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My long weekend in Denver, Colorado was one of my favorite trips I’ve taken across all 50 states! While the city is great, Denver is the best jumping off point to so many adventures around the state. No matter what time of year you visit, there is no shortage of things to do in Denver. I stayed with a friend that lives in Denver and also did a lot of research before my trip, so this guide includes all the must-see highlights for a short stay. Here’s your guide to a weekend in Denver, Colorado.
Disclaimer: This blog post is written in collaboration with adidas. I have linked a few of my favorite products in this blog post, but as always, all opinions written below are my own.
What To See During A Weekend In Denver, Colorado
Denver, also known as the “Mile High City” for its location one mile above sea level, is a vibrant city and launchpad for outdoor adventures within the historic mining towns, ski resorts, and world famous hiking trails that surround the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Did you know that Colorado is actually the sunniest state in the US? Denver is known for its 300+ days of sunshine each year, along with a fun craft beer scene. Whether you’re hoping to sightsee the city or get onto the alpine trails, Denver offers something for everyone.
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Here are some key sights to see within the city:
Denver Art Museum
Located near Civic Center Park is the Colorado State Capitol and Denver Art Museum. This art museum is one of the largest between Chicago and California and is known for its Native American art. This would be a great option if you want to explore the city on a rainy day!
Pro-tip: If you want to visit the State Capitol, there are free tours on weekdays! The 13th step in the front marks exactly one mile above sea level.
Union Station
This restored train station from 1914 is not only the main transportation hub for trains and buses within Denver, but is also a hub for food, drinks, and entertainment. You can catch live music here, farmers markets, boutique shops, and a handful of cool cocktail bars. When I visited, there were a ton of people working remotely here too!
RiNo Art District (River North)
RiNo is one of the best places to grab dinner and drinks in Denver! This neighborhood used to be an industrial area in Denver and is now a contemporary and vibrant neighborhood, full of murals, microbreweries, galleries, and cocktail bars.
Larimer Square
This area does have a lot of homelessness, however, it is the city’s oldest block — filled with historic buildings, boutiques, and restaurants.
Coors Field
Coors Field is one of the most picturesque MLB stadiums in the US. Catch a Colorado Rockies baseball game and enjoy the mountain views from the upper deck.
Pro-tip: The Rooftop bar (right field) is open to the public and offers great skyline views, even if you’re not a big sports fan.
Where To Eat & Go Out In Denver
Here are a few of my favorite places that we ate and drank at during our girls weekend in Denver:
Grizzly Rose
The Grizzly Rose is a popular country music venue and dance hall in Denver. It’s hosted many big names in country music and live music since opening in 1989, and has also been a fan-favorite spot for line dancing! Aside from a stage and dance floor, you can also ride a mechanical bull here, learn how to lasso, and shop in a giftstore.
Pro-tip: Ladies night is every Thursday night! If you happen to be in town, girls drink for free until midnight!
Hello Darling
This is my favorite coffee shop in Denver! There are two locations — one in Highlands and a second in Commons Park. This cozy cafe has craft lattes and is perfect for remote work, and also transforms into a lively cocktail + wine bar in the evenings.
The Nearby Bar Denver
This cocktail bar is a MUST visit during a weekend in Denver! What makes this spot so unique is the fact that there is no menu here — just a team of creative mixologists who can make you a custom drink order. Seating is limited, but where else can you tell a bartender a vibe, flavor, or even destination around the globe and they concoct the perfect bevvie?
Happy Camper Denver
Located in the LoHi neighborhood of Denver, this spot serves up some of the city’s best pizza, cocktails, and overall vibes. This mostly outdoor restaurant is perfect for large groups and a fun night out! There are fire pits, a wrap around bar, plenty of disco balls, TVs, and more. Don’t miss it!
Bamboo Sushi
Also located in the LoHi neighborhood, Bamboo sushi is a cozy and sophisticated spot for Asian food in Denver! There is a fireplace here, outdoor patio, craft cocktails, and yummy rolls.
What To See Outside Of The City
This list could be so extensive considering all the adventures that are located within just a few hours drive of Denver. I am not going to cover details for every ski resort as I have not yet personally skied at most mountains in Colorado (and only review experiences I’ve had first-hand!), but I do have a full guide to skiing at Vail if you’re interested in learning more.
As for other half-day or full-day trips that you can take from the city during your weekend in Denver, I recommend seeing…
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater (25 min from Denver)
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a world-famous open-air venue carved into stunning natural rock formations just 30 minutes outside of downtown Denver. Check upcoming concerts and events here.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is free to visit on non-event days and is open from sunrise to sunset. Here you’ll find access to trails, the amphitheatre, and a Visitor Center. Catch a concert, or join Yoga on the Rocks for a sunrise flow most Saturdays in summer.
Pro-tip: If you plan to hike around Red Rocks (you should!), or anywhere in Colorado for that matter, you’ll need a backpack that can hold some clothing layers. Since the altitude is so high here, the sun is strong! Even in wintertime, you’ll find yourself wanting to add or remove layers.
It’s a must-see for epic views, live music, fitness, and iconic Colorado vibes.
To enjoy a concert at this premier venue, many guests check Red Rocks Amphitheatre Event Tickets ahead of time to secure seats for upcoming events.
Golden, Colorado (25 min from Denver)
Golden, Colorado is a historic town nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just west of Denver. It’s known for its rich mining history, vibrant outdoor recreation, and as the home of the Coors Brewery. The town offers scenic trails, charming downtown shops, and a strong connection to its Old West roots.
This would be the perfect half-day trip to tour the brewery and tube down the river if you’re visiting Denver for a weekend in the summer!
Boulder, Colorado (40 min from Denver)
Boulder, Colorado is a laid-back mountain town with epic views, and a young, creative vibe. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is here. Boulder is surrounded by the Flatirons — those dramatic, slanted sandstone slabs you’ll see right above town! They’re part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
While in Boulder, be sure to stroll down Pearl Street for local shops, tasty eats, and street performers, or hit the trails right from town. You can hike, grab a craft beer, and catch a killer sunset… all in one perfect Colorado day!
Pro-tip: Don’t miss The Flats Beer Garden which is conveniently situated between Denver and Boulder. It is a bit unassuming from the front, but the back area has adirondack chairs with the most amazing view. Plus, the food here was amazing.
That covers how to spend a weekend in Denver! From key sights to see in the city to amazing dining options and fun cocktail bars, plus a few day trip ideas, you should easily be able to plan your dream trip to Denver now!
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