Denver Vacations

During the summer, temperatures can rise to the 90s Fahrenheit during the afternoon, though evenings are often cooler due to the altitude. Snowfall is common between October and March, although that same snow often alternates with warm sunny days. Summer is the peak time for visitors, so if you want to save a little cash on hotels and attractions, November-March may be the time to go, for skiing and exploring the winter landscape.

There seems to be a festival occurring annually almost every month of the year in Denver, with the exception of August, when thunderstorms make event planning difficult at best.

Containing over 3,000 works of the decorative artists from Arts & Crafts movement to Modern and Pop art, this interesting museum showcases the work of Vance Kirkland.

This company invented the snap-front western shirt; this flagship store and museum displays an amazing number of western-style shirts, accessories, and hats.

A private contemporary art gallery full of photos, drawings and installations, including 16-foot tall rubber inflatable rabbits.

This amazing spa, hotel, and dining area opened in 1892 and maintains its late Victorian appeal to this day.

With air and space exhibits stretching from a B-52 "flying fortress" to a Star Wars x-wing fighter, this museum is nirvana for aeronautics buffs.

Take an early morning hike or experience a concert under the stars at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Take a daytrip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Ride a historic narrow gauge railroad through the Rockies. Cruise miles of trails on a bike from B-cycle or enjoy dozens of other outdoor activities.

Come face to face with a Komodo dragon at the Denver Zoo. Enjoy 45 rides at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park. Watch the Rapids defend professional soccer's MLS Cup, or cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field! Denver is filled with fun for families.

Dig into the world of Marvelous Mud at the Denver Art Museum. See internationally-acclaimed Native American outdoor sculptures at the lush Botanic Gardens. Discover the Real Pirates exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Those are just a few ways to enjoy Denver's creative side.

From innovative cuisine in chef-owned restaurants, bistros and outdoor cafes in Larimer Square, to hip clubs and late-night lounges in the South of Colfax Nightlife District. Whether you dance the night away to live music or sample culinary offerings in restaurants and stylish wine bars, Denver's ambiance and energy guarantee you'll find the perfect place to spend your evening.

Denver is a place full of natural beauty, and a cultural center, with shows, classical concerts, museums, and historic mining towns. Run the rapids through downtown at Confluence Park during the day and go see the Colorado Ballet in the evening. Take a walking tour of downtown and stop at one of the art museums, then dance the night away in one of the many nightclubs.

Let Orbitz help you plan your Denver vacation by helping you find discounts and the best times to come visit for festivals, and giving you information about restaurants and clubs.

Within the two very different buildings of this art museum is an amazing collection, ranging from Native American art to that of the Old European Masters.

One of the newer cultural attractions in Denver, History Colorado brings Colorado history alive through hands-on exhibits and programs for everyone.

Sitting in Washington Park is Smith Lake; rent a pedal boat and explore the scenery from on the lake.

With an Asian village and the opportunity to get close to the animals, the Denver zoo is a great place for a family visit.

Prefer plants to animals? Escape for a while and explore the 700 species of native Colorado plants and other western flora.

Leave the kids with friends and splurge on an expensive romantic Italian dinner, but remember to make reservations.

Take a tour of this local tap house and brewery and enjoy one-of-a-kind local Colorado ales.

Spend time people watching in this mall; after dark, catch a horse drawn carriage for a romantic trip down cobblestone paths.

Even if you can't catch a show here, take a tour of this wonderful natural amphitheatre, or walk or bike the trails around it.

Explore the history of African-American cowboys and farmers; this small museum is located in the former home of the first African-American female doctor in Denver.

Rock out downtown during Denver Day of Rock, a free Memorial Day music festival. Browse 230 artists' booths at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival during Fourth of July weekend. See the big finish of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Downtown Denver on August 28th. Weekends are packed with excitement this summer.

Ready to experience life at 5,280 feet? Make your way to the Mile High City, where outdoor enthusiasts collide with urban dwellers in a surrounding of breathtaking scenery. Sure, you can still get a taste of that Old West vibe in Denver  -- the famous National Western Stock Show takes place here each January, but you’ll also find world-class restaurants, impressive local breweries (not to mention the Coors Brewery in nearby Golden), the fourth-most popular zoo in America, one of the country’s top five botanic gardens, a bustling downtown and diverse shopping districts, the much lauded Denver Art Museum, the U.S. Mint and a whopping eight professional sports teams -- one of only two cities nationwide to boast such a number. Want to get outside? Denver is home to more than 4,000 acres of parks and parkways, offers a pioneering bike-share program and all sorts of paths, trails and rivers to explore. Music lovers can take advantage of the word-renowned concert venue Red Rocks Amphitheatre, just outside of town. And, if a little more adventure is what you crave, some of the world’s best skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, snowshoeing and mountain biking -- not to mention four national parks -- are just a short drive away. Whether you don cowboy boots or Manolos, you’re sure to find a Denver style to your liking.

AOL Travel’s Denver Guide

AOL Travel's Best Denver Hotels