How to Spend an Amazing Weekend in Denver, Colorado

Denver is my hometown, and it’s a great city. There’s always plenty to do downtown, with concert venues, sports stadiums, museums, and a buzzing food scene. When you want to get away from the city vibe, Denver keeps surprising you. Just look at those gorgeous Rocky Mountains on the horizon! And you can’t beat the sunsets out here, turning those peaks shades of orange and pink I haven’t seen anywhere else. There’s truly no better backdrop. Venturing into the foothills, there are open parks and scenic trails that make you feel a world apart from Denver’s urban energy.

I’ve planned the ideal three-day weekend for you, providing a local perspective to help you savor the sights of Downtown Denver and experience a taste of the Mile High City and its scenic and great outdoors.

Read below for your three-day Denver itinerary.

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When you Arrive

From Denver International Airport you’ll have several options to get to downtown Denver listed below:

Where to Stay

Downtown Denver has many options for hotels, below are some of the top picks:

Day 1

Grab some Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery at Union Station

Denver Union Station is worth a stop during your weekend. It’s not just the train station for Amtrak but it’s been transformed into a beautiful hall with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also in a fun part of town near Coors Field and has many restaurants and breweries in the area.

Tour the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is located in the Civic Center Park area of Denver. It’s a fun part of town to walk through where you can see the Denver Capitol and the City and County Building. The museum has an interesting architecture designed by the renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. If you are into art, there are some extensive and diverse collections here spanning various cultures, periods, and mediums.

Eat lunch at the 16th Street Mall Or the Denver Pavilions

The streets of the 16th street mall in Denver, Colorado

The 16th Street Mall is a bustling pedestrian shopping area that spans 1.25 miles along downtown Denver. It is worth a stop for lunch, as it’s pretty centrally located. Another great option is the Denver Pavilions, another shopping area located on the 16th Street Mall, with some more great dining options.

Below is a list of some of the best restaurants along the 16th Street Mall and the Pavilions:

16th Street Mall Restaurants

Denver Pavilions Restaurants

River North Art District (RiNO)

Another district known for its street art worth exploring if time allows is the RiNo part of town. This urban neighborhood boasts a vibrant arts scene, creative community, and industrial-chic atmosphere.

Head to Ch erry Creek Shopping Center

Located just a few miles from downtown Denver is Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The mall is a prominent shopping destination with many high-end and luxury retail stores. The mall also hosts many seasonal events, fashion shows, and product launches so check their website before your visit.

Have Dinner at Larimer Square

Colorado flags hanging on the street of Larimer Square in Downtown Denver

To close out your first day during your weekend in Denver, head over to Larimer Square. Larimer Square is one of my favorite downtown spots. The area has an awesome selection of restaurants and bars that create a lively atmosphere in the evenings. And with its proximity to the Denver Performing Arts Complex, it’s super convenient for dinner and a show. This section of town manages to be both vibrant and relaxing – it’s one of the best places to spend some time.

Best Restaurants around Larimer Square

Day 2

Grab breakfast at Sam’s No. 3, one of the best breakfast diners in downtown Denver!

Go for a Morning Hike at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Hopefully, on this day, you can take advantage of the 300 days of sunshine that Denver has and head to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a morning hike or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views and rock formations. Red Rocks Park is not just an amazing concert venue it’s also a great place to visit and hike around and a great place to take photos. Check out their concert lineup on their website, if you are lucky enough to catch a great concert in the evening for some live music, it will be worth every minute.

Spend the Afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Water and plants at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado

The Denver Botanic Gardens near downtown on York Street, is in a beautiful location and a great, relaxing way to spend the afternoon. It’s covered with beautiful gardens and landscapes and outdoor art exhibits. They also have many traveling exhibits so check their website before you head over to see what may be coming.

The Botanic Gardens is also near the Cherry Creek Shopping area where there are lots of fantastic places to stop for lunch. Below is a list of great restaurants around Cherry Creek:

Restaurants at Cherry Creek

Go to a Ballgame at Coors Field

If you’re in Denver between April – September (which is the best time to visit Denver) you can try to go to a Rockies Baseball game and if not just walk around Coors Field and head to a rooftop bar in the area is always a fun thing to do.
The adjacent McGregor Square is a great stop that has restaurants, food halls, bars, shops, events, big-screen TVs, and even a hotel. Coors Field is bustling with activity so you won’t be bored.

Rooftop Bars Near Coors Field

Day 3

Get an Early Breakfast at The Delectable Egg

Venture to Estes Park and visit Rocky Mountain National Park

About a 2-hour drive from Denver, you can reach Estes Park, where you can explore the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a great town to spend an afternoon, engaging in a little outdoor adventure in the park, whether it’s a scenic drive or a hike. You’ll likely encounter some amazing wildlife, such as a herd of elk.

After visiting the park, you can spend some time in the cute town of Estes Park. There are lots of shops to check out and get some souvenirs and restaurants to get lunch before you head back to Denver.

Tours from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park

If you don’t want to head all the way to Estes Park, Boulder is an amazing alternative and a closer drive from Denver. About a 35-minute drive (depending on traffic) Boulder is a great place to head for lunch or a hike. Below are some of the top things to do in Boulder:

Check out the Craft Breweries on the Denver Beer Trail

The Denver Beer Trail is a curated guide to all the local craft beer around Denver. There are 5 neighborhoods in Denver Highlighted along the trail. See the website here for an interactive map.

How to Spend an Amazing Weekend in Denver, Colorado

When you Arrive

Where to Stay

Day 1