Denver Things to Do and Denver Attractions

Denver Places of Interest

It would take many, many weekends to fully explore and appreciate all of Denver's cultural, historical and recreational offerings. Outdoors lovers will find an endless variety of hiking trails and green spaces to enjoy, and those more inclined to art and history will be impressed by the city's excellent collection of museums, galleries and performance art centers. The following suggestions are a very small sample of Denver's places of interest, and all traditionally appear at the top of the "best of" Denver lists.

Coors Field
Opened on April 26, 1995, Coors Field is a 50,000-seat stadium that is home to the Colorado Rockies, Denver's Major League Baseball team. Named after the Coors Brewing Company located in Golden, Colorado, the 76-acre is located in Denver's lower downtown (LoDo). Here, fans lucky enough to sit near first base or in the right-field areas can enjoy magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains. While the majority of the stadium's seats are green, astute visitors will notice that the upper deck's 20th row is painted purple, signifying its location at precisely one mile above sea level. In anticipation of the fact that baseballs would fly farther due to the stadium's high elevation, builders decided to place the outfield fences at much larger distances from home plate than they are typically placed. The Rockies' season runs April to September. Tickets range in cost from $4 to $52. For more information: 800-388-7625

Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens has been one of Denver's most popular tourist destinations since its construction over five decades ago. The gardens are a visual feast for the eyes, and they serve as an outstanding educational resource for local schools and residents. The facility covers 23 acres and is heavily involved in conservation and research programs. Local plants are featured, providing visitors with an insight into Denver's unique geography and climate. What's more, the gardens recently opened Denver's first green roof that's accessible to the public. Green roofs provide natural habitats for local birds and animals by replacing a roof's concrete structure with local plants and turf. In addition to the Denver Botanic Garden's location at York Street, three other botanical garden sites in the Colorado area afford abundant education and horticultural offerings.

The Botanic Gardens are open daily, September 15 to May 11, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The gardens are open Saturday through Tuesday, May 12 to September 14, from 9 AM to 8 PM and Wednesday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $6 for youths ages 4-15, $10.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors ages 65 and older and $4 for students with identification. Admission for children under 3 is free. For more information: 720-865-3500

Museo de las Americas
This fascinating museum can be found in the center of Denver's exciting Santa Fe Art District. Founded in 1991 as a nonprofit museum, Museo del las Americas prides itself on preserving, supporting and presenting a wide variety of Latino culture and art. Well-thoughtout exhibitions, programs with strong bilingual components and a host of hands-on workshops and activities for kids all contribute to the Mueso's attempts to educate the general public about the beauty and diversity of Latin American arts.

A recent exhibition featured the work of Muniz, an international artist of considerable fame. Another exhibition, entitled Space Invaders, uses public spaces and environments as actual canvases; as visitors enter the rooms they become part of the artistic experience. The goal of the exhibition is to explore how the spaces we live in have morphed both physically and culturally.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. The museum costs $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and students. For children under 13, admission is free. For more information: 303-571-4401

Denver Art Museum
Housed in Denver's Civic Center, The Denver Art Museum is known both locally and around the world for its excellent collection of American Indian art. The museum houses eight curatorial departments, including architecture, New World, Western Art, Native Arts and textile arts. In October 2006, the Denver Art Museum opened its much anticipated new wing in the Hamilton Building. Compared with the gothic-like design of the old building, now referred to as the North Wing, the new wing is very modern, airy and open. The two buildings, connected by a bridge spanning 13th Avenue, present a striking contrast: the old building boasts a gothic design, while the new wing is very modern, airy and open. The two buildings' collections also vary by time period, with the North Wing offering a look at pre-Impressionist era art, and the newer Hamilton Wing displaying post-Impressionist art.

The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday from 10 AM to 10 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 12 to 5 PM. Admission is $12 for kids ages 6-18, $20 for adults and $17 for seniors and college students. Admission for childreun under 6 is free. For more information: 720-865-5000

Denver Entertainment

There is no shortage of fun things to see and do in Denver! Denver's great weather year-round means that visitors can enjoy attractions such as the 16th Street Mall even in winter months, and they can even go golfing in January. From people watching to taking in a ballgame or concert, Denver's entertainment scene is varied and chock-full of interesting venues.

16th Street Mall
When most locals are asked, "What should I see in Denver?" the 16th Street Mall is invariably at the top of that long list. Winding through the heart of Denver's downtown area, the 16th Street Mall is a marvelous, mile-long pedestrian walkway shaded by lots of trees. An abundance of galleries, restaurants, boutique shops and cafes line the walkway. Officially opened in 1982, this top tourist attraction is perhaps best enjoyed from the windows of one of the nearby skyscrapers: only then can visitors see that the Mall's granite blocks, transit lanes and sidewalks take the form of a huge Diamondback rattlesnake. During the festive holiday season, the Mall's 200 mature trees are decorated with 420,000 energy efficient LED lights, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Transportation to and from the Mall to downtown is a breeze; free shuttle buses leave either end as often as every 90 seconds, and there is also a link to light rail at Union Station. During the day, college students and professionals can be seen busily typing away at their laptops at the many cafes and restaurants, taking advantage of the entire area's function as a "hot spot" for free wireless Internet access. The 16th Street Mall is open year-round. For more information: 303-534-6161

Santa Fe Art District
The Santa Fe Art District is comprised of six blocks of beautiful art galleries, more than 40 in all. The area is Colorado's largest area devoted specifically to art galleries, all of which are housed between 5th and 10th Avenues in stately historic buildings and warehouses. Visitors to the Art District are sure to be impressed by the wide variety of art that exists here. Everything from contemporary paintings and sculpture, graphic art, mixed media, photography and textiles is on display. In an effort to introduce more of the local population, as well as visitors, to the neighborhood, a First Friday event is held every month, during which the galleries open their doors for three hours in the evening. Guests can also participate in free walking tours of the surrounding historic neighborhood, and free shuttle buses transport them from the galleries to the rail station located on 10th and Osage.

Denver Sports Teams
A discussion of Denver's entertainment options is not complete without at least a passing mention of the city's outstanding sports heritage. Denver is home to no less than three sports stadiums as well as eight professional - and very successful - sports teams. These include the NFL's 1998 & 1999 Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, the NBA's Denver Nuggets, Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies, and the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche, who won the 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cups. Additionally, Denver boasts a slightly less well-known professional lacrosse team, the Colorado Mammoth, an arena football team called the Colorado Crush and even a professional soccer team called the Colorado Rapids. Denver's large number of sports teams means that sporting events can be enjoyed year-round, and they are - attendance records are routinely broken for many events, especially for baseball.

Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is truly on of Denver's gems. This large recreational and park area borders the South Platte River. Carefully restored and cleaned up after years of neglect, the area has blossomed into one of Denver's most popular recreation sites for locals and visitors alike. The South Platte River meanders for over 40 miles, and bike paths have been constructed along side of it. Additionally, water lovers are sure to enjoy the kayak and rafting chutes which can be found in the stream area at Confluence Park. There is a yellow trolley called the Platte Valley Trolley which operates in Confluence Park and makes many stops along Riverfront Park. The Trolley is open during from April through the end of October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The summer and costs $3 for adults and $2 for children.

When Riverfront Park was refurbished and opened, it was Denver's largest addition to the city's park space in the 20th century. The surrounding neighborhood has experienced a boom in construction, and several thousand brand new housing options have been added, which run the gamut from urban lofts to spacious condominiums. Towards the southern end of Riverfront Park, a number of popular entertainment and cultural options for families can be found: there's Elitch Gardens Amusement Park on one side, and the Children's Museum and the Downtown Aquarium on the other. Riverfront Park is a neighborhood that's open year-round, and there are no fees associated for enjoying the park except for entering the nearby museums and for renting the kayaks for a small fee.

The Coors Brewery
Denver has a popular beer and microbrewery scene, and in fact, Colorado brews more beer than any other state - and the Golden brewery makes more brew than any other place on Earth. Not surprisingly, then, Denver is home to the famous Coors Brewery, which has confidently risen to the top of Denver's tourist attractions. Here, guests can take free tours of the facility, which is said to be the largest single brewery in the world. Beer samples are provided for those who are over 21, and private tours are also available. Tours last about 90 minutes, and reservations are not required. However, tours fill up very fast during the summer, and tours are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are given every days except for Sundays from 10 AM - 4P M. The tours are free. For more information: 303-277 2337

Red Rocks Amphitheater
Only 15 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheater is a stunning testament to the beauty of Nature. Completely geologically formed, this 9,000 seat natural outdoor arena was gently carved out of huge, 500-foot (152 meters) high, red sandstone cliffs, which provide spectacular views of Denver as well as the plains. Two naturally occurring, 300-foot slabs of rock create an acoustic experience which is not soon forgotten. One of the world's most well-known concert venues, Red Rocks has had on its stage the likes of the Beatles to grand symphony orchestras.

As visitors enjoy the performances, they can gaze upon the rocks that surround them, and the 250 million years of history which helped to create them. Once celebrated as one of The Seven Wonders of the World, this phenomenal venue is also the perfect place for hikes and picnics. Extensive renovations totaling $26 million were finally completed in 2002, and guests can now enjoy the advantage of a Visitor Information Center. For more information: 720-865-2494

Denver Restaurants

While Denver's 300+ restaurants in the downtown area may not be as well-known to the general public as those in New York
New York City or Los Angeles, they certainly can hold their own. Denver offers visitors a very wide range of culinary styles and tastes, and there are restaurants for every budget and preference. New venues are constantly being opened to cater to the city's growing, sophisticated tastes.

Vesta Dipping Grill
Vesta Dipping Grill continues to be rated as one of Denver's top restaurants, and the menu has alternately been described as fusion, world grill cuisine, funky, friendly and unique. The restaurant's name comes from Vesta, the Goddess of the Hearth, a Roman divinity. Highlights of the modern interior decoration include shiny gold and copper waves that gently undulate around large tables. Exposed brick walls add a touch of warmth and comfort. Some of the restaurant's well-known dishes include its tender Lamb Loin and Smoked Duck.

While the restaurant does not have individual private rooms, there are large circular booths which can seat up to 10 people each. The Vesta Dipping Grill is open Sundays-Thursdays from 5 PM - 10 PM and Fridays-Saturdays from 5 PM - 11 PM. Menu prices range from $18-$30 for entrees. For more information: 303- 296-1970

Restaurant Kevin Taylor
This trendy spot is popular with everyone from jetsetters to locals. Inside, a theme of gold and green is reminiscent of being inside a Medieval dining hall, and it gets busier and busier as the evening goes on. Menu standouts include seared scallops and a prime sirloin with gorgonzola cheese. Dessert lovers will appreciate the particularly decadent offering here - a small cake which is filled with warm, dark chocolate that spills out when poked with a fork.

Restaurant Kevin Taylor is a good choice for groups. The restaurant can accommodate larger parties with three private spaces; two rooms can seat 32, while a third can seat up to 80. The restaurant is open Monday-Saturday from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Entrees range from $30-$40. For more information: 303- 820-2600

Brook's Steak House
Brook's Steak House has been routinely rated as one of Colorado's best steak houses, though it's also known for its Colorado Lamb as well as South Australian Lobster, when it's in season. A classy interior is highlighted by a sunken dining room furnished with dark wood and brass. The popular bar area is busy every night, and cigar-smoking patrons will be delighted with the outstanding selection in the cigar cellar. Oenophiles will also appreciate the touted wine list's 1200 selections. Ultra tender filet mignon is a menu must, and those who prefer seafood will not be disappointed by the King Crab Legs.

The restaurant is a great choice for large groups, as it has three private rooms which can accommodate anywhere from 25-70 people. The restaurant is open daily from 5 PM -10PM. Entrees range from $30-$50. For more information: 303-770-1177

Sushi Den
Patrons weary about trying sushi when they are hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean will be highly impressed with this restaurant. Sushi Den has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional sushi, and it's routinely rated as being one of the top sushi restaurants in the country. Fresh sushi-grade fish is flown in daily, making the sashimi a much-ordered item. In terms of décor, it's modern and contemporary, and crowds tend to be trendy and sophisticated. The sister restaurant of Sushi Den is located in Japan. While this restaurant is not the best choice for large groups, it is one of those "must do" eateries in Denver.

Sushi Den is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 AM - 2:45 PM and from 4:45 PM - 10:30 PM; Friday from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM and from 4:45 PM - 12 AM; Saturday from 4:30 PM - 12 AM and Sunday from 5 PM - 10:30 PM. Menu prices range from $10-$30. For more information: 303-777-0826

Barolo Grill
Barolo is one of Denver's most well-known restaurants. It's a popular choice for those looking for a very high class establishment and also for those who are searching for a sophisticated nightlife scene. Inside, a fireplace is a nice touch, adding both aesthetic beauty and actual warmth to the rooms furnished with dark woods. The tender and lightly battered calamari is a menu hit, as are the seafood selections and the rack of lamb. A great wine list and an active bar scene makes this a gathering place for the trendy of all ages.

Three separate rooms at Barolo can accommodate from 10 to 50 people. Barolo is open Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Menu prices range from $10-$30 for the a la carte menu, though a Tasting Menu is also available for $40-$58. For more information: 303-393-1040

Denver Nightlife

Denver has a fun and diverse nightlife scene with something for everyone. From the bars and restaurants in LoDo and Larimer Square to the concerts taking place at Red Rock Amphitheater year-round, Denver is a great place to explore after dark.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Located on the northern edge of downtown Denver, LoDo offers one of the nation's greatest concentrations of Victorian buildings and warehouses, most of which have been renovated into house lofts, restaurants, art galleries, offices and shops. LoDo is also the center of the city's brew pubs, with six large brew pubs and micro breweries all within easy walking distance of each other that brew six to eight exclusive beers. LoDo is known to be one of Denver's most fun, hip and exciting spots for nightlife.

A vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, LoDo offers something for everyone, from the day tourist to the lifelong resident. The historic buildings not only house a variety of shops, restaurants and businesses, but they also create a unique urban living environment. For more information: 303- 628-5428

El Chapultepec
You can find this fun and historic venue in the popular LoDo neighborhood. El Chapultapec has been around since 1951, serving as host to numerous big acts including the likes of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. While El Chapultepec is a small, intimate venue that is always crowded, it is nevertheless known throughout Denver as the city's best place for live blues and jazz. Although the food and drink offerings are not overwhelming in number, every item that is served is excellent - and the burritos have earned the reputation of being some of the best around. There's never a cover charge, and Esquire Magazine rated El Chapultapec as one of the best bars and jazz clubs in the nation, both of which are great reasons to visit. El Chapultapec is open daily from 7 AM to 2 AM. Menu prices range from $5-$15. For more information: 303- 295-9126

Larimer Square
Larimer Square is a hip, trendy one-block area of Denver located on the city's oldest street, much of which dates back to the mid-19th century. Once on the endangered species list in the 1960s, the square has since been saved, renovated and marketed with great success. The historic brownstones are a popular tourist attraction, as are the many boutique stores and clothing shops. Always abuzz with activity, numerous restaurants and cafes can be found here as well, including well-known Tamayo's and the Del Mar Crab House. Seasonal events such as Oktoberfest and Winterfest also bring in large crowds. The area was on the endangered species list in the 1960s, but it has since been saved, renovated and marketed with great success. For more information: 303-534-2367

Family Activities in Denver

Families have a wealth of fun activities to enjoy in and around Denver. A great zoo, many museums and a number of amusement parks are sure to provide entertainment for the whole family.

The Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is the reportedly Denver's most popular tourist attraction with over 1.7 million animal lovers strolling its grounds every year. Conservation and educating the public about the environment are among the zoo's key goals, reflected in the numerous programs and educational activities it offers to guests throughout the year. Located a stone's throw away from downtown Denver, the zoo houses over 4,000 animals, including almost 150 that are on the endangered species list. The zoo also treats guests to rides on the world's first natural gas-powered train, another symbol of the park's commitment to environmental protection. Most visitors take at least three to four hours to fully explore the park.

The zoo is open daily, October 1 to the end of March, from 10 AM to 5 PM and daily, April to September, from 9 AM to 6 PM. Tickets prices are $5 or $7 for children ages 3-11, $9 or $11 for adults and $7 or $9 for seniors depending on season. For more information: 303-376-4801

Children's Museum of Denver
The Children's Museum of Denver opened in 1973 in a converted school bus. The museum quickly outgrew its original digs and moved into a building on Bannock Street in 1975. The current location, built in 1984, lies along the Platte River near the Denver Aquarium in downtown Denver. This museum is ideal for kids from infancy through eight years old and offers interactive "playscapes" for various age groups. In the "Center for the Young Child," babies, toddlers and preschoolers have a safe place to explore, climb and make believe at a pretend fishing pond. Bigger kids can explore a real fire truck, sell goods at a market, make train tracks, shoot baskets and put on a puppet show.

The Children's Museum of Denver is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Ticket prices are $5.50 for kids ages 1 and older and $7.50 for general admission. For more information: 303-433-7444

Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Located in City Park, less than three miles from downtown, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is the biggest museum of its type in the entire Rocky Mountain area. Beautiful dioramas and special exhibits educate visitors about six different areas of science including anthropology, paleontology and space science. Some of the most popular permanent exhibits include the Space Odyssey and Prehistoric Journey, which is particularly geared toward kids. An enormous IMAX screen features a variety of science and nature films, and it's a hit with audiences of all ages. Those interested in local geologic history will enjoy the museum's exhibitions about that, as well. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $6 for children ages 3-18 and seniors and $10 for adults. Combinations packages for the IMAX theatre, museum and planetarium are available for $8 to $20. For more information: 303- 322-7009

Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens is a popular amusement park set in the heart of downtown Denver, where it's been since 1995. Fans of thrill rides will enjoy the wide variety of adrenaline-pumping options here. Some of the more popular rides include the Flying Coaster, the Half Pipe and the Tower of Doom. Smaller children and the more timid can head over to the Ferris Wheel or the beautiful carousel, built in 1925. Children also line up for the fun Looney Tunes Movie Town. Island Kingdom Water Park is the perfect way to cool off during hot Denver summers, when it's especially popular and crowded. Don't underestimate this venue's entertainment value for all ages. Elitch Gardens is open daily June to August and with limited hours in April, May and September to November. General admission is $35, and Restricted Use tickets for seniors and kids under 40 inches tall are $20. The park is free for kids under 3. For more information: 303-595-4386

Landry's Downtown Aquarium
This highly popular attraction is the largest of its kind between Chicago and Monterey, California. Originally, it was opened as a non-profit venture in 1999, but in 2003 it was sold to Landry's, a seafood chain, as a result of funding problems, and it is now a highly successful for-profit establishment. With a location nowhere near a large body of water, the aquarium's exhibits focus greatly on the interaction between local inland freshwater systems and the ocean. Several of the exhibits are interactive, such as the horseshoe tank. In addition to the many exhibits, guests can enjoy a restaurant and lounge in the aquarium, but one of its biggest draws is the opportunity for licensed divers and beginning snorkelers to swim in its large tanks Saturday.

The aquarium's hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 AM to 9 PM and Friday through Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Admission is $8.25 for children ages 4-12, $13.75 for adults and $12.95 for seniors. After 6 PM, tickets are $9.95. Cost to swim in the tanks ranges $75 to $175. For more information: 305-561-4444

Recreation and Outdoors in Denver

With over 300 days of sunshine a year and the nation's largest city park system, Denver is truly an outdoors lover's paradise. The scenic mountain ranges that surround Denver are only a short drive away, as are numerous lakes, hiking trails and other recreational opportunities. Golf enthusiasts can try their hand at one of the more than 90 courses around Denver, and bikers will love the 850 miles of paved bike trails.

Rocky Mountain National Park
When many visitors think of Denver and Colorado, they think of Rocky Mountain National Park, and luckily, it's just over 70 miles away from the city. In addition to the park's stunning natural beauty, there is an impressive manmade attraction as well: Trail Ridge Road, which at more than two miles above sea level is the highest continuous highway in the world. Endless numbers of hiking trails, serene lakes, picturesque waterfalls and abundant wildlife make this an enormously popular destination year-round.

Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24-7 all year, but hours for individual visitor centers vary. Entry fees, which are good for seven days, are $20 per vehicle. Entry fees for bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians are $10 per person. For more information: 970-586-1206

Winter Park Resort
Snow bunnies visiting Denver for work revel in the fact that the city has its own ski area called Winter Park Resort. Getting there is a breeze on the aptly named Ski Train, America's biggest passenger train, that takes off from Union Station on the weekends. On its way up the mountain, the Ski Train races through an impressive 67 tunnels before reaching the summit. Many travelers appreciate the fact that the resort is very family friendly in terms of winter activity options as well as price. There is skiing for all levels, as well as great snowboarding. What's more, Winter Park is less crowded than some of Colorado's other famous resorts such as Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain. For more information: 800-979-0332

Fox Hollow at Lakewood Golf Course
The Denver area has dozens of beautiful golf courses to choose from, and Fox Hollow is without a doubt one of the best. Golfers are never far from nature on this course, which features views of the Rocky Mountains, scenic streams and open vistas. After finishing a round, guests can enjoy the atmosphere and fine dining inside Fox Hollow's award-winning clubhouse. Fox Hollow is open year-round and features three separate 9-hole courses - the Canyon, the Meadows and the Links - which vary in level of difficulty. For more information: 303-986-7888

Denver Tours

With such a wide variety of things to see and do both within and outside of the city's limits, tours provide a great way for visitors to experience all that the Denver metro area has to offer. Choose from nature tours, hot air balloon rides, history tours and cultural excursions.

ATS Helicopter Services
Viewing Denver from the air is one of the best ways to appreciate the city's geography and layout. There's never a bad time to experience a helicopter ride over Denver, but fall and winter are particularly beautiful times to fly. At night, visitors are treated to a spectacular display of twinkling city lights, and during the day, awe-inspiring geologic formations such as Red Rocks can be admired. Custom tours are always available. Tickets are $400 for 30-minute tours of up to four people and $875 for hour-long tours of up to four people. For more information: 303-825-0815

Adventures Out West
Hot air balloon rides over Denver and the surrounding areas are a very popular activity in the city. Adventures Out West offers just that, as well as a host of other adventures including Jeep tours in both Boulder and on Pikes Peak, white-water rafting on various rivers including Clear Creek and horseback-riding, biking and hiking trips. Adventures Out West is happy to arrange customized tours for both small and large groups, and it's one of the best ways to appreciate all of the natural beauty that Denver has to offer. Tours are offered year-round, weather-permitting. Tickets for hot air balloon rides range from $150 to $250 per person for a three- to four-hour flight. For more information: 800-755-0935

Denver History Tours
Denver is full of fascinating history, from its Victorian and Gold Rush beginnings to its expansion to a city of skyscrapers in the 1970s. Denver History Tours allows guests to choose from a large number of tours including the Haunted Houses of Denver, Gold Dust, Trail Dust and Victorian Denver. All tours are informative and fun, and they're a great way for visitors in town for work to relax. The tours are offered year-round and cost $10 for children and $20 to $25 for adults. Most tours last two hours, though some last 90 minutes. For more information: 720-234-7929

Denver Adventures
Outdoors lovers will enjoy the tours and outings of Denver Adventures, which take groups of all sizes to hike and bike some of the country's greatest trails. The majority of the trails and tours are no more than 30 minutes outsides of Denver proper, and the company offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The Rocky Mountains serves as a backdrop to fun activities such as trail running, snowshoeing and skiing. Denver Adventures offers its tours year-round, and prices vary considerably depending on the activity. Half-day hikes cost $90, rock climbing cost $190 for six hours and full-day sailing tours cost about $300 per person. For more information: 303-984-6151

Denver Restaurants

• Barolo Grill
• Brook's Steak House
• Corridor 44
• Fruition Restaurant
• Highland's Garden Café
• Marlowe's
• Prima Ristorante
• Randolph's Restaurant and Bar
• Restaurant Kevin Taylor
• La Sandía-Denver
• Vesta Dipping Grill

Denver Unique Venues

• Children's Museum of Denver
• Colorado History Museum
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Denver Center for the Performing Arts
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Landry's Downtown Aquarium
• Mile High Station
• Paramount Theatre
• Temple Events Center

Denver Attractions

• 16th Street Mall
• Larimer Square
• Four Mile Historic Park
• Riverfront Park
• Sante Fe Art District