How to Spend a Weekend in Denver: A Fun Weekend Itinerary

Denver is one of the best places for a weekend getaway. It’s perfect for relaxing, dining, spending time outdoors, and more. In this article, we’ll share how you can spend a memorable weekend in Denver, enjoying its vibrant culture, picturesque scenery, and delicious craft beer scene.

Dubbed The Mile High City, Denver is Colorado's largest city and capital. It sits a mile above sea level, below the Rocky Mountains. It’s iconically known as a remarkable place where city life meets outdoor adventure.

Below, we’ll share the best of Denver, including lively neighborhoods, a unique beer spa, and local tips for a fun experience.

Is 3 days enough to visit Denver?

Three days is ideal for a weekend trip to Denver. It gives you time to explore the best activities and get a good feel for the city. That said, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll likely want to plan another trip.

If you only have two days to spend in Denver, our itinerary below also covers that.

How to Spend a Weekend in Denver

While there are endless activities in and close to Denver, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you and created a diverse 3-day Denver itinerary. Enjoy sightseeing, relaxing, scenery, nightlife, and more.

Below, you’ll find our top recommendations and insider tips for spending a weekend getaway in Denver. Here’s a quick overview:

• Explore shops and restaurants in Cherry Creek North
• Walk around Washington Park
• Take a drive on the Loveland Pass
• Go skiing at Echo Mountain
• Try craft beer on a Denver Microbrew Tour
• Enjoy a relaxing spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa
• Wander around Denver’s historic downtown area

Day 1: Sightseeing and Relaxing

Spend your first day in Denver wandering around on a scooter or bike. Since you’re just arriving, feel free to take it easy and explore as little or as much as you’d like. A couple of the spots suggested below offer a relaxing experience, too. 

Lyft offers a scooter rental option, while you can also find bike stations throughout the city if you prefer to hop on a bicycle.

We recommend the following stops for your self-guided tour:

• Cherry Creek North - a residential district with a vibrant shopping and dining scene 
• Four Mile Historic Park - a local history museum and park
• Washington Park - a large urban park with two lakes, flower gardens, and paved trails

Local Tip: For a unique dining experience and gorgeous sunset views, check out Avanti Food and Beverage. This trendy restaurant has a rooftop bar and serves delicious food from various vendors.

Day 2: The Mountains and Nightlife

A must-do activity for any weekend in Denver is exploring nearby mountains. Enjoy gorgeous scenery during the day, then spend your evening in the River North Art District (RiNo).

We recommend choosing one of these activities for your second day in Denver:

• Loveland Pass - a mountain pass an hour from Denver with stops along the way for wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities.
• Red Rock Park and Amphitheatre - an iconic outdoor amphitheater, music venue, and park with hiking trails and beautiful scenery
• Echo Mountain - a ski resort less than an hour from Denver, where you can enjoy snow activities if you’re visiting during winter

After your outdoor adventure, head to RiNo to check out street art, have dinner, and enjoy a night out. RiNo is a vibrant area in Denver with many restaurants, bars, and breweries. 

Day 3: Downtown and the Spa

On the last day of your Denver weekend trip, we recommend checking out the bustling downtown scene and relaxing at the spa. 

Downtown Denver is a historic, hip district with so much to see and do. Here are some of our favorite activities in the area:

• Denver Microbrew Tour - a guided craft beer tour in lower downtown (LoDo)
• Union Station - a historic train station with restaurants and shops
• Coors Field - Denver’s baseball stadium and home of the Colorado Rockies
• Union Lodge No. 1 - a cool speakeasy to grab a crafted cocktail and appreciate NYC vibes

Take time to relax at Denver’s most unique and award-winning day spa, Oakwell Beer Spa. From beer-inspired spa treatments to a cozy taproom oasis, this is the perfect place to end your weekend in Denver. Enjoy local craft beer or other tasty beverages while unwinding in a cool atmosphere.

Book an appointment for rejuvenating spa services or walk in to enjoy the taproom and a massage.

Tips for the Perfect Weekend Trip to Denver

Make the most of your Denver weekend itinerary with helpful tips, including when to go to Denver, where to stay, and how to get around.

When to Go

The best time to go to Denver is late spring and early fall. April, May, September, and October are the low seasons with fewer crowds. The temperature is also pleasant during these months.

During early spring, Denver is still snowy and chilly. In April and May, it starts warming up. There are also many local events and colorful blooms.

During early fall, you can enjoy leaves changing colors, fall scenery and fun events, and nice weather.

Summer is the busiest and most warm season, while winter is cold and snowy with the fewest crowds.

Where to Stay

There are many accommodations to choose from during your weekend in Denver, with hotels and vacation rentals throughout the city.

We’ll share a couple of our favorite hotels below.

Halcyon Hotel

For a cozy stay that doesn’t feel like a hotel, check out Halcyon Hotel. This unique hotel has comfortably luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool deck surrounded by city views. 

The Halcyon Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cherry Creek’s shopping district, with many things to see and do nearby.

The Crawford Hotel

The Crawford Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Denver above the iconic Union Station. 

We love this hotel because it's a fun place to shop, eat, and drink. Not only are there shops and restaurants at Denver Union Station, but there are many local attractions within walking distance of The Crawford Hotel.

How to Get Around

One of the best parts about spending a weekend in Denver is how easy it is to get around. Whether you fly or drive to Denver, there are several options for exploring the city once you arrive.

Car

Driving around Denver is pretty straightforward. That said, some parts of the city are better explored on foot, like Downtown Denver and RiNo. It’s best to park and wander around these areas. You can find free and paid parking in most areas.

Walking

A lot of the city is walkable, which is ideal for seeing as much as possible. Popular areas like Cherry Creek, Larimer Square, RiNo, and LoDo are pedestrian-friendly and fun to explore on foot.

Public Transportation

Traveling around Denver by light rail or bus is convenient and affordable. You can also use this option to get to and from the airport without a hassle. Learn more about Denver’s public transportation system here.

Rideshare Services

If you don’t want to deal with driving around the city or parking, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Denver. That said, it can be pricey depending on the season and time of day. You can also rent rideshare bikes or scooters throughout the city.

Enjoy Your Weekend in Denver

Denver is an incredible city with amazing food, art, culture, and scenery. We hope our Denver weekend itinerary has inspired you to book your trip and start planning. 

Whether you follow this guide entirely or pick and choose what interests you most, it’s easy to have a memorable experience in Denver.
If you’re ready to start planning your weekend getaway in Denver and make some time for relaxation, book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.