Denver, Colorado, is an outside lover’s dream, with placing mountain views and limitless alternatives for journey. Whether or not you’re a seasoned trailblazer or simply in search of a enjoyable technique to spend your weekend, this metropolis has one thing for everybody. From vibrant parks within the metropolis to trails that wind via the foothills, there’s no scarcity of actions to maintain you transferring and exploring.
In Denver, every season brings its personal distinctive appeal, and there’s loads of adventures year-round. Whether or not you’re buying a brand new residence in Denver, in search of an residence to lease, or curious about a rental residence, we’ve compiled a listing of a number of the greatest outside actions in Denver that will help you embrace your inside nature lover.
1. Hike throughout the summers, ski throughout the winters
Denver is a gateway to a number of the greatest mountaineering and snowboarding within the nation, making it a major vacation spot for outside fanatics. Only a brief drive from town, you will discover trails that vary from straightforward strolls to difficult hikes with breathtaking vistas. When winter rolls round, the close by ski resorts come to life, attracting skiers and snowboarders.
“The straightforward entry to each warm-weather mountaineering and winter snowboarding within the mountains is a big perk, providing year-round outside adventures,” says Chef Invoice Taibe from the non-traditional Japanese Izakaya restaurant, Kawa Ni. “Being near Boulder provides one other layer of enchantment, with its distinctive tradition, outside actions, and vibrant neighborhood. It’s the right mixture of tradition, sports activities, and outside magnificence in Denver.”
2. Discover the great thing about Washington Park
Washington Park is certainly one of Denver’s favourite spots to chill out and benefit from the nice open air. Masking over 165 acres, it’s full of lovely flower gardens, winding trails, and two beautiful lakes that are good for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Whether or not you’re out for a run, spending time with associates, or renting a paddleboat, Washington Park is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody within the metropolis.
Angela Pilloud, proprietor of native companies Satan’s Meals Bakery, The Cookery at Myrtle Hill, Trunk Present, New Americana Residence, and Fern & Lois Florist recommends spending a day in Washington Park after which strolling to South Gaylord Avenue. “Our bakery and cookery are proud staples of Denver’s 2nd oldest buying district on Historic South Gaylord Avenue since 1999, only a brief distance from Washington Park,” says Angela. “The realm is our vigorous slice of previous Denver and a hub for the neighborhood, that includes a mixture of stroll-worthy outlets, eating places, and extra. Yr-round occasions entice neighbors far and vast, together with Colorado’s iconic Firefly Handmade artisan market. Whether or not it’s a weekday or weekend, transitioning from morning to night is simple with out ever leaving the block. It additionally doesn’t harm that probably the most lovely parks within the metropolis is simply down the road, good for picnicking, train, or having fun with mountain views.”
3. Go to the Crimson Rocks Amphitheater
Crimson Rocks Amphitheatre is a real spotlight simply outdoors Denver, recognized for its unbelievable acoustics and gorgeous views. Set amongst towering crimson rock formations, this iconic venue has hosted wonderful live shows because the Nineteen Forties, attracting music followers from throughout. It isn’t simply in regards to the exhibits; there are additionally nice mountaineering trails and exquisite spots to absorb the surroundings. Whether or not you’re catching a stay efficiency or simply exploring the world, Crimson Rocks is a Colorado staple that completely showcases the state’s pure magnificence.
“A go to to Crimson Rocks Amphitheater completely captures the spirit of dwelling in Denver,” says the workforce on the Denver-based present store, Decade Presents. “Located within the gorgeous pure rock formations simply outdoors of town, this legendary venue blends breathtaking mountain and metropolis views with world-class stay music. Whether or not you’re catching a live performance below the celebrities or mountaineering the encompassing trails, Crimson Rocks embodies an ideal mixture of town life, outside journey, and vibrant tradition that outline the Denver expertise.”
Andrea Cox from the native selfmade tart bakery, Tart and Soul Bakery, additionally recommends visiting this iconic location. “If visiting or transferring to Denver, this can be a should. Catch a present or a film screening at this iconic Colorado vacation spot,” says Andrea. “Nestled within the small city of Morrison, this outside venue could have you feeling a mile excessive with nice views of town and entrance vary whereas having fun with a present. It’s additionally an unbelievable mountaineering or exploring vacation spot throughout non-performance occasions and a killer place to catch a wide ranging dawn.”
4. Escape to the Oasis of Civic Middle Park
Proper within the coronary heart of Denver, Civic Middle Park is a vigorous spot the place tradition and neighborhood actually come to life. Surrounded by gorgeous buildings just like the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver Artwork Museum, the park options beautiful inexperienced areas, fountains, and fascinating sculptures that make it an important place to chill out. It’s a preferred venue for occasions, festivals, and farmers’ markets, so there’s all the time one thing occurring. If you wish to relax, discover some artwork, or take part on neighborhood actions, Civic Middle Park is a good outside exercise in Denver that you simply gained’t wish to miss.
Whereas spending the day on the park, ensure to fulfill your candy tooth at The Cake Bar. Positioned within the Capitol Hill neighborhood of downtown Denver, The Cake Bar supplies a singular spin on cake. Are available and rapidly customise your personal cake in a cup, or choose from quite a few on-the-go baked items and treats. The Cake Bar additionally does customized muffins for all of your particular events.
5. Catch a baseball sport at Coors Area
Spending high quality time open air at Coors Area in Denver is a improbable expertise, with the gorgeous Rocky Mountains framing the motion of a baseball sport. On sunny days, followers love to hang around on the grassy areas and rooftops, absorbing the solar whereas having fun with traditional ballpark snacks and native craft beers. The vigorous ambiance, together with the joys of the sport, makes Coors Area an important place to partake in Denver’s outside spirit.
When you’re there, go to Denver’s wonderful cookie bakery, The Flour Store. Their distinctive flavors like Lemon Lavender and Chai Snickerdoodles are just some of their must-try cookies. They’re strolling distance from LoDo; So, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your cookies on the bakery, or throughout a stroll round Coors Area or Larimer Avenue.
6. Take a floral journey within the botanical gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is a ravishing pure escape proper throughout the metropolis, crammed with a surprising number of crops and flowers. Masking 23 acres, the gardens have the whole lot from seasonal shows to peaceable ponds and themed areas that showcase crops from everywhere in the world. It’s the right spot for a stroll, attending particular occasions, or simply absorbing some nature. For those who’re a plant fanatic or simply in search of a relaxed place to chill out, the Botanic Gardens is without doubt one of the greatest outside actions in Denver.
Simply outdoors the Botanic Gardens, there are numerous nice eating places to expertise. Taiane Bozzay from the connoisseur cake and candy store, Made by Hand Truffles, recommends Fruition Restaurant for an genuine Denver eating expertise. “One factor I really like about Fruition is the ever-changing, small menu, which displays the restaurant’s dedication to sourcing native, recent, and seasonal elements,” explains Taiane. “It’s thrilling to know that each go to presents one thing completely different, relying on what’s in season. The intimate, cozy ambiance additionally makes it the right spot for romantic dinners. It’s a must-visit for these desirous to discover Denver’s farm-to-table scene in an unforgettable setting.”
7. Take a scenic stroll down Tennyson Avenue
Taking a stroll down Tennyson Avenue in Denver is a pleasant expertise, the place charming houses and luxurious tree-lined sidewalks create a heat, welcoming ambiance. You’ll discover a good mixture of historic structure and trendy touches, plus some nice native outlets and cafes alongside the way in which. It’s the right place to seize a espresso, take a stroll, and cease in a number of the distinctive outlets that line the streets.
Ensure that to begin your day with a espresso at Tenn Avenue Espresso & Books. This charming store embodies the soul of Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. It isn’t only a espresso store, it’s a neighborhood hub the place town’s various residents come collectively to sip artisanal brews, browse used books and vinyl data, and have interaction in thought-provoking conversations. With its European café-inspired ambiance and dedication to slowing issues down, Tenn Avenue Espresso & Books presents a refreshing counterpoint to Denver’s fast-paced city life-style. Whether or not you’re an area artist looking for inspiration, a e-book lover trying to find hidden literary gems, or a music fanatic exploring classic melodies, this distinctive spot captures the artistic, laid-back spirit that defines the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
For those who’re in search of a sustainable and distinctive buying expertise in Northwest Denver, JOY FILL is one other cease to make throughout your stroll. Since 2018, this zero waste refill store has supplied eco-friendly options for magnificence, cleansing, skincare merchandise, and extra—welcoming everybody, irrespective of the place you might be in your sustainability journey. JOY FILL additionally hosts DIY occasions, clothes swaps, and different community-centered actions, making it a hub for aware dwelling within the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
8. Attend Denver’s First Friday Artwork Stroll
Denver’s First Friday Artwork Stroll is a month-to-month celebration of creativity, held within the metropolis’s Artwork District on Santa Fe. On the primary Friday of every month, native galleries, studios, and outlets open their doorways to showcase an thrilling mixture of art work. It’s a improbable manner for artwork lovers and informal guests to wander the streets, join with native artists, and luxuriate in stay music and meals vehicles that add to the enjoyable.
Help Denver’s rising and established artists
Positioned at 931 Santa Fe Drive, Sync Gallery is a top quality gallery that includes a wide range of modern summary and conceptual artwork by native artists. Present openings are on the third Friday of each month, and the gallery can be open on the First Friday Artwork Walks, in addition to Thursdays via Sundays from 1pm-4pm.
Sip on high quality craft beers made with precision
Based in 2011, Renegade Brewing participates within the metropolis’s First Friday artwork stroll, the place they spotlight native artists and creatives. The brewery and taproom presents a wide range of regionally crafted beers which speaks to the character of their love and respect for the Denver neighborhood. This month, Renegade Brewing will roll out their Renegade Provides Again program which is able to spotlight and supply monetary assist to native charities. Renegade works to create a protected area so everybody who walks via their door feels welcome, seen, and heard.
9. Sit within the outside backyard at Potager
For an idyllic outside exercise in Denver, get pleasure from dinner outdoors at Potager Restaurant and Winebar. This cozy restaurant is all about recent, seasonal elements, and their patio supplies a stunning setting to get pleasure from your meal. Potager encompasses a charming patio the place friends can dine amidst lush greenery and twinkling lights.
“A favourite of ours is Potager. One of many first farm-to-table eating places,” says proprietor Craig Troyer of the mid-century trendy furnishings store, Mod Livin’. “I like to be seated within the rustic eating room or el fresco outback within the lovely gardens. The seasonal menu all the time delights in exemplifying recent fruits and backyard greens. Get there earlier than 7:30 pm on Tuesdays for a Beer and Burger Particular. I’d be remiss to not point out the workforce at Potager; They’re distinctive.”
10. Benefit from the outside patios of Denver’s breweries
Sitting on the patios at Denver’s breweries is an ideal technique to bask within the metropolis’s sunny climate whereas having fun with a chilly craft beer. With vibrant atmospheres, gorgeous views, and sometimes stay music, these outside areas supply a relaxed setting to unwind with associates and savor native flavors.
Platt Park neighborhood
“In Denver, we expertise all of the seasons and there are occasions that I’m not precisely within the temper to place up decorations for a season developing, so I both drink or eat one thing to get me in the best headspace for the change in climate,” says Will Curtin, proprietor of Banded Oak Brewing. “Summer season is grilling season, and I really like an IPA with a hamburger. The bitterness of the beer paired with the richness of the burger makes me wish to sit on a patio someplace and benefit from the solar. Our brewery on Broadway has a superb patio and a really tasty IPA.
Auraria neighborhood
One other improbable venue to get pleasure from outside patio seating, stay music on Saturdays, or a pre-event cease earlier than heading to the Ball Area close by is Tivoli Brewing. Right here, you’ll be able to drink a style of historical past on the oldest brewery within the state of Colorado. Based in 1859 by German immigrant John Good, Tivoli predates Colorado’s statehood. After surviving prohibition, by shifting to producing low ABV “Cereal beers,” it grew to become a significant brewery till 1965 when flooding pressured its closure. After reopening in 2012 with modernized tools, Tivoli brings a brand new spark to the Colorado beer market. Tivoli is without doubt one of the quickest rising breweries within the nation carrying its flagship beer, “Outlaw”, and quite a lot of staples from the brewery. Make sure to try the Tivoli Faucet Home within the historic Tivoli Middle on the Auraria campus to strive all they’ve to supply.
11. Take heed to jazz live shows within the park
A good way to get pleasure from summertime in Denver is to attend the annual Metropolis Park Jazz live performance collection which runs Sunday evenings throughout June via August. “I’ve been going to the favored, free live performance collection that includes native musicians performing jazz, blues, and salsa tunes because it started in 1986,” says Courtney Drake-McDonough from the Denver-based life-style weblog, In Good Style Denver. “Moreover, you’ll be able to spend an entire day with a go to to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo earlier than the live performance. These are all held within the lovely, historic Metropolis Park. Take within the live performance from a swan-shaped paddleboat across the lake beside the bandshell. Carry a picnic or seize dinner from one of many many native meals vehicles that collect for the occasion every week. It’s my favourite summertime custom in Denver.”
Picture courtesy of Courtney Drake-McDonough
12. Journey one of many metropolis’s electrical scooters
Denver’s scooters have turn into a favourite technique to get round, making it straightforward for locals and guests to discover town. With varied rental apps at your fingertips, you’ll be able to hop on an electrical scooter and zip via neighborhoods, parks, and downtown. Plus, town’s deal with increasing bike lanes and scooter-friendly paths makes it a enjoyable and handy technique to benefit from the sights whereas avoiding visitors.
“I liked visiting the planetarium on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with my daughter, after which driving on one of many electrical scooters accessible outdoors the constructing,” says photographer David Oppenheimer from Efficiency Impressions. “We rode it via Metropolis Park and round Ferril Lake, and we have been capable of make our manner midway again to the resort on the scooter via the park with out being on any roads.”
Out of doors actions in Denver, CO: remaining ideas
Denver’s gorgeous pure magnificence makes town a excellent spot to stay for any outside fanatic. From mountaineering picturesque trails and snowboarding world-class slopes to having fun with leisurely strolls in lovely parks, there’s no scarcity of distinctive actions to swimsuit each curiosity. Embracing these outside actions not solely boosts your temper, but additionally helps you join with the gorgeous landscapes that make this metropolis so particular. Whether or not you’re a longtime resident or new to the world, get on the market and luxuriate in all of the unbelievable adventures ready for you in and round Denver.
