Guide contents

Daniel Burns

Jan 8th, 2024

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If you're extending your week/weekend in (or around) Denver, here are a few of our favorite things to do!

General tips

Overall: See below for some trip ideas organized by location/activity.

Filter: If the map looks too busy, use the filter button (i.e. "stacked papers" button) on the right side to filter for what you're looking for: Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Dinner, etc.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Time: You'll want to stay at least one night. You could do a day trip, but it would be a very long day.

Pro Tip: RMNP requires timed-entry permits so plan ahead! I recommend the Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access permit to get to the best locations in the park. If you don't plan ahead, you can enter those areas before they start checking permits (i.e. likely 5a).

Safety: The mountains are known for afternoon thunderstorms. Start your hikes early in the day so you can be back to your car before 1-2p.

Bear Lake Trailhead

Hiking area

Nature & Parks

Bodies of Water

Overall: This is the trailhead to some of the most popular hikes in RMNP.

Easy Recommendation: Walk around Bear Lake. Venture to Dream Lake for a bit more of a challenge or all the way to Emerald Lake if you're feeling up for it.

Hard Recommendation: Hike to Sky Pond. It's worth it.

Other Recommendations: We want to try Lake Helene, Chasm Lake, Mount Ida, and Tombstone Ridge on future trips.

Safety: Use All Trails! (Links above.) If you're not familiar with hiking, make sure to stop at the visitor center and talk to a ranger.

Donut Haus

Bakery

Donuts: The best donuts in the world. The one pictured, the Cheesecake Roll, is a butter roll topped with cinnamon and cheesecake. It's incredible.

SEASONED - An American Bistro

American restaurant

Bar

Dinner: Cozy spot for dinner.

Stanley Hotel

Hotel

Resort hotel

Lodging: Dare to stay in the Stanley Hotel (i.e. the inspiration for The Shining).

Full throttle

Bar & grill

Drinks: Great patio and often live music.

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Vail

Overall: If you're looking to venture further into the mountains, Vail would be our top recommendation. It needs no introduction, but the pedestrian-friendly towns, beautiful hiking, and great restaurants make it one of our favorite places. We're still building up our mountain cred so there's not much on the list, but these are a few ideas to get you started!

Vail Pass

Mountain pass

e-Bikes: Rent e-bikes and ride from Vail town to Vail Pass. There are paved bike trails the whole way (mostly away from car traffic). It's quite the climb, but easy with e-bikes.

Vail - Lionshead Bike Path

Hiking area

Walk: Walk the path from Vail to Lionshead to West Vail along the Gore Creek. Explore each town and enjoy the mountain views.

Gore Creek Trail

Lake

Hike: One of the best hikes we've done in Colorado: Gore Lake Trail. But it was tough! Be warned.

Big Bear Bistro

Bistro

Lunch: A great spot for sandwiches and salads.

Sweet Basil

New American restaurant

Dinner: Our favorite restaurant in Vail.

Denver Things to Do

Larimer Square

Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Pedestrian Street: Lovely traffic-free spot with lots of restaurants and bars in the heart of downtown. It's definitely worth a visit, even just to walk around.

Casa Bonita

Mexican restaurant

Restaurant

Infamous: If you don't know about Casa Bonita, even better. You'll need to win the lottery to be able to go, but it's worth a shot!

Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station

Art center

Art gallery

Interactive Art: We hear great things about this interactive art museum. Maybe make use of some of the Colorado dispensaries before visiting.

Washington Park

Nature & Parks

Parks

Park: You'll be here for our ceremony, but it's worth another visit to walk the whole park. It's the best spot in Denver!

Eldorado Canyon State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Canyons

Hike: If you're looking for a nice hike, but don't have time to visit RMNP, head to Eldorado Canyon State Park. Eldorado Canyon Trail is great for everyone.

Golden

Town: Golden is the closest you can get to a cute mountain town without heading to the mountains. It's a really cute town. Grab lunch at the Golden Mill. Walk the trail along the creak. Maybe a quick hike at Red Rocks nearby.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Park

Concerts & Shows

Show: See a show at Red Rocks!

Boulder

Town: A great town nestled in the foothills. Lots of access to hiking. I'd check out the Royal Arch Trail. Head to Pearl Street for lots of shops and restaurants.

Denver Coffee

Aviano Coffee Cherry Creek North

Coffee shop

Coffee: Great coffee with a cute patio. After Aviano, explore the rest of the Cherry Creek neighborhood. Maybe stop by Olive & Finch for lunch. Flower Child is our favorite fast casual, healthy-eats restaurant.

Steam Espresso Bar

Coffee shop

Coffee: Great coffee with a cute patio. Afterward, head north on Pearl Street to Florida/Pearl where there are a bunch of cute cafes, restaurants, and shops. On Sundays, you can enjoy the Pearl Street Market. I would surely get the Matcha Twisted Donut from the Tokyo Premium Bakery.

Denver Bakeries / Dessert

Devil's Food Bakery

Bakery

Bakery: Always busy. Grab a seat at the bar. Their filter coffee is fantastic and I love their danishes. It's always a rotating menu. Afterward, head to Perdida or Homegrown for lunch on the patio or the Cookery at Myrtle Hill for breakfast.

Izzio Bakery Central Market

Bakery

Bakery: You will NEED to get a Chocolate La Roulette at Izzio Bakery. It's stupid expensive, but amazing. Pro tip: heat it up! Afterward, you're in the heart of RiNo. Start brewery hopping until dinner.

Little Man Ice Cream

Ice cream shop

Dessert shop

Ice Cream: Super popular! There's always a line around the block. We still haven't made it, but you can tell us what we're missing.

Denver Breakfast / Brunch

Breakfast / Brunch: Here are a few of our favorite brunch spots. Many are located on/near Broadway which has lots of bars/shops. If you're day drinking, head to the Irish Rover Pub rooftop next.

Denver Biscuit Company

American restaurant

Breakfast / Brunch: I suggest fasting for at least 10 hours before a trip to DBC. Amazing food and great for brunch. Go with at least four people so you can justify the Giant Biscuit Cinnamon Roll. Multiple locations.

Lucile's Creole Café

Restaurant

Breakfast / Brunch: Another great brunch spot. More traditional breakfast/brunch with a creole twist. Multiple locations.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Breakfast restaurant

Breakfast / Brunch: The best crowd-pleaser. Dive into savory dishes or indulge in sweet treats. Snooze has it all. Multiple locations.

Denver Food Halls

The Denver Central Market

Market

Food Hall: Lots of options, but see notes on Izzio Bakery above. Must-try! Afterward, you're in the heart of RiNo. Start brewery hopping until dinner.

Avanti Food & Beverage

Food court

Food Hall: Grab lunch and head to the outdoor rooftop. Pho King Rapidos is supposed to be one of the best and often sells out. Afterward, head to Little Man Ice Cream assuming there isn't a line around the block. LoHi has tons of restaurants and breweries to keep you busy.

Dairy Block

Market

Food Hall: Lots of food vendors. If you're there at night, find Run For The Roses, a hidden underground cocktail bar.

Denver Lunch

Moxie Eatery

American restaurant

Lunch: Great sandwiches.

Leven Deli Co.

Deli

Lunch: Great sandwiches.

Call Your Mother Deli - Tennyson

Bagel shop

Lunch: Great bagels.

Denver Dinner

Mizuna

New American restaurant

Dinner: Treat yo'self meal, but worth it! Incredible food and an incredible menu. Go all out with the Chef Tasting menu. They'll bring you complimentary champagne throughout the meal.

El Five

Tapas restaurant

Dinner: Incredible food and best skyline views. Even if you're not a paella fan, get the paella. It can serve a village. Both seafood and carne paella are great, but I'd pick the carne if I had to choose. Tons of places for beers or cocktails nearby.

The Wolf's Tailor

Restaurant

American restaurant

Dinner: One of the rare Michelin stars in Denver. Incredible spot.

Sushi Den

Sushi restaurant

Dinner: Much more than a sushi restaurant. Let the server guide you to trying some amazing unique dishes. We love the Miso Black Cod and Lobster Tempura Roll.

Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar

Cuban restaurant

Dinner: If you didn't make a reservation, this is your spot. It's walk-in only. Super unique menu and lively atmosphere.

Bon Ami

French restaurant

Dinner: Our favorite neighborhood spot. Intimate dining and a great patio for nice summer nights. Half-priced bottles of wine 4-6p on M-F. The Chicken Croquettes and Parisian Chicken are our favorite entrees.

Cafe Brazil

Brazilian restaurant

Dinner: Probably my favorite entree in Denver: La Juliana. I have to get it every time we come here. Afterward, head to Tennyson street for a bunch of shops/bars. Ok Yea is a great speakeasy nearby.

Somebody People

Restaurant

Dinner: Calling all vegetarians and vegans! I'll join you and we can rejoice in a meal without cheese. But really, everyone loves this place. Vegetarians and meat eaters.

the Fifth String

Fine dining restaurant

Restaurant

Dinner: Must order the Tallow Candle Bread Service. The candle is the butter for your bread.

Hop Alley

Restaurant

Dinner: The Beijing Duck Roll is a must.

Denver Drinks

Recess Beer Garden

Bar & grill

Drinks: Brewery with a huge patio in the heart of LoHi.

The Family Jones Spirit House

Distillery

Drinks: Fancy cocktail bar.

Improper City

Bar

Drinks: Massive brewery. Tons of other breweries in the area to bar hop like Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Yardbird Table & Bar, and 14er Brewing & Beer Garden. Grab dinner at Hop Alley, the Fifth String or Uchi.