Fancy a hot air balloon ride over the Rockies or a chance to run the rapids at Confluence Park? You don't have to be a death-defying daredevil to appreciate these fun-filled adventures in Denver! Whether you want to meander on horseback or zip along a single track, there's something for thrill-seekers of all skill levels at these Mile High attractions (and beyond)! Don't be shy...grab the bike or paddle or reins by the horns and ride!
This unique, retro amusement park in Lakeside promises hours of vintage fun for the whole fam! With roller coasters, a ferris wheel, funnel cakes, and more, Lakeside Amusement Park is joyous nostalgia at its finest!
Celebrating 35 years of providing the people of Denver with unforgettable rafting experiences, this outfitter in Morrison just 20 minutes from the city has adventures for all ages and skill sets. They offer world-class part-day, full-day, overnight, or multi-day trips down Clear Creek, the Colorado River, and the Arkansas. Whether you want family fun or a Class IV rapid, Geo Tours can float your boat!
Confluence Kayaks is an experienced outfitter that can make your dreams of riding the rapids of the South Platte River come true. They provide kayak, canoe, and inner tube lessons for all and are happy to accommodate you with paddling gear if you don't have your own. Surrender to the flow!
Perhaps you'd rather enjoy your whitewater adventures where there's a certified life guard on duty and the chance to witness the 2016 Belly Flop Splashdown. You'll find rides for all sorts of adventurers and guaranteed family fun at Westminster's Water World!
Looking for a cheap, eco-friendly way to enjoy the Mile High City? Snag a B-Cycle at one of the 80+ stations around town, secure your ride with a 24-hour membership for just $9, and strike out on Denver's 85 miles of bike trails. Sweet B-Cycle freedom!
Don't let the word "mountain" in front of the word "bike" intimidate you. This fabulous family-friendly guide service offers routes that suit every adventurer. From roller-coaster-like ridge rides to smooth, rolling single tracks, they'll provide you with a memorable mountain biking experience you just might have to write home about.
7. Full Moon Horseback Ride on A&A Historic Trails
If sweaty equity's not your thing, you can also ride through the Rockies on horseback just like the cowboys in the frontier days. A&A Stables offers a unique, fun-filled full moon hike that includes wining, dining, and gambling in Central City, and opportunities for overnight camping. Giddy up!
If you really want to experience the Front Range like you've never seen it, try an unforgettable float thousands of feet above sea level, without ever having to lift a finger. (Except to take phenomenal photos!)
Speaking of fingers, you can find some of the best short technical climbs near Denver at the enormous rock formations in Boulder known as the Flatirons. The soft, slanted sandstone at Flagstaff in Boulder Mountain Park allows beginner and intermediate climbers to boulder without any gear required. There are dozens of access points off of the Flatirons' hiking trails...just follow the bold(ers).
If you prefer helmets and ropes and a bit of a challenge, book a climb with an expert at "Denver's #1 guide to the Flatirons." They offer climbs for all skill levels both here and at Clear Creek Canyon.
Enjoy a day of zipping around on Colorado's fastest and longest lines or any of their other amazing guided adventures, including mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and hiking. They offer door-to-door transportation and a discount for 2-in-1-day combo packages. Yeehaw!
Where do you go in Denver when you're feeling adventurous? Share your stories of friends, family, and fun in the comments!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
The ultimate Denver bucket list could undoubtedly go on ad infinitum, but here are 26 amazing attractions that every tried and true Denverite must conquer as a right of passage. From iconic dishes and eateries to our city's most notable landmarks, these are some of the best things to do in Denver!
Founded in 1893 as the Denver Artist's Club, DAM had many temporary homes before opening its own gallery in 1949. Since then it has continued to expand to include three architecturally stunning buildings totaling over 350,000 square feet. There are 10 permanent collections on display with over 70,000 works of art.
The Clyfford Still Museum is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Denver and is just around the corner from the fabulous but ever-popular Denver Art Museum. The sleek, smooth modern architecture of the two-story, 28,500-square-foot building was designed specifically to showcase Still's work, and the quality of natural light afforded by the skylights and perforated concrete ceiling is subtle yet powerful and creates an air of tranquility throughout the space. Be still my heart!
This picturesque urban park opened in 1919 and continues to serve as the nucleus for Denver's government, arts, and culture. Civic Center Park is surrounded by many of the city's most prominent institutions.
Climb the 99-step spiral staircase of the famed gold-plated dome for breathtaking views of the Denver skyline and mountains beyond from their open-air deck. You can also reserve a spot on one of their free tours and marvel at the intricate beauty of the historical stained glass windows, Colorado white granite, rose onyx, and yule marble used to construct the building, which is modeled after the Capitol in Washington D.C. (And, don't forget the Mile High photo op on the 13th step!)
DPAC sits on 12 acres, contains 10 performance spaces, and is the second largest performing arts center in the United States. Its sculpture park is home to Jonathan Borofsky's The Dancers, a head-turning piece of art that stands proud at 60 feet tall.
Confluence Park is a popular spot for picnickers, kayakers, loungers, and pretty much anyone looking for a bit of adventure or relaxation in Downtown Denver. It's also the spot where our fabulous city originated back in 1858, when William Greeneberry Russell and his party began their search for gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.
The first official game at Coors Field was on April 26, 1995, when the Rockies defeated the Mets 11-9. (Fun fact: According to the official site, "In 1999, Coors Field firmly founded itself as the most prolific offensive ballpark ever created. The Rockies and their opponents combined for 303 home runs, the most ever in a season at one venue, with one or more tenants.")
Sports Authority Field at Mile High stands at an elevation of 5,280 feet and is located less than 50 feet from the site of the original Mile High Stadium. The current digs encompass a total of 1.8 million square feet and seats 76, 125 fans. Wowzers!
Larimer Square is Denver's oldest and most historic block. Its namesake, General Larimer, founded Denver City on November 22, 1858. Larimer Street became the city's main street in 1861.
Since its establishment in 1881, Union Station has been the central transportation hub and railway station for the Mile High City. It underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2014 and now houses fabulous shops, restaurants, and a luxury hotel.
Since its inception in 1974, Casa Bonita has been captivating audiences with its cliff divers, pirate caves, mariachi bands, and other wacky forms of entertainment.
Established in 1908, Lakeside Amusement Park is another family-friendly Mile High landmark that every Denverite should visit at least once - but preferably repeatedly.
The sprawling 330 acres of City Park offer magnificent views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains beyond. City Park was designed in 1882 and is one of the oldest public spaces in the city. There are some magnificent hiking trails throughout the Park to explore as well.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science was essentially conceived in 1868 when naturalist Edwin Carter began accumulating specimens of Colorado fauna and putting them on display in his log cabin. Word of Carter's collection got out and in 1900, The Colorado Museum of Natural History (now Denver Museum of Nature & Science) was founded. It gained a permanent home in City Park in 1908 and has continued to expand over the years to what is now a 716,000-square-foot complex with over 1,000,000 objects and artifacts.
Don't miss out on the magic of the 12,850-square-foot Leprino Family Atrium and open air terrace that affords breathtaking views of City Park, Denver, and the distant Rockies.
Wash Park has a little something for everyone - serene lakes, tended gardens, interesting playgrounds, and lush lawns with horseshoes, bowling, and croquet. Play a pick-up game of tennis or soccer, take a cruise on the bike path, or meander through the Mount Vernon Garden near Grasmere Lake. The perfect combination of activity and leisure!
With locations on East Colfax, Tennyson, and South Broadway, as well as a food truck roving the metro area, the Denver Biscuit Company is one of the Mile High City's most cherished treasures and the perfect place to overindulge before a nice long nap.
The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver's original steakhouse and oldest restaurant, it has been serving Old West fare since 1893. The building is overflowing with historical artifacts, including a 125-piece gun collection and a 575-piece collection of taxidermy. You've got to see it to believe it!
One of the most infamously iconic dishes in the Mile High is undoubtedly Rocky Mountain "oysters." This Colorado delicacy (aka deep-fried bull testicles) are a right of passage for Denverites and tourists alike. Buffalo Exchange and the Fort are serving up some of the ballsiest versions of this Western treat, so go get 'em!
My Brother's Bar is the oldest watering hole in Denver that's still in operation. In fact, it was once the preferred hangout of Neal Cassady, the Beat crew, and other notoriously nefarious lushes. This laid-back neighborhood haunt is still a popular spot for burgers and beers and barflies, so get on down there and make yourself a regular. (There's no website or sign out front, but you can find them in LoDo at 2376 15th Street.)
There's no denying that Denver has undergone drastic changes in recent years, and the Cherry Creek neighborhood is no exception. But there's one thing that certainly hasn't changed, and that's the Cherry Cricket, where they've "been slinging burgers, brews and good times since 1945." You can always count on this nostalgic neighborhood favorite for fantastic food because at the Cherry Cricket "delicious never goes out of style."
Denver's self-proclaimed sausage czar has been handing out gourmet dogs at his cart at the 16th Street mall for more than a decade. Biker Jim's now has three carts and two brick-and-mortar locations in Ballpark and Highlands Ranch. His wildly unique gourmet dogs have received many accolades, especially his elk jalapeño cheddar dog, which was featured on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." Every Denverite needs an elk dog smothered in cola-soaked caramelized onions (or any of his other funky toppings like Harissa roasted cactus or bacon red onion marmalade.) Whew dog!
Probably one of the most wonderful and well-known free events in Denver is the First Friday Art Walk held every month. Works by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists are on display in studios and galleries in the Art District on Sante Fe, as well as Tennyson, RiNo, Belmar, and the Navajo Art District in Littleton. A free feast for the eyes!
You don't have to break the bank to get good eats, and this no-frills, family-owned, female-run operation on Sante Fe is a testament to that truth. Many Denverites will tell you this joint serves the best chile relleno, smothered burrito, and green chile in town. I suggest you see for yourself!
This little slice of paradise in Cheesman Park promises that no two visits will ever be the same. There are thousands of plants, both from Colorado and around the globe, lovingly placed in about 50 meticulously designed gardens over 24 acres.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is "the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world." The first documented performance took place in 1906, and it's been rocking ever since.
"I See What You Mean" by artist Lawrence Argent is a true jewel of Downtown Denver that induces a sense of wonder and delight in all who encounter it. You can find this fantastically whimsical 40-foot-tall bright blue bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center on 14th Street.
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Now this is more than enough to keep you occupied for quite a while, but we also do have this fun list of day trips just outside the city that would be perfect to add to your Colorado bucket list!
