The Ideal Day Off in Denver: Best Activities

There’s a simple joy in not having to go into work on a weekday. It’s a time to relax, explore, and try something new. That’s why we put together this guide to help you get the most out of your day off in Denver.

One of the best parts about having a day off during the week is that it’s easier to avoid the crowds. That means you can get more done and be more relaxed at the same time. And don’t discount that smug feeling you get while relaxing while the rest of the world toils away.

Start Your Day Off in Denver with Brunch

Brunch is one of the best ways to ease into a day. There’s no pressure to get up early and rush to the restaurant. And brunch food is delicious. All the best breakfast foods combined with lunch favorites and given a fun twist. That’s a winning recipe. The Mile High City has a great selection of restaurants that serve brunch on weekdays.

If you want to get an earlier start, Fox Run Café opens at 8:00 AM every day. It’s a cozy cafe that serves up a variety of traditional breakfast favorites like biscuit sandwiches, avocado toast, and huevos rancheros. And don’t forget about their cocktails. If Southern California coastal is more your style, you’ll want to check out Wilde. It’s a taste of San Diego in the heart of Denver. The Wilde Crab Cake Benedict is a fan favorite. They’re open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Thursday to Sunday.

Go to a Farmers’ Market

You might think of going to a farmers’ market as a classic weekend morning activity. But there are actually a number of farmers’ markets in and around Denver that are open throughout the week. There are around two dozen farmers’ markets in Denver, so there should be at least one near you on your day off. Expect to find farm fresh produce at most farmers’ markets. But many of these markets have expansive selections of handmade goods, artisanal baked goods, and other unique treats.

Don’t fear if summer has already passed. Denver also has a Christkindl Market that runs from November up to Christmas. This German-style holiday market has European and local craft and food vendors. The Mile High Flea Market is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round and features a farmers’ market and an eclectic mix of shops. It’s located just north of Denver in Henderson.

Go on a Walking Tour

Walking tours are a great way to explore a city and find out more about its history, art, and culture. There are history tours, ghost tours, Christmas tours, and more. It should come as no surprise that Denver even has a variety of beer tours. You can join a tour at a scheduled time, or you can do a self-guided tour at whatever time is convenient for you. We’ve put together a guide to the best walking tours in Denver to help get you started.

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

Is there anything more luxurious than spending your day off in Denver at the spa? Oakwell Beer Spa is an award-winning day spa that offers beer-inspired treatments. Their signature service is Beer Bath Hydrotherapy. Relax in a cedar hydrotherapy tub filled with a blend of hops, barley, and herbs. (The unique blend changes every month, so be sure to come back for a new relaxing experience.)

What would a beer spa be without beer? They’ve got that covered. Oakwell has a taproom with a rotating selection of self-serve craft beer, wine, kombucha, and tea. They also have Infrared Saunas and Zero Gravity Massage chairs. Be sure to check out their Couple's Retreat and party packages. The best thing is that they open at 8:00 AM every day. That way you can start your day off with a relaxing visit to the spa.

Shop in Cherry Creek

The Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North have some of the best shopping in Denver. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an enclosed mall that features a selection of high-end retailers. It’s the only location in Colorado for a number of luxury brands. Cherry Creek North is the shopping and dining district immediately north of the mall. The area is noted for its high concentration of locally owned stores. This is a great place to get a real taste of Denver and its unique charms.

Eat Lunch at a Brewery

It’s no secret that Denver has a thriving beer scene. The proliferation of brewpubs gives you tons of great lunch options for your day off. If you’re looking for a classic, check out Wynkoop Brewing Company. They’re Colorado’s first brewpub. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try their Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout, brewed with freshly sliced and roasted bull testicles. Briar Common Brewery + Eatery has tasty bistro food and rooftop seating. They also have a dog-friendly beer garden. And of course they have a revolving selection of their beers.

Play Pickleball

The pickleball craze has been spreading across the nation for the last few years. It certainly hasn’t skipped Denver. It’s a great activity for people of all ages. There are indoor and outdoor courts scattered throughout the city, so it’s possible to play pickleball the entire year.

There are multiple places to play every day of the week. Many are open to the public, but there are also various club and league options if you’re serious about your pickleball. For more information, check out our complete guide to where to play pickleball in Denver.

Take a Hike

Denver and the nearby area are filled with parks and hiking trails. If you’re looking to stay in the city, the Washington Park Loop is an easy 2.3 mile stroll around Washington Park. It’s a popular park with scenic lakes and ample opportunities for bird watching. Those interested in more ambitious hikes should consider taking a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. It has tons of trails of varying difficulty. It’s a great way to explore this beautiful National Park. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best hikes around Denver.

Explore a Museum

Great museums are one reason why Denver draws visitors from all over. But far too often locals forget to check out these great institutions that they see every day. If you’re interested in natural science, you can’t beat the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It’s conveniently located in City Park. The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver features a revolving series of exhibitions, so there is always something new to see or experience. If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll want to check out the National Ballpark Museum. The museum is filled with baseball memorabilia and artifacts from classic ballparks.

Go to a Rockies or Avalanche Game

While the Colorado Rockies play the majority of their games at night, a few still happen on weekday afternoons. There’s something nostalgic about catching a day game. Of course, there’s nothing preventing you from going to an evening game on your day off. Going to a Rockies game is a classic summer experience.

Sadly, the baseball season doesn’t last all year. Thankfully, the hockey season starts right when the baseball season is finishing. There is something quintessentially Colorado about going to a Colorado Avalanche game in a state that is a paradise for winter sports lovers. They play in Ball Arena in the heart of downtown. Going to an NHL game is one of the best things to do in Denver in winter.

Spending Your Day Off in Denver

We hope this guide will help you enjoy your day off in Denver. The city is teeming with cultural, sporting, outdoor, and relaxing activities. There’s truly something for everyone. There’s so much to do that you might need to take a few more days off to get through everything on your list. Your boss will understand.