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A weekend in Denver, Colorado is a fabulous quick getaway! The Mile High City boasts exciting attractions, abundant nature and a thriving food scene. To help fellow travelers experience the best of the city, we created the perfect Denver Itinerary!
A Weekend in Denver Itinerary
When we lived in Boulder, weekend trips to Denver were fun and frequent. Every time we would plan a trip to Denver, we’d seek out new things to do, places to go and foods to eat.
It’s fair to say that over the years we have spent many weekends in Denver, discovering the absolute best of the city. In fact, it is still one of our Favorite US Places to Visit!
3 Days in Denver Itinerary
Our Denver weekend itinerary offers a variety of experiences and adventures. The following 3-Day Itinerary for Denver is a day-by-day guide for your weekend trip (or even weekdays with a few tweaks).
Our trip plan is ideal for couples, groups of friends and solo travelers. We also include tips throughout our 3-Day Itinerary around Denver for families traveling with kids.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Denver Weekend Travel Itinerary for your trip to Colorado!
Day 1: Discover Downtown Denver and LoDo
After getting checked-in (suggestions to follow), begin your Weekend Denver trip itinerary discovering vibrant downtown.
16th Street Mall
Start your 3 Day Denver Itinerary exploring this outdoor promenade. The 1-mile-long street is lined with sights, shops, restaurants and an astounding number of bars and cafes. We’re highlighting a few top spots to see, but feel free to just wander!
Pro Tip: The free MallRide bus transports passengers up and down 16th Street Mall.
Denver Civic Center Park
A vast green space ringed by stately buildings, Civic Center Park is a fantastic place to see on your weekend trip to Denver, Colorado.
Marked with fountains, statues, benches and summertime blooms, the park is the site of many top Denver events.
The Denver Art Museum
On the south side of Civic Park is the renowned Denver Art Museum. One of the largest art museums in the United States, the DAM boasts a diverse collection, but specializes in American Indian art.
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Dating to the early 1900s, the Denver Cathedral features two soaring 210-foot spires and an impressive 75 stained-glass windows.
Colorado State Capitol Building
The Capitol of Colorado was completed in 1894 and still houses government offices today. The glittering dome is a nod to the Colorado Gold Rush.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and visitors can partake in one of the free guided tours.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Denver Museum of Contemporary Art features a continuously rotating collection of modern artwork – so repeat visitors always have a reason to return!
Denver Union Station
The city’s transportation hub first opened in 1881. In addition to the buzz of trains and buses through Union Station in Denver, the structure itself hosts shops, restaurants, bars and even a hotel.
The building façade is especially spectacular at night when the famous Denver Union Station sign glows red.
Lunch on Day 1 of Your Denver Weekend Trip Itinerary
If you got an early start to your weekend trip to Colorado and are in Denver for lunch, stop at Illegal Pete’s at 16th Street and Wazee. It ranks as one of our all-time favorite spots for incredibly delicious burritos!
LoDo Denver
LoDo – or Lower Downtown – is the oldest neighborhood in the city and one of the best places to visit in Denver.
The Lower Downtown district dates to the 1850s and throughout history it has seen many changes. From the introduction of the railway to serving as Denver’s Chinatown to devolving into a derelict area of disrepute.
In the late 1980s, LoDo got a facelift and is now a mix of restored dwellings, modern structures and entertainment complexes (such as McGregor Square). However, there are two must-see places in LoDo that travelers should make a point of visiting.
Get a local’s look at LoDo on a Guided Walking Tour!
Larimer Square
Marking the historic commercial center of Denver, Larimer Square was created in the year 1858. Over time, the space has been transformed and revitalized and today features boutique shops and specialty restaurants.
Tattered Cover Bookshop
The Tattered Cover Bookstore opened as a small shop in 1971. Today it boasts multiple locations and ranks as one of the top independent bookstores in the USA.
Where To Eat in Denver LoDo
On the first night of your weekend getaway Denver itinerary, stay in LoDo and dine at one of the popular restaurants.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Open since 1988, Wynkoop is a Denver mainstay and our top recommendation for food and drink in LoDo. We believe it’s one of the best places to visit in Denver to understand the city’s success with craft beer.
Featuring unique local brews and a jovial environment, they offer a beer pairing menu and tasty food offerings. Try the Bison Burger and the Beer Cheese Soup!
More Denver Restaurants in LoDo
If you are looking for something a step up from pub food, check out Woodie Fisher, a historic fire station converted into an upscale space.
Another solid option is Mercantile Dining and Provision, which is a chic spot serving fresh and innovative fare. Tupelo Honey also gets rave reviews for it’s southern comfort food!
Bars in LoDo
Colorado largely led the craft beer revolution in the USA, and sampling some of the local brews in Denver is a must on any trip!
You can create your own Denver craft beer crawl using this Denver Beer Trail map – or join a highly-rated LoDo Craft Beer Tour.
For cocktails in Denver, it’d be difficult to beat The Cruise Room. This iconic boozer, which is located in the LoDo landmark Oxford Hotel, dates to 1933 and is considered to be Denver’s longest continuously running bar.
Pro Tips: Another fun way to check out the bar scene is on a LoDo Haunted Pub Tour that features ghost stories with your sips. If you’re creating a Denver Itinerary with Kids, consider this fun-for-all-ages Haunted Tour.
Day 2: Local Denver Market and Regional Exploration
On day two of your 3-Day Weekend in Denver Itinerary, spend the morning at a local market. Then venture outside of the city limits to explore nearby attractions.
Urban Market at Union Station
Open on select Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months, the Union Station Farmers Market is one of the cool places to visit in Denver.
The non-profit, zero-waste market is focused on fresh produce and supports local farmers and businesses. Additionally, some vendors sell ready-made food – like baked goods – making it a good first stop of the day.
If your trip does not coincide with the Urban Market taking place, no worries! Instead, go to the oh-so-popular Snooze at Union Station or head over to the Dairy Block and the Denver Milk Market.
Venture Out on a Day Trip from Denver
In the afternoon, go on an adventure outside of the city limits for the day. There are numerous nearby locales that can entertain visitors, but we believe Boulder is the best choice!
Boulder
Located 30 miles northwest of Denver at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder ranks as one of the most beautiful cities in the USA.
Although now exceptionally affluent, Boulder still clings to its hippie roots. With ample outdoor spaces and a pleasant pedestrian thoroughfare, Pearl Street, Boulder is a must-see Colorado destination.
Top activities in Boulder are hiking the trails that climb into The Flatirons, shopping on Pearl Street, sampling the cuisine and drinking locally produced beverages.
Denver visitors with a car can easily plan their own day trip to Boulder. Travelers without a car can see the town and get in a hike on this Boulder Hike and Beer Tour.
Boulder is also home to the University of Colorado. When exploring the CU campus, be sure to pop into The Sink. This Boulder institution serves amazing burgers, incredible pizzas and a huge selection of Colorado microbrews.
Other Denver Day Trips
All of these destinations can be reached by car, but we are highlighting the top-rated tours so that visitors can just sit back, relax and enjoy the Colorado scenery.
Foothills Explorer Tour: Red Rocks, Lookout Mountain, Golden
On this 4-hour small-group tour from Denver, explore the scenic landscapes surrounding the city. Visit the iconic Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, take in majestic Rocky Mountain views and pass through quaint western towns. Get the details!
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods
Without a doubt, these are two of the most incredible natural wonders of Colorado – and this all-day Denver tour covers them both!
At Garden of the Gods, stroll through stunning rock formations, then stop at the historic town of Manitou Springs for lunch. Next, make the steep ascent to Pikes Peak Summit for breathtaking views. Find out more!
Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP encompasses an expansive 400 square miles of nature. On this full-day trip from Denver, visitors get to savor the epic views from Trail Ridge Road and, hopefully, see some wildlife – like elk, moose and maybe even black bears. Book it!
Continental Divide, Colorado’s 14ers and Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Join this tour through the Rocky Mountains to view the Colorado peaks that exceed 14,000 feet along the Continental Divide. Enjoy the impressive landscapes as you travel on the highest paved road in America, the Mt Evans Scenic Byway. Save your spot!
Evening Entertainment: Cheer on a Denver Sports Team
Travelers wondering what to do in Denver this weekend should check out which Colorado sports team is playing at home.
Watching a sporting event is one of the top things to do on a Denver weekend trip. Often when we planned a weekend vacation in Denver, it was based around watching Colorado Rockies baseball.
Whether you are traveling to Denver as a family, couple, group of friends or solo, attending a sporting event is one of the best Denver vacation ideas!
The city is actually home to five professional sports teams: the Rockies, Broncos and Nuggets along with Avalanche hockey and Colorado Rapids soccer.
With so many choices, there’s a good chance you can add a game to your Denver vacation itinerary. Most stadiums – Coors Field (Rockies), Ball Arena (Nuggets and Avalanche) and Empower Field at Mile High (Broncos) – are located downtown.
Alternate Choice: If there’s no sporting event (or that’s not your jam), spend the evening in Capitol Hill. The diverse neighborhood offers loads of fun weekend activities in Denver.
Attend a live show at the historic Filmore Auditorium or Ogden Theater. For food, go vegetarian at City O’ City, then grab a drink at the classic watering hole Charlie Brown’s.
Day 3: Denver, Colorado Culture
To wrap up your Denver, Colorado vacation itinerary, experience more nature and some culture by visiting a hip district, wildlife area or park and a few museums.
Breakfast at a Denver Institution
Start your day with a hearty meal from a downtown landmark, Sam’s No. 3. Established in 1927, the diner boasts a huge menu – with enormous portions to match.
Try the Kitchen Sink Burrito (made famous when it was featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives) and a loaded Bloody Mary.
Get Outdoors in Denver
Spend the rest of your morning working off all the food you just ingested! There are numerous city parks that you can include on your itinerary for Denver, Colorado – we are highlighting a few of the best.
Denver Botanic Garden
This urban oasis was founded in 1951 and ranks as a top botanical garden in the United States for its collection of plants and diverse gardens. Tropical plants are housed in the conservatory and artwork is found throughout the space. Get tickets!
Denver City Parks
If you want to go to a free park in Denver, there are a few good options right in the heart of the city.
Set off on a walk through Cheesman Park, which offers skyline views and mountain vistas. It’s also a good spot for walking, jogging and picnicking.
City Park features intertwining trails, lakes and a multitude of other cultural attractions – including the Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo.
To the south is lovely Washington Park. With expansive lawns, walking trails, lakes and a boat house, it’s a top Denver outdoor destination.
Visitors can make a day of it by also spending time at the nearby Old South Gaylord Street Shops, which is an entire block of cute boutique shops and cafes.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Wildlife Refuge
Alternately, if you have a car, consider a visit to the amazing (and free) Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Wildlife Refuge.
Located close to the DEN Airport, the nature area contains many bison, deer and marmots! Take the 11 mile drive through the park and then walk along one of the several trekking trails.
RiNo District
Denver’s RiNo District – or River North Art District – is an exciting neighborhood to discover. Boasting factories-turned-art-galleries and warehouses repurposed into hip breweries, there is plenty to see in RiNo.
One of the unique things to do on your Denver 3 Day Itinerary is to track down the intriguing street art murals in the area. Visitors can wander freely, but joining a locally guided Street Art Tour ensures you find the latest and greatest displays.
Lunch on Day 3 of your Denver, Colorado Weekend Trip
The fun and vibrant Denver Central Market in RiNo is a top place to eat during your Colorado weekend vacation.
The gourmet food hall hosts several vendors serving a delicious array of local favorites. We highly recommend grazing on dishes from several spots to get a good taste of all that is on offer. That said, don’t miss the pizza at Vero and a sweet treat from the Izzio Bakery.
Denver Museums
We already mentioned the Denver Art Museum and Contemporary Art Museum on Day 1, but the Clyfford Still Museum and Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art are great spots for art lovers.
The History Colorado Center and Molly Brown House Museum are interesting venues if you are planning a trip to Denver for history buffs
Not a museum, per se, but the Meow Wolf Denver immersive art experience is a fascinating way to spend an afternoon. With interactive props and a story line, visitors are encouraged to use their imagination as they make their way through the stimulating rooms.
Budget Tip: If museums are a focus in your Denver in a Weekend trip plan, consider buying the Mile High Pass. It includes several of our recommended museums – plus the Botanical Gardens.
Planning a Trip to Colorado
We have shared our honest advice on what to see and do in Denver. However, we still have a few more tips that will help you easily prepare for your Colorado trip.
As you begin to make reservations, staying organized is key. We recommend using our Trip Planning Printables to keep track of your vacation details!
How To Get to Denver, Colorado
Most travelers will arrive by plane at Denver International Airport (DIA for short, but uses DEN as the airport code).
The airport is served by more than 20 airlines with routes to over 200 destinations. Start your search for the best prices on airfare at our go-to resource for airline tickets, SkyScanner!
DIA to Downtown Denver
The Denver Airport is located about 25 miles from downtown. The convenient A Line Commuter Train is likely the cheapest way to get to the city center.
However, booking a private transfer may cost less if traveling with a group of people and is possibly even cheaper than Uber/Lyft.
Of course, if you are renting a car for your Denver, Colorado Trip, you will drive yourself! With your own vehicle, you will be able to freely explore more of the Rocky Mountain region. Just be sure to read our top tips for Saving Money on a Car Rental!
Where To Stay in Denver For a Weekend
Even when living in Boulder, we often spent weekends in Denver. We stayed in downtown Denver hotels or Airbnb Apartments to make it feel like a true getaway!
Westin Downtown Denver
Centrally located and outfitted with top amenities, this Westin is a perfect hotel for Denver weekend trips.
We loved the swimming pool, free bikes, fun on-site bar and restaurant and comfy beds. Some of the rooms even have views of the Rockies. Check availability!
Brown Palace Hotel
An iconic property in the heart of downtown, the luxurious Brown Palace is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Dating to 1892, the venue offers guests a timeless experience with modern conveniences.
In addition to the high-end amenities, the hotel boasts six bars and restaurants and a phenomenal spa. The Brown Palace is a top pick for a romantic couples weekend in Denver. Check rates!
Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown
This chic property is located just a 5-minute walk to Union Station and guests really love it for the stylish ambiance. Find out more!
Hostel Fish
If you’re looking to meet and mingle with fellow travelers, Hostel Fish in LoDo gets rave reviews. In addition to the superb location, they host organized activities. Check rates!
Use our tips for Finding Great Accommodations – then start your search on Booking.com – like we do!
What To Pack for Your Trip to Denver
Your packing list will ultimately depend on the season and which activities you plan to partake in. That said, we have a few packing hacks to share with you. For now, grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Colorado!
Layered Clothing
Being a mile high means that sunny days are very hot, nights are almost always cool, and the weather in Denver can change abruptly!
Trust us on this one, you will want to bring a hoodie or jacket – even when visiting Denver in the summer.
Weather Gear & Day Pack
Don’t forget a warm hat for the winter, a packable rain jacket for the spring, sunscreen for the summer and a lightweight jacket for the autumn!
You will also want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your essential, everyday travel items.
Comfortable Shoes
Denver is a great city to explore on foot – and our itinerary covers some serious ground. Be sure to pack durable city walking shoes.
I prefer these trainers by New Balance, which are great outside of winter. Kris wears Merrell Trail Shoes for exploring cities and trail walking.
Travel Camera
Denver is a beautiful city – so bring a great camera to capture the sights! We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. Not only is it easy to use, but comes bundled with tons of accessories.
Travel Insurance
With trip insurance, you may be reimbursed for delayed flights, lost luggage or a cancelled plans due to injury or illness. Find out more about coverage and rates at World Nomads.
Start planning your US Trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top US Weekend Getaways
- Fun Weekend in Austin
- 3 Days in Chicago
- San Diego Weekend Itinerary
- New Orleans in 3 Days
- Weekend Trip to Savannah, GA
- 3 Day Seattle Trip
- Boston for the Weekend
- 3 Day Weekend in Portland, OR
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