Denver Vacation Guide

Tips and advice for the best Denver vacation.

Denver has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year!

Now that's a great reason to choose the "mile high city" for Colorado weekend getaways.

But that's not the only reason....

With the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver has many outdoor activities, things to do, great hotels and restaurants.

Denver Hotels

Here are some hotels to check out for your Denver vacation getaway.

The luxurious Brown Palace Hotel is a good choice for romantic getaways in Colorado or girls getaways. There are many amenities, 6 restaurants, afternoon tea and a complete Spa. Another option is the sophisticated and stylish Monaco Hotel, a boutique hotel in "Lodo", the historic district.

Try the Residence Inn Denver City Center, Denver City Center, for a family vacation getaway. The large suites....which include a kitchen and complimentary breakfast....are perfect if you are traveling with kids.

For a cheap weekend getaway check out the Hampton Inn & Suites Speer Boulevard. It is an excellent value and includes a complimentary breakfast, pool and good location near downtown.

Denver Bed and Breakfast

Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast Inn is located in a 1889 mansion in the historic district. This Victorian style inn has 9 unique rooms, some with jacuzzi tubs, and offers afternoon tea. It would be great for a romantic weekend getaway or honeymoon.

Denver Attractions

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the nation's largest park system. Confluence Park is within walking distance of downtown and has 40 miles of trails and an area for white-water kayaking.

There is also the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Botanic Gardens for nature-lovers.

Families on a Denver vacation will enjoy the Denver Zoo, with many exhibits in natural settings.

If you are interested in the arts, enjoy a Broadway play at the Center for the Performing Arts or a visit to the unique Laboratory of Art and Ideas with its exhibits, debates and live performances.

16th Street Mall....a free bus cruises this historic shopping, business and restaurant district. Check out the 5 story "Tattered Covered Bookstore".

The U.S. Mint, one of six facilities that produce coinage for our nation, has free tours that can be booked on their website.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, about 1/2 hour from Denver, has great views of the city, trails for hiking and is a fantastic place to attend a concert.

---

Denver Day Trips

Mt. Evans Lake Echo

The Eldorado Canyon is about 30 miles NE of Denver. This narrow canyon with steep cliffs attract rock climbers from around the world. My husband and I went to observe the climbers and it was great fun.

Mt. Evans is the tallest peak in Colorado you can can reach on a paved road....open Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is a beautiful, nail-biting trip with MANY hairpin turns!

TIP For favorite Colorado vacations, consider combining Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs or Vail.

---

Denver Restaurants

For a romantic meal try Z cuisine, 2239 W. 30th Ave., an intimate French restaurant or splurge on Rioja, 1433 Larimer St., a Mediterranean inspired restaurant....the menu changes with the seasons.

Check out Fruition, 1313 East 6th Ave., with its simple, but sophisticated food and convenient location.

Denver Chophouse and Brewery, 1735 19th St #100, has great steaks, salads, garlic mashed potatoes and more....at reasonable prices. Pizza fans, try Beau Joe's Pizza, 2710 S. Colorado Blvd., with its "mining" atmosphere....try dipping the crust in honey!

---

Here are some other ideas for great Colorado weekend getaways.

Return to the top of Denver Vacation