In the morning, visit the Denver Art Museum, the largest art museum between Chicago and the West Coast, with a huge collection of American Indian art, ancient sculpture and paintings from around the world. Then, head to the historic Larimer Square for lunch, a trendy shopping and dining district that preserves the architecture of the old town. Try Mercantile Dining & Provision, a market-driven American eatery featuring rustic fare, or the Rioja, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.
In the afternoon, walk over to the Denver Botanic Gardens, which features a wide variety of plants from different parts of the world, from the Japanese Garden to the South African Plaza. End the day at the Union Station, a Beaux-Arts train station turned into a luxury hotel and entertainment destination, with several bars, dining options, and a large outdoor space for events.
In the evening, head over to the trendy RiNo Art District for a taste of Denver’s craft beer scene, with breweries like Ratio, Great Divide, and Our Mutual Friend, or grab a cocktail at the Death & Co, a popular cocktail bar from New York.
In the morning, drive to Chautauqua Park, a historic landmark and nature preserve located at the base of the Flatirons, the iconic rock formations that surround Boulder. Take a hike to one of the many trails that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and the city, or attend a concert or lecture at the Chautauqua Auditorium, which hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the summer.
In the afternoon, head to Pearl Street Mall, a lively pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Check out the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, a small but vibrant museum that showcases local and national artists, or the Dairy Arts Center, a multi-disciplinary arts center that includes a theatre, gallery, and studios.
In the evening, grab dinner at Black Cat, a farm-to-table restaurant that sources most of its ingredients from its own farm, or Frasca Food and Wine, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that offers a contemporary take on Italian cuisine.
In the morning, explore the River North Art District, a former industrial area turned into a thriving arts and cultural district. Check out the street art, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of local artists, or visit the Source, a food hall and market that features some of Denver’s best artisanal food and drink producers.
In the afternoon, visit the Clyfford Still Museum, a museum dedicated to the work of the eponymous abstract expressionist painter, or the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, a museum that focuses on contemporary art and culture. Alternatively, you can visit the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, a complex of theatres and concert halls that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
In the evening, head to LoDo, short for Lower Downtown, a historic district that features some of Denver’s best bars and restaurants, from the trendy Mercantile Dining & Provision to the classic Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, which offers a wide range of beers and sausages from around the world.
If you have an extra day, consider taking a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers stunning scenery and wildlife, from elk and bighorn sheep to soaring eagles and hawks. Alternatively, you can visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a natural rock formation that hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the summer.
To maximize your fun, consider renting a bike and exploring Denver’s many bike trails, such as the Cherry Creek Trail or the South Platte River Trail. You can also check out the Denver Beer Trail, a self-guided tour of the city’s best breweries and taprooms.
Finally, make sure to check out the Denver PrideFest, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, which takes place at Civic Center Park in mid-June and features live music, dance performances, and a parade.
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