Denver is a mile-high city of breweries, music venues and a lively food scene, with Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder close enough for day trips. Summer and fall are best; winter is cold but sunny.
Good to know
- The altitude is real: drink water, go easy on alcohol the first day and apply sunscreen.
- Reserve timed entry for Rocky Mountain National Park in summer.
- Red Rocks shows sell out; check the schedule before you book flights.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Restored 1914 rail hall with bars and restaurants, in the center of lower downtown.
Historic block of restaurants under string lights, a Denver date-night staple.
Baseball with a mile-high view; the rooftop Rockpile seats are the cheapest.
Daniel Libeskind-designed building with strong Native American and Western collections.
Two small museums, one on the abstract expressionist and one on Colorado's story.
Natural sandstone amphitheater where concerts are unforgettable; hike the trails or walk the stairs on non-show days.
Murals, taprooms and food halls in the River North district.
Highest continuous paved road in the US with elk, alpine tundra and Bear Lake trails; timed entry is needed in summer.
College town with a pedestrian mall, the Flatirons and a lively food scene, 45 minutes from Denver.
Walk the world's largest single-site brewery, then drive Lookout Mountain for city views.
Colorado plants and alpine gardens, with summer concerts.