Denver is known for its variety of eclectic neighborhoods and outstanding recreational activities, making it a great city for both visitors and residents alike.
If you’re looking for cool places to visit in Denver — you’re not alone. In 2019, 17.7 million people visited the Mile High City, making it one of the most desirable destinations in the U.S.
In this article, we’re giving you the top 5 cool places to visit in Denver so that you can find everything you’re looking for during your stay.
Here we go!
Washington Park
Washington Park has long been hailed as Denver’s greatest park, serving as a gathering place for both locals and visitors to take in the sunny weather.
Featuring 155 acres of walking trails, flower gardens, and vast lawns, Wash Park features two enormous lakes where a variety of birds are always within eyeshot.
Modeled after George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon, Wash Park is nestled in the south side of Denver in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
And once you’ve gotten your fix of the park, make sure to head over to the infamous Bonnie Brae district or Old South Gaylord street (you can easily get there on foot!) for incredible shopping and dining options.
Park Hill
It’s no surprise that the Park Hill neighborhood makes our list of cool places to visit in Denver, as it has been ranked the #1 neighborhood in the city for several years running.
Park Hill offers a residential feel without sacrificing the city vibes, and is home to some of Denver’s most popular attractions, including:
With all this and more, you’ll never run out of activities in the Park Hill neighborhood!
And when the day is done, make sure to support some of Park Hill’s great local businesses to keep the hometown energy alive!
Capitol Hill
From one hill to another, after you’ve explored Park Hill, it’s time to head over to what is touted as Denver’s most historic neighborhood: Capitol Hill.
Affectionately called ‘Cap Hill’ by the locals, this charming neighborhood is one of the oldest in all of Denver, giving it a unique personality that is filled with culture.
A haven of diversity, Cap Hill is home to great people and great opportunities to explore.
Some places we recommend you check out in Capitol Hill:
The ultimate walkable neighborhood, Cap Hill is the heart of the Denver grid. You’ll find local restaurants and businesses on just about every block, so make sure you set aside at least an afternoon’s worth of exploration in this cool place to visit in Denver!
Larimer Square
While Denver’s skyline is no NYC, you’ve still got to head downtown to Larimer Square to discover a vibrant community filled with independent shops, chef-driven restaurants, and lively bars.
Expect to discover everything from local fashion to vibrant nightlife — all under the magic of the area’s signature canopy lights that remain year-around.
And if you’re looking for more, talk a healthy walk over to the Ballpark District or to the Denver Civic Center!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Alright — we’re cheating a little bit on this one — but if you have a car available to you, a trip to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a must.
Talk about a cool place to visit in the Denver area — Red Rocks is just a twenty minute drive out of the city limits, and delivers one of the best experiences in all of Colorado.
Whether you have the opportunity to catch a show or you’re just looking to explore the grounds, Red Rocks is also a state park, offering hiking trails, spectacular views of the skyline, and alien-like rock formations.
Catching a concert at Red Rocks is a life-changing experience (forgive the superlative, but it really is that special), so if you have the opportunity to check it out, do so.
Conclusions – Come to Denver!
We hope that this list of the top 5 cool places to visit in Denver has given you some ideas for exploring the Mile High City.
From historical landmarks to jaw-dropping parks to incredible culture and nightlife, it’s no wonder why Denver is one of the most desirable cities to visit in the U.S.
There are so many cool places to visit in Denver that even the locals have trouble getting around to them all!
Looking to become a local yourself?
Search for a home in Denver today. You’ll join a fast-growing, inclusive community that offers everything from exquisite weather to outdoor activities!
We’ll see you soon, neighbor!
By: Jack Berning