Denver Explore Local With RVshare

This guide is perfect for those living in or near Denver who want to get to know the city even more. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Denver, this is the guide for you!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

The Mile High City

Denver is dubbed the Mile High City because it is, indeed, a mile above sea level. This makes the air dryer and thinner. If you live in Denver, you are already accustomed. But if you’re using this guide to explore the area while you’re passing through, here are some tips for adjusting to the altitude.

Cherry Creek State Park

Situated near the heart of Denver, Cherry Creek State Park offers a lot to see and enjoy year-round. During summer, swim in the 880-acre reservoir, or fish, bike, hike, and explore the park. During the winter, you can still fish – though it will be ice fishing! 

Best Hiking Trails in Denver

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, Cherry Creek State Parks has over 20 trails to choose from! Most of the trails allow for dogs, such as the Cherry Creek Trail and the 0.65 mile Vista Trail. There is also an off-leash dog park on-site. As far as camping in Denver goes, Cherry Creek also makes for a great night away.

If you’re looking to fish,  Sloan’s Lake Park  is one of the city’s best parks for just that. The path along the water is just as nice as any water-related activity you’d find here. The paved loop path is great for people of all skills and accessibilities. The park also allows for leashed pups! Don’t miss the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival every July (well, in a non-coronavirus world!). 

Roxborough State Park

If you’re looking to get out of the city but only barely, hit up Roxborough State Park! This park is a treasure trove of some of the best scenic hiking trails in Denver, CO.  Willow Creek Falls  trail is easy and about 4 miles long. For another easy trail,  Fountain Valley Trail  should be on your list! While it’s not paved, many note that in good weather, it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible.

There are countless species of wildlife in Denver to try to spot while on your hikes –safely of course! Some are easier to find than others, but bird watching is a fun way to pass the time, whether you’re casually looking for them in your bike yard or heading out to the trail. Colorado is home to over 400 birds – see if you can spot a Mountain Bluebird in the mountains or a Hooded Merganser on the South Platte River.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge was founded primarily to protect Bald eagle nesting. It’s now home to many mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. Plan a visit here to see these great animals, including bison and prairie dogs. Between the wildlife drive, hiking, nature programs, and more, you’ll find something fun for the whole family. You can also get involved as a volunteer or support the conservation efforts.

City of Denver Plant Guide

While out and about, take a moment to notice the plants that call Denver home, too. How impressed your friends will be when you go on a hike and can point out plants by name! Okay, we would be impressed at least if you pointed out a  Mountain snowberry shrub or Woods Rose bloom. Check out our regional plant guide for more.

Breakfast

Jelly

If you’re looking for a good classic breakfast spot, Jelly is where it’s at! With two locations in Denver, you must make it to one of them. You won’t regret pairing anything you order with a side of donut holes!

Snooze, An A.M. Eatery

Known for their sweet dishes, Snooze has a handful of locations across town. But you won’t just find pineapple pancakes or funky monkey french toast – their savory dishes are just as delicious!

Sassafras

Head to Sassafras for an amazing brunch set in a cute old house. Anything you order will knock your socks off but if you ask us, the beignets and bloody mary flights should definitely be on your list.

Lunch & Dinner

Watercourse

The OG of vegan fare in Denver, the menu at Watercourse is filled to the brim with mouth-watering vegan comfort food. They have breakfast here, too. During COVID, you can even order pantry staples with your takeout!

Work and Class

American and Latin food served up in these shipping containers for a very chill vibe. The menu changes seasonally to keep things fresh and interesting! If available, scoop up the buffalo roasted chicken and jalapeno cornbread – yum!

El Jefe

If you’re into Taco Tuesday – or really, Taco Anyday – stop by El Jefe. Some favorites are the mushroom tacos and of course the salsa flight. Paired with a good marg, and this dinner is a win!

Duo

Duo is great for a romantic date night or catching up with a friend over wine. The exposed brick offers a cozy feel, and even with a seasonally changing menu, you’ll find delicious options for all types of diets. 

Safta

Safta may be temporarily closed due to the coronavirus, but it is a must for when they resume operations! Be sure to order their blue crab hummus – you will not regret it!

So maybe you’re not only looking for great food but to do something out of the ordinary while you eat and drink, too! We bet these fun food activities will pique your interest.

Denver Food Tours

With so many amazing restaurants in Denver, a great way to experience them is through food tours. Luckily, Denver has dozens of highly ranked tour groups – here are a couple to start with!

• Delicious Denver Food Tour – Multiple tour options, including ones with a Downtown focus, appetizer & cocktail tour, and beer & food pairing.

• Secret Food Tours – A few options here with starting points in LoDo or the Art District.

Denver Cooking Classes

• Seasoned Chef – Learn anything from basic cooking skills to specialized techniques. There are kids classes offered, too! During COVID-19, you can take online classes and order takeout from their experienced team of chefs.

• Cook Street – Take a one-off class, like family pizza night, or sign up for a series like their wine 101 where over the course of seven classes, you’ll learn about wine from all over the world.

Denver Drinking Tours

• Novo – Keep a close eye on Novo’s calendar! This coffee shop has classes for brewing the perfect cup of joe or latte, as well as getting to know what seeds make for great coffee.

• Denver Microbrew Tour – You can’t live in Denver and not like good beer! Well, you can, but you’re in the minority. There are so many breweries in Denver and more that pop up constantly. Heading out on a walking tour is a great way to try multiple breweries in one night, alongside an expert guide with Denver Microbrew Tour.

• Mile High Wine Tour – Denver isn’t just about the brews, mix things up with a wine tour! Mile High Wine Tour specializes in birthday parties, corporate events, and bachelorette parties to make these occasions fun and memorable. 

More Fun Things to Do

Denver Botanic Gardens

Remember how we said you can learn about Denver plant life on your hikes? To really dig in, plan a trip to the gardens! There are actually two locations to visit the Denver Botanical Gardens, but both offer the same breathtaking scenery. Not only will you find beautiful blooms here, you’ll also get to peruse science and art exhibits, too!

Coors Field

A couple blocks from Union Station, you can enjoy a good baseball game! Take the family to see the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. It’s super easy to get to and makes for a great day out.

Denver Union Station

Dubbed Denver’s “Living Room”, Union Station is the perfect place to get a drink, shop around, or really do whatever you’re feeling! Union Station is filled with top Denver restaurants and local stores. Check out the weekly farmers market or schedule an event in this beautiful 100-year-old Denver landmark.

Molly Brown House Museum

There are many cool museums in Denver, and this one is especially unique to the area. Margaret “Molly” Brown was a survivor of the Titanic, and her home was preserved and turned into a museum to celebrate and share about her activism, philanthropy and passion through educational programs, exhibits, and stewardship.

Not only is Denver known for its amazing outdoor scene, but there is also some great shopping to be had, too! If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity in Denver, check out these cool shopping districts:

• Antique Row: Antique Row spans the course of 18 blocks and has nearly 40 shops and businesses. If you’re in the mood for thrifting, this should be your first stop.

• Highlands Square: The Highlands neighborhood of Denver is a great place to spend the day – filled with local businesses, unique boutiques, good restaurants, and more.

• Larimer Square: This area is the oldest and most historic block in the city. It’s not only a great place to shop but has some of the city’s best restaurants and salons, too!

Denver offers loads of great yoga studios, gyms, and spas to take care of your mind and body. Many even are offering online classes during COVID. Here are just a few to check out!

• Whole Yoga – City Park West 

• Elevate Yoga – Park Hill/Mayfair 

• Denver Gym and Fitness – Washington Park 

• Vital Strength and Fitness – Capitol Hill 

• The Oxford Hotel & Oxford Club Spa – LoDo

• A New Spirit Wellness Center & Spa – Highlands

As much as there is to do in Denver, there’s also so much to do within just a couple hours of the city. 

Red Rocks

So, not quite far enough for a day trip but also not exactly in the city center, plan to head to the Red Rocks for all kinds of activities. It’s a beautiful venue to catch a concert, but you can also hike, bike, practice yoga, or visit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Whatever you have planned, you certainly can make a full day out of it!

Skiing and Snowboarding

Colorado is home to some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding, and Denver is perfectly centrally located to be able to take advantage. Vail, Breckinridge, and Keystone are all popular resort towns under two hours from Denver. There are shuttle options if you’re not up for driving after a day on the mountains or you can crash at the resort for a fun weekend away!

Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods is a must-visit for those in and around Denver. At just over an hour south of Denver, this park offers breathtaking views and lots to do. You can go climbing, take open-air Jeep tours, go horseback riding, hiking, and more. Garden of the Gods spans nearly 500 acres of relatively untouched land and admission is free.

Rocky Mountain National Park

If you’re looking for National Parks in Colorado near Denver, you’re in luck because there is one less than two hours away! Rocky Mountain National Park is home to Longs Peak mountain, reaching over 14,000 feet. The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails, colorful wildflowers, and wildlife including moose and black bears. There are many programs for people of all ages throughout the year for some educational opportunities. 

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Denver that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Denver? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.