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3 Days in Denver: How to Spend a Weekend in Denver, CO

If you're planning a weekend in Denver, you're in the right place. We've created the ultimate 3-day itinerary so that you can experience all that this unique city has to offer. Denver's got it all, from thriving culture and great food to incredible scenery and good beer! 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. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to spend an epic weekend in Denver. We’ll share all the best activities, when you should visit (hint: it’s amazing all year), where to stay, and so much more.

Is Denver a good weekend trip?

Absolutely! Denver, Colorado is one of the best places to visit for the weekend. While there’s so much to see and do, you can easily spend a week, this Denver 3 day itinerary takes you on an adventure to explore the best of Denver in a weekend. And, if you’ve only got 2 days in Denver, feel free to pick and choose to create your ideal weekend getaway!

How to Spend a Weekend in Denver

There are so many exciting and unique things to do in Denver on the weekend! This Denver 3 day itinerary takes you on a journey to see all the best things the city has to offer. Enjoy sightseeing, relaxing, scenery, nightlife, and more. Below you’ll find our top recommendations and insider tips for how to spend your weekend in Denver. If you prefer a quick list, here you go:

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.

Read more: 10 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

Day 1: Sightseeing and Relaxing

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Wash Park, Denver[/caption] The perfect way to spend your first day in Denver is to wander around on a scooter or bike. Since you’re just arriving, feel free to take it easy and explore as little or 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: 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 in the hip LoHi neighborhood, check out Avanti Food and Beverage. This trendy food-court style restaurant has a rooftop bar and serves delicious food from various vendors.

Day 2: The Mountains and Nightlife

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Loveland Pass, Denver[/caption] What’s a weekend in Denver without checking out the nearby mountains? Enjoy gorgeous scenery during the day and Denver’s nightlife scene in the evening. Several daytime activities are listed below: Loveland Pass, Red Rock Park and Amphitheater, and Echo Mountain. To enjoy the full experience, we recommend choosing one.

Loveland Pass: a mountain pass an hour from Denver with stops along the way for wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities.
Red Rock Park and Amphitheater: iconic outdoor amphitheater, music venue, and park surrounded by unmatched scenery.
Larimer Square: a 20-block walking area with many trendy restaurants and lively bars.

Winter Activity: If you’re planning a Denver weekend trip during winter and want to go skiing, check out Echo Mountain. This ski resort is less than an hour from Denver and offers seasonal snow sports.

Day 3: Downtown and the Spa

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Beer Therapy™ Room at Oakwell Beer Spa[/caption] On the last day of your Denver weekend trip, we recommend checking out the bustling downtown scene and unwinding 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: an iconic space that offers tons of shopping and dining opportunities.
Coors Field: a baseball stadium and home of the Colorado Rockies.
River North Art Art District (RiNo): an art district with modern art galleries and eclectic concert venues.
Union Lodge No. 1: a cool speakeasy with NYC vibes.

Finish off your 3 days in Denver as you relax at Denver’s most unique spa. Oakwell Beer Spa is a unique spa that combines a craft beer taproom and a day spa into one. Here’s what you can enjoy at Oakwell Beer Spa:

A cozy taproom: a self-serve taproom that offers craft beers from a local brewery, wine, cider, kombucha, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Beer Therapy™ Room: a private room that features a cedar hydrotherapy tub, infrared sauna, and a rain shower (booking available online).
Space-themed relaxation lounge: enjoy the ultimate massage experience in a Zero Gravity Massage chair (walk-ins welcome).

Tips for the Perfect Weekend Trip to Denver

We hope our guide to 3 days in Denver has you excited for a fun weekend! To make the most of your weekend, check out these insider tips for making the most of your experience.

When to Go

Denver is amazing no matter when you go! With that said, each season offers its own unique experiences. Best of all, the Denver 3 day itinerary above is perfect for any time of year. We recommend visiting Denver during Spring or Fall (April, May, September, and October) for nice weather and smaller crowds. The changing fall colors are incredible! Meanwhile, Denver activities blossom in spring with many local events and activities. While Denver gets quite cold in winter, it’s a beautiful and exciting time to visit. Bundle up and enjoy tons of winter and holiday activities. If you’re looking to take a summer vacation, Denver offers sunny days and fun things to do. Keep in mind that the peak travel season in Denver is June-August, so you’ll likely find larger crowds and higher prices along with a memorable experience.

Where to Stay

During your weekend in Denver, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. You can find hotels and vacation rentals throughout the city. Here are a couple of our favorite spots. The Crawford Hotel The Crawford Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Denver above the infamous Union Station. We love this hotel because it's a unique place to shop, eat, drink, and sleep. The Crawford Hotel also offers insider access to the best of Denver with their destination amenity package. Halcyon Hotel If you prefer a homey hotel that doesn’t feel like a hotel, check out Halcyon Hotel. This cozy hotel offers a rooftop pool deck surrounded by city views. It’s also conveniently located in the heart of Cherry Creek’s shopping district, with many things to see and do nearby.

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. Of course, some parts of the city are better explored on foot (like downtown Denver), so you may want to park and wander around. You can find parking in most areas – some free and others paid. Walking A lot of Denver is very walkable, which you’ll want to do in areas like downtown, Cherry Creek, and Larimer Square. These areas are pedestrian-friendly and walking will allow you to stop, and check out different places. Public Transportation Traveling around Denver by light rail or bus is convenient and affordable. You can also use this option for getting to and from the airport without a hassle. Learn more about Denver’s public transportation system here. Rideshare Services Another popular way to get around during your weekend trip to Denver is with a rideshare service. Apps like Uber and Lyft are easy to use and very convenient. With that said, it can be pricey depending on the time of day and season. Note: As mentioned on day 1 of the itinerary, you can also rent scooters on Lyft to explore the city. Bicycle A fun way to ride around Denver is by renting a bike. You can find bike stations around the city, rent your ride, then return it when you’re finished.

Enjoy Your Weekend in Denver!

We hope our Denver 3 day itinerary has inspired you to book your trip! Denver is a fantastic place with amazing food, art, culture, and scenery. Whether you follow this guide entirely or pick and choose what interests you most, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the Mile High City! Are you planning a romantic vacation or staycation? Check out 14 Best Romantic Getaways in Denver, Colorado.