Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and has earned its reputation as a craft beer paradise. But what if hiking steep trails or sampling countless IPAs isn’t your idea of fun? The Mile High City offers plenty of alternatives for visitors with different interests.
Here is a list of 15 activities in Denver that have nothing to do with mountains or microbreweries.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum houses an impressive collection of over 70,000 works from around the world. Its distinctive angular building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is a work of art though the Martin Building—formerly the North Building—was originally designed by Gio Ponti; Libeskind designed the Hamilton Building.
The museum’s Indigenous Arts of North America collection is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens, which span 24 acres, showcase plants from various global climates. The Mordecai Children’s Garden offers hands-on experiences for young visitors, while the Japanese Garden provides a serene escape from city life.
The gardens host outdoor concerts during summer evenings that transform the space into a magical music venue.
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Red Rocks Park
While technically outside the city limits, Red Rocks Park offers more than just concerts. The dramatic sandstone formations create a natural playground for photographers and geology enthusiasts.
The park includes a trading post with exhibitions about the area’s history and several easy walking paths suitable for casual strollers.
Museum of Contemporary Art
This minimalist museum showcases rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge art from around the globe. The rooftop café offers panoramic city views and a relaxed atmosphere for conversation.
The museum’s “Mixed Taste” lecture series pairs seemingly unrelated topics for fascinating discussions.
Denver Zoo
Home to more than 3,000 animals representing 450 species, the Denver Zoo provides entertainment for visitors of all ages. The Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit replicates Asian habitats with crossing bridges and demonstration areas.
The zoo’s conservation commitment makes it educational and fun for the whole family.
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Larimer Square
Denver’s oldest and most historic block features beautifully preserved Victorian buildings housing upscale shops and restaurants. String lights crisscross overhead, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls.
The square frequently hosts street performers, making window shopping an even more entertaining experience.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
As one of the largest performing arts centers in the country, DCPA presents Broadway shows, plays, and experimental theater. The complex includes multiple venues, from intimate spaces to the massive Buell Theatre.
Their “Off-Center” productions often involve audience participation for those seeking unconventional entertainment.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Perfect for curious minds, this museum features everything from dinosaur skeletons to space odysseys. The IMAX theater presents immersive documentary experiences on a massive screen.
The museum’s hands-on Discovery Zone keeps children engaged with interactive exhibits about physics, biology, and geology.
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Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station
This immersive art installation transports visitors to other dimensions through a psychedelic mix of technology and creativity. Four alien worlds converge in this storytelling experience that rewards exploration and curiosity.
The installation includes contributions from over 100 Colorado-based artists, making it a truly local artistic achievement.
Cherry Creek Shopping District
This upscale area offers a modern mall and charming outdoor shopping streets. Local boutiques mix with high-end national retailers for a diverse shopping experience.
The district’s art galleries and specialty food shops provide entertainment even for casual shoppers.
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
This unique museum displays fine art alongside furniture and decorative objects, creating immersive period vignettes. The collection includes over 30,000 works, particularly strong in Colorado art and international decorative art.
The building is a vibrant yellow modernist structure that stands out in the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
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Colorado State Capitol
Take a free tour of this impressive building topped with a gold-plated dome. The 13th step of the Capitol’s entrance is one mile above sea level, giving Denver its Mile High City nickname.
Visitors can admire the Colorado Rose Onyx wainscoting—a rare stone found only in a single Colorado quarry.
Clyfford Still Museum
Dedicated to a single artist, this museum houses 95% of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still’s total output. The building’s textured concrete walls and carefully designed natural lighting create an ideal viewing environment.
The museum’s intimate scale allows visitors to trace the evolution of Still’s style over his entire career.
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Denver Public Library
The Central Library building, designed by Michael Graves, is worth visiting for its architecture alone. Regular author events, art exhibitions, and special collections make this more than just a place for books.
The Western History Collection contains fascinating materials about Colorado’s past, from mining town photographs to Native American artifacts.
Denver’s Enduring Appeal
Beyond the mountains and craft beer, Denver reveals itself as a cultural hub with attractions for every interest. The city’s blend of historical preservation and forward-thinking innovation creates a unique urban experience.
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or foodie, Denver offers countless ways to enjoy the Mile High atmosphere without ever setting foot on a trail or in a taproom.
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