Denver seems cool, but actually planning a vacation there sounds about as fun as hiking up one of those Rocky Mountains the city’s snuggled under. Where do you even start? The whole trip can seem as dizzying as the city’s famous high altitude. Well, take a deep breath of that crisp, mile-high air because this trusty Denver travel guide has got you covered, my friend.
In these comprehensive pages, you’ll find everything from hotel suggestions ideal for a family ski getaway or your cousin’s kickass bachelor party to the inside scoop on where to sample award-winning local restaurants without getting served a side of hipster attitude. And yeah, we’ll gently remind you to pack something warmer than flip-flops unless you want to reenact Jack Nicholson’s super-fun frostbite scene from The Shining. Ain’t nobody got time for that on vacation.
We’ll steer you to the best spots for soaking in that sweet, sweet Rocky Mountain view without having to schlep your very out-of-shape tuchus straight-up one. Because it turns out you can simply drive, walk, or grab the city bus to reach killer lookout points in and around town. No oxygen tanks or athletic ability is required. How’s that for a vacation win?
So leave the anxiety and overplanning exhaustion behind. With some comedy, insider tips, and can’t-miss attractions tailored for first-timers and return visitors alike, this Denver guide has all ya need to breeze right in and fall in love with the Mile High City just like a local. Now who wants green chili?
About Denver
Located at five thousand eight hundred feet in the western part of Colorado, Denver is known as the Mile High City. It is a rapidly growing city with many attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or relocating to Colorado, the city will have something to interest you.
During your visit, you should wear appropriate clothing for the weather. The city experiences cold temperatures for seven months of the year, and it can be dangerous to slip on the snow. Also, drink plenty of water and eat foods high in potassium. In addition, it’s wise to avoid alcohol during your stay in Denver.
If you’re traveling with children, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a must-see. This museum features interactive exhibits and is suitable for kids of all ages. It also has exhibits on dinosaurs, mummies, and the expanding universe. You can also visit the Denver Zoo, located in the heart of City Park.
Why Go to Denver
There are several reasons to visit Denver, Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are nearby and the city offers plenty of green space. Visitors should take advantage of this and get acclimated to the altitude by getting plenty of water and eating lots of potassium-rich foods. Drinking alcohol is not recommended. But the locals are warm, friendly, and willing to talk.
If you love the outdoors, Denver offers some of the best parks in the country. It has more than four hundred and twenty-five acres of parkland. Cherry Creek State Park, for example, has eighteen miles of trails, 15 picnic areas, and many waterfalls. The park also offers boating in Lake Clementine.
Denver is also a wonderful city with a thriving food scene. Denver has several authentic eateries that feature cuisine from around the world. If you’re fond of steak, you can sample a local favorite in one of the city’s many eateries.
Best Time to Go
If you are planning to visit Denver in the winter, the best time to go is between late November and early February. During this time, temperatures are typically cooler and less crowded than during the spring and summer months. While this may be the best time to visit Denver, it is also the most expensive time of year. The best time to visit Denver depends on your specific interests and trip goals.
If you are planning a vacation during the summer, you will want to visit Denver in June or July. Temperatures in Denver during the summer are usually around 86°F. This is a comfortable temperature for most people. The city hosts a number of summer concerts and festivals, which are popular in the summer. During the fall, you can enjoy the gorgeous autumn colors in the city.
As the winter season draws near, Denver can become bitterly cold with heavy snow storms. Alternatively, the summer season can be moderate, with temperatures hovering in the mid-to-upper 80s. Fall foliage in Denver is beautiful during mid-September through mid-November. During this time, Denver is the perfect destination for leaf-peepers. Because of its multiple climate zones, you can enjoy the fall colors longer than you would in other destinations.
How to Get Around
Denver is a walkable city with a number of transportation options. You can reach most major attractions by foot. There is also a light rail system that connects Union Station to the airport. During peak hours, trains leave every fifteen minutes. It takes approximately 37 minutes to reach downtown Denver. You can download a free map from Visit Denver’s website to plan your trip.
You can also rent a scooter through a mobile app. These scooters can travel up to 15 MPH. You will need to wear a helmet when riding. In the downtown area, many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance. You should also wear layers as the weather in Denver is unpredictable.
You can also get around Denver by riding a bicycle. Denver has many bike paths for you to enjoy. You can also find parking for your bike at many locations and lock it to a bike rack to keep it secure. There is also a Denver bike map that will help you find bike paths and trails. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can also try an electric bicycle. Denver’s eBike and Scooter Share programs offer discounts on electric bicycles and scooters.
Best Restaurants
Post Chicken & Beer is one of the best places in Denver for fried chicken. It’s famous for frying chicken in a cast iron skillet, and its chef even dredges it himself. The Post offers several varieties of chicken, and side dishes like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The restaurant also has a full bar and late-night hours.
Denver’s restaurant scene is diverse, from upscale fine dining to family restaurants and lively beer pubs. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with a view of the Rocky Mountains or a romantic dinner with a great glass of wine, Denver has a restaurant for you. Whether you’re craving French fare or American comfort food, you’re sure to find a restaurant that fits your style.
ChoLon, a modern Asian restaurant in Denver, is another option. Chef Dana Rodriquez started as a dishwasher in her native Mexico and worked her way up to a chef’s table. The result is a unique blend of traditional and modern cooking styles. The restaurant serves small plates from dim sum carts along with family-style dishes.
Things to Do
If you love art and culture, one of the best things to do in Denver is to visit the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art. This museum, which dates back to the gold rush, houses works from all the major periods of design. It also houses the largest nonprofit theater organization in the country.
Another place to see some art in Denver is the Denver Art Museum. Founded in 1893, this museum features 70,000 pieces of art. Its galleries include Asian, African, Native American, and Oceanic art. You can also view interactive installations and check out the works of famous artists. There’s no shortage of art in Denver.
Among the many things to do in Denver, the Denver Zoo is a must. The Denver Zoo, located in the city’s northern part, is home to many animals and is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Neighborhoods to Know
When it comes to choosing a place to stay when visiting Denver, you can’t go wrong with the Lower Downtown neighborhood. With historic architecture and Victorian charm, LoDo is one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the many restaurants and cafes here.
Located north of downtown, the Baker neighborhood is less crowded than the neighboring Highlands and is a more residential community. The only street separating the two neighborhoods is Broadway, which runs one way south from downtown. The neighborhood starts at 6th Avenue and extends south along Broadway. Towards the west, you’ll find Lincoln Avenue and I-25.
The Capitol Hill neighborhood is located in the center of the city, and is home to the Colorado State Capitol building, the United States Mint, and the Molly Brown House Museum. The neighborhood is also an architectural paradise, with turn-of-the-century mansions and art galleries.
Weather
There are four seasons in Denver, Colorado, and each one brings its own set of weather conditions. The four summer months are typically warm and dry, while the winter months are usually cold and wet. Below are the average temperatures and rainfall for Denver during the different seasons. These figures are based on measurements in the Stapleton neighborhood. Although the average rainfall is comparatively low, snowfall can be very high during the winter months.
Regardless of the season, the Colorado weather is often pleasant during the day. The temperature in Denver is usually around 70°F during the summer and 80°F during the winter months. The city experiences cloudy weather for part of the year, but the climate in Denver improves throughout the day. A clear sky is often the best option for travelers, but snow and rain can make driving difficult.
The next few days are mostly sunny. Expect highs of around 22°F on Saturday and 26°F on Monday.
