The best things to do in Denver, Colorado

If your idea of a good vacation involves stunning mountain landscapes, top-notch local beer and food, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, look no further than Denver, Colorado. 

Find out more about some of the best things to do in Denver, including activities for every budget. 

What you’ll learn: 

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Union Station, the Denver Art Museum, Coors Field and Larimer Square are a few can’t-miss Denver attractions. 

• For the budget conscious, there are plenty of free, fun ways to get to know the Mile High City, including public parks, First Friday art walks and admission-free days at local museums.

• With the Rocky Mountains nearby, Denver is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers. 

• Foodies can explore Denver’s famous craft beer scene, food halls, fine dining restaurants and beloved brunch spots. 

If it’s your first time in Denver, or you just want to make sure you hit the highlights, consider including these five experiences in your itinerary:

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is among the most famous music venues in the world—and for good reason. Red Rocks gets its name from the dramatic red sandstone formations that surround it, creating stunning natural acoustics and breathtaking views. If a concert doesn’t fit into your schedule, Red Rocks also hosts events like sunrise yoga and movie nights.

Pro tip: Check the schedule early. Shows at Red Rocks can sell out fast.

This beautifully restored train station in the heart of Denver is more than a transit hub. Inside, you’ll find restaurants, bars, local shops and a boutique hotel. It’s a great place to relax, grab a drink and admire the Beaux-Arts architecture. The central Great Hall is perfect for people watching or catching your breath in between adventures.

Pro tip: Take the A Line rail from the airport to Union Station. It’s an easy, affordable way to get into downtown Denver

The Denver Art Museum is a must-visit, especially for families. You can experience more than 80,000 works of art from around the world and throughout history. Make sure to check out the hands-on exhibits and experiences designed with kids in mind. 

Pro tip: General admission is free for kids ages 18 and under.

Catching a Rockies game at Coors Field is a classic Denver experience. The views from the upper deck alone are worth the price of admission. You can even take a guided tour of the stadium for a behind-the-scenes look. 

Pro tip: If you’re a Capital One rewards cardholder, you can use your rewards, your card or a combination of both to get tickets to Colorado Rockies games and thousands of other events through Capital One Entertainment. 

Larimer Square is among the oldest city blocks in Denver and remains one of the city’s cultural hubs. You can find boutique shopping, cozy cocktail bars and chef-driven restaurants without leaving the Square. Its canopy of string lights makes it especially magical for a post-dinner evening stroll. 

Pro tip: Larimer Square hosts special events regularly, so be on the lookout for things like block parties, live music and special menus at local restaurants

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Denver without breaking the bank. Here are a few free ways to explore Denver:

1. City Park strolls: This sprawling urban park is a beautiful place for a picnic, a morning jog or a sunset walk. In the summer, City Park even hosts free concerts on Sundays. 

2. First Friday art walks: From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, local galleries in Denver’s Art District open their doors for a free evening of art, music and community.

3. Colorado State Capitol tours: Take a free guided tour of this iconic gold-domed building to learn about Colorado’s history and government. While you’re there, you can grab a photo on the Capitol steps, where you can stand exactly one mile above sea level. 

4. Public art and murals: Denver is full of colorful murals. Take a walk through the River North Art District, nicknamed RiNo, to find huge murals and quirky street art around every corner.

5. Free museum days: Many of Denver’s top museums, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, offer free admission on certain days. Check museum websites to see if any free admission days align with your trip.

With the Rocky Mountains right in its backyard, Denver is a great destination for nature lovers. Here are a few outdoor activities in Denver and the surrounding area:

Rocky Mountain National Park is about a 90-minute drive from downtown Denver and has 355 hiking trails and 147 lakes to explore. You may even be able to spot some Colorado wildlife, like elk and moose, while you’re there.

Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds, and don’t forget to reserve a timed-entry pass during peak months.

This park in downtown Denver is where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet. It’s the perfect place for kayaking or paddleboarding without leaving the city. 

Pro tip: After a day in the water, stick around the neighborhood to explore its breweries, restaurants and riverfront hangouts.

For a day hike, head to Chautauqua Park in Boulder or Lookout Mountain in Golden. Expect sweeping views, wildflowers in spring and summer, and a solid workout year-round.

Pro tip: Start your hike early to avoid the midday sun and heat

This 47-mile bike trail winds through the city and beyond. Rent a bike and cruise past a mix of urban sights and rural views at your own pace. 

Pro tip: Pack a snack and make a day of it. There are plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Denver’s food scene is as vibrant and varied as its natural landscape. Think craft breweries, buzzing food halls and local gems that deliver big flavors. And if you’re a Capital One Savor cardholder, you can earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment while you taste your way through the city.

Here are a few things to check out:

1. Food halls galore: Denver has a ton of unique food halls to explore. They’re ideal for groups or indecisive eaters, with a mix of cuisines available.

2. Craft breweries: Craft beer is a huge part of Denver’s local culture. The city is home to over 400 breweries. So whether you’re into IPAs, lagers or sours, there’s something for you.

3. Elevated dining: Denver has a growing fine-dining scene featuring seasonal tasting menus, rooftop views and award-winning chefs.

4. Brunch hangouts: You could spend your entire trip to Denver exploring brunch spots. Expect sunny patios, fresh ingredients and creative menus.

Here are a few ways Capital One can help you make the most out of your trip every step of the way: 

• Tap into travel rewards. With a Capital One travel rewards credit card, you can earn unlimited miles on every purchase and elevated rewards when you book with Capital One Travel. 

• Relax at the Capital One Lounge. If you’re flying through Denver International Airport, unwind at the Capital One Lounge located in Concourse A near Gate 34 at the mezzanine level. Eligible Venture X cardholders can get access to 1,300-plus airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounges and participating Priority PassTM lounges, after enrollment.

• Stop by a Capital One Café. Located in downtown Denver, at Union Station LoDo, this Capital One Café is a laid-back place to grab a coffee, meet up with friends or take a breather between activities. Cafe ATMs are fee-free for checking account holders to withdraw cash, deposit cash or checks, check their account balance and more. And you can get 50% off handcrafted beverages with your Capital One debit or credit card.

• Plan your trip with Capital One Travel. Capital One Travel can help you book your trip with confidence. Capital One Travel tracks flight prices, predicts when it’s the right time to book and can help you save an average of 15%.

Denver has something for every kind of traveler, from historic landmarks and world-class art to outdoor adventures and unforgettable dining experiences. And Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

• Explore travel rewards cards to earn unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with the VentureOne card.