Denver Tourist Attractions: Must-See Places and Local Favorites

Denver is the most-visited city in Colorado, and it makes sense. The Mile High City is a thriving hub of art, culture, and entertainment. And it’s the perfect gateway to the Rockies and the natural splendor the Centennial State has to offer. We cover all the best Denver tourist attractions along with some local favorites.

Tourist attractions aren’t just for out-of-town visitors. There’s a reason these Denver tourist attractions are popular, so they’re also great to check out even if you’re local. Who doesn’t love being a tourist in their own city? Our guide has something for everyone, including world-class museums, unique events and conventions, and breathtaking natural areas.

Museums, Art, and Culture

Denver Art Museum; photo credit

The crown jewel of art museums in Denver is the Denver Art Museum. It is the largest art museum in the region and has particularly strong collections of Latin American and Indigenous North American art. Don’t overlook its collections of modern and contemporary art, which includes a large collection of works by Robert Motherwell.

Many people associate Colorado with cowboys and the American West. The American Museum of Western Art: The Anschutz Collection houses artworks from the early-nineteenth century to present that depict the American West. This hidden gem is conveniently located in the heart of Denver.

The Clyfford Still Museum houses over 3000 works by the abstract expressionist Clyfford Still. The holdings account for over 90% of his entire output. Anyone interested in twentieth century art will want to check out this museum devoted to the works and career of one of the leading abstract expressionists.

Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station is a four-story, immersive art installation. This work of over 350 artists is structured around “an unforgettable story of multiversal travel through alien worlds.” This multisensory, multimedia exhibition is equal parts whimsical and over-the-top. Tourists and locals alike have flocked to this unique installation.

History and Technology Museums

The Forney Museum of Transportation is devoted to the history of all modes of transportation. Highlights include a Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive and Amelia Earhart’s Kissel Gold Bug automobile.

Those with an interest in aviation will want to explore Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. It’s located on the former Lowry Air Force Base. Colorado has a rich history of aviation and deep connections with the Air Force. The museum covers military and civilian aircrafts and spacecrafts.

Those with small children will want to check out the Children’s Museum of Denver. The museum is designed for children from birth through age eight. There are age-appropriate interactive exhibits and a variety of educational programs.

The Molly Brown House Museum details the life and accomplishments of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Margaret Brown survived the sinking of the Titanic, ran for the US Senate before women were granted the right to vote, and was active as a philanthropist. The museum is housed in her former home.

Nature in the City

Denver Botanic Gardens

Colorado is renowned for its natural beauty (more on that later). But you don’t even have to leave its biggest city to immerse yourself in breathtaking flora and fauna. The Denver Botanic Gardens is located in Cheesman Park and showcases plants from around the world throughout the entire year. The Gardens of the West feature a fine assortment of plants that are native to Colorado’s arid climate. Tropical plant enthusiasts will want to check out the Boettcher Memorial Conservatory which has a stunning array of tropical and subtropical plants. (The building itself is an architectural icon and worth seeing.)

For the aquatically inclined, the Downtown Aquarium is a must-see attraction. The aquarium features over 500 species of animals and has interactive exhibits and experiences. There are live performances (featuring mermaids) and a restaurant at the aquarium.

Anyone interested in animals will want to visit the Denver Zoo. It’s conveniently located in City Park, which is also worth exploring. The zoo is uniquely committed to animal enrichment and welfare and has been a leader in conservation efforts worldwide. The Denver Zoo is a great place for people of all ages to learn more about animals and the threats they face in today’s changing world.

Also located in City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the most-visited museums in the United States. It’s a natural history museum where visitors can learn about the natural history of Colorado along with exhibits about space and the natural world in general.

Uniquely Denver Attractions

Oakwell Beer Spa

Some attractions are quintessentially Denver. They evoke the history and culture of the city. If you don’t visit a few of these places, it’s almost like you were never actually in Denver. Denver Union Station is one of these places. This historic Beaux-Arts train station has been beautifully renovated and now houses a variety of restaurants and shops and the luxurious Crawford Hotel. If you are flying into Denver International Airport, you can take the RTD train directly into Union Station and the heart of the city in only 37 minutes.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is an expansive complex that covers four blocks, making it the second-largest performing arts complex in the United States. It has 10 performance venues and over 10,000 total seats. Fans come from all over to see plays, musicals, and concerts. Boettcher Concert Hall, home to the Colorado Symphony, is the first in-the-round symphony hall in the country. Lovers of orchestral music will want to catch a performance in this beautiful hall.

Many people associate Colorado with craft beer. For a truly unique beer experience tourists and locals alike love Oakwell Beer Spa. It’s a day spa that specializes in beer bath hydrotherapy, where you relax in a hydrotherapy tub filled with bubbling water, hops, barley, and herbs. Best of all, you can enjoy on-tap beer from a rotating selection of local craft breweries. It’s a one-of-a-kind wellness experience that is perfect for spa enthusiasts and beer lovers.

The International Church of Cannabis is a sight to behold. Don’t let the century-old church building fool you. When you go inside you’re greeted by a massive neon-colored surrealist mural on the ceiling painted by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. Every hour visitors can watch the Beyond Laser Light Experience which is billed as a “mind-expanding, family-friendly 360º audio-visual immersive experience.” (Note that cannabis cannot be consumed when the church is open to the public.)

Festivals and Conventions

Colorado Convention Center

Some of the biggest tourist draws in Denver are festivals and conventions. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Great American Beer Festival. It’s the largest beer festival in the United States. Attendees can sample beer from hundreds of breweries. It’s held every fall at the Colorado Convention Center. While you’re at the convention center, make sure to see the sculpture I See What You Mean (the Big Blue Bear). It’s a 40-foot tall blue bear that leans on the windows and looks into the convention center.

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a buzzing showcase of art, food, and music that is held the first weekend of July in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood. It’s a great opportunity to explore and purchase art from artists around the world. Hundreds of thousands of people attend this popular festival each year.

Denver has a lot to offer movie buffs. Each November the Denver Film Festival showcases films from throughout the world along with discussions, workshops, and Q&As with filmmakers. Those who are more interested in independent and local films should also check out the Denver Underground Film Festival which is also held each November.

Fan Expo Denver is a major speculative fiction fan convention held annually at the Colorado Convention Center. There are numerous panels and fan events featuring actors and artists from film, TV, comics, and more. For a convention with a more literary focus, MileHiCon is a destination for sci-fi and fantasy lovers. You can see and hear from internationally famous authors and local writers throughout the convention.

Each June the Denver PrideFest is a celebration of love, equality, and diversity. Every year hundreds of thousands of people attend what is one of the largest pride festivals in the Rocky Mountain region. The event is packed with performances, vendors, and exhibitors. There’s even a Pride 5K.

Just Outside Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Denver is the gateway to so many other great tourist attractions. The iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre is about 15 miles from downtown Denver in Morrison. The amphitheater is surrounded by stunning red sandstone formations. A wide variety of established and up-and-coming acts perform at Red Rocks each year. Make sure to also check out the park and trails surrounding the concert venue.

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America. The road climbs over 7,000 feet over its 28-mile course. It offers scenic views of the Continental Divide and opportunities to see wildlife like bighorn sheep and mountain goats. This is a great way to take in some of the natural beauty and panoramic views that Colorado has to offer. The route starts in Idaho Springs, around an hour west of downtown Denver. Because the road reaches above 14,000 feet, portions of it are closed seasonally. During 2025 segments of the byway will be closed for resurfacing. Check the status of the road before traveling.

Rocky Mountain National Park is the single most popular tourist attraction in Colorado. And it’s conveniently located about 90 minutes from Denver. The 415 square mile park has over 300 miles of trails. Hike in the summer, cross country ski in the winter, and admire the wildlife and scenery all year. Due to the park’s popularity, timed entry reservations are required during peak season, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservation.

The Best Denver Tourist Attractions

The city of Denver has so much to offer tourists. From world-class museums to amazing festivals to off-the-beaten path gems, there are Denver tourist attractions for everyone. We hope this guide inspires you to explore some of the amazing places and events the city has to offer.