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We just spent a month in the amazing, Mile High City—Denver, Colorado! If you’re a nature enthusiast, a craft beer connoisseur, or just seeking an outdoor adventure, this vibrant city in the heart of the Rocky Mountains has got you covered. With its laid-back vibes, jaw-dropping landscapes, and an endless activities, Denver is a playground for both locals and visitors! Trust me, summertime is the time to visit 🙂

WHERE TO STAY:

We rented an airbnb/vrbo we found nestled RIGHT along Confluence Park/Platt River, along 16th street (the main area), and with an incredible view of the Rocky Mountains! We highly recommend! The building (called glass house) had a gym, amazing views of the river, mountains, and green park, and overall just a lovely experience. We couldn’t have gotten luckier with our little abode with floor to ceiling window views 🙂

WHAT TO DO:

OH MY GOSH, Denver truly has it all! I can only speak to the summertime, specifically June, but truly I’m sure year round has it’s activities here! I also want to mention, I do think this is a city where you NEED a car. Luckily, we were in the heart of the city and the best location possible (with easy access to Union Station to take the train to the airport or the bus to Boulder), but if you’re really wanting to get out hike, explore, drive through the mountains, etc, a car is necessary. We did rent a car one day (worth it) and drove to Estes Park, and other times we utilized the $5 bus to get to Boulder, which was easy and convenient! With that being said, I’m starting with activities we did and then recommendations from other people:

• Union Station- an iconic train station
• Day in Boulder- rent ebikes from Full Cycle and ride to Chataqua and along the Boulder Creek bike path
• Day in Estes Park- rent ebikes from Backbone Adventures and ride all around the lake and up Fish Creek Rd (our favorite spot)
• Farmers Markets- there are a TON in Denver, but I’ve heard the best is Pearl St
• Red Rocks- they have concerts, yoga, and so many more activities here day and night
• HIKE! There are over 300miles of hiking here in the Rocky Mountains, so get out and explore
• Breweries- tons of these everywhere
• 16th St Mall- a walking/shopping area in downtown
• Larimer Square- restaurants, shops, etc
• Cherry Creek- more shopping and outdoor upscale mall area
• Ride ebikes along the Cherry Creek bike path- we rented from Eforce

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:

There are so many restaurants in Denver! Like an unbelievable amount. Some favorites are:

• My Neighbor Felix- amazing brunch
• Avanti F&B- highly recommend the one in Boulder
• Happy camper- a fun vibe and good pizza
• Starbucks- you have to go to the one in front of REI (amazing river views and fun hangout spot)
• Snooze- our favorite brunch in Boulder
• Centro- oh my gosh a MUST for brunch or dinner in Boulder (Mexican food that’s aesthetic and delish)
• Little Man Ice Cream- a classic Denver spot to sit outside and enjoy ice cream- always lines (try the salted Oreo)
• Venice Restaurant- Italian right next to Union Station
• Sushi Den

TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

My only recommendation is to make sure you’re in a good area of Denver, utilize a car if you’re able to, otherwise lyft/uber are convenient!

Also! Take the public transit! We rode the bus from union station to Boulder many times (for just $5), and also there is the A train that goes from union station to the airport which is so easy and about 45 minutes (sometimes uber fares are extra high from this airport).

I hope you have a trip planned to Denver soon, I couldn’t recommend it more! In fact, I wish we had extended our stay LONGER than a month 😉 So, grab your sunglasses, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the eclectic neighborhoods, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and discover the hidden gems that make Denver truly unique. Have fun where the mountains meet the cityscape and the possibilities are as endless as the Colorado blue skies 🙂