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14‑Day Denver Adventure (December 22 – January 4, 2025)

Viewed by 67 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Denver International Airport and take the convenient RTD A Line to Union Station. Drop off luggage at your hotel and enjoy a quick coffee at the historic Terminal Bar.

Afternoon: Stroll through LoDo (Lower Downtown), admiring the brick warehouses turned boutiques. Grab a bite at Mercantile Dining & Provision and explore the vibrant street art.

Evening: Relax on the Union Station Plaza while watching the holiday lights, then dine at the acclaimed Root Down for a farm‑to‑table dinner.

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Day 2: Culture & History

Morning: Visit the Denver Art Museum, renowned for its Indigenous art collection. Take the free museum app tour for deeper insight.

Afternoon: Walk to the nearby Colorado State Capitol for a free guided tour; don’t miss the gold-plated dome and the view from the 13th floor.

Evening: Enjoy a festive performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, featuring seasonal shows and concerts.

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Day 3: Nature in the City

Morning: Explore the expansive Denver Botanic Gardens, strolling through the holiday‑themed gardens and glasshouse.

Afternoon: Head to City Park for a leisurely walk around the lake, with panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the Rocky Mountains.

Evening: Dine at The Lake House within City Park, offering cozy lakeside seating and seasonal dishes.

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Day 4: Rocky Mountain Day Trip

Morning: Drive or join a tour to Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop at Bear Lake for a short hike and stunning reflections.

Afternoon: Continue to Alpine Visitor Center for ranger talks and panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide.

Evening: Return to Denver and unwind with a hot chocolate at Little Man Ice Cream in downtown.

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Day 5: Science & Exploration

Morning: Spend the morning at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, exploring the dinosaur halls and space exhibits.

Afternoon: Visit the adjacent IMAX Theater for an immersive documentary about the Rockies.

Evening: Savor a casual dinner at Sam's No. 3, a beloved local diner serving comfort food.

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Day 6: Historic Neighborhoods

Morning: Wander through Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest block, with its Victorian storefronts and boutique shops.

Afternoon: Take a short ride to the RiNo Art District, admiring vibrant street murals and visiting the Denver Central Market for a lunch of local specialties.

Evening: Experience the nightlife at The Church, a former church turned eclectic concert venue.

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Day 7: Sports & Celebration

Morning: Tour Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, and learn about its high‑altitude baseball history.

Afternoon: Walk along the Cherry Creek Trail, a scenic path perfect for a bike ride or leisurely stroll.

Evening: Celebrate the holiday season with a dinner at El Five, offering panoramic city views and Mediterranean tapas.

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Day 8: Day Trip to Boulder

Morning: Drive to Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, exploring the pedestrian‑only shopping district and street performers.

Afternoon: Hike the Flatirons via the Chautauqua Trail, enjoying iconic sandstone cliffs and winter vistas.

Evening: Return to Denver and relax with a craft beer at Great Divide Brewing Co..

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Day 9: Winter Activities

Morning: Head to Eldora Mountain Resort for a half‑day of beginner skiing or snowboarding lessons.

Afternoon: Warm up in the resort’s lodge with a hot soup and chocolate.

Evening: Back in Denver, enjoy a cozy dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange, Colorado’s oldest restaurant.

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Day 10: Art & Shopping

Morning: Visit the contemporary Denver Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) for rotating modern exhibitions.

Afternoon: Shop for unique gifts at the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center, featuring high‑end retailers and holiday décor.

Evening: Dine at Fruition Restaurant, known for its seasonal New American cuisine.

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Day 11: Relaxation & Wellness

Morning: Unwind with a yoga class at Yoga Six – LoDo, followed by a healthy brunch at Snooze an A.M. Eatery.

Afternoon: Pamper yourself at the Spa at The Oxford Hotel with a winter‑time massage.

Evening: Enjoy a low‑key movie night at the historic Sieger Cinema, showcasing independent films.

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Day 12: History & Heritage

Morning: Tour the Four Mile Historic Park, a living museum depicting early Denver pioneer life.

Afternoon: Visit the Denver Firefighters Museum to see antique fire engines and interactive exhibits.

Evening: Sample comfort food at Casa Bonita, a quirky dining experience with live entertainment.

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Day 13: Final Exploration

Morning: Take a guided walking tour of the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, spotting Victorian mansions and hidden cafés.

Afternoon: Explore the Denver Zoo for a quick holiday-themed animal encounter before departure.

Evening: Celebrate the last night with a festive dinner at Fruition Restaurant (or revisit a favorite spot), followed by a stroll through the illuminated Denver Botanic Gardens’ Garden of Lights.

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Day 14: Departure

Morning: Pack up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Snooze an A.M. Eatery.

Afternoon: Transfer to Denver International Airport via the RTD A Line and reflect on an unforgettable holiday adventure.

Evening: Flight home.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Union Station & RTD A Line – 1 hour – $15 (round‑trip transit pass)
  • Denver Art Museum – 2 hours – $18
  • Colorado State Capitol – 1 hour – Free
  • Denver Botanic Gardens – 2 hours – $20
  • City Park & Lake House – 2 hours – $30 (meal)
  • Rocky Mountain National Park (Bear Lake, Alpine Visitor Center) – 6 hours – $30 (park entry + parking)
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science – 3 hours – $22
  • IMAX Theater – 2 hours – $12
  • Larimer Square – 2 hours – Free (shopping optional)
  • RiNo Art District & Denver Central Market – 3 hours – $25 (lunch)
  • Coors Field Tour – 2 hours – $15
  • Cherry Creek Trail – 2 hours – Free
  • Boulder – Pearl Street & Flatirons – 6 hours – $20 (parking & trail fee)
  • Eldora Mountain Resort (Lift Ticket) – 5 hours – $80
  • Denver Museum of Contemporary Art – 2 hours – $12
  • Cherry Creek Shopping Center – 3 hours – Free (shopping optional)
  • Great Divide Brewing Co. – 2 hours – $25 (food & drinks)
  • The Buckhorn Exchange – 2 hours – $40 (dinner)
  • Yoga Six – LoDo – 1 hour – $18
  • Spa at The Oxford Hotel – 2 hours – $120 (massage package)
  • Four Mile Historic Park – 2 hours – $10
  • Denver Firefighters Museum – 1 hour – $5
  • Casa Bonita – 2 hours – $30 (meal + entertainment)
  • Denver Zoo – 3 hours – $24
  • Garden of Lights (Botanic Gardens) – 2 hours – $20 (special holiday entry)
  • Meals & Miscellaneous (breakfasts, snacks, coffee) – 14 days – $300
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotel, 13 nights) – 13 nights – $1,560
  • Transportation (rental car + gas) – 14 days – $420
  • Overall Total Estimated Cost$2,864

Tips

If you’d like to shorten the trip, consider combining the Boulder and Rocky Mountain day trips into a single “mountain & city” excursion, or drop the Eldora ski day for a relaxing spa morning. To extend the itinerary, add an extra two‑day visit to nearby Colorado Springs for Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, or spend additional time exploring the vibrant craft‑brew scene in the surrounding suburbs.

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