Explore the Mile-High City: 10 Iconic Tourist Destinations in Denver!

Denver, located in the heart of Colorado, is a vibrant tourist destination also known as the "Mile-High City." This nickname comes from its impressive altitude—sitting approximately one mile above sea level and surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The city is a popular hub for visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Here’s a guide to Denver's top tourist spots, all conveniently accessible from the downtown area!

1. Denver Botanic Gardens

A top tourist destination in Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens covers around 24 acres and features 18 unique "Gardens of the West," showcasing plants that thrive in Colorado’s climate with a diverse range of colors and textures.

Among the must-see areas are gardens inspired by global cultures, including a Japanese garden featuring bonsai and tea ceremonies, an exotic South African garden with its diverse flora, and a serene water garden adorned with lotus flowers and other aquatic plants.

Visitors can also enjoy the gift shop, which sells flower-themed souvenirs, and the restaurant, which offers menus rich in fresh, locally sourced vegetables. The gardens host various events such as artistic light shows, art exhibits, and plant displays, making it a popular venue for weddings and birthday parties.

Don't miss the nearby "Chatfield Farms," a property of the Denver Botanic Gardens, offering a butterfly house, a cornfield maze, and a lavender garden, ensuring a year-round enjoyable experience. Located in Littleton, it's just a short trip from Denver.

2. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Located in City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers a variety of exhibits, ranging from dinosaur fossils and taxidermy of Colorado’s native wildlife to space exploration exhibits and a planetarium.

The IMAX theater is a crowd favorite, screening various films that rotate throughout the year. Past highlights include 3D documentaries on African wildlife, the mysteries of Pharaohs' mummies, breathtaking footage of Earth from space, and 3D tours of America’s stunning national parks.

There are also interactive exhibits, such as experiments where you can move a ball using only brainwaves and craft-making areas. When you're hungry, head to the dining area, where you can grab muffins, pizza, soup, or coffee. From the Sky Terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains! It’s a popular tourist spot where you can spend the whole day enjoying the sights and experiences.

3. Denver Zoo

Also located within City Park,, alongside the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, is the expansive 80-acre Denver Zoo. Here, visitors can see a wide array of animals, from mammals and reptiles to penguins and tropical fish, making it an ideal spot for animal lovers and families.

The highlight is Predator Ridge, home to lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. This exhibit has earned praise for both its design and its animal care, offering a dynamic environment where animals rotate between habitats, making for an engaging experience with active animals.

The zoo’s winter event, "Zoo Lights," is another major attraction. Held annually in December, the zoo is transformed into a glowing wonderland with lanterns and animal-shaped lights, while visitors can also observe the animals that are more active at night. Planning a visit during this event is highly recommended.

4. Denver Art Museum

The "Denver Art Museum," located close to downtown, is a must-see spot when visiting Denver. Even those interested in architecture will enjoy just seeing the modern building designed by Daniel Libeskind. The museum is especially famous for its collection of Native American art. You can also see over 60,000 diverse works, ranging from paintings and sculptures to furniture, decorative arts, product design, and graphics, from classical to contemporary art from around the world.

In the past, the museum has featured temporary exhibitions such as fashion designs from the 1980s and 90s by Japanese designers who revolutionized Paris and more than 70 original costumes used in the popular "Star Wars" movies. You can expect attractive exhibits no matter when you visit.

There's also a gift shop where you can buy expensive jewelry and glassware, as well as a children's shop that sells art activity sets and games. Admission is free for those 18 and under, and on the first Saturday of every month, admission is free for everyone. Be sure to visit this luxurious and endlessly fascinating museum.

5. Larimer Square

A famous tourist spot in Denver for food and souvenir shopping is "Larimer Square." It's a 100-meter section between Larimer Street, 14th Street, and 15th Street.

This square was part of a project led by a Denver activist named Dana Crawford to rebuild the town as it was in 1858. The street is filled with various shops, cafes, and bookstores, featuring impressive Victorian-style buildings. You'll also see people leisurely enjoying meals and conversations at terrace restaurants. The area stays lively at night, making it safe for tourists to enjoy shopping.

There are shops selling products from Colorado designers, stores for dog toys and supplies, and shops offering interior goods and art prints, with a wide variety of genres. There's also a wine bar and a comedy club called "Comedy Works." During December, the streets come alive with Santa Claus, magic shows, fashion shows, and other seasonal events. Checking the schedule before your visit will make it even more enjoyable.

6. Downtown Aquarium

Located by the South Platte River, which runs through downtown, the "Downtown Aquarium" is a popular attraction where you can see various fish species from North America, colorful frogs living in desert areas with less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, and sea creatures hiding among rocks and caves.

A popular attraction is the Mermaid Show, where mermaids swim with sea creatures, teaching the importance of environmental conservation. The aquarium restaurant has seating around a floor-to-ceiling aquarium filled with colorful tropical fish from the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. The 4D theater, which changes its showings seasonally, is a big hit with kids. The exhibit hall features a tunnel that lets you view the tanks from all angles, providing a powerful experience.

7. Elitch Gardens

Just across the river from the Downtown Aquarium is another top tourist attraction, Elitch Gardens. This park combines both an amusement park and a water park, making it ideal for a summer visit—don’t forget to bring your swimwear for a full day of fun!

There are over 10 thrill rides, including roller coasters. For families with kids, there are more than 20 attractions, including slower-paced coasters and a merry-go-round. In the water park, there are about 10 attractions, including various water slides of different lengths and speeds, and a wave pool.

There’s also plenty of dining options, ranging from stalls selling ice cream and beer to food courts where you can enjoy a full meal. The park is lively with concerts, shows, and events happening on different days.

8. Cherry Creek Trail

The Cherry Creek Trail is a roughly 40 km course that runs along the Cherry Creek from Confluence Park, located northwest of downtown, through the city and southeastward, eventually leading to Cottonwood. If you want to enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike at one of Denver’s rental shops!

There are many parks along Cherry Creek. You’ll also pass by landmarks like the University of Denver, Performing Arts Center, and Convention Center. Walking past the Sculpture Park offers the fun of seeing various sculptures along the way. In the downtown area, you can see everyday scenes like people resting between high-rise buildings or cycling.

As the trail passes by shopping centers, you can also stop by to pick up some souvenirs. If you enter Cherry Creek Reservoir, the trail extends into nature, offering a different view than the city. It’s a great way to explore Denver’s various sightseeing spots on foot or by bike.

9. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Denver Cathedral)

After visiting the Denver Art Museum, you can head to the nearby Colorado State Capitol and walk northeast on West Colfax Avenue to reach the Denver Cathedral, a popular architectural attraction among tourists.

The highlights are the beautiful building and its stained glass. The building, strongly influenced by French Gothic architecture, uses Indiana limestone for the exterior and Colorado marble for much of the interior. Italian Carrara marble is used for the altar, statues, and pulpit.

The cathedral boasts 75 stained-glass windows, one of the largest collections in U.S. churches, and they are considered top quality. The windows were crafted by Zettler, a master stained-glass maker from Munich’s Royal Bavarian Art Institute. He was known as an excellent chemist, creating beautiful colors and dyes. The cathedral’s magnificent stained-glass windows, which cost $34,000, are a must-see in Denver.

10. Forney Museum of Transportation

Located north of downtown is the unique "Forney Museum of Transportation." The museum showcases over 600 historical and unique vehicles, including a wide range of collections such as buggies, motorcycles, steam locomotives, and aircraft.

Highlights include the 1888 Denver Cable Car, the 1923 Case Steam Tractor, and many more. Noteworthy vehicles include the long open car with six wheels called "Hispano Suiza," a luxurious gold-colored Rolls-Royce, and the elegant white-bodied "Detroit Electric," among others.

If you're not very familiar with cars, it's recommended to join a tour. The staff will provide detailed explanations about the museum's history and collection. They also hold special exhibitions of rare vehicles seasonally. It's a must-see spot for car and antique enthusiasts.

◎ Summary

Denver is full of tourist attractions. Considering the number of landmarks in and around downtown, you could easily stay entertained for a week. Popular spots include the "Clyfford Still Museum" and "History Colorado Center," both near the Denver Art Museum. Also, don't forget to take a commemorative photo with the iconic "Giant Blue Bear" at the convention center!