3 Days in Denver: Best Things to See, Eat & Do
Denver, Colorado, is the perfect destination for a quick but adventure-filled getaway. With a mix of stunning mountain views, a thriving food and craft beer scene, and endless outdoor activities, the Mile High City offers something for everyone!
I first visited Denver with John on a last-minute three-day trip, booking the flight, hotel, and rental car just days before I departed. Even with minimal planning, we managed to pack in an unforgettable weekend of outdoor adventures, delicious meals, and local experiences. From exploring the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater to sipping beer in historic Golden, every moment was filled with something fun.
If you’re planning a trip to Denver and want to make the most of your time without a strict itinerary, this guide will highlight some of the best places to visit, eat, and experience in the city. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a fun mountain city break, here are my top recommendations for an unforgettable three days in Denver!
Best Time of Year to Visit Denver
Denver is a year-round destination, offering something special in every season. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do, but if you’re looking for a mix of outdoor adventures, comfortable weather, and city exploration, late spring through early fall is ideal. If you’re like me and love a mix of city vibes and outdoor adventures, early summer was a fantastic time to visit! Just be prepared for some warm afternoons and possible thunderstorms, and you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
Summer (June – August)
I visited Denver in mid-June, and it was an amazing time to go! The weather was warm but not unbearable (highs in the 80s°F, lows in the 50s°F), and the city was buzzing with energy. It was the perfect balance—hiking trails were open (although some in RMNP were still snow-covered), beer gardens were open, and there was plenty to do. However, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, so it’s always good to be prepared.
- Pros: Great weather for hiking and exploring, outdoor events and festivals, Rockies baseball games.
- Cons: Can be crowded in popular areas (especially RMNP), occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall (September – November)
If you want fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage, early fall is a fantastic time to visit. The temperatures start cooling down, and the aspens in the mountains turn a bright gold—making it one of the best times for scenic drives and hikes.
- Pros: Cooler temps, fewer tourists, incredible foliage in the mountains.
- Cons: Some mountain passes may start to close in late fall due to snow.
Winter (December – February)
Winter in Denver is a dream for skiers and snowboarders. I have skied in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (read my post about that trip here), but I also am hoping to make it to Denver for ski season in the near future! While the city itself doesn’t get a ton of snow, the nearby mountains (about 1.5–2 hours away) turn into some of the best ski destinations in the country. Denver also hosts fun winter festivals and a magical holiday season.
- Pros: Perfect for winter sports, festive holiday atmosphere, lower hotel prices in the city.
- Cons: Cold weather, occasional snowstorms can impact travel.
Spring (March – May)
Spring can be a bit unpredictable—some days could feel like summer, others bring unexpected snow. However, by May, the weather is generally mild, and wildflowers start blooming in the foothills. It’s a great time to experience the city without peak-season crowds.
- Pros: Fewer tourists, good hiking conditions by late spring.
- Cons: Unpredictable weather, some mountain roads still closed early in the season.
When to Visit
For hiking, breweries and outdoor adventures → June – September
For fall colors and cooler weather → Late September – October
For skiing and snowboarding → December – March
Where to Stay in Denver
Finding the right place to stay in Denver depends on your budget, preferred location, and travel style. During my trip, I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver. While it wasn’t right in the heart of downtown, it was still a solid option with comfortable rooms, great service, and easy access to both the city and the mountains. Plus, you can’t go wrong with those warm DoubleTree cookies!
Whether you want luxury amenities, a mid-range stay with great value, or a stylish budget-friendly option, Denver has plenty of choices for every traveler. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Denver, there are multiple options to consider!
Luxury Stays $$$
- The Ritz-Carlton, Denver – A top-tier option with spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and a prime downtown location. Perfect for a high-end, pampered stay.
- Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek – A stylish boutique hotel in the trendy Cherry Creek neighborhood, offering a rooftop pool and complimentary gear rentals (think bikes and even Vespas!).
- The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa – A historic gem that has been welcoming guests since 1892. If you love old-world charm mixed with luxury, this is a fantastic choice.
Mid-Tier Hotels $$
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco – A modern, design-forward hotel right in the center of downtown, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore the city on foot.
- The Maven Hotel – Located in the vibrant Dairy Block, this artsy boutique hotel offers unique decor, great dining options, and a fun atmosphere.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown – A great value option with spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and an excellent downtown location.
Budget-Friendly (But Still Nice!) $
- The Curtis – A DoubleTree by Hilton – A fun and quirky downtown hotel with themed rooms and a playful atmosphere, perfect for travelers who enjoy a unique stay.
- Moxy Denver Cherry Creek – A budget-friendly boutique hotel with a social vibe, modern rooms, and a great location near shopping and dining.
- Hostel Fish – If you’re open to a stylish hostel experience, this boutique-style hostel offers private and shared rooms in a fun, social setting right in downtown Denver.
Getting Around Denver
Denver is overall a pretty walkable city with solid public transportation, but if you want to maximize your time and explore beyond downtown, renting a car is the best option. With only three days to see and do as much as possible, having a vehicle will give you the flexibility to venture into the Rocky Mountains, visit Red Rocks Amphitheater, and easily navigate between neighborhoods without waiting on public transit or ride-shares.
Why Rent a Car?
- Explore Beyond the City – Some of the best experiences, like Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden, CO, and Red Rocks, require a drive.
- Save Time – Denver’s light rail and buses are convenient but can be slow, especially if you’re bouncing between multiple attractions.
- Flexibility – No need to rely on pricey ride-shares or public transit schedules—you can hit the road and go whenever you’re ready.
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Other Transportation Options
If renting a car isn’t for you, here are some alternative ways to get around:
- RTD Light Rail & Buses – Affordable and reliable for getting around downtown and to/from the airport.
- Scooters & Bikes – Great for short distances, especially in neighborhoods like LoDo and RiNo.
- Ride-Shares (Uber & Lyft) – A convenient option, but costs can add up quickly if you’re traveling across the city.
- Free MallRide – A free bus service running along 16th Street Mall, perfect for exploring downtown without spending a dime.
Pro Tip
If you rent a car, check if your hotel charges for parking (many downtown hotels do). You may want to look for accommodations that include free parking or budget for garage fees.
Things to Do in Denver
Denver is packed with a mix of outdoor adventures, brewery experiences, and city attractions, making it the perfect destination for a well-rounded trip. Whether you’re hiking in the nearby Rocky Mountains, catching a concert at Red Rocks, or enjoying the city’s buzzing nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best things we did during our visit:
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Since we arrived in Denver late Thursday night, we hit the ground running on Friday morning with a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. While we didn’t get the chance to catch a live show, simply exploring the amphitheater was an experience in itself. The massive sandstone formations surrounding the venue create an unreal backdrop, making it one of the most unique concert spaces in the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are hiking trails nearby with beautiful views of the foothills. Whether you go for a concert, a sunrise workout, or just to take in the scenery, Red Rocks is a must-see just outside the city.
Coors Brewery Tour
After working up a sweat at Red Rocks, we figured we’d earned some drinks! We drove to Golden, Colorado, home of the Coors Brewery. The self-guided tour takes you through the brewing process, and the best part? It’s totally free—including three full-sized beers at the end! The only downside was the wait—we stood in line for about an hour and a half before the shuttle picked us up. But in the end, it was worth it for the freshly brewed beer and the chance to experience one of Colorado’s most famous breweries.
Walk Down 16th Street Mall
Before heading to Denver, I read about Larimer Square as a top shopping destination, but I have to admit, it wasn’t exactly my style (or my budget!). However, our detour led us to 16th Street Mall, a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly strip packed with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It was the perfect way to experience Denver’s city life, and we ended up walking all the way to the Colorado State Capitol. If you don’t feel like walking the whole stretch, you can hop on Denver’s Free Mall Ride, a complimentary shuttle that makes stops from Union Station to Civic Center.
Wynkoop Brewery
Denver is known for its breweries, and Wynkoop Brewery was one I had to check out—mainly because of one legendary beer: The Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout. If you don’t know what “Rocky Mountain Oysters” are… I highly suggest Googling before taking a sip!
Things to do in denver
Wynkoop Brewery
This spot had a great atmosphere, and we sampled a few brews, including their famous Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout—a must-try, even if it’s only a sip to say you did!
Coors Field Tour
Even though I’m not the biggest baseball fan, my boyfriend convinced me to take a Coors Field tour, and I have to admit—it was pretty cool! We were hoping to catch a Rockies game, but they were out of town that weekend, so we did the next best thing: a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. For only $10, we got to see the beer garden, press box, conference rooms, locker room, and even walk onto the field. The only downside? No beer was served during the tour!
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re visiting Colorado, getting out into the Rocky Mountains is a must. We drove about an hour northwest of Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park and tackled part of the Flattop Mountain Trail from the Bear Lake trailhead. Our goal was to summit, but with snow, steep ledges, and daylight fading, we made it to 10,200 feet before deciding to turn back. Still, the views were breathtaking, and we can officially say we climbed a mountain! If I go back, I’d definitely start earlier in the day and bring better gear for high-altitude hiking.
Want to see Rocky Mountain National Park without the driving? Book a convenient group tour!
Explore Denver’s Art District
Denver has a fantastic art scene, and the Art District on Santa Fe is the perfect place to experience it. We wandered through colorful murals, unique galleries, and funky shops around 9th and Santa Fe. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, this district is definitely worth exploring.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
For my fellow science, space, and history nerds, Wings Over the Rockies is a hidden gem. This aviation and space museum is packed with historic aircraft, space exhibits, and hands-on learning experiences. It was the perfect low-key activity to end our trip before heading to the airport.
What to Eat in Denver
Denver’s food scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. From legendary brunch spots to late-night sweet treats and everything in between, there’s no shortage of delicious eats to try. Whether you’re craving comfort food, international flavors, or craft brews, here are some must-visit spots from our trip.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Not exaggerating—this might be one of the best brunch spots I’ve ever been to! The food, the mimosas, the atmosphere—everything was amazing. There are multiple locations throughout the area. We visited the one in Union Station, and while the wait was long (well over an hour), they text you when your table is almost ready, so you can explore the station or downtown in the meantime. And trust me—the pancakes, eggs Benedict, and breakfast cocktails are absolutely worth it!
Little Man Ice Cream
Anyone who knows me knows that ice cream is my weakness, so going to this local favorite was a no-brainer. Little Man Ice Cream is located in a trendy, artsy part of Denver, and their house-made flavors live up to the hype. We lucked out with no wait, but later in the trip, we saw the line wrapped around the block—proof that it’s a must-visit! If you’re there on a hot day, consider treating yourself to dessert before dinner (like we did!).
Linger
Located right next to Little Man Ice Cream, Linger serves up delicious, globally inspired small plates. We stopped by during Happy Hour and loved the Korean BBQ Tacos, Lemongrass Pork Potstickers, and Devils on Horseback (bacon-wrapped dates). Don’t forget to pair it with a sangria!
Fun Fact: Linger was once a mortuary! The restaurant’s building used to be Olinger Mortuary, and they cleverly kept part of the original sign—now reading just “Linger”—as a nod to its unique history.
Voodoo Doughnut
I’ve had my fair share of doughnuts, and I’d like to think I know a good one when I taste it. Voodoo Doughnut is a legendary West Coast chain, and I was excited to see that Denver had one! Since it’s open 24/7, we made a stop after a night out, picking up a few to take back to the hotel. The Old Dirty Bastard (topped with Oreos and peanut butter) and Chuckles (chocolate, nuts, and caramel—basically a Snickers in doughnut form) were my top picks!
ViewHouse Ballpark
After our Coors Field tour, we headed across the street to ViewHouse to grab a bite before venturing into the mountains. If you can, try to snag a rooftop table—the views of Coors Field and the Denver skyline are unbeatable. With great food and a laid-back, fun atmosphere, this spot is perfect for a casual meal. Plus, if you’re feeling competitive, you can play a round of bags (cornhole) outside!
Pro Tip
Denver’s food scene is booming, and popular spots like Snooze and Linger can have long wait times—especially on weekends. Beat the crowds by visiting during off-peak hours or adding your name to the waitlist online when possible!
Bonus Things to Do in Denver
If you have extra time in Denver or want to add a few more adventures to your itinerary, here are some bonus activities to consider! These were on my list but didn’t quite fit into this trip—so they’re at the top of my must-do list for next time.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Concert
Visiting Red Rocks was incredible, but seeing a live concert there would take the experience to a whole new level. The natural acoustics, the scenery, and the overall energy of a show at one of the most iconic venues in the country make this a bucket-list-worthy experience.
Denver Botanic Gardens
A peaceful escape in the heart of the city, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a great spot to unwind and explore beautifully curated gardens from around the world. It’s especially gorgeous in the spring and summer when everything is in bloom!
Catch a Rockies Game at Coors Field
While I toured Coors Field, I didn’t get the chance to see the Colorado Rockies play. Next time, I’d love to experience a live MLB game with a cold drink in hand and views of the mountains in the background. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere at Coors Field makes for a fun outing.
Extended Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
After getting a taste of hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, I’d love to come back for a longer stay to explore more of the park’s trails and landscapes. Spending a night or two in a cozy mountain cabin or camping under the stars would be an incredible way to experience the park beyond a quick day trip. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an extended stay here is definitely worth considering!
Final Thoughts
I believe Denver truly does live up to all of the hype around it! From the stunning mountain views to the vibrant city, there’s so much to explore no matter what kind of traveler you are. Whether you’re there for outdoor adventures or incredible food, Denver delivers. My trip in mid-June was the perfect blend of city exploration and nature escapes, and I already can’t wait to come back to check off more from my list—including a winter ski trip getaway!
If you’re planning a trip to Denver, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in the Mile High City.
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