Denver Area Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Denver Area with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, hiking/biking routes, accommodation options, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Denver Area
- List of Places to Visit in Denver Area
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Denver Area
- Best Things to Do in Denver Area: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Denver Area
- Food and Drink Scene of Denver Area
- Where to Stay in Denver Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Denver Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Denver Area
- Best Time to Visit Denver Area
- Do’s and Don’ts of Denver Area
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Denver Area: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Denver Area
- Where to Go Next from Denver Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Denver Area
Denver Area is a vibrant and picturesque region in the state of Colorado, situated in the Rocky Mountains of the United States of America. Known as the “Mile High City” due to its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is home to a diverse range of cultural attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking to get away from it all, Denver Area has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Denver Area
Here are some of the top attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Denver Area:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Denver Art Museum
- Colorado State Capitol
- Molly Brown House Museum
- History Colorado Center
- Four Mile Historic Park
Natural Attractions of Denver Area: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway
- Garden of the Gods
- Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum and Grave
Hiking/Biking Routes of Denver Area
Denver Area is a paradise for hikers and bikers, offering a plethora of trails that range from easy to challenging. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes you should put on your list:
- Mount Falcon Park Trail
- Bluffs Regional Park Trail
- Cherry Creek State Park Trail
- High Line Canal Trail
- Clear Creek Trail
Best Things to Do in Denver Area: Activities and Tours
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Zoo
- Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Larimer Square
Week-Long Itinerary for Denver Area
If you’re planning to spend a week in Denver Area, here’s a suggested itinerary:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Colorado State Capitol, Denver Art Museum, and Molly Brown House Museum |
| 2 | Hike Mount Falcon Park Trail and dine at Larimer Square |
| 3 | Explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Evans Scenic Byway |
| 4 | Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park |
| 5 | Take a scenic drive along the Peak to Peak Highway and stop at Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum and Grave |
| 6 | Bike Cherry Creek State Park Trail and enjoy a picnic at Bluffs Regional Park |
| 7 | Relax at Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre |
Food and Drink Scene of Denver Area
Denver Area boasts a vibrant food and drink scene that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan character and Western heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Denver Omelet
- Rocky Mountain Oysters
- Green Chile
- Bison Burger
- Colorado Lamb
Local Beverages
- Colorado Wine
- Colorado Craft Beer
- Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
- Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon
- Celestial Seasonings Tea
Where to Stay in Denver Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, budget-friendly hostel, or cozy guesthouse, Denver Area offers a wide array of accommodation options. Here are some recommendations:
- The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
- The Curtis-A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- Hostel Fish
- 11th Avenue Hostel
- Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast
What to Buy in Denver Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Looking for souvenirs or local products to take back home? Here are some ideas:
- Colorado Avalanche-branded merchandise
- Denver Broncos jerseys and gear
- Local artisanal chocolates and caramels
- Colorado-made skincare products
- Craft beer or whiskey from local distilleries
Local Culture and Customs of Denver Area
Denver Area is known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, as well as its love for the outdoors, craft beer, and farm-to-table cuisine. Some other things to keep in mind:
- Tipping is customary at restaurants and for services such as haircuts and taxis.
- Casual dress is the norm, even in upscale restaurants and bars.
- Smoking is not allowed in public places, including bars and restaurants.
- Marijuana is legal in Colorado, but public consumption is not permitted.
Best Time to Visit Denver Area
The best time to visit Denver Area depends on your preferences and interests. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather, abundant natural beauty, and outdoor festivals and concerts. Fall (September-November) is ideal for foliage viewing and exploring historic sites. Winter (December-February) is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the holiday season. Spring (March-May) offers a quieter atmosphere and lower hotel rates.
Do’s and Don’ts of Denver Area
Here are some general tips and guidelines to follow during your trip to Denver Area:
Do:
- Enjoy the local cuisine and craft beer scene
- Appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor activities
- Get to know the local culture and history
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness
Don’t:
- Smoke or consume marijuana in public places
- Litter or damage natural areas and historic sites
- Overdo it with alcohol or drugs
- Disrespect local customs and traditions
Safety and Health
Denver Area is generally safe and welcoming, but it’s always important to take precautions and stay informed. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:
Safety in Denver Area
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Use caution when parking and walking in downtown Denver.
- Avoid deserted parks and trails after dark.
- Keep valuables (including electronics) out of sight and locked in your car or hotel room.
- Be mindful of wildlife when hiking and camping.
Health in Denver Area
- The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, so drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
- Carry any necessary medications with you.
- Use insect repellent to avoid tick bites.
- Stay current on vaccination recommendations.
Getting to Denver Area: Transportation Options and Logistics
Denver Area is easily accessible by air, bus, and car. Here are some transportation options:
Airports Near Denver Area
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
Bus Stations Near Denver Area
- Greyhound Bus Station
- Denver Union Station
Other Options
- Amtrak Train Station
- Car rentals
How to Get Around in Denver Area
There are several ways to get around Denver Area, including:
- Cars and taxis
- Buses and light rail
- Bicycles and bike rentals
- Walking
Where to Go Next from Denver Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have some extra time in Denver Area, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Boulder, CO
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Estes Park, CO
- Vail, CO
- Durango, CO
Conclusion
Denver Area offers a fantastic mix of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip, discovering top attractions, hiking/biking routes, accommodation options, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, and transportation options. Whether you’re exploring the city or venturing into the Rocky Mountains, Denver Area is sure to delight and inspire you.
