Map Of Denver Area
Introduction
The Map of Denver Area is an exciting place to visit, filled with a diverse range of attractions and activities. Whether you are interested in history, culture, outdoor adventures, or simply good food and nightlife, this area has something to offer. In this guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
This stunning park is home to one of the most iconic music venues in the world, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre itself is carved out of the red rocks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on the park’s geology and history.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago and has a collection of over 70,000 works of art. The museum’s permanent collection includes American Indian art, contemporary art, and a large collection of Western American art.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens feature a variety of plants from all over the world, including a Japanese garden, a South African plaza, and a tropical rainforest. Visitors can also enjoy concerts, classes, and special events throughout the year.
Hidden Gems
Confluence Park
Confluence Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Denver. This park is where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet, and it offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s many trails, picnic areas, and outdoor art exhibits.
The Money Museum
The Money Museum is a unique museum located in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Denver branch. Visitors can learn about the history of money and banking, see rare coins and currency, and even hold a bar of gold worth over $400,000.
The Cherry Creek Trail
The Cherry Creek Trail is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. This 42-mile trail runs from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek State Park and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Along the way, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the city skyline.
Food Scene
Larimer Square
Larimer Square is one of Denver’s most popular dining destinations. This historic district is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, many of which offer outdoor seating and live music. Visitors can enjoy everything from upscale sushi to classic American burgers.
The Source
The Source is a unique food hall located in a former iron foundry. This market features a variety of local vendors, including a butcher, a bakery, a brewery, and a florist. Visitors can enjoy everything from fresh oysters to artisanal cheese.
The Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1893. This historic steakhouse is famous for its game meat, including buffalo, elk, and rattlesnake. Visitors can also enjoy the restaurant’s Western decor, which includes over 500 mounted animal heads.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museum Days
Many of Denver’s museums offer free admission on certain days of the month. Visitors can check each museum’s website for a list of free days and plan their trip accordingly. Some popular museums that offer free admission include the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.
Happy Hour Deals
Denver is known for its vibrant happy hour scene, with many bars and restaurants offering discounted drinks and food. Visitors can take advantage of these deals to try new places and save money. Some popular happy hour spots include Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, Ace Eat Serve, and The Hornet.
City Park
City Park is a spacious urban park that offers a variety of free activities, including jogging trails, tennis courts, and a golf course. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s many lakes and fountains, as well as the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, both of which are located within the park.
Outdoor Adventures
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This park offers a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore the park’s alpine tundra, forests, and meadows, and see animals such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning park located in Colorado Springs, about an hour’s drive from Denver. This park features towering sandstone formations, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy guided nature walks and Jeep tours.
Boulder Creek Path
The Boulder Creek Path is a scenic trail that runs for 5.5 miles through the heart of Boulder. This trail offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy the path’s many parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Family-Friendly Activities
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is a popular destination for families, with over 4,000 animals representing 615 species. Visitors can see everything from lions and tigers to penguins and elephants. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Elitch Gardens is a fun-filled amusement park that offers a variety of rides, shows, and attractions. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment. The park also has a variety of dining options, including a food court and sit-down restaurants.
Children’s Museum of Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver is a hands-on museum that offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for kids. Visitors can explore a pretend city, dig for dinosaur bones, and learn about science and technology. The museum also offers classes, workshops, and special events throughout the year.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a unique attraction located on top of Lookout Mountain, about 20 miles west of Denver. This museum honors the life and legacy of Buffalo Bill, a legendary figure of the American West. Visitors can see exhibits on Buffalo Bill’s life, see his Wild West show costumes, and visit his gravesite.
Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum is a fascinating museum that showcases the state’s rich railroad history. Visitors can see historic locomotives and railcars, explore a working roundhouse, and take a ride on a steam-powered train. The museum also offers special events, such as train robberies and pumpkin patches.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a unique museum that celebrates aviation and space travel. Visitors can see historic aircraft, including military planes and helicopters, learn about Colorado’s aviation history, and explore space artifacts, such as moon rocks and astronaut suits.
Natural Wonders
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of 14,130 feet. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Mt. Evans, see mountain goats and bighorn sheep, and explore the nearby Echo Lake Park.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are two towering peaks located in the Elk Mountains near Aspen, about three hours from Denver. These peaks are considered some of the most photographed mountains in North America, and for good reason. Visitors can hike to the top of the peaks, enjoy the scenic drives, and explore the nearby wilderness areas.
The Great Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes are a unique natural wonder located in southern Colorado, about four hours from Denver. This park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of over 700 feet. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes, sled down them, and explore the surrounding wilderness.
Vibrant Nightlife
RiNo Arts District
The RiNo Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood located just north of downtown Denver. This area is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and art galleries, many of which offer live music and events. Visitors can enjoy everything from craft cocktails to local beer.
Lodo
Lodo, short for Lower Downtown, is another popular nightlife destination in Denver. This area is known for its