Relaxing Things to Do in Denver for Self-Care

Denver is a lively, fun city that also offers many unique self-care experiences. Below, we'll share the best relaxing things to do in Denver, including spending time in nature, having a therapeutic spa day, and getting crafty.

Whether you have a day off in Denver, are planning a vacation, or want to incorporate relaxation into your daily routine, there are many self-care activities in Denver – with something for everyone!

Enjoy a Delicious Brunch

Ease into the day with a delicious brunch. Denver has some of the best options, whether you’re looking for a weekend or weekday brunch.

A few of our favorite brunch spots include:

• Four Friends Kitchen - Southern classic dishes with a contemporary American take; serving brunch daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Wilde - Southern California coastal-inspired food; serving brunch Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM
• Bacon Social House - A variety of delicious meals that feature bacon; serving brunch Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 AM to 2 PM and Friday to Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM (Sunnyside location)

Spend Time in Nature

Many studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress and boost relaxation. Fortunately, Denver has many places to get away from the hustle and enjoy nature. 

Some of our favorite outdoor activities in and around Denver include:

• Renting a swan pedal boat at City Park
• Strolling through the Denver Botanic Gardens
• Hiking Bear Creek Trail and Red Rocks Park
• Picnicking and hanging out at Cheesman Park

Have a Spa Day at Oakwell Beer Spa

One of the best relaxing things to do in Denver is treating yourself to a spa day. Oakwell Beer Spa is an award-winning day spa unlike any other. It’s a luxurious yet laid-back space with a taproom and beer-inspired spa treatments.

At Oakwell Beer Spa, you can book a private spa room for up to two people or book multiple rooms for a larger group. Each room has a beer bathtub for soaking, an Infrared Sauna, and a rain shower. There’s also a Relaxation Lounge, where you can enjoy a Zero Gravy Massage experience.

The taproom has cozy seating and a self-serve beer wall featuring locally brewed craft beer. You can also enjoy wine, tea, cider, and kombucha.

The best part? Oakwell has long hours, from 8 AM to 10:30 PM daily, so you can fit your spa day into any other daily plans.

Take a Yoga Class

Yoga is one of the best practices for overall well-being and is great for stress and depression management because it helps relax the mind and body.

There are many reputable yoga studios in Denver, including Yoga Box and Urban Sanctuary. If you’re looking for a unique yoga experience, Denver Yoga Social offers community-focused classes and events, like donation-based classes and puppy yoga.

Take a Cooking Class

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but a cooking class is a fun way to let loose and enjoy learning a new recipe. With a cooking class, the ingredients are provided and a professional walks you through making a delicious dish.

There are a few places in Denver where you can take cooking classes, including Denver Cooking Classes and Stir Cooking School. 

Denver Cooking Classes offers in-home sessions that teach you a new recipe in the comfort of your own home. Stir Cooking School offers on-site classes, and you can choose from a wide range of cuisines and cooking experiences.

Play Pickleball

If you’re looking for active but relaxing things to do in Denver, pickleball is a great option. It gets you moving, but it’s not too strenuous, and you’ll feel ready to relax afterward.

Some of the best places to play pickleball in Denver include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center - Open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday from 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM
• Twentieth Street Recreation Center  - Open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM
• Huston Lake Park - Open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM
• 3rd Shot Pickleball - Open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 7 AM to 8 PM

Get Crafty

Getting crafty is a fun way to take your mind off of daily stressors and bring out your inner artist. And Denver has a few unique creative experiences for people of all ages.

• Upstairs Circus - A craft workshop with a menu of DIY projects and a bar to enjoy drinks while crafting
• Ceramics in the City - Pottery classes for adults and children
• Whimsy Studios - Guided painting classes for adults and families, plus a full bar
• Art Garage Denver - Classes for drawing, painting, and other art projects for all age groups

Watch the Sunset

One of the most chill things to do in Denver that doesn’t require much effort is watching the sunset. There are several places in Denver with picture-perfect sunset views, whether you want to relax outdoors or enjoy the scenery while having dinner and drinks.

• Sloan’s Lake Park - Denver’s second-largest park with a picturesque lake, paved walking and running paths, and grassy areas
• Washington Park - A 155-acre park within a residential area with beautiful gardens, two lakes, and trails
• 54thirty Rooftop - Denver’s highest open-air bar on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Hotel
• ViewHouse Ballpark - A lively bar and grill with a rooftop terrace overlooking Coors Field
• Linger - A vibrant restaurant and bar with a stunning rooftop lounge

Sip Cocktails at a Speakeasy

Sipping cocktails at a speakeasy is one of the best bucket list things to do in Denver. There are several cool speakeasies, each offering a memorable yet relaxed experience.

• Williams & Graham - A prohibition-era speakeasy tucked away in a bookstore
• Retrograde - A unique cocktail bar hidden in the back of Sweet Action ice cream shop
• Millers & Rossi - A hip, dimly-lit lounge in the back of an art gallery

Explore the Local Beer Scene

If relaxing with a cold beer or a few sounds up your alley, you’re in luck because Denver’s beer scene is one of the best! There are over a hundred breweries throughout the city as well as guided brewery tours.

We love brewery hopping around Lower Downtown (LoDo) and River North Art District (RiNo) because you can find several breweries. Denver Microbrew Tour also offers tours where you can visit the best local breweries and learn about Denver's culture and history.

Relaxing Things to Do in Denver: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and look forward to doing chill things in Denver for a laid-back experience. From getting outdoors to enjoying a spa day, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re ready to start relaxing, book your spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa!