Top 10 Things to Do in Denver (Fun Bucket List Experiences)

Known as one of the best places to visit in Colorado, Denver has endless fun things to see and do. Whether you’re a local or planning a Denver vacation, these bucket list experiences are ideal for creating new memories and enjoying the Mile High City.

From dining and shopping to relaxing at a beer spa and tasting local wine, there’s something for everyone. We’ll discuss ten of our favorite Denver activities below, with a few extra ideas for a longer bucket list. We’ll also share the best amount of time to allocate for each activity to help with planning.

1. Eat and Shop at Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station is an iconic historical landmark in the heart of downtown. It’s a renovated train station with shops, award-winning restaurants, and bars. There’s also plenty of comfortable seating offering living room vibes – ideal for relaxing and people-watching.

You can begin your day at Denver Union Station with a delicious brunch at Snooze and hang out for a few hours, or stop by to take a few pictures and grab a drink.

If you visit Union Station during summer, you’ll likely find a farmers market, concert, or other local events. Just outside of Union Station, you can also explore the bustling LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood.

Allow: 1-3 hours

2. Scoot Around Confluence Park

Confluence Park is also in LoDo and the perfect place to escape the hustle and relax. It’s a tranquil park that sits where Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet, conveniently located close to shops, restaurants, and other activities.

Trails, grassy areas, and benches surround the park. It’s the perfect place to scoot, bike, walk around, or simply relax. You can usually find scooters and bikes to rent nearby and throughout the city.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can also go kayaking or tubing at Confluence Park with rental gear from Confluence Kayak.

Allow: 30 minutes - 2 hours

3. Visit the Colorado State Capitol

Whether you’re a history buff or want the perfect spot to see Denver from above, the Colorado State Capitol is a great spot to visit. The building is beautiful, and visitors can head to the top for unmatched views of the city. Best of all, tours are free.

If you're looking for more cultural experiences in Denver, the Colorado State Capitol Building is also within walking distance of the Denver Art Museum.

Allow: 30 minutes to 1 hour for a self-guided tour or 90 minutes for a guided tour

4. Go to the Molly Brown House Museum

Once the home of an American philanthropist, activist, and socialite, the Molly Brown House Museum is now a historical site. Here, you can find interesting memorabilia from the Titanic and unique Victorian-era antiques. The home’s architecture is also beautiful.

Allow: 30 minutes to an hour

5. Watch Baseball at Coors Field

You can’t have a list of the top 10 things to do in Denver without baseball at Coors Field. Baseball season runs from early April to early October, and seeing the Colorado Rockies play at Coors Field is one of the most fun Denver bucket list experiences.

You can also take a tour of the stadium when there aren’t games or see a live concert at Coors Field.

Allow: about 3 hours

6. Taste Wine at The Infinite Monkey Theorem

One of our favorite activities in Denver is tasting wine at The Infinite Monkey Theorem. It’s conveniently located on Larimer Street in the popular River North Art District (RiNo), and it’s well worth a visit.

The Infinite Monkey Theorem is a lively, industrial-chic winery and taproom. They offer wine tastings and tours and delicious bottled, kegged, and canned wines. The Infinite Monkey Theorem also has regular events like trivia and comedy nights.

Allow: 30 minutes to 2 hours

7. Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

If you’re looking to relax in Denver, Oakwell Beer Spa is a must-visit. This award-winning day spa offers a unique experience with a craft beer taproom and rejuvenating, beer-inspired spa treatments.

At Oakwell Beer Spa, you can enjoy local craft beers, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages alongside a luxurious yet relaxing spa day. You get access to a private Beer Therapy™ Room, with a bubbly beer bath, infrared sauna, and rain shower. You can also enjoy a Zero Gravity Massage to take your spa day up a notch.

Book a Beer Therapy™ Room online for the ultimate spa day or stop in to hang out in the taproom. It’s the perfect experience for a date night, an activity with friends, or a spa party.

Allow: 2 - 3 hours; The Beer Therapy™ Room lasts for 90 minutes

8. Go Brewery Hopping

Denver and its surrounding metro area are home to about 150 craft breweries. It’s known for its incredible beer scene, and brewery hopping is a must-do if you like beer.

It’s easy to brewery hop on your own, especially around the RiNo and LoDo districts, where you can find many breweries. You can also join a guided brewery tour to learn about Denver’s local history and culture while stopping at the best breweries.

Allow: 1-3 hours

9. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Temper Chocolates

The best way to satisfy your sweet tooth in Denver? Visit Temper Chocolates, a local chocolate shop located in The Denver Central Market in RiNo.

We love having lunch or dinner at one of RiNo’s delicious restaurants, and then stopping by Temper Chocolates to grab some gourmet chocolate.

Allow: a few minutes

10. Dine and Drink with a View

Appreciating the picture-perfect city skyline is easily one of the best things to do in Denver. And what better way to do this than with dinner and/or drinks? 

Denver has some amazing rooftop restaurants and bars, including the following:

• Linger: a lively restaurant and bar with a stunning rooftop lounge
• ViewHouse Ballpark: a restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking Coors Field
• Tap Fourteen - Rooftop Beer Garden: a bar and grill with local beers, whiskey, and far offering picture-perfect skyline views
• El Five: a quaint, quirky rooftop bar serving tapas and drinks
• 54thirty Rooftop: Denver’s highest open-air bar, located on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Hotel

Allow: 2-3 hours

Other Must-Do Things In and Near Denver

Denver truly has no shortage of bucket list experiences. While the top 10 things to do in Denver should have you covered for unforgettable experiences, here are some other activities you may want to check out.

• Attend an event at the Colorado Convention Center
• Explore Denver’s unique street art
• Visit the National Ballpark Museum
• Watch a live performance at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
• Go to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
• Do yoga or see a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Take a drive along Mount Evans Scenic Highway
• Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
• Enjoy outdoor activities, including pedal boating and whitewater rafting
• Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Top 10 Things to Do in Denver: Conclusion

Relaxing at a beer spa, visiting local parks, and exploring history are just a few ways to experience the best of Denver. We hope you found this article helpful and feel inspired to create your very own Denver bucket list! 

If you’re ready to start planning your memorable Denver experiences, book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.