Day to Night: Exciting Ways to Explore Denver, Colorado

The star of Denver's selection of music venues is surely the Red Rocks Amphitheater. This naturally acoustic amphitheater is just a 16-kilometer drive from Denver and well worth it. Many of the big acts that come through Denver play here, and hearing the music bounce off the beautiful red rocks is unlike any other concert. This is one experience you can only get in Denver.

As mentioned, Denver’s geography is rich with beautiful nature. If you have a day and love the outdoors, there are a handful of gorgeous hikes to go on just outside of the city. Looking to feel like you’re truly away from the city? The Flatirons Vista Loop Trail has sprawling wide open spaces and two different trail options. For something more challenging, try the Gregory Canyon Hike to Realization Point. And if you have a little time to spare before your show at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, try the Red Rocks trail at Red Rocks Park, or check out the beautiful sights of the Garden of the Gods park.

One way to spend an afternoon or evening in Denver is to walk around Larimer Square. This is a historic part of downtown, complete with great bars and restaurants (like cocktail bar Green Russell and restaurant Rioja Denver), and even a comedy club, Comedy Works. Take a stroll in the evening through the lights strung up above the street to experience the magic of Denver.

If your day in Denver is spent enjoying nature, the night should be reserved for experiencing live music. Before you go, check the Denver 365 Music Calendar ahead of time to see if any of your favorites will be in town, or check the day of to see what’s happening. If you’re feeling brave, join karaoke night at a local bar like Star Bar, one of Denver’s oldest bars. They host karaoke nights every Tuesday and Thursday. Or plan a nice night out to see a show at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club, which features live jazz nightly, curated wine and cocktail options and a seasonal culinary program. Denver’s live music and entertainment scene is a lively one, and it won’t be hard to find a club, bar or venue that suits your taste.

Great food is easy to find all over Denver, but one culinary hub is Denver Union Station. This historic downtown area is the larger district where Larimer Square is located. Filled with shops, excellent restaurants and beautiful architecture (and even a place to stay: the Crawford Hotel!), this district is great for meandering through during the day or treating yourself to a nice drink or meal. Whatever you decide to do there, you’ll be able to get a sense of Denver’s history and magic.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the USA, with nonstop and connecting flights from around the world. Direct rail service connects the airport to Denver Union Station in the heart of downtown Denver.