Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
Planning a weekend trip to Denver soon and need to know what to put on your itinerary? Here are some of the best things to do in Denver.
Denver, Colorado, is one of the most magical places to visit in the US. Incredible natural formations and outdoor adventures at every corner. And to ensure you’re prepared for your weekend trip to Denver, I’m giving you the top things to do in Denver.
You’ll learn all about what to see and do in Denver, where to eat, and much more!
After reading this post, you’ll have several activities to add to your 3-day Denver itinerary.
This post is all about a weekend trip to Denver.
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Weekend Trip to Denver
Day 1 of Your Weekend Trip to Denver
Take a stroll down Larimer Square
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to take it slower the first day after all that traveling. And Larimer Square is the perfect way to start the day off.
Larimer Square is one of Denver’s most popular shopping areas, with several specialty boutiques, excellent restaurants, bars, and other entertainment options. This is a great spot to grab a bite to eat once you arrive in the city, and you can explore the historic district afterward.
Bonus tip: Larimer Square is an excellent option if you want to enjoy the city’s nightlife! Check out the Disco Pig for dancing & the Comedy Works club for gut-wrenching laughs. And there are several bars if you’re in the mood to bar hop.
Explore the Denver Art Museum
Denver is full of fantastic art, and one of the best places to explore this beautiful art is the Denver Art Museum. The museum has 12 collections with over 70,000 pieces of art, so you can quickly lose track of time.
Explore the RiNo Neighborhood
The River North Art District (RiNo) is a hippy neighborhood full of art galleries and concert venues. On top of that, it’s one of the best spots in town to explore Denver’s brewing industry. So if you enjoy beer, definitely try out a brewery tour.
While in RiNo, grab lunch in the Denver Central Market, a gourmet food hall. With several vendors, there is much to choose from.
Whether exploring art or grabbing food, the RiNo neighborhood is a spot you don’t want to miss.
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Day 2 of Things to Do in Denver
Enjoy Breakfast at Onefold
Onefold is one of the best brunch spots in Denver. Onefold uses locally sourced ingredients to create delicious breakfast comfort foods that make you want to dance.
So start your day off right with an excellent hearty breakfast. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
See the Denver Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens are always lovely to explore; Denver’s is no exception. They have 45 different gardens, split into the following sections: Gardens of the West, Internationally Inspired Gardens, Ornamental Gardens, Shady Gardens, and Water Gardens. With so many to explore, these gardens are the perfect way to start your morning in Denver.
Additionally, events are always happening at the Denver Botanic Gardens, especially during the holidays.
Visit Union Station
Union Station is a transportation hub and popping shopping & dining scene, and it’s one of Denver’s most historic landmarks. So, of course, it’s a must-visit while you’re in Denver.
Located in downtown Denver, the train station is home to several popular restaurants, bars, shops, and the Crawford Hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling cultural hub of Denver!
Day 3 of What to Do in Denver, Colorado
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 3 on this 3-day itinerary in Denver is reserved for one of the best Denver day trips: the Rocky Mountain National Park. So naturally, adventure and insanely gorgeous views come with this huge mountain range. While some people tend to spend a whole weekend in the park, it’s definitely seeable in a day.
The Rocky Mountains offer something for everyone at every fitness stage, from short strolls to more challenging hikes and climbing. You can also go skiing if you happen to be visiting during winter. Check out one of the park’s resorts if you plan an extended stay.
The Rockies is full of fun activities and is a great way to spend the day outside Denver.
Note: You will need a car to visit the park, and there is a $30 fee for a day’s access.
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Eat at The Ginger Pig
After spending the day working out in the park, fill your belly up with some tasty food from The Ginger Pig. Named one of the best restaurants in Denver, The Ginger Pig is an Asian street-food-style restaurant known for its Asian Fusion cuisine.
Watch a Live Performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre
To finish the night off, catch a live performance at the ever-popular Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Known as one of the best outdoor venues, the Amphitheatre was built out of the red rock formation, making it one of the most famous landmarks in Colorado.
The natural rock formations help create stunning acoustics, which makes it a hot spot for concerts. And watching a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an experience you don’t want to miss, and it’s the perfect way to end your weekend trip to Denver!
You can find upcoming events here.
More Great Restaurants in Denver
You will definitely enjoy your time in Denver if you like to eat. Your stomach certainly will. From the most delicious street tacos to yummy pasta, there is no denying that Denver is a foodie hot spot.
Here are some great restaurants to enjoy on your weekend trip to Denver:
- Comal Heritage Food Incubator: traditional Mexican & Central American Food
- Kiké’s Red Tacos: street tacos
- Hop Alley: urban Chinese food
- The Greenwich: pizza & more!
- Restaurant Olivia: pasta & other delicious Italian delicacies
This post is all about a weekend trip to Denver.
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