Denver 10 days

Denver's oldest block, Larimer Square is a vibrant Victorian-era district filled with independent boutiques, innovative restaurants, and lively bars. It's known for its charming atmosphere and is a great place to start exploring the city's core.

• Visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience.
• Look up to appreciate the historic architecture.

Located in the heart of LoDo, Mercantile offers a contemporary American menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a well-curated wine list. It's a popular spot for a sophisticated lunch.

A mile-long pedestrian promenade in downtown Denver, the 16th Street Mall is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Free shuttle buses run along its length, making it easy to hop on and off.

• Utilize the free MallRide shuttle to save your feet.
• Explore the various public art installations along the mall.

Denver's beautifully restored Union Station is more than just a transit hub; it's a destination in itself, featuring a hotel, restaurants, bars, and shops. Admire the architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

• Grab a drink at the Terminal Bar for a unique experience.
• Check the schedule for any live music performances.

While known for breakfast, Snooze also offers a lively evening ambiance with creative cocktails and small plates. It's a fun, casual spot to end the day.

• Try their unique pancake flights.
• Expect a wait, especially on weekends.

Home to a vast collection of art spanning global cultures and historical periods, the Denver Art Museum is renowned for its modern and contemporary art, as well as its extensive Native American art collection. The striking architecture of the Hamilton Building is an attraction in itself.

• Check for special exhibitions that might require advance booking.
• Allocate extra time for the stunning architecture tours.

A popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant known for its creative and delicious dishes, City O' City offers a lively atmosphere and is a great spot for a hearty lunch. They also have a good selection of local beers.

This expansive urban park is a hub for civic events and provides a green oasis in the city center. It's surrounded by important government buildings and cultural institutions, offering pleasant walking paths and views.

Tour the Colorado State Capitol Building, famous for its gold dome and the 'Mile High' marker on the 13th step. Guided tours offer insights into Colorado's government and history.

• Free tours are available on weekdays.
• The views from the dome are spectacular.

A modern food hall located in the Lower Highland neighborhood, Avanti features multiple chef-driven food concepts and a rooftop bar with stunning city views. It's a great place to sample various cuisines in a social setting.

• Arrive early for a good seat on the rooftop.
• Explore the different vendors to find something for everyone.

Embark on a scenic drive west of Denver to the charming mountain town of Evergreen. The route itself offers beautiful views of the foothills.

• Check traffic conditions before departing.
• Consider downloading offline maps for areas with spotty service.

Enjoy the picturesque Evergreen Lake, surrounded by pine forests. You can rent paddle boats or kayaks during warmer months, or simply stroll around the lake.

• The Evergreen Lake House offers great views and amenities.
• Look for local wildlife like elk or deer.

A popular restaurant in Evergreen offering American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy a relaxed lunch with mountain views.

Wander through the quaint shops and art galleries in downtown Evergreen. It's a delightful area to experience a small mountain town's charm.

This large park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and the historic Evergreen Dell. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk amidst nature.

Return to Denver as the sun sets, enjoying the transition from mountain twilight to city lights.

Experience the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a geologically formed, world-famous outdoor concert venue. Explore the stunning rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Check the venue's schedule for potential event closures or access restrictions.
• Hike the Trading Post Trail for more geological wonders.

Just a short drive from Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge offers a fascinating look at paleontological history with numerous dinosaur track sites and fossil displays. You can walk the trails or take a guided tour.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• The visitor center has informative exhibits.

Located in Golden, this brewery offers a wide selection of craft beers in a spacious, family-friendly taproom with outdoor seating. It's a great place to relax after exploring Red Rocks.

• They often have food trucks on-site.
• Enjoy the mountain views from their patio.

Explore the charming downtown area of Golden for dinner. Options range from casual pubs to more upscale dining.

Return to your accommodation in Denver.

Embark on a full-day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in North America).

• Timed entry permits may be required during peak season; check the NPS website.
• Dress in layers as mountain weather changes rapidly.
• Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst the breathtaking scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. Many scenic spots offer perfect picnic locations.

Drive along Bear Lake Road, stopping at various trailheads and viewpoints such as Sprague Lake, Alberta Falls, and Emerald Lake for short hikes and stunning alpine lake views.

Drive back to Denver after a day of incredible mountain exploration.

Discover the vibrant River North (RiNo) Art District, known for its incredible street art, galleries, and trendy atmosphere. Spend the morning admiring the colorful murals and unique art installations.

• Take a self-guided street art tour; maps are often available online.
• Look for the large-scale murals that cover entire buildings.

A bustling food hall in the heart of RiNo, offering a variety of local vendors serving everything from pizza and tacos to ice cream and coffee. It's a perfect spot for a casual and diverse lunch.

Experience one of RiNo's popular craft breweries, known for its diverse beer selection and often featuring live music or events. It's a great place to sample local brews in a lively setting.

• Check their event schedule beforehand.
• They often have unique beer releases.

Another excellent brewery in the RiNo area, Epic Brewing is known for its high-gravity, flavorful beers. Enjoy a tasting flight to sample their unique offerings.

A highly-rated restaurant in RiNo offering a unique 'class' menu (Latin-inspired comfort food) and 'work' menu (American classics) with a focus on shared plates and a lively atmosphere.

Explore the diverse themed gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens, featuring everything from a Japanese garden and a tropical conservatory to a children's garden. It's a beautiful and tranquil escape.

• Check for seasonal exhibits or special events.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the grounds.

A popular urban park with wide lawns, walking paths, and a unique pavilion. It offers great city views and is a pleasant spot for a break.

A beloved local spot near Cheesman Park, Pete's offers delicious and authentic Greek cuisine in a casual setting. It's known for its gyros and generous portions.

Explore the eclectic shops along South Broadway, known for its vintage stores, antique shops, record stores, and quirky boutiques. It's a treasure trove for unique finds.

A lively Mexican restaurant and bar in the Highlands neighborhood known for its extensive tequila and whiskey selection, delicious tacos, and vibrant atmosphere.

• Their margaritas are a must-try.
• Great spot for groups.

Discover Colorado's rich history through engaging exhibits that cover everything from prehistoric times to modern-day innovations. It's an interactive and informative experience for all ages.

• Look for rotating special exhibits.
• The 'What's Your Story?' interactive exhibit is a highlight.

Experience a unique dining adventure at The Fort, a historic adobe structure serving authentic Old West cuisine. They offer traditional dishes and a memorable atmosphere.

• Reservations are highly recommended.
• Try their famous buffalo or elk dishes.

Located at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, this urban park is a popular spot for recreation, including kayaking and tubing in the summer. It also features walking paths and green spaces.

Denver's first brewpub, located near Union Station, offers a wide array of craft beers and a lively atmosphere. It's a great place to sample local brews and enjoy pub fare.

• Try their "Patty Melt" burger.
• Often hosts trivia nights or other events.

Take a scenic drive west to the vibrant city of Boulder, nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The journey offers beautiful views.

• Consider taking the RTD bus service from Denver for a more relaxed transit.
• Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends.

Explore the iconic Chautauqua Park, the gateway to Boulder's Flatirons. Enjoy hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, offering spectacular views.

• The Chautauqua Trailhead offers access to numerous popular hikes.
• Look for guided ranger programs if available.

A beloved Boulder institution known for its hearty breakfast and lunch fare, The Buff offers classic American comfort food in a casual, bustling environment. It's a great spot to refuel after a morning hike.

Stroll along Boulder's vibrant pedestrian mall, lined with unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and street performers. It's the heart of downtown Boulder's social scene.

Visit this renowned brewery for an impressive selection of craft beers, including their award-winning barrel-aged creations. They also offer a full menu for dinner.

• Their taproom is spacious and often has a lively vibe.
• Consider trying a tasting flight to sample multiple beers.

Return to Denver after a day exploring Boulder.

A final chance to explore Denver's culinary offerings at this vibrant food hall. Grab a delicious breakfast or brunch from one of the many vendors.

Enjoy a final taste of the Southwest with brunch at Kachina, located in the Denver Tech Center. They offer creative Southwestern dishes and a lively atmosphere.

Pick up any last-minute souvenirs from shops in the downtown area or near your accommodation.

Head to Denver International Airport (DEN) for your departure.