Things to Do

Whether you’re making a long weekend out of it or just sneaking away between wedding events, here are some of our favorite places around Denver to explore while you’re here.

Day Trips & Mountain Views

If you have extra time while you’re in town, we highly recommend getting out of the city for a day to experience the mountains. These are some of our favorite scenic drives, hikes, and classic Colorado spots — all within about 1–4 hours of Denver. If you plan to hike, please make sure you acclimate to the altitude so you can safely enjoy your adventure!

  • One of the most iconic Colorado destinations. Estes Park is a beautiful mountain town with shops, restaurants, coffee, and riverwalks, and it’s the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have time, drive Trail Ridge Road for some of the most unreal mountain views in the state. RMNP requires a timed entry pass reserved ahead of time.

  • A longer day trip, but one of the most unique places in Colorado. Massive sand dunes surrounded by mountains — it genuinely feels like another planet. Great for hiking, photos, or just exploring somewhere completely different.

  • A famous (and intense) stair climb with incredible views. We have done it many times (Daniel’s record going up is 48 minutes!) and it’s a great challenge and view at the top…2,768 steps later. Even if you skip the incline itself, the surrounding area is beautiful and makes for a great day trip. Pair it with:

    • Garden of the Gods

    • Downtown Colorado Springs

    • The drive up Pikes Peak

  • One of the most iconic drives in Colorado. You can drive all the way to the summit for unreal mountain views above the clouds.

  • A relatively short hike (1.5 mi out-and-back) to an alpine lake and glacier area near Idaho Springs. Beautiful, accessible, and very “Colorado” without needing a full-day hike.

  • An incredibly scenic mountain drive, especially if you want alpine views without a difficult hike. Great pull-offs and photo spots throughout the drive.

  • Two classic mountain towns west of Denver with cute downtown areas, mountain views, breweries, coffee shops, and easy access to scenic drives and hikes. Idaho Springs is also great for a quick mountain stop if you don’t want a full-day trip. Stop at Plume Coffee Bar in Silver Plume on your way for a coffee in the cutest mountain town you’ll ever visit.

  • Formerly Mount Evans, this is one of the highest paved roads in North America and an unreal Colorado mountain experience. The drive takes you above treeline with sweeping alpine views, mountain goats, lakes, and pull-offs the entire way up. Easily paired with:

    • Idaho Springs

    • Echo Lake

    • Short alpine hikes

    • Scenic picnic stops

    It’s one of the easiest ways to experience true high-alpine Colorado without needing a major hike.

  • One of the best easy-access mountain overlooks near Boulder. Especially beautiful around sunset.

  • Perfect if you want a mix of mountains, coffee shops, restaurants, and hiking. Chautauqua has beautiful Flatiron views and easy-to-moderate trails right outside downtown Boulder.

  • An easy-access overlook near Dillon/Silverthorne with gorgeous mountain and lake views. Minimal hiking required and stunning for photos.

  • Even if there isn’t a concert happening, Red Rocks is worth visiting just to walk around and take in the views. One of the most iconic spots in Colorado, visit at sunrise for the best views.

Explore Denver

  • Walk around Larimer Square

  • Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens

  • Explore the Denver Art Museum

  • Browse shops in Cherry Creek

  • Catch a concert at Red Rocks

  • Rent paddle boats at Washington Park

Eat & Drink

  • Coffee: Honey Hill Cafe, Hudson Hill, Hello Darling, Little Owl

  • Brunch: Stowaway Kitchen, Fox and the Hen, Snooze, Atomic Cowboy/Denver Biscuit Co)

  • Dinner: Barcelona Wine Bar, Osteria Marco, Sushi Den, Tavernetta, Avanti Food & Beverage

  • Drinks: Death & Co., Williams & Graham, esp hifi, Forget Me Not)

  • Late-night eats:Voodoo Doughnuts, Happy Camper, Pie Hole)

Farmers Markets

Palmer Lake Wine Festival: Enjoy wine tastings from 25 Colorado wineries in a beautiful outdoor setting.

  • South Pearl Street Farmers Market: Sundays, 9am to 1pm

  • City Park Farmers Market - Highlands Ranch: Saturdays, 8am to 1pm

  • Local Goods in Highland Square: Sundays, 9am to 1pm

  • The Broadway Flea: Saturdays & Sundays, 11am to 5pm

  • Metro Denver Farmers Market - Highlands Ranch: Sundays, 10am to 2pm

  • Cherry Creek Fresh Market - Highlands Ranch: Saturdays, 9am to 2pm

Events in Denver

  • Highlands Oktoberfest: Experience authentic Bavarian food, drinks, and festivities on 32nd Avenue (Highland Square) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  • Palmer Lake Wine Festival: Enjoy wine tastings from 25 Colorado wineries in a beautiful outdoor setting.

  • Brandi Carlile: Performing live at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

  • Beethoven Symphony No. 9: The Colorado Symphony presents this classical masterpiece at the Boettcher Concert Hall (Denver Performing Arts Complex).