Denver’s transformation from a sleepy cow town to a bustling urban center is nothing short of remarkable. Once known for its gold mining roots and tumbleweeds, Denver has embraced a new identity fueled by the tech industry and the gig economy. Today, the city is a vibrant, marijuana- and LGBTQ-friendly destination brimming with a health-conscious, “work hard, play hard” ethos. With its sunny climate from May to October, Denver’s streets are lined with fantastic restaurants, breweries, distilleries, museums, and sports stadiums. Here’s how to spend a perfect three-day weekend in the Mile High City.
When you land at Denver International Airport, hop on the A Line to downtown, a convenient 35-minute ride for about $10. Get off at the 38th and Blake Street station and make your way to The Source Hotel in the hip River North Art District (RiNo). This industrial-chic property is your gateway to exploring a neighborhood rich in street art, craft studios, galleries, and live music venues like the Mission Ballroom. The Source Market, housed in an 1880s foundry, offers over 25 food and retail vendors. For a spectacular sunset, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, The Woods, where you can enjoy craft beers with a view of the city. Dinner at Safta is a must, where James Beard Award-winning Chef Alon Shaya offers a culinary journey through the Middle East with freshly baked wood-fired pita.
Start your next day with a cappuccino and brûléed grapefruit or a breakfast burrito at RiNo’s Crema Coffee House on Larimer. Then, head downtown to Free Market, a collective of boutiques, bars, and restaurants perfect for some retail therapy. Grab lunch at the Denver Milk Market food hall, which offers a variety of dishes from fried chicken to poke bowls. In the afternoon, embrace Denver’s active lifestyle by exploring its 850 miles of paved trails. Rent a bike from Mile High Bike Tours and ride the Cherry Creek Bike Trail, a scenic route leading to Cherry Creek State Park, ideal for hiking, biking, and birding. Finish your day in the Golden Triangle Creative District, home to the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, and the History Colorado Center. For dinner, indulge in Italian cuisine at Tavernetta, where the seasonally changing menu promises delightful dishes like carpaccio alla Cipriani and branzino.
Denver’s proximity to nature is one of its biggest draws. Rent an electric car and drive 20 minutes west to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an iconic music venue known for its natural acoustics. Even if there’s no concert, you can hike the 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail to admire the stunning rock formations. For a scenic drive, take the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America, leading to the summit of Mount Blue Sky. The road is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and reservations are required. On the way, stop at the Walter Pesman Trail for a wildflower hike among centuries-old bristlecone pine trees. Remember to pack food, water, and an extra layer, as the Rocky Mountain weather can be unpredictable.
If you have extra time, a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is well worth the 71-mile drive north. The park boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails, picturesque lakes, waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for horseback riding.
Return to Denver for a final night of dining at Union Station, a revitalized landmark that now serves as a culinary hotspot. Enjoy Spanish pintxos at Ultreia, led by James Beard award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski. End your weekend with cocktails and sharing plates like bacon-wrapped dates, pan con tomate, blistered shishito peppers, and charcuterie. Denver’s mix of urban excitement and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable destination for a three-day getaway.
