash Park (saves $25/person)
Altitude Tips
- Drink 2x more water than usual
- Avoid alcohol first 24hrs
- Try oxygen bars ($18/15min) if dizzy
Last thing: Denver's best places to visit aren't just attractions – it's that sunny patio with a local beer after hiking. Slow down. Chat with locals. Ask about their favorite brewery. That's the real magic.
Got questions about specific places to visit in Denver Colorado? Drop them below – I respond personally to every comment. Been guiding friends here for years and still find new spots weekly!
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