The 17 Best Things to Do in Denver

Meow Wolf’s installation is a vibrant, neon-lit four-floor dreamscape created by 300 artists, including over 110 from Colorado. It features 79 projects ranging from hidden catacombs and urban landscapes to alien-themed shops, emphasizing Denver’s culture and major issues like accessibility and Indigenous rights. The experience includes dark areas, tight spaces, flashing lights, loud sounds, and theatrical fog, presenting a sensory-rich environment that may challenge those with claustrophobia or crowd aversions.

Pairing Tip: Before stepping into this mind-bending, neon-lit world, enjoy a dab from the Lazercat Rosin Pairing Box at home. The high-quality rosin enhances creativity and sensory perception, making it easier to engage with Meow Wolf’s immersive storytelling. When you return, sip on a Dram Basil & Lemon beverage to bring your mind back to reality while reflecting on the surreal experience.

Art enthusiasts will find a treasure at the city’s largest art museum, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle Creative District. The museum is renowned for its expansive permanent collection and impressive temporary exhibitions. Its striking architecture includes the fortress-like structure by Gio Ponti from 1971 and a modern addition by Daniel Libeskind that mirrors the Rocky Mountains’ jagged peaks. Inside, the museum caters to both art connoisseurs and newcomers, featuring one of the world’s finest Native American Art collections, the captivating “Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect” by Claude Monet, and numerous family-friendly activity centers. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a map at the entrance and explore the first-floor gift shop for unique vases and artistic souvenirs.

Pairing Tip: Art takes on new dimensions when you heighten your senses beforehand. Before heading to the museum, take a Lazercat Rosin dab to enhance your perception of colors, textures, and movement within the artwork. When you get home, snack on Sonoma Tomato Basil Pizza Crisps, allowing the rich umami flavors to extend your engagement with the creativity you’ve just witnessed.

Red Rocks is celebrated as one of the most stunning outdoor music venues in the U.S., thanks to its natural amphitheater formed by towering red sandstone rocks, which provide exceptional acoustics and scenic views of Denver and the nearby foothills. Beyond concerts, Red Rocks is a destination in its own right; fitness enthusiasts often run its amphitheater stairs on weekends, and the 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail offers hikers striking rock formations and valley vistas. A visit to Red Rocks is a quintessential Denver summer activity, with an event calendar packed with diverse offerings. Whether celebrating a birthday or simply enjoying a Tuesday, an evening of music under the stars at Red Rocks epitomizes a perfect Colorado night.

Pairing Tip: The perfect Red Rocks experience starts before you even leave the house. Get in the mood by using the Mini Speaker and QR Playlist from the Recreation Box while getting ready. After an unforgettable night of music under the stars, relax with a CBN Sleep Gummy to bring your body down from the high-energy atmosphere and ensure a deep, restful sleep.

Larimer Square, the city’s first historic district, epitomizes urban charm with its wide sidewalks, red brick buildings, and bustling restaurant patios where stylish 30-somethings enjoy wine. The street is a wallet’s temptation with its chic boutiques and twinkling lights that come alive at night. Notable dining includes the James Beard Award-winning Rioja, celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the Bao Brewhouse, which offers all-you-can-eat soup dumplings on Tuesdays. Despite its popularity and picturesque setting—ideal for holiday Instagram posts—Larimer Square retains an authentic, non-touristy appeal, making it a must-visit for a true Denver experience.

Pairing Tip: The energy of Larimer Square is contagious, and a little preparation enhances the experience. Before heading out, freshen up with Mints and Hand Sanitizer from the Recreation Box so you feel refreshed as you stroll through this historic, lively district. After a night of dining and drinks, wind down with Truffle Popcorn from the Movie Night Box, creating the perfect cozy, post-night-out indulgence.

The Clyfford Still Museum in Denver might just be the city’s most surprising cultural find. Tucked next to the larger Denver Art Museum in the Golden Triangle, this architectural standout features imposing, cantilevered concrete. Despite its formidable exterior, it remains a quiet, underappreciated treasure. The museum houses an impressive collection of 3,125 works by Clyfford Still, a pivotal figure in modern abstract art. Visitors can explore his evolution as an artist in spacious galleries that present his work chronologically—from early sketches and landscapes of the 1920s to vibrant, wall-sized canvases from the 1950s. The museum’s approachable style includes conversational placards that encourage a closer look at specific elements of Still’s art, and strategically placed benches offer spots to sit and reflect on his significant impact on modern art.

Pairing Tip: Clyfford Still’s massive, raw, and emotional paintings require patience and deep contemplation. A Lazercat Rosin dab before your visit can help you slow down and absorb the intensity of each piece. Afterward, sipping on a Dram Basil & Lemon beverage at home extends that contemplative mood, allowing the emotions of the artwork to settle in.

Denver’s Union Station, affectionately known as the city’s “living room,” stands at the heart of Lower Downtown. It functions as a vital transit hub, featuring outdoor play areas, restaurants with ample patio space, and various boutiques. This vibrant scene is a far cry from its earlier days; the original Beaux Arts structure was built in 1881 and underwent significant renovations in 1914 after several fires. It had fallen into disrepair until a transformative $54 million restoration and the addition of an airport train service rejuvenated it. Now, the beautifully restored Grand Hall is a focal point for both locals and tourists who visit to enjoy the architecture, socialize over drinks, or take part in local events like the weekend farmer’s market. For a memorable evening, one can dine on farm-to-table fare at Mercantile Dining & Provision before visiting the Terminal Bar for some expertly mixed cocktails.

Pairing Tip: A day exploring Denver’s Union Station starts with energy and ends with relaxation. Start your day with coffee at a stylish café, and later, as the energy of the day winds down, take a CBN Sleep Gummy from the Recreation Box to ensure a smooth transition into restful sleep.

Located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood and spread across 24 lush acres, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers a tranquil escape ideal for a leisurely one- or two-hour walk. Visitors can explore a variety of garden types along gravel and stone paths, including drought-resistant xeriscapes and a serene Japanese garden. Noteworthy features include rotating exhibits with internationally acclaimed art nestled among the greenery. Highlights from past displays include a vibrant orange and red glass sculpture by Chihuly and a stone sculpture celebrating maternal affection by Zimbabwean artist Nicholas Kadzungura. In summer, the Monet Pool dazzles with its display of water lilies, while the tropical conservatory provides a warm retreat during winter months. Additionally, the garden’s well-stocked gift shop offers unique souvenirs and upscale gardening tools. For plant enthusiasts, it’s a place you might never want to leave.

Pairing Tip: Nature has a way of quieting the mind, and a Pre-Roll from the Recreation Box before your visit enhances the feeling of calm and connection. After meandering through the serene Japanese gardens and vibrant wildflowers, replenish yourself with Jerky, providing a satisfying, protein-rich snack for post-walk recovery.

Just a 10-minute drive north of downtown Denver, near the airport, lies a 15,000-acre wilderness refuge with a remarkable transformation story. Originally a site for a chemical weapons plant since the 1940s, where substances like napalm and mustard gas were produced, the area was later deemed unfit for human habitation and designated a Superfund site. The unexpected arrival of a few endangered bald eagles in 1986 caught the attention of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, prompting Congress to earmark the land for wildlife conservation. Following a massive $2.1 billion cleanup, the area was opened to the public. Today, it offers an expansive mix of prairie, wetlands, and woodlands—larger than Manhattan—featuring hiking trails and lakes for catch-and-release fishing. Instead of exotic animals typically seen in theme park safaris, visitors might encounter local wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets, one of North America’s most endangered mammals, reintroduced to the area in 2015.

Pairing Tip: This wide-open refuge is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Before heading out, enjoy a Pre-Roll from the Recreation Box, enhancing your ability to slow down and appreciate the natural world. Be sure to bring along your Hand Sanitizer and Mints to freshen up and transition back into city life.

Once a dairy building in Denver’s LoDo area, the early 20th-century Windsor Farm Dairy Building has been transformed into the Dairy Block, a trendy “micro-hood.” This compact square block close to Coors Field now features a hotel, coworking space, shops, restaurants, bars, and a food hall. The pedestrian-friendly Alley, filled with unique venues like Blanchard Family Wines and Deviation Distilling, offers products such as Mountain Herb Gin made from locally foraged juniper and spruce tips. Dairy Block is also home to the acclaimed restaurant Brutø, which has earned both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star, led by Top Chef alum Byron Gomez since early 2024.

Pairing Tip: An evening of exploring craft cocktails, boutiques, and artistic alleyways calls for something sweet. Before heading out, indulge in Chocolate-Covered Cherries from the Lazercat Rosin Pairing Box, setting the tone for a luxurious night. When you return, sip on a Dram Lavender & Lemon beverage to gently unwind and reflect on the night’s discoveries.

Denver offers plenty of organized brewery tours, but for those who prefer a more personalized adventure, creating your own tour using the city’s interactive beer map can be even more enjoyable. Downtown Denver boasts a rich selection of breweries, starting with Wynkoop Brewing Company, the city’s first craft brewery, co-founded Senator John Hickenlooper in 1988. Next, visit Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery for innovative takes on traditional ales. Continue to Great Divide Brewing Company, a staple of the Denver beer scene, before wrapping up at Woods Boss, a newer brewery that embraces Colorado style. This DIY tour allows you to explore Denver’s top breweries at your leisure, avoiding the canned humor of tour guides and saving money along the way.

Pairing Tip: A well-rounded beer experience starts before the first sip. Before heading out, enjoy Peach Hatch Chili + Avocado Oil/Sea Salt Crackers from the Lazercat Rosin Pairing Box to balance and prepare your palate. After your brewery adventure, settle in for a cozy night with a Fandango movie rental from the Movie Night Box to complete the experience.

The Denver Zoo, covering 84 acres, provides a mostly outdoor adventure along spacious paths where visitors can view over 3,000 animals. Enhanced by recent renovations, the zoo offers immersive experiences that seem to transport you beyond the city. One notable exhibit is Stingray Cove, an open-air, interactive space launched in 2020. Here, visitors can touch and feed cownose and southern stingrays in a 15,000-gallon tank, with an additional $5 admission fee that includes a piece of food for feeding, alongside sightings of bamboo and bonnethead sharks. Don’t miss Predator Ridge, a five-acre replica of the African savanna, which showcases African lions and spotted hyenas in rotating enclosures. The zoo also features Down Under, an interactive Australian-themed enclosure where guests can encounter red kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, endangered Huon tree kangaroos, and the impressive Southern cassowaries, dinosaur-like flightless birds with vivid blue necks.

Pairing Tip: A day filled with animal encounters calls for light, refreshing preparation. Before heading out, grab Mints and Hand Sanitizer from the Recreation Box to stay fresh and comfortable throughout your visit. After a long day on your feet, unwind at home with a CBN Sleep Gummy, ensuring deep and restorative sleep.

Situated just a short walk from Union Station in LoDo, the intimate MCA Denver offers stunning modern art exhibits that defy its modest size. The museum’s boxy structure, crafted by renowned architect David Adjaye, features a discreet and somewhat hidden motion-sensor activated door, enhancing its allure as an exclusive spot. Inside, hidden skylights brighten the space, creating a light-filled and joyful atmosphere that underscores the museum’s philosophy that art is meant to be enjoyed. As a non-collecting institution, MCA Denver presents three to four new exhibitions annually, each lasting about two to four months, ensuring a fresh experience with every visit. The museum’s compact size and thoughtful layout make it ideal for a leisurely exploration, typically taking about an hour. This makes it perfect for a cultural outing before enjoying dinner or a casual lunch nearby.

Pairing Tip:The unexpected and thought-provoking nature of contemporary art pairs well with a Lazercat Rosin dab beforehand, helping you engage deeply with each exhibit. Later in the evening, let the inspiration linger with Truffle Popcorn from the Movie Night Box, making for a relaxed, creative night in.

Located in the Denver area, Confluence Park offers a unique outdoor experience despite its modest size. Established in 1974 as a riverfront restoration initiative, this compact four-acre park is situated in Lower Downtown where Cherry Creek converges with the South Platte River. It features easily navigable staircases and ADA-accessible ramps that integrate seamlessly with downtown Denver, just a few minutes away. The park’s main draw is its surprising whitewater rapids, right in the city center. The best way to enjoy these waters on a warm day is by kayaking or canoeing, with rentals available at the nearby Confluence Kayak & Ski store. Adjacent to the park is the REI flagship store, housed in the historic 1901 Denver Tramway Power Company Building. Visitors can also enjoy biking and hiking trails, boulder-lined shorelines, and sloping green areas, with steps that lead directly into the water. Although it’s connected to the urban landscape, the park’s riverine wildness offers a feeling akin to being deep in the Rockies, making it a must-visit for both residents and tourists in Denver.

Pairing Tip: Time slows down at Confluence Park. Before heading out, enjoy a Pre-Roll from the Recreation Box to fully absorb the peaceful sounds of the river and the downtown skyline. After a laid-back afternoon, refresh yourself with Dried Tropical Fruit from the Movie Night Box, a light and refreshing snack to carry the experience forward.

Colorado’s first beer-themed spa, opened in 2021 near Denver’s RiNo district, is set to expand with a new location in the southern metro area in 2024. Founders Damien Zouaoui and Jessica French were inspired by Eastern Europe’s beer spas and adapted the concept for an American audience, incorporating elements from Japanese and Korean spas while eschewing traditional European kitsch. Instead of standard spa treatments, guests enjoy privacy in serene therapy rooms, starting with an infrared sauna that reaches up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. For further relaxation, there’s an option to use a zero-gravity massage chair that scans your body and provides an all-angle, robotic-like massage experience.

Pairing Tip: A spa day deserves a little pre-game relaxation. Before heading to Oakwell Beer Spa, sip on a Dram Lavender & Lemon beverage from the Lazercat Rosin Pairing Box, setting the stage for ultimate tranquility. When you return, extend the relaxation with a Natural Shower Steamer from the Movie Night Box, bringing the spa experience home.

The History Colorado Center in Denver’s Golden Triangle captivates visitors with interactive explorations of Colorado’s diverse culture and history. Located in a prime area, the museum showcases artifacts, art, and dioramas from Denver, the Rocky Mountains, and the American West. While it draws both tourists and locals, its relaxed atmosphere often makes it feel like a hidden gem. The museum is family-friendly, featuring exhibits like a 1918 plains town with interactive elements for kids, and multimedia exhibits for adults that explore the stories of Colorado’s people. Offering a balanced and comprehensive view of the American West, the History Colorado Center provides an engaging experience without overwhelming its guests.

Pairing Tip: Step into the past with a heightened sense of curiosity. Before heading to this interactive museum, enjoy a Pre-Roll from the Recreation Box, helping you become fully immersed in Colorado’s fascinating history. Once home, let the day’s discoveries settle with a CBN Sleep Gummy, making for a restful and reflective evening.

The 16th Street Mall, designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei, features an eye-catching pedestrian promenade paved with a diamondback rattlesnake pattern in red, white, and gray granite. Conveniently, free MallRide shuttle buses travel the mall’s length, stopping at every corner to facilitate easy access to downtown Denver’s highlights. This central hub connects essential areas from Denver Union Station to the Civic Center Park and Colorado State Capitol. Nearby attractions include the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. A short stroll away, Larimer Square offers a distinctive shopping experience in historic Victorian buildings, with a variety of unique restaurants and specialty boutiques. Additionally, just three blocks from the mall, McGregor Square boasts a baseball-themed hotel, a chef-driven food hall, and a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding a large outdoor plaza.

Pairing Tip: A long day of urban exploration requires the right fuel. Before heading out, grab some Dried Tropical Fruit from the Movie Night Box for a travel-friendly, energizing snack. After an eventful day, wind down at home with a Free Fandango movie rental, bringing your Denver adventures full circle.

The Source, which opened in 2013 in a renovated 1880s iron foundry on the outskirts of downtown Denver, marked a pivotal development in the area now known as the RiNo Arts District. By 2018, this historic brick complex expanded to include a 100-room hotel featuring polished concrete, Baltic birch interiors, Japanese soaking tubs, and a rooftop plunge pool. Today, The Source encompasses twin market halls—one in the original building and another in a newer tower. These halls are vibrant hubs for various food stalls, design shops, a barbershop, and a florist. Notable establishments include Reunion Bread Co., where baker Ismael De Sousa crafts Venezuelan- and Portuguese-inspired pastries like golfeados—walnut-studded sticky buns topped with cotija cheese—and Safta, a celebrated Israeli restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya.

Pairing Tip: Enhance your culinary adventure with a perfectly paired snack. Before heading out, enjoy Sonoma Tomato Basil Pizza Crisps from the Lazercat Rosin Pairing Box, preparing your palate for the gourmet flavors of The Source’s many eateries. Once back home, sip on a Dram Basil & Lemon beverage to extend the rich culinary experience.