With gorgeous skylines, large skyscrapers, vibrant food and restaurants and a population of nearly 1 million, Denver is arguably one of the best cities for travelers and vacationers visiting Colorado. And while there’s no shortage of activities and ideas in this ever-growing American metropolis, sometimes we all need a little help finding something special for your time. From hot springs and botanic gardens to local excursions and family lodging options, there are endless possibilities for top attractions in Denver. There are also many attractions close to Denver within driving distance. Hiking, rafting near Colorado Springs, and skiing and snowboarding are all available within a two hours drive of Denver.
1. Cruise around on an urban lake
One of the most common activities travelers and vacationers do when they visit Denver is to cruise around on urban lakes found in multiple locations. For instance, the Aurora Reservoir, Washington Park, and City Park all have affordable boat rentals for locals and visitors who want to explore the waterways at their own leisure. If you want to enjoy a private sunset cruise along the city’s beautiful skyline, a team of professionals at these locations knows what you need and they will help you have a truly magical and memorable trip.
2. Soaking in hot springs
Picture yourself soaking in natural hot springs while the sound of frozen snow falls beside you after a day full of adventure. If you are in Denver and you want a place that offers this unique opportunity, there are a few specific places we suggest. Some of these thrilling places include the Indian Springs Resort in Idaho Springs, Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores and the Wiesbaden Hot Springs near Ouray.
3. Book a vacation hotel or resort
Looking to take advantage of all that Denver offers? If so Stay a while. There are several top Denver hotels and lodgings that provide a good place to relax after a long day outside. These hotels and lodgings also have a wide range of guest room amenities and comfort facilities, as well as a variety of food and beverage outlets. If you are looking for something a little less like a hotel and a little more like home then a Stay Alfred short-term rental might be the way to go. They offer vacation rentals in LoDo and the Ballpark and Riverfront neighborhoods. These luxurious vacation rental units are perfect for travelers who are looking for relaxing short-term stays. Other good hotels and family lodging options you can visit in this city include the Capitol Hill Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn, the Brown Palace Hotel, and Spa, the Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, the Hotel Teatro and many more. Whether you want to rekindle your love or you simply looking for a warm place for the family to chill out after a day of adventure facilities in the heart of Denver offer exactly what you are looking for.
4. Visit a theater for a date night
Watching a favorite show or play with your family or loved one can be just the thing to wrap up an evening.
The interactive seating plans, live music, production and on-stage performers and actors at such venues provide hours of entertainment. With so many great options occupying theaters, it can be hard to decide which one to visit but we have compiled a list of our top theaters in the city including Denver Center for the Performing Arts located at 1101 13th Street, Miners Alley Playhouse located at 1224 Washington Avenue, and Vintage Theatre located at 1468 Dayton Street.
5. Take your partner on a romantic wine tasting date night
If you and your partner are wine oenophiles, then you can consider going on your own wine tour or explore wine tasting adventures in and around the city. Some of the special romantic wine date ideas we recommend for you include the Balistreri Vineyards located at 1946 E 66th Avenue and the Bonacquisti Wine Company located at 4640 Pecos Street. You can also make your own wine at Water 2 Wine, a family-owned winery located along 8130 S University Blvd # 110, Centennial.
6. Go on a local safari
Whether you are visiting Denver with your family or your trip is a romantic getaway, Denver’s local safari tours are a perfect way to add some outdoor adventure into your trip. For instance, in less than an hour from the cities downtown, you can access the Wild Animal Sanctuary and turn your trip into the start of a life-long love affair with Colorado. This is a 720-acre property where walkways visitors get a chance to see bears, tigers, lions, elephants, wolves and a wide variety of rescued animals. Other top Denver attractions where you can visit to see your favorite wild animals include the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Lowell Ponds State Wildlife Area, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
7. Visit the Downtown Aquarium
The state may be landlocked but that doesn’t mean you will miss a variety of marine life while in the Mile-High City. Besides a number of urban lakes, there are several aquariums in the city with millions of gallons of fresh and marine water and several sea animals. One of such aquariums is the Downtown Aquarium, which features beautiful plants, sharks, different varieties of fish and other sea creatures. If you’re eager to get wet after spending a day in the scorching sun, then the Dive With The Sharks adventure might be the thing for you.
8. Denver botanic gardens
If you visit the city during the summer period, there is no better place to listen to music in the outdoors than at Denver Botanic Gardens. This is one of the top spots to enjoy some of the best classic and modern musical acts around while relaxing in the serene outdoor landscapes. Just go ahead and bring your favorite food and drinks and a blanket to stretch on the warm grass while listening to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Herbie Hancock, Natalie Imbruglia and Lucero. Tickets for these events sell out quickly, so you need to book your space in advance.