Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is about 15 miles from the city center but is well worth the commute as this is the most revered attraction around Denver – and there is a shuttle to get you here should you not have a car. Red Rocks is both a live music venue and a city park owned by Denver. The name comes from the striking red sandstone rock formations found along the trails that also form the walls of the outdoor amphitheater. The venue attracts major live music talent weekly in season and is most famous for its acoustics. Music buffs will want to stop by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, which tells the stories of Colorado’s music greats.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts sits on the south side of Larimar Square and is a gigantic cultural center, which hosts multiple venues including the Boettcher Concert Hall, Auditorium Theater, and Ellie Caulkins Opera House. If you are looking for things to do in Denver at night, you can usually find something to entertain you here. A night out at the Center for Performing Arts could mean watching a Broadway Show or enjoying a play or a variety of other performances. This venue hosts all kinds of major events. It is home to the Denver Center Theater Company, the Denver Center Attractions, and the Denver Center Theatre Academy. The center also functions as an educational facility, offering acting classes and programs, as well as professional development opportunities.
Coors Field
Coors Field is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball club. The stadium, which opened in 1995, has a seating capacity of 50,200. From some seats, it’s possible to see the Rocky Mountains in the distance. There are tours of the facility year-round. This is a good way to learn about the stadium and see a bit of the behind-the-scenes action. Tickets are limited to a certain number each day, so advance purchases are a good idea. Tours last just under 1.5 hours and are accessible to those with disabilities.
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is beautifully laid out, with enclosures adapted to different species, from the polar bears’ den to monkeys island. Management is committed to a long-term plan to replace and modernize exhibits. The zoo was begun in the late 1800s, so by the 1990s, the zoo was in need of an update, and work has been ongoing. Some of the newer exhibits at the Denver Zoo include Primate Panorama, Tropical Discovery, and Predator Ridge. Today, the zoo is one of Denver’s most popular attractions.
Colorado State Capitol
On a low hill on the east side of Civic Center Park is the classical-style State Capitol, crowned by a gilded dome 250 feet high. From the viewing platform on the drum of the dome there are magnificent views of the city’s imposing skyline and the Front Range. The 13th step on the west side of the Capitol is exactly one mile above sea level, thus the name “mile high city.”
Denver Public Library
Famed architect Michael Graves designed the Denver Public Library, which opened in 1995. The library is noted for its western history and genealogical collections. Outside, the thirty-foot-tall, red-orange steel sculpture is often used for reference as a landmark.
Larimer Square
A successful example of urban refurbishment in Denver is Larimer Square, with well-restored buildings of the Civil War period. In 1971, Larimer Square became Denver’s first historic district. Today, it is a major entertainment district. The area is home to art galleries, shops, cheerful restaurants, and gas lamps. It continues to evolve and is popular with both locals and tourists. During the day, most people come here to shop. In the evening, this is a great place for dining or seeing some live entertainment, such as comedians or bands. This area is also famous as the place where Buffalo Bill lived at one time.
16th Street Mall
Running through the city center, the 16th Street Mall is a European-style pedestrian precinct, with shady trees, flowerbeds, and park benches. The only traffic here is a free shuttle bus. The street is lined with department stores, boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and the stalls of street traders. Near the south end of the street are numerous modern and Post-Modern skyscrapers.
United States Mint
Immediately beyond the City and County Building is the U.S. Mint, one of the United States’ six facilities. This is where the American currency is created and part of the country’s gold reserves are stored. Visitors can take a free guided tour of the facility to learn about the history and process of making money. There is a small gift shop on-site selling commemorative coins, souvenirs, games, and other items. Reservations for the tours are always required and can be scheduled online through the website.
Cherry Creek North
Located just south and east of the Downtown, Cherry Creek North is Denver’s best known shopping district, especially if you’re looking for luxury and boutique shops and art galleries. Covering some 16 blocks laid out in a square, the leafy and flower-strewn neighborhood is also home to numerous restaurants, offering cuisine from around the globe. Cherry Creek hosts a number of different events throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, held around July 4th, which attracts national and international artist vendors in mediums ranging from painting and jewelry to ceramics. The district runs along 2nd and 3rd Ave between Steele Street to the east and University Boulevard to the west.
