An insider’s guide to the best of Denver

It’s easy to get light-headed just thinking about it, but there’s so much to do at 5,280 feet—the elevation you’ll find yourself at when visiting Denver. Make the most of your time by taking advantage of the amazing scenery, culture, restaurants and vast, wide-open spaces surrounding the Mile High City.

Related:15tourist hot spots nobody cared about 15 years ago

Red Rocks Amphiteatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

If there’s a concert happening at Red Rocks while you’re in Denver, go. No matter whether you’re a fan of the performers, the breathtaking atmosphere is among the most stunning things you may ever experience. The natural acoustics at this geologic marvel just 10 miles outside the city don’t hurt, either. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, tackle the nearby hiking and biking trails.

Coors Brewery Tour | Flickr CC: daveynin

Coors Brewery Tour

Tickets for the Golden Brewery Tour are free and include an overview of the malting, brewing and packaging process, but the highlight is the “fresh beer room,” a refrigerated hangout space where guests sip samples of cold beer while sitting on ice-cube benches.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway | Flickr CC: shogun_x

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

With Denver as your starting point, hop in your car and take a day trip 60 miles west and literally into the clouds. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, winding roughly 9,000 feet upwards to a 14,264 foot summit. The views along the way are as breathtaking as they are at the top—filled with majestic peaks and lush valleys, and include the occasional mountain goat and bighorn sheep sighting. Stop along the way at the Indian Hot Springs in the town of Idaho Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural hot mineral pools.

The Denver Art Museum | Flickr CC: Ray Tstang

Denver Art Museum

Located in the city’s Civic Center Cultural Complex, the museum consists of two structures—the castle-like North Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, and the titanium-paneled Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by Daniel Libeskind. Inside, there’s an impressive collection of American Indian art, as well as a modern and contemporary collection with more than 70,000 works.

Elitch Gardens | Flickr CC: RLEVANS

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

This amusement park is located right in the heart of downtown Denver. That means thrill rides with names such as the Mind Eraser (an inverted looping roller coaster) and Tower of Doom (a massive, vertical-drop ride) and water rides including the six-story Slidezilla, are at your fingertips whenever you’re feeling adventurous.

Bone in Ribeye from Guard & Grace | Photo courtesy of Guard & Grace

Guard and Grace

A visit to rancher’s country calls for a steak dinner, but this modern, 9,000-square-foot restaurant with a dedicated wine room and can’t miss dessert menu is not your father’s steakhouse. There’s an emphasis here on wood-fired dishes such as oak-fired prime rib. Other standouts include a filet mignon flight, foraged mushrooms and sticky toffee pudding.

Inside the Crawford Hotel Lobby | Photo courtesy of the Crawford Hotel

The Crawford Hotel 

Make this luxury hotel, located within the recently revitalized Union Station, your base camp. Select from loft suites, Pullman-style rooms that resemble train sleeping cars or classic rooms, and take advantage of amenities including Tesla courtesy car service within a two-mile radius of the property.

Heifer and Hen | Photo courtesy of Heifer and Hen

Heifer and the Hen

You deserve a sweet treat after all your outdoorsy adventures. Come to this organic ice cream shop, where you can choose from a rotating list of 20 eclectic flavors (think orange blossom and mint-basil bitter chocolate),  plus equally inventive eight dairy-free options, floats, popsicles shakes and ice cream sandwiches.

Tagged: Hotels