My wife and I are on a quest to share as much as we can about our beloved city Denver. We are reviewing restaurants, zoos, museums, breweries, and many other fun things.
Today, we will talk about the entertainment. The following list will surely motivate you to consider visiting our city or even choose it as your new home.
Before heading to all the attractions, we made a plan for you to get the most out of your visit to Denver. You can get a complete guide here.
Let’s get started.
1. Denver Art Museum
If you’re hitting up Denver, don’t miss the Denver Art Museum. It’s a huge hit for anyone who loves art. They’ve got a massive collection of over 70,000 pieces from all around the world and from different times.
The place itself is pretty awesome to look at, and it’s massive. Seven floors of art! You’ll find everything from ancient artifacts to the newest modern pieces. So, whatever type of art you’re into, you’re gonna have a great time there.
- Tickets: General admission tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the visitor services desk upon arrival. I recommend you review the visitor guidelines before your visit.
- Free Admission: Visitors 18 and under enjoy free general admission every day. The museum also offers several free admission days throughout the year for all visitors.
- Hours: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and until 8 pm on Tuesdays. Note that it’s closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Parking and Directions: The museum is located in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood. Allow extra time for travel and parking due to frequent downtown construction and traffic.
2. Explore the Botanic Gardens
It is a cool little oasis right in the middle of the city, with 24 acres of all these different plants and flowers from all over the place.
It’s well-known for being one of the top botanical gardens around, and they’re all about keeping things eco-friendly.
You can check out the peaceful Japanese Garden, or feel like you’re in the tropics at the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory.
If you just wanna relax, you can hang by this pond that’s straight out of a Monet painting.
- Location and Areas: The main location is at York Street in east-central Denver, featuring a conservatory, theme gardens, and a sunken amphitheater. There are also two other locations: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, which includes a natural meadow and riparian areas, and Mt. Goliath, an alpine wildflower garden.
- Collections: The Gardens boast North America’s largest collection of plants from cold temperate climates around the world, as well as plants from Colorado and neighboring states.
- Unique Features: It is home to the world’s first Xeriscape Demonstration Garden and Denver’s first publicly accessible green roof. The Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory is also notable as the first conservatory in America made entirely of concrete and Plexiglas panes.
3. Catch a Game at Coors Field
It’s where the Colorado Rockies play, and honestly, it’s such a cool place to watch a baseball game with the Rocky Mountains in the background. You don’t have to be a huge sports fan to enjoy it, either. Just grab a beer, maybe a hot dog, and cheer on the Rockies.
And hey, even if you’re not into baseball, taking a tour of the stadium is still a pretty neat experience. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in the area!
4. Visit the Denver Zoo
We recently went on a series of excursions across Colorado to take a look at the animal and wildlife attractions in the area.
My wife described the Denver Zoo as a perfect spot to spend an entire day without a single dull moment.
I was just occupied with the wildlife, while she was more focused on completing this review. Daniele was surprised with the ambient.
“The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share interesting facts about the animals and conservation efforts. And for families, the zoo is a treasure trove of educational opportunities, with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep the little ones engaged.”
She also noted that if you’re visiting with a stroller or wheelchair, be prepared for a workout navigating the hills and expansive grounds.
- Timed Entry: Online timed ticket reservations are required for entry. You’ll need to select a timed entry window during the ticketing process.
- Ticket Availability: Member tickets are available for purchase 15 days in advance, while general admission tickets go on sale 10 days in advance.
- Zoo Hours: The zoo is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, with entry gates closing at 4:00 pm. Seasonal hours may vary, so it’s best to check in advance.
- Ticket Pricing: Ticket prices vary depending on the season and age group, with discounts available for seniors, children, and SNAP Explorer Card holders.
- Accessibility: Denver Zoo is a Certified Autism Center™, ensuring that staff is trained and equipped to assist visitors with autism.
5. Take a Brewery Tour
We recently went on a tour to check out some of the best breweries around the place.
For me, it was quite an adventure from the start, and I even got my wife more interested in beer. She wasn’t so into this tour, but after checking out the first few breweries, I think she will replace her favorite wine with a good craft beer from now on.
We recommend you visit the Bierstadt Lagerhaus for a real German authentic experience. My wife’s favorite is the Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, especially for a wide selection of high-quality craft beers with all sorts of flavors.
We even made a guide that can help you organize your tour through the city and still manage to visit these popular beer spots. You can download the guide here.
6. Bike the Cherry Creek Trail
Honestly, we are not too much into fitness and working out. So, it was a bit of a challenge when we went on a bike tour. However, it was worth the effort.
For a bit of excitement, hop on a bike and hit the Cherry Creek Trail. It’s a killer way to see Denver. The trail is 42 miles long, starting right in Downtown and winding its way through all sorts of cool spots, parks, and neighborhoods right by Cherry Creek.
And for the bike rentals? No problem, there are plenty of places around the city to grab one.
Bike Rentals You Can Opt For
- Evo Denver – website: www.evo.com
- Rocky Mountain Biking – www.rockymountainbiking.net
- Wheel Fun Rentals – wheelfunrentals.com
- Base Camp Cyclery – basecampcyclery.com
- Pedego Electric Bikes Denver – pedegoelectricbikes.com
- Campus Cycles – www.campuscycles.com
- Mile High Bike Tours – www.milehighbiketours.com
7. Enjoy a Show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Hidden among these amazing red sandstone formations, it’s way more than a place for gigs – it’s an adventure in itself. This place has been rocking since the 1900s, bringing in some huge names in music.
Imagine chilling on a warm Denver night, jamming to a live concert under the open sky at this epic spot. And hey, if you’re up for it during the day, the trails around are perfect for hiking or biking. Definitely a must-do in Denver!
- Arrive Early: Traffic and parking can take longer than expected, especially on weekdays. Arriving early allows you to avoid long lines and enjoy the lot scene.
- Parking: There are several lots, and staff will direct you to the closest available space. For convenience, aim for the Upper Lots, which fill up quickly.
- Shuttle Service: If you plan to party, consider using a shuttle or party bus from Denver or Boulder. It’s a safe and convenient way to travel to and from the venue.
- Ticketing: Purchase tickets via the official AXS provider. The box office is open on show days, typically four hours before the start time.
8. Shop and Dine at the 16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall is like the beating heart of downtown Denver. It’s this mile-long stretch where you can walk, shop, eat, and just soak in the city’s buzz. Day or night, the place is always hopping.
It’s got the I.M. Pei stamp on it, which means it’s not just any old mall. It’s a cool spot to snag some deals, grab some food, or people-watch.
We were there recently, on your tour to find the best Japanese BBQ spots around town. One of the gems is right here, the Blue Sushi Sake Grill.
And if you are into Japanese cuisine, we made a special guide for people who want to combine the exploration of the city with nice Japanese restaurants. You can get it here.
9. Admire the Art in RiNo Art District
RiNo, or the River North Art District in Denver, is basically a creativity hub. It’s this awesome mix of art galleries, studios, and massive murals that breathe new life into old buildings.
Be sure not to miss this part of the city, especially if you are into modern art. For us, the additional motivation to visit it more often is a few modern breweries around the place.
10. Take a Day Trip to Mount Evans
There are places around the town that should also be part of your list when you get here. Mount Evans is surely one of them. Just an hour of driving from the city and you will find yourself surrounded by amazing panoramic views. Hiking is the real deal for this place.
Final Thoughts
This is just a sneak peek of all the cool stuff Denver has to offer. We’re always out and about, discovering new gems to share with you.
We’re working on putting together a fresh list of must-dos, so stay tuned. It’s a blast for us to explore and share these experiences, and we hope it inspires you to come see for yourself.
Keep an eye on our blog for more Denver discoveries coming your way!
