Historic Larimer Square is Denver’s oldest city block, home to the first saloons and businesses in The Mile High City. Today, the Victorian buildings have been transformed into shops, wine bars and the hottest restaurants. Look for the sparkling lights strung across the street, relax at an outdoor cafe or bar, taste the best of cuisine created by local chefs or find unique clothing and accessories in the boutiques.
Denver Union Station has undergone a massive restoration that transformed the landmark into a transportation, dining, shopping and entertainment hub, complete with the Crawford Hotel. The historic, Beaux Arts 1914 train terminal is now a foodie destination, featuring local favorites like the farm-to-table restaurant Mercantile and the Terminal Bar, serving Colorado craft beer and food from the station’s former ticket windows. A handful of local retailers includes the popular Tattered Cover Bookstore. Denver Union Station is also fulfilling its original role as a major ground transportation hub for AMTRAK, buses, light rail, and the direct rail service to and from Denver International Airport.
Denver Beer Trail
Take a self-guided tour along the Denver Beer Trail and sample the craft beer paradise in The Mile High City. Explore the featured breweries, most of which are in the walkable downtown area, and you will find everything from Stouts to Lagers and all the flavors in between. Denver’s craft beer culture is thriving and creative.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is home to renowned collections of Western and Native American art. Explore the bold contemporary art inside and out of the new Frederic C. Hamilton building, designed by world-famous architect Daniel Libeskind. The museum, located in downtown’s Golden Triangle neighborhood, also offers free general admission on the first Saturday of every month and is free for kids under 18 at all times.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is famous for its one-of-a-kind outdoor concert venue that is surrounded by giant, ancient rock formations. Seeing a concert under the stars at Red Rocks is on every music lover’s bucket list. And, during the day, Red Rocks is a free city park with easy hiking trails and a visitor center that includes a Performers’ Hall of Fame, where you can learn about all the great musicians who have performed on the stage, including the Beatles in 1964. Red Rocks is located 30 minutes west of downtown Denver.
Cherry Creek Cherry Creek Shopping Center is home to more than 160 stores and restaurants including Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss. Visit the guest services desk and ask for your “Passport to Shopping” offering discounts for more than 60 stores and restaurants. Head across 1st Avenue to find the charming, tree-lined streets of the Cherry Creek North neighborhood, where you can explore galleries, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, spas and more. Cherry Creek is located just 15 minutes southeast of downtown. Go to
www.shopcherrycreek.com/passport to see shopping offers and deals exclusive to the Cherry Creek Passport.
Denver Botanic Gardens
One of the top five botanic gardens in the United States, Denver Botanic Gardens is lush oasis in the city, offering year-round events and art exhibitions, a children’s garden, a conservatory, the Monet pool with its picturesque outdoor café and more. The Gardens are located 10 minutes from downtown Denver near Cherry Creek.
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
The Wild West and Buffalo Bill Cody’s exciting story as Pony Express rider, army scout, buffalo hunter and showman comes to life at the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, located high atop Lookout Mountain. Enjoy views of the snowcapped Rockies in one direction and the Great Plains in the other. For those with strong nerves, there is an adventurous drive to the museum on the “hairpin” Lariat Loop Drive; then continue to I-70, exit 250, to see a live herd of buffalo. The museum is located 40 minutes west of downtown Denver.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Surrounded by towering Western buttes in the town of Golden, the Colorado Railroad Museum features more than 100 narrow and standard gauge locomotives, cabooses and cars. Exhibits in and around the 1880s-style depot include a working Roundhouse and model railroads. Train rides every Saturday on the Galloping Goose take guests on a one-third-mile loop of track, while “Steam ups” and special events including “A Day Out With Thomas” occur throughout the year. The museum is located 30 minutes west of downtown Denver.
