2015 Federal Regions 8 & 10 Community Action Conference
 

Top 8 Things to Do in Denver

1. Stroll through Downtown

Downtown Denver
Photography By Thinkstock.com

Denver’s downtown blends both a Wild West and urban chic vibe. Hit up the 16th Street Mall to browse decades-old bookshops like Tattered Cover and buy cowboy apparel at Rockmount Ranch Wear. Rockmount is the notorious inventor of the snap button shirt, a favorite of music legends like Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen. Thirsty or hungry? Head to Denver's LoDo (lower downtown) district and peruse the 28 square blocks of restaurants, sports bars and brewpubs. You'll stumble upon live music in various bars and restaurants every night of the week here.

2. Visit the Aquarium

Downtown Denver Aquarium
Photography By Photolibrary/Getty Images

It might seem oddly placed in a city surrounded by mountains and desert, but Denver’sDowntown Aquarium doesn’t disappoint. Over 1 million gallons of underwater exhibits highlight freshwater and oceanic ecosystems that are home to over 500 species of sea life. An interactive touch tank where it's possible to pet stingrays wins our vote for coolest exhibit. Other favorites include the coral lagoon and shipwreck. Grab a bite at the aquarium's restaurant, which is surrounded by a 50,000-gallon tank of brightly colored tropical fish from the Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

3. Browse the Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens
Photography By Flickr, John Fowler

You may recognize this Denver green space from Woody Allen’s film Sleeper and it’s as pretty in person as it is on camera. With 3 different locations across the city, theDenver Botanic Gardens feature a large amphitheater used for summer concerts, a conservatory, themed gardens and rotating exhibits. Whether you’re a nature lover or just like to escape the concrete jungle without leaving city limits, the Gardens are a must-visit.

4. Feed Your Intellect

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Photography By Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Stretch your mind and spend a 1/2-day with the kids at one of Denver’s museums or art galleries. Brush up on your dinosaur knowledge at Morrison National History Museum (plan to spend an hour here) or visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Scienceto see an IMAX movie or watch an astronomy demonstration at the planetarium. While at the museum, don’t miss the Great White Shark 3D exhibit. Tap into your creative engines at the Denver Art Museum, featuring international work and extensive 19th-century photography showcasing the American West.

5. Catch a Game at Coors Field

Coors Field
Photography By Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Watch the Colorado Rockies hit homeruns at Coors Field—the park with the highest elevation in Major League Baseball. It’s a fairly new and ever-expanding venue in Denver. The current construction project: a 38,000-square-foot, double-decker rooftop area with a VIP terrace and 52 craft beers on tap. Below, Coors Field ballpark is also home to The Blue Moon Brewing Co.

6. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater 


With its excellent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of hiking trails and cinnamon-hued sandstone cliffs, Red Rocks Park draws many an outdoorsy traveler. Occupying nearly 900 acres, this impressive park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the fascinating geographic transition between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.

7. Indulge Your Inner Foodie at The Source

The Source
Photography By Luca Venter

Imagine San Francisco’s Ferry Building, and put an organic-centric Colorado spin on it. Voilà, you have The Source—a 26,000-square-foot, 19th-century warehouse on Brighton Boulevard which was converted to a brand-new marketplace in 2013. The Source features a handful of local brewers, bakers, butchers, specialty grocers and craftsmen all under one roof, and is well on its way to becoming the city’s hottest destination for foodies.


8. Reduce, Reuse, B-cycle.

Denver Bike Rental

The best way to see the city (while burning off some of those breakfast calories) is by renting a bike from any of the Denver B-cycle stations around town. Rides under 30 minutes incur no usage fee, so keep that in mind. Return your bike to any station when you’re finished with your ride.



Denver has a lot of culture to share! Look through the pictures below to find something that interests you! (Pictures link to museum website for more information)

DMNSDenver Museum of Nature & Science
DAMDenver Art Museum
DBGDenver Botanic Gardens
KirklandKirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Denver Money MuseumDenver Money Museum
History Colorado MuseumHistory Colorado Museum
Museum of Contemporary ArtMuseum of Contemporary Art
Molly Brown HouseMolly Brown House & Museum
Clyfford StillClyfford Still Museum

Here are a few ideas of other fun things to do around Denver after dark! 

Green Russell

A stylish underground lair devoted to custom libations and small plates from chef-partner Frank Bonnano, Green Russell has a speakeasy atmosphere with craft cocktails. Reservations are suggested.  
1422 Larimer St, 80202


Star Bar
Downtown Denver’s neighborhood bar with Karaoke on Tuesday and Thursday night and live music played all other nights of the week, a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, as well as spirits, and cocktails & games like Skeeball, Video Poker, Pinball, and Foosball.  2137 Larimer Street, 80205.

Great Divide Brewery
Great Divide Tap Room features 16 different beers on tap, selection rotates seasonally. 30 minute tours of the brewery are offered at varying times throughout the week that are free on a first come first serve basis.  2201 Arapahoe Street, 80205

1UP


1Up is an arcade & bar in downtown Denver, serving food and boasting more than 45 classic arcade games, 16 pinball machines, skeeball, and giant Jenga. 

1925 Blake Street, 80202


THE CRUISE ROOM AT THE OXFORD HOTEL

The award-winning cocktail lounge located in The Oxford Hotel, appears frozen in time since its Art Deco facelift in 1933. The Cruise Room was fashioned after a lounge on the Queen Mary, with original chrome and neon reflecting onto wall panels depicting light-hearted "toasts" from around the world.  1600 17th St.


PEAKS LOUNGE AT HYATT REGENCY


Located high atop the downtown Hyatt Regency Denver, Peaks Lounge is a contemporary oasis providing the perfect backdrop for sophisticated gatherings with an unmatched view. The gourmet small plate cuisine and desserts are as luxurious as our cocktails and plush confines. 

650 15th St.

Comedy Works
Comedy Works is Denver’s premier comedy club. Comedy Works is known for their celebrity guest stand-up performances, improv competitions, and local comedic talent. 1226 15th St., Denver, CO 80202