Weekend Trip to Denver, Colorado
Denver will take your breath away (and not just because of the elevation!). It’s the launchpad for some truly epic adventures in Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park anyone?), but you should definitely take a moment to explore the city itself as well. The Mile High City is filled with art, craft breweries, and incredible restaurants – all against the backdrop of gorgeous mountains. It’s also one of the easiest cities to travel to in the country! You can fly to Denver from almost any major U.S. city in just a few hours (and usually on a budget) which makes it the perfect weekend getaway. This travel guide will cover when to visit, where to stay, and all the best things to do on your weekend trip to Denver.
This is your travel guide for a weekend trip to Denver, Colorado.
Getting to Denver
Denver has one of the most accessible airports in the country! Its central location makes it a popular layover spot for most airlines, meaning you can fly here from almost any major U.S. city in just a few hours on a nonstop flight (and the airfare is usually a steal as well!).
It’s worth noting, however, that Denver’s airport isn’t exactly close to the city center. If you won’t be renting a car, you may want to skip using a rideshare app like Lyft or Uber – a drive that distance will cost you quite a bit. Instead, use the affordable and ultra-convenient Denver Airport Rail that travels between the airport and Union Station. Just follow the airport signs for the train and purchase your tickets from the kiosks right by the loading area.
Getting Around Denver
Denver doesn’t have a great public transportation system, but whether or not you need to rent a car will depend on your plans (and the weather). If you’ll be sticking to the city for your weekend trip to Denver, there’s really no need for a car unless you’ll be dealing with inclement weather. The neighborhoods you’ll likely be exploring, like LoDo or RiNo, are very walkable, and you can use Uber or Lyft to get around as well.
Alternatively, scooter rentals through apps like Lyft or Lime are extremely popular (and super fun!). Denver has a huge number of scooters available throughout the city, so you’ll definitely come across plenty of them as you’re exploring. They’re a fun and affordable way to give your feet a rest or to go slightly longer distances. If walking or using a scooter doesn’t work for you, Uber and Lyft are also great options.
If you’re planning to go hiking, visit Red Rocks Amphitheater, or go anywhere else outside of the city, you’ll definitely want to rent a car. Driving around Denver is generally pretty easy, but it does experience rush-hour traffic downtown. If you’ll be renting your car from the airport, note that you’ll need to jump on a shuttle for your specific rental agency to get there.
Best Time to Visit Denver
SUMMER
With sunny skies and warm temperatures, summer is the most popular time to visit Denver. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado, but it also means peak crowds and high prices. Summer wildfires have become more prominent in Colorado as well, so you may experience smoke and difficulty breathing.
AUTUMN
Colorado sees some fantastic fall colors! The Aspen trees turn gold around late September, and the rest of Colorado’s autumn leaves follow soon after. With slightly cooler, but comfortable temps, this is a great time to enjoy Denver! However, be aware that wildfires can continue through early October.
WINTER
Winters in Denver are a bit different from the famous ski towns Colorado is known for. The temperatures are chilly but typically bearable, and while Denver does get its fair share of snow, it generally melts very quickly. Denver is known for having almost year-round sun, and winter is no exception! However, inclement weather can (and does) happen, so check ahead and be prepared.
SPRING
For mostly pleasant weather and fewer crowds, spring is the perfect time to visit. March can be a bit unpredictable, swinging from winter-like to summer-like temps, but April and May tend to bring lovely weather. Spring is considered shoulder season in Denver, so expect fewer crowds and lower costs.
Where to Stay in Denver
The Crawford Hotel
Located inside the renovated Union Station, The Crawford Hotel is not only one of the most beautiful spots to stay in Denver, but it’s also one of the most convenient for a weekend trip. Union Station is located in the epicenter of Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood, making it within walking distance of a ton of the places you’ll be visiting on your trip. Denver’s Airport Rail also travels to and from Union Station, meaning you can roll your suitcase right off the train into your hotel.
The Maven
This boutique hotel is located within the renovated, historic Dairy Block in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood. In addition to stylish and comfy rooms, The Maven is at the center of the micro-district featuring 15 shops, 19 restaurants, and seven bars. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Union Station and is centrally located for exploring Denver.
The Source
Trust me when I say, you’ll be wanting to pay a visit to The Source whether or not you’re staying there. The Source isn’t just home to a (super trendy) hotel, it’s also where you’ll find some awesome shops and a few of the best restaurants in Denver. Located in the heart of Denver’s RiNo Arts District, you’ll also be close to Denver’s iconic craft brewery scene and unforgettable street art.
Where to Eat in Denver
Breakfast
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
This is the perfect brunch spot for fresh food made from responsibly sourced ingredients. There are plenty of vegan options as well! Snooze has a few locations around town, including one in Union Station.
Sam’s No. 3
This beloved Denver establishment is your classic diner with a huge menu and all-day breakfast. The food here is truly delicious, but don’t miss the green chili. It’s a Colorado specialty!
Whole Sol Blend Bar
If superfoods and colorful, veggie-forward dishes are your things, Whole Sol is the place for you. The menu is made up of delicious and healthy items like smoothies bowls, toasts (I’m partial to the vegan bruschetta pesto toast), fresh juices, and even a few lunch bowls. The menu is entirely vegetarian with nearly everything being vegan and allergy-friendly as well.
Lunch & Dinner
Safta
This Israeli restaurant located in The Source building serves up some of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever had! You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but you absolutely MUST order the hummus (they have several varieties – all are amazing). The silky dip with perfectly balanced flavors is a dream, but the wood-fired pita it truly what it’s all about.
Bellota
Anywhere where you can order a “flight of tacos” is a win in my book! This is another favorite stop in The Source. Authentic Mexican dishes grace the menu here, many of which make use of the kitchen’s wood-fired oven.
El Five
The Mediterranean tapas at El Five are to die for! Everything on the menu is packed with flavor while also maintaining a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients and veggie-forward fare. The beautiful space features incredible views of the Denver skyline as well! This is a popular spot, so reservations are recommended.
Linger
This former mortuary is now one of the most sought-after restaurants in Denver. A sister restaurant of El Five, the menu at Linger features the same emphasis on responsibly-sourced ingredients, this time in form of global small plates. They also have a gorgeous rooftop patio! Reservations are recommended.
Tavernetta
This place is all about elevated Italian cuisine and fresh, handmade pasta brought to you by award-winning chefs. It’s located in Union Station and is another popular dinner spot, so be sure to make reservations ahead of your visit.
SuperMegaBien
Whether you order from the menu of small plates served dim sum style or go for the family-style dishes to share (or both!), SuperMegaBien delivers on mouthwatering Latin American flavors. Everything I tried here was truly some of the best food I’ve had, including the aptly named “Best Chicken”.
Barcelona Wine Bar
In a neighborhood that’s saturated with craft breweries, Barcelona offers up something a little different. It features an ever-changing menu of tapas made with seasonal ingredients, Spanish and Mediterranean-influenced dishes, and an extensive wine list. What’s not to love?
Zeppelin Station
Food halls are the perfect solution for the indecisive. Zeppelin Station features six globally inspired food stalls, a bar, and a coffee shop. From Nashville hot chicken to Filipino comfort food, there are plenty of different flavors to sample here!
The Denver Central Market
This is another great spot to sample multiple vendors or grab a quick snack (might I recommend the ice cream flight at High Point Creamery). Even if you don’t order anything, you’ll definitely want to check out this airy, refurbished market hall just for the experience.
Things to Do on a Weekend Trip to Denver
Make a stop at Union Station
This renovated train station is definitely a highlight in Denver! If you’ll be taking the train from the airport, this will be your gateway to the city, making it all the easier to stop here on your trip. This gorgeous historic landmark boasts some of the best restaurants in Denver, a bar, and even a hotel, all centered around a large open lounge. Whether you come for brunch, dinner, or just to pass through, this place is a total delight.
Marvel at the vibrant street art in RiNo
Denver isn’t a city where you’ll need to go on a scavenger hunt to find impressive murals – just head to RiNo, and you’ll find them everywhere! The River North Arts District, otherwise known as RiNo, is possibly the most vibrant neighborhood in Denver. It’s filled with revamped industrial buildings, trendy restaurants, a plethora of craft breweries, and loads of colorful street art. Upper Larimer Street, where many of the neighborhood’s restaurants and breweries are found, is a good place to start. The alley behind Denver Central Market is another gem where literally every inch of the alley walls are covered in art.
Discover Denver’s iconic brewery scene
These days, Denver is almost synonymous with great beer. This city loves its craft brews, and you’ll find no shortage of places to grab a cold one in Denver. The aforementioned RiNo neighborhood is a great place to brewery hop where you’ll find plenty of breweries within walking (or scootering) distance of each other.
Read More: The Best Breweries in Denver
Stand a mile high at the Capital
The iconic steps at the Colorado State Capital make for the perfect photo op! Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City due to its position precisely one mile above sea level, and you can stand at the exact elevation where the city hits its mile-high mark. Head to the 13th step of the Capital building where you’ll find the engraving to feel what it’s like to be a mile high.
Find the Giant Blue Bear
Art is everywhere in Denver, but one of the most endearing pieces is the 40-ft (12m) tall blue bear in downtown Denver. You’ll find this curious fella titled “I See What You Mean” peering into the lobby of the Denver Convention Center. It was designed by a local artist who created it in the Colorado spirit of outdoor adventures meeting everyday life.
Hit up Larimer Square
The historic block, now known as Larimer Square, was the first city block in Denver. Draped in string lights and Colorado state flags, it’s the perfect spot to spend an evening. The block is lined with shops and delicious restaurants, but one of our favorite stops here was Garage Sale Vintage – a combination bar and shop where you can sip on a cocktail while perusing the vintage records and clothing.
Explore the historic Dairy Block
What was formerly the site of a historic dairy company is now a micro-district filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and an art-filled alley. Start your journey with the Milk Market at the heart of the Dairy Block. It boasts shops, a food hall, a workspace, and a coffee shop. Then make your way back to the alley to admire the murals or grab a bite under the patio lights.
Whether you’re looking for a quick city getaway or just passing through on your way to one of Colorado’s epic outdoor adventures, Denver is the perfect spot to spend a weekend.
Have any questions about your upcoming weekend trip to Denver? Let me know in the comments.
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