Perfect One Day in Denver Itinerary for First-Timers

Looking to make the most out of your day trip to Denver?

In this guide, I’ll give you everything you need for a fun and active Denver day trip. Denver is one of my favorite cities! We come at least once every year to visit family and I love its urban cultural energy coupled with outdoorsy mountain charm.

The mile-high city is a very active community. I feel like you can’t go anywhere without seeing a park filled with people on bikes, running, or walking the trails. When I visit, I like to do a combination of experiencing the food and drink scene, arts, and culture with a few hikes in between. The best time was when I came for New Year’s and caught all the Christmas lights and fireworks.

If you only have one day in Denver, you have some options, from hanging out downtown to to spending the day hiking the natural beauty of the Rocky’s, or a combination! Either way, you can’t go wrong!

Sample One Day in Denver Itinerary

Denver has such a fantastic downtown area that I would be remiss if I didn’t include it in a one day itinerary, but if you prefer to spend your days hiking the trails there’s something for you too!

Morning:

• Start your day at Union Station with brunch at Snooze eatery in LoDo (Lower Downtown). 
• Wander through the historic Union Station. On Saturday mornings during the summer, you can walk through the Union Station Farmer’s Market. 
• Take a detour to the 5280 Loop and enjoy a scenic walk along the path.
• Or grab a coffee and walk behind Union Station to Commons Park and Confluence Park. 
• Alternative: Grab a quick breakfast and head to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a morning hike. I recommend Red Rocks Trail at sunrise. 

Afternoon:

• Take a break and head to Larimer Square or 16th Street Mall and grab lunch.
• Venture to the Colorado State Capitol and stand exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.
• Directly across from the Colorado State Capitol, relax at Civic Center Park. 
• Alternative: Take a break after your morning hike to visit the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Visitor Center, and the Trading Post. Take a shorter afternoon hike on the Trading Post Trail. 

Evening:

• Experience the RiNo District (River North Art District) for dinner and drinks.
• End your day with a night out in Downtown Denver, enjoying live music, nightlife, or a comedy show.

Recommended Places to Stay in Denver: Lower Downtown 

• 📍Luxury: The Crawford Hotel
• 📍Mid-Range: The Source Hotel
• 📍Budget: Hostel Fish

Quick Facts to Visiting Denver

Ready to hit up Denver? Known as the Mile-High City, Denver is the capital of Colorado and sits exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. This city is not only famous for its Rocky Mountain backdrop, but it’s also the first state to legalize recreational marijuana and the birthplace of the cheeseburger. Yes, you read that right, so don’t miss out on trying one while you’re in town!

Quick Facts	Details
Location	South Platte River Valley, east of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA.
Best Time to Visit	Spring and fall for the best weather and fewer tourists. But if you’re into winter sports, winter is your season!
Where To Stay	Downtown Denver
Best Hotels	📍Luxury: The Crawford Hotel 📍Mid-Range: The Source Hotel 📍Budget: Hostel Fish
Famous For	Outdoor adventures, craft beer scene (Book a tour here), Red Rocks Amphitheater
Population	735,000 (2024)
Time Zone	Mountain Standard Time (MST)
How to Get Around	RTD buses, Light rail, B-cycle (a citywide bike-sharing program), rideshares like Uber and Lyft, or use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals.
City Airports	Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary airport, about 25 miles from downtown. Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	Get a Denver CityPASS to save you money on admission to top attractions. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, an 80$ annual park pass is a great investment!

What to Do in Denver in One Day

Breakfast at Snooze Eatery in Union Station

You could spend several days in Denver, but if you only have one day, kick it off with breakfast or brunch at Snooze eatery in LoDo’s (Lower Downtown) Union Station. If you’re looking for something quick, there are Belgian waffles at Wafels and Dinges or Pigtrain Coffee Co. 

After breakfast, take some time to explore the station’s shops and appreciate the architecture. The station isn’t huge, but there’s something special about spending the morning at a historic train station. 

And if you can’t decide how to fit all the delicious food in a single day, sign up for a food tour spot to eat your way through the city’s ever-changing foodie scene.

Union Station Farmer’s Market

I am such a sucker for a local farmer’s market. If you find yourself spending the day in Denver on a Saturday morning during the summer, pay a visit to the Union Station Farmer’s Market. 

The farmer’s market is from 9 am – 1 pm, and features live music, coffee, local produce, fresh bread, and many more vendors. Denver takes so much pride in its local community, and you can feel it at the farmers’ market. 

Parking tip! Free daily parking is not available, but if you show your receipt from dining or shopping in the Denver Union Station, you get a discounted validated rate. 

Dairy Block

Just a few blocks away from Union Station is the Dairy Block in the LoDo district. This micro outdoor dining and pedestrian area features an alley adorned with white fairy lights and street art.

Explore an array of shops, art galleries, cocktail bars, and restaurants. One of the highlights of Dairy Block is the Milk Market, a bustling food court that features a variety of local vendors offering delectable cuisine from around the world.

5280 Loop

If you have the time, detour to the 5280 Loop as you exit Union Station. The loop is a 5.280-mile pedestrian-friendly urban trail. It’s a scenic walk that connects the Denver neighborhoods. 

As you walk the loop, expect to see landmarks like Coors Field and the Colorado State Capitol building. 

Commons Park and Confluence Park

You can also exit behind Union Station and walk 15 minutes to Confluence Park and Commons Park. When visiting Denver, we enjoy all of the scenic walks downtown. It’s such an active city that there are always plenty of people walking through the parks, pushing strollers, or riding their bikes. 

There are walking trails alongside the South Platte River. At Confluence Park, you’ll find people on kayaks, fishing, and maybe even tubing! A little further down at Commons Park, you can take a break and relax at the promenade along Little Raven Street. 

Alternative: Hike Red Rocks Trail at Sunrise

As an alternative to spending the morning in downtown, get up early and take a short drive out to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a morning hike! You will not regret starting your hike just before sunrise to see the sun paint the red rocks in gold and crimson.

Red Rocks Trail

• Length/Duration: 6 miles and about 3 hours round trip.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Lower North lot. Head to the northeast corner of the lot, cross the street (east), and the trail starts just on the other side of the road.

The Red Rocks Trail is a loop that spans both Red Rocks Park and Matthews/Winter Park. I wouldn’t consider it a beginner hike, but it’s not too bad. Just make sure you bring proper hiking boots and plenty of water. 

The trail intersects with the Village Walk Trail for about .3 miles, and then Red Rocks Trail picks up again. Take the Morrison Trail and catch a little more elevation for a more challenging hike on the way back. Either way, this morning hike will reward you with panoramic views of the red rock formations!

Afternoon: Larimer Square

If you decide to continue your exploration of Downtown, then head to Larimer Square or 16 Street Mall Promenade for lunch and some shopping. Larimer Square is the oldest block (started in the 1800s) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It’s a great spot to grab lunch and a perfect place to experience street art and historic architecture. As you stroll down the charming street, you’ll be surrounded by fully restored red brick buildings adorned with twinkling fairy lights.

16th Street Mall

A short walk from Larimer Square is the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. You’ll find more street art, outdoor cafes, and a free shuttle to transport you up and down the promenade. 

One of the highlights of the mall is the sculptures that dot the area and the extensive collection at Tattered Cover Bookstore. Once I went in the winter season and the Mile High Christmas tree adds an amazing festive touch to the holiday spirit.

Colorado State Capitol

If you only have one day in Denver, I think visiting the State Capitol building is a must-do activity! Built in the late 19th century, the Colorado State Capitol is modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington, DC If you want to, join a guided tour up to the outdoor observation area and stand at precisely 5,280 feet above sea level. The view is amazing! 

It’s 99 steps up to the dome, and they do not allow self-guided tours in the observation area. It’s stairs only, but if you can’t make the climb, there is a video presentation. Free guided tours are available Monday – Friday. 

Civic Center Park

Directly across from the Colorado State Capitol building is Civic Center Park. Honestly, this is where I’d have a relaxing picnic lunch or afternoon snack. It’s a beautiful park filled with greenery, floral beds and the largest display of public art in the city. 

Alternative: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Wherever you decide to spend the morning, you should at least try to go to the Red Rocks Amphitheater in the afternoon. Learn about the park’s geological history at the Visitor Center and grab some souvenirs at the Trading Post. 

If you’re feeling like an afternoon hike, the Trading Post Trail is about 1.4 miles and considered easy. You can then climb up the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for some more great views!

Trading Post Trail

• Length/Duration: 1.4 miles in a loop and takes about 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Park in the Lower South lot and start at the Lower South sidewalk. 

Evening: RiNo District

As the sun sets, you’re probably ready to relax with dinner and drinks! Venture back to Downtown and check out the RiNo Art District. RiNo, short for River North, is known for its colorful street art, thriving artist community, and excellent craft breweries.

Choose from food halls like The Source or Central Market for food and beverage vendors. Take a stroll through the streets of murals, graffiti artwork, and galleries on every corner.

I love to hang out and enjoy some beer, wine, and a charcuterie board from one of the local funky restaurants. Denver has such an eclectic culinary scene, so it’s a great opportunity to taste many different cuisines. 

Top Craft Breweries in RiNo

Brewery Name	Address	Specialty Beers
Ratio Beerworks	2920 Larimer St	Antidote IPA, Domestica American Ale
Great Divide Brewing Co.	2201 Arapahoe St	Yeti Imperial Stout, Titan IPA
Our Mutual Friend Brewery	2810 Larimer St	Kokopelli Pale Ale, Coffee Stout

Downtown Denver Nightlife

After dinner, end the day sipping cocktails with the Downtown nightlife. Larimer Square has trendy cocktail bars and entertainment. 

Howl at the Moon is a high-energy piano bar where musicians perform live music, and you can dance all night long. If you’re looking for a trendy nightclub scene, you should head to Milk Bar. For a more chill and quiet evening, the Ginn Mill is a casual bar focusing on craft beers, signature cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere.

If you’re more interested in the live music scene, check out the Fillmore Auditorium for excellent acoustics or the Bluebird Theater for a mix of indie rock or alternative music. Catch a Comedy Show at the Comedy Works Downtown location for an evening full of laughs.

Where to Stay

LoDo (Lower Downtown) is centrally located and probably the best neighborhood for a short stay. It’s the heart of the city and near the must-do attractions in Denver. Staying here provides easy access to iconic spots like Union Station and Larimer Square and plenty of bars, cafes, and entertainment.

The nearby Cherry Creek and Capitol Hill neighborhoods are also great options. Cherry Creek is upscale, with tree-lined streets and a quiet atmosphere, while Capitol Hill has historic architecture and is close to downtown. 

Hotels in LoDo, Denver

Hotel	Benefits
Luxury: The Crawford Hotel	– Top-notch luxury inside Union Station – Pullman-style rooms inspired by sleeper cars of the golden age of train travel – Conveniently located for dining and shopping
Mid-Range: The Source Hotel	– Contemporary and modern comfort accommodations with a focus on design – Access to a rooftop bar and pool with killer views of the city and the Rockies.
Budget: Hostel Fish	– Go-to for budget-friendly options, including dorm-style and private rooms – Perfect if you’re traveling solo or want to meet new people – Housed in a historic building

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Things to Do in Denver

• Botanic Gardens: Beautiful, lush landscapes and themed gardens. A diverse collection of plants, vibrant blooms, and artistic installations.
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: The museum features fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and a planetarium.
• Denver Zoo: The zoo is home to a wide array of animals from around the world. 
• Denver Art Museum: Explore a diverse collection of art spanning centuries and global cultures, featuring everything from indigenous works to contemporary masterpieces.
• Coors Field: Catch a Colorado Rockies game or take a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic Major League Baseball stadium.
• Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Tour: Discover the craftsmanship behind Colorado’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition with a guided tour and tasting.
• International Church of Cannabis: Former Lutheran church transformed into a social center with a psychedelic interior. Experience hourly music and light shows by reserving here!

Day Trips near Denver

• Boulder (40 minutes): Known for its lively downtown area, Pearl Street Mall, and the beautiful hiking trails at Chautauqua Park.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours): A haven for nature lovers with its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and hiking trails. Book your trip from Denver here!
• Colorado Springs (1 hour 15 minutes): Home to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the US Olympic Training Center.
• Estes Park (1.5 hours): Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and a charming mountain town with shops, restaurants, and the famous Stanley Hotel.
• Fort Collins (1 hour 15 minutes): Known for its craft beer scene, historic Old Town, and Colorado State University.
• Georgetown (1 hour): Board the Georgetown Loop Railroad for a scenic trip and visit the quaint Victorian-era town.
• Mount Evans Scenic Byway (1.5 hours): Drive the highest paved road in North America for views of landscapes, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings.

Is 1 Day Enough for Denver

Spending a day in Denver gives you a taste of its lively city life and culture, but doesn’t give you the full local picture. For those with limited time, focusing on a neighborhood like LoDo, close to key attractions and nightlife, is a good idea. If you are planning a weekend stay, you can explore Denver’s top-notch museums and galleries.

For outdoor enthusiasts, trips to Rocky Mountain National Park or the scenic Red Rocks Amphitheatre are great options. You might even see a live concert at Red Rocks.

Best Time To Visit

Denver experiences four distinct seasons, but the absolute best time to visit Denver is in the fall (September-November). During this season, the leaves change colors, creating a magical setting in parks and the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather is comfortably cool, and the summer crowds have thinned, making it easier to secure reservations and accommodations. Fall is a great time for beer enthusiasts, with the Great American Beer Festival drawing visitors from all over. 

Spring brings blossoming flowers, but snow is still possible in March and early April. Outdoor festivals kick off in May for the Summer (June-August) peak tourist season. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts numerous concerts, and parks come alive with picnics and cultural events. However, summer is busy, and hotel prices tend to be higher.

Winter in Denver can be challenging for those who prefer warmer temperatures. Cold weather and snowfall limit outdoor activities, but the state is home to killer ski resorts.

How to Get There

Denver is a major hub for transportation in the Mountain West. Whether you’re coming from near or far, there are multiple ways to reach the Mile High City.

Use DiscoverCars to get awesome rental car deals and Expedia to score the best flights.

By Air

For those flying in, Denver International Airport (DEN) is your gateway. It’s among the world’s largest airports. The airport is approximately 25 miles from downtown. Visitors can take advantage of the airport light rail service, known as the A Line, which connects DEN to Union Station in the heart of downtown in about 37 minutes. Otherwise, taxis, ride-share services, and car rentals are also readily available.

By Road

If you’re driving, Denver is well-connected via several major highways. Interstate 25 runs north to south, connecting to cities like Cheyenne, Wyoming, to the north and Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the south. Interstate 70 is a key east-west route, leading to Kansas City in the east and eventually to Utah in the west, passing through the scenic Rocky Mountains. 

By Rail

Amtrak’s California Zephyr line stops in Denver on a route that winds through the Rockies if you’re coming from the west or through the plains from Chicago if you’re traveling from the east. Union Station, where Amtrak arrives, is a historic transit hub filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

By Bus

For budget travelers, buses are an affordable option. Public transportation bus services like Greyhound and regional transport services to the city’s bus station that is centrally located.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Denver

Denver is an eclectic blend of urban sophistication and rugged outdoor adventures, all within reach on a day trip. It’s a hub for nature and culture and an ideal base for skiing on epic slopes or riding through the Rocky Mountains.

And if you’re in a hurry because you’re headed to another Colorado destination, check out my other posts about the state.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Colorado?

I’ve vanlifed south to the north all of Colorado in the dead of winter to early spring. Let me tell you, it was cold, but turn on that buddy heater, and let’s hit the slopes. If you’re looking for more information on Colorado, check out these other destination itineraries.

• Perfect One Day In Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
• Perfect One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Itinerary
• Unbeatable One Day In Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• One Day In Boulder Itinerary: What Not To Miss On A Day Trip
• Perfect One Day In Denver Itinerary For First-Timers
• Perfect One Day In Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.