As the largest city within a 500-mile radius, Denver has long drawn people who want a central gathering place, easy access to the outdoors and a variety of attractions and activities. “Our backyard is the Rocky Mountains. It’s just breathtaking,” said Raymond Gonzales, president of Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. and executive vice president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The region’s offerings set it apart and mean there is always something to do.
Denver’s origins lie in what is now the downtown district, which has been a major focus of recent development. The 16th Street Mall, one of the world’s longest pedestrian promenades, recently completed a three-year, $175 million upgrade that added new trees, more comfortable seating, two permanent playscapes for children and a host of new local businesses. Electric shuttle buses run along the foot-traffic-only street to move people from one end to the other.
16th Street Mall © Oscity | Dreamstime.com
“It’s a mile-long experience in the heart of our city,” said Kourtny Garrett, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, a nonprofit business organization that helps shape the neighborhood’s vision.
That vibrant core welcomes millions of meeting and convention attendees each year and hosts major events like the Outside Festival. Though compact, downtown packs many attractions into walkable blocks: Denver Union Station, a 144-year-old Beaux Arts–style transit hub that recently received an $11 million refresh; most of the city’s major sports venues; the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which presents touring Broadway productions and acclaimed local theater; and numerous hotels, including the new Populus Hotel, which is embracing sustainability and aiming to be carbon negative.
Denver allocates 1 percent of capital improvements over $1 million to public art, resulting in a collection of more than 400 works citywide. One of the most iconic pieces is the curious 40-foot-tall blue bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center. The convention center itself added more than 80,000 square feet of event space in a recent renovation, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. Nearby hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center and the Sheraton Denver Downtown offer additional central meeting spaces.
Big Blue Bear at Colorado Convention Center © Peng Ge | Dreamstime.com
“One of the greatest competitive advantages of Denver, particularly downtown, is you do have so many experiences encapsulated in a small geography,” Garrett said.
Within a short walk or quick ride-share are four Michelin-starred restaurants and several of the city’s most appealing neighborhoods. Five Points is known for mural-lined streets and lively restaurants and bars. The Golden Triangle Creative District hosts the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum and the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. A bike ride along the Cherry Creek Trail leads to the upscale shopping and dining options in Cherry Creek.
Construction continues across the region. The National Western Center, once an agricultural hub, is being reimagined as a year-round, multiuse campus. Two downtown redevelopment projects are in early stages: the River Mile, a 62-acre urban district, and a neighborhood centered around Ball Arena, home to the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.
Denver International Airport — one of the world’s busiest airports, offering nonstop service to more than 30 international destinations — is completing a billion-dollar renovation of its Great Hall to improve passenger experience and amenities.
“Denver is elevating our position on a national and international scale as a destination for things that are forward-thinking and unique while at the same time maintaining our sense of pride as a community,” Garrett said.
Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park © Brian Wolski | Dreamstime.com
SCENIC DRIVES
With the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop, Denver is a gateway to high-elevation adventures and scenic drives within a short distance. Rocky Mountain National Park, about 70 miles northwest, is the state’s most visited park and is celebrated for its hiking trails, alpine lakes and abundant wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep. Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile route and the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., crosses the park; it’s open seasonally, and timed-entry permits are required during peak periods. Base your outing in Estes Park to explore its charming main street, boutiques and classic treats, or enjoy seasonal Colorado-sourced fare at Bird & Jim and lakeside dining at Ember.
Fifteen minutes west of downtown, Golden offers a taste of Colorado’s gold rush history. On warm days, tubers float Clear Creek while shaded walking paths provide a relaxing alternative. Stop for coffee at Windy Saddle Cafe, then continue west into Golden Gate Canyon State Park, where Panorama Point Scenic Overlook delivers sweeping views of the Continental Divide. For those who prefer hiking, the Raccoon Trail is a moderate 3.5-mile loop through aspen and conifer forests.