Top Attractions for Denver First-Timers
With limited time in a new city, it’s important to prioritize the activities and sights that best match your interests. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top attractions and neighborhoods in Denver to help you plan your ideal itinerary:
Nature & Adventure Lovers
Start your Denver trip surrounded by the city’s most iconic natural landmark – the Rocky Mountains. Check out scenic spots like Red Rocks Park for a moderate hike with gorgeous valley views. Or head to Bear Creek Lake Park to rent a kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat during the summer. Just 15 miles west of downtown, Evergreen has mountains streams, trails, and the Evergreen Lake for outdoor recreation. Drive the scenic Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America topping out at 14,264 feet. Outdoor adventurers can also book whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, and more.
Arts & Culture Buffs
Art and history lovers will adore exploring Denver’s many museums and cultural institutions. Pay a visit to the Denver Art Museum which has a diverse collection of 70,000 works spanning across centuries and cultures. The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA) and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art are also worth a visit. History buffs will enjoy sites like the Colorado State Capitol with its dome covered in real gold leaf. You can also tour historic neighborhoods like Larimer Square and the Molly Brown House Museum, dedicated to the life of Titanic survivor Margaret Brown.
Foodies
With an endless array of breweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants, Denver is a paradise for food-focused travelers. Spend an afternoon brewery hopping in the hip RiNo Art District or along the Denver Beer Trail. Indulge in the city’s famous green chile at a local Mexican joint. And enjoy a farm fresh meal made with locally-sourced ingredients at one of Denver’s top restaurants like Urban Farmer, Root Down, or Rioja.
Sports Fans
Denver has a packed sports schedule almost year-round. Catch an MLB game downtown at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Football fans can cheer on the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. During hockey season, it’s easy to join the sea of orange heading to Ball Arena to rally behind the Colorado Avalanche. If you can’t catch a live game, visit Sports Authority Field at Mile High for a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. You can also pay homage to great athletes at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.
Shopping Aficionados
Shopaholics will love strolling through the boutiques and big name stores in Downtown Denver. 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment hub with retailers like H&M, Zara, Gap and Sephora. Cherry Creek has 16 blocks of high-end shops, from Louis Vuitton to Tesla. Venture to the hip neighborhoods of LoDo or LoHi to browse the indie shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Find unique handmade gifts, custom jewelry, decor, and clothing you won’t spot back home.
Family Fun
From museums to amusement parks, Denver has attractions the whole family will enjoy. Let kids run wild at the Denver Zoo, Denver Botanic Gardens, or the hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum of Denver. Ride the 1904 carousel at Lakeside Amusement Park, loop on rollercoasters at Elitch Gardens Theme Park, or explore the exotic animals at The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Family-friendly neighborhoods like Old South Gaylord Street, South Pearl and Platte Street offer cute local shops, delicious eateries, and green parks perfect for picnicking and playing.
Nightlife & Entertainment
When the sun sets in Denver, the nightlife scene comes alive. Live music venues like the Fillmore Auditorium, Ogden Theatre and Bluebird Theater host major concerts and events. For performing arts, there’s the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver Coliseum, and the landmark Paramount Theater. Bar-hop along LoDo’s lively Blake Street. Or go craft cocktail tasting in RiNo and LoHi’s hip speakeasies. Catch a comedy show at Comedy Works Downtown or the nationally-renowned Boulder Theater just 30 minutes outside the city.
How to Get Around Denver
With so many things to do spread out over different neighborhoods, getting around Denver can be a bit tricky for groups and first-time visitors. Here are some of the most popular transportation options to consider:
Public Transportation
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs Denver’s network of public transportation options. Light rail and bus routes crisscross the city and metro area. Purchase tickets at station kiosks before boarding. Schedules, routes and mobile ticketing can be found on the RTD website and apps.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available for street hailing or can be called ahead to schedule a pickup. Uber and Lyft also operate in Denver, just be sure to check primetime rates during busy times when prices surge. With groups, multiple rides can become pricey and inefficient.
Charter Buses
For group transportation, charter buses are the most convenient and cost-effective option. Our modern fleet of luxury coaches, mini-coaches, limo buses, and party buses can accommodate any size group. You’ll travel together in comfort with amenities like TVs, WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms on-board many vehicles. Charter buses provide door-to-door service on your schedule. No waiting at stops or transferring lines! Our professional team navigates Denver’s roads and parks so your group can relax. Contact our team to receive a free, no-obligation group transportation quote for your upcoming Denver trip.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this Denver first-timer’s guide provided some insight to help you plan the perfect Mile High City getaway based on your group’s interests. Denver has so much to offer visitors beyond its natural scenery and outdoor adventure. By breaking down the top attractions by interest as well as transportation options, you can now craft an itinerary to match your ideal vacation. Just contact Denver Party Bus Company at 720-543-0102 when you’re ready to book transportation for your upcoming trip. Our team is happy to answer questions, provide trip planning recommendations, and reserve the perfect vehicle for your group!