Denver’s Old West charm mixed with modern attractions make it a solid choice for a long weekend. It’s the sort of city you can get to know over just a few days by exploring its museums, knocking back a few brews in its pubs, and of course visiting the parks and walking its trails. In this uber-fit city, it seems like everyone has an affinity for outdoor prowess.
It’s not uncommon to meet a lobbyist with a backcountry skiing obsession, or a grad student who is also a whitewater rafting instructor. Denver is also the perfect launch point for adventures in the Rocky Mountains and excursions to places like Boulder and Fort Collins. The city—and surrounding area— boasts a laidback style, multitude of microbreweries, and a distracting, ever-present Front Range backdrop.
Here are our top picks for ways to while away a long weekend in the Mile High City.
Browsing the shops on South Pearl Street
Denver’s favorite shopping district runs along South Pearl Street from Buchtel to Jewel Avenues. The district is crammed with hip shops and boutiques, as well as excellent pubs and restaurants. This is the place to visit for unique shops, great dining, and Denver’s best nightlife. South Pearl also hosts occasional festivals, farmers markets, and art walks.
Confluence Park
Washington Park
Molly Brown House Museum
Cherry Creek Trail
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Day trips
Boulder: Boulder is Denver’s hipper, hippier neighbor to the northwest. The university town is chock full of yuppies, hipsters, outdoors enthusiasts, and oddballs. A visit to Boulder is a study in subcultures, and people-watching is prime here. Browse the shops along pedestrian-only Pearl Street, where street musicians and street urchins gather. For outdoors experiences, head to the famous Boulder Flatirons or El Dorado Canyon State Park.
Fort Collins: Another university town worth visiting, Fort Collins was ranked as the “Best Place to Live” in the western U.S. among small cities by Money Magazine in 2006. Fort Collins’ Old Town boasts historic architecture, shops, and restaurants. Beer geeks will revel in the town’s five award-winning breweries: New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins Brewery, CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewery, and Big Horn Brewing. I recommend New Belgium for its excellent (and free) tour.
Rocky Mountain National Park: It’s no wonder central Coloradans have so much wilderness savvy. The national park’s big mountains, alpine meadows, and wide expanses of tundra are practically in their backyard. Even if hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering aren’t in your skill set, Rocky Mountain is great for a scenic drive.
