For a couple of days full of hiking adventures mixed with a bit of city life, a weekend in Denver is the perfect destination. My best friend and I were lucky enough to spend an unforgettable few days in Colorado and it reminded me not only of how beautiful Colorado is but how important it is to take girls trips — this trip was just what the doctor ordered. For being early April, the weather was absolutely beautiful (78 degrees and sunny!) and we couldn’t have asked for a better trip.
A weekend in Denver gave us a mix of hiking, relaxation and plenty of shopping. Plus, we ate at some great restaurants that I share below. Keep on reading for where to stay, play, eat and drink in Denver.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed downtown Denver (LoDo) at the Grand Hyatt, which was a perfect location for us. Some other Denver hotels that caught my eye were the Ramble Hotel and a new addition to Denver, the Life House Hotel in the Highland neighborhood area. Aside from staying downtown, a few other notable areas to stay in Denver are the Highlands, RiNo, Capital Hill, Cherry Creek or Uptown.
One of my favorite neighborhoods was the Highlands neighborhood. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of LoDo, but here you’ll find several trendy boutiques with great bars and restaurants in the area. Not to mention, some of the best ice cream — Little Man. Choose RiNo if you’re looking to stay in the unofficial art capital of Denver or book a stay in Capital Hill where you’ll be next to the Capital! The city is easily drivable to make your weekend in Denver a breeze, but other options to get around the city include renting bikes, scooters or Uber.
WHAT TO DO
You won’t be bored in Denver with just a weekend to spend. There’s so much to do and different activities for every type of traveler making it fun for everyone.
+ Hiking
There is an endless amount of hiking options in the mile high city. You could easily spend your whole weekend in Denver just hiking. We choose to take a drive out to Boulder for the day and hike over there. A few Boulder hikes were recommended to us and I have listed all of them below. We chose to do the Royal Arch and Bear Peak trail. Both offer great views!
If you aren’t up for hiking in Boulder, there is also the well-known Red Rocks Amphitheater. While this location offers great views and hiking it’s also known to host some amazing concerts. Be sure to check out a show if visiting in a post-COVID world or get some tickets for yoga at the Rocks when it’s nice out. Other hiking options near Denver are of course the Rocky Mountains! Trails such as Mt. Ida and Sky Lake are very popular there.
+ shopping
You’ll notice that each Denver neighborhood brings a different type of shopping. We enjoyed Larimer Square and Highlands Square for some boutique shopping. You’ll also find a lot more well-known shops along the famous 16th street mall or you can find yourself strolling for antiques along antique row in the SoBo neighborhood.
+ union station
While Amber and I didn’t head to Union Station on this trip, this is a must-visit on your first trip or weekend Denver. On my first trip there, B and I spent time roaming the inside and even went to a New Years Eve Party there. While the inside operates as a hub for transportation, there are plenty of places for some coffee or eats inside. There’s even a hotel, the Crawford Hotel, connected to Union Station if you choose to stay there.
+ major league game
Denver is home to a few major league teams, the Rockies, Broncos and Nuggets. Amber and I were lucky enough to be in Denver when they had opening day for the Rockies. While the fan base was limited due to COVID precautions and tickets were very scarce, we saw plenty of fans out and about the streets of Denver. If visiting during a game, be sure to buy some tickets and head inside!
+ coors brewery tour
Both of us had previously done the Coors brewery tour on previous Denver trips so we skipped out on it this time around. If this is your first time in Denver, though, head here even if you don’t enjoy beer! When B and I toured Coors, we both really enjoyed it. Coors headquarters is actually located in Golden, Colorado but it’s a short 20 minute drive from Denver. You can get your tickets ahead of time here or buy at the door.
After the tour, you’ll get a couple free beer samples to enjoy. When the tour and the drinking is over, head over to Bob’s Atomic Burgers down the road for a bite to eat after!
+ spa day
One of our favorite things we did while in Denver was a spa day at the Brown Palace Hotel. The hotel has a ton of history to it and has hosted iconic celebrities like the Beatles, John Wayne and Harrison Ford for the past 125 plus years. The spa itself is something to rave over, too.
Highly recommend getting their signature massage and facial! For those looking for a relaxing type of weekend in Denver, be sure to head there.
WHERE TO EAT
There are so many great food options in Denver that it’s impossible for me to list them all. Below, I talk all about where we ate and the places that are on my list to try next time I’m in Denver!
+ TAVERNETTA
Tavernetta is an Italian inspired eatery with great outdoor seating. Their wine list is extensive and they boast some of the best handmade pasta. Make sure to book a reservation outside even when the weather is cold as they have the cutest heated pods that make your dining experience comfortable and stylish.
+ MOD MARKET
Mod Market is the perfect lunch destination for when you’re on the go and need something quick and fresh. We both loved their protein bowls, but their menu ranges from salads to pizza as well. It’s a great spot for a healthy and filling lunch.
+ SNOOZE
Everyone and I mean everyone, loves Snooze and will recommend it as a go-to breakfast spot. There are locations all around the city so be sure to head there for a yummy breakfast. I highly recommend getting either their french toast or waffles!
+ LITTLE MAN
Ahhh Little Man Ice Cream is something to behold. You’ll always see a line wrapping around their fenced in patio, but the ice cream is well worth the wait. Some of the best ice cream in Denver is at Little Man so don’t miss it!
+ ROOT DOWN
Root Down was another favorite of ours. They have a large outdoor seating area and it’s definitely a spot for large groups or even a first date. Their menu is good for even the pickiest of eaters!
+ IL POSTO
Il Posto is similar to Tavernetta in that their menu is easily shareable. They also serve Italian fare with a bit of a chic twist to it. Another spot with a large patio and great location. It’s entrenched among many other bars and breweries making it an easy place to bar hop after.
Places I wish I had time for: Linger, Rioja, Tupelo Honey, Olive & Finch and Liks.
WHERE TO drink
+ WONDER
Wonder is a juice, smoothie and coffee bar. We headed here for a quick smoothie before our spa day and I loved the unique flavors they offered. Order the turmeric twist or a juice to go. They also offer some other quick breakfast bites like avocado toast.
+ LITTLE OWL
I love testing out new coffee shops and Little Owl was the perfect place to grab a cup of joe in Denver. The shop is hidden along Blake St and their coffee is something to talk about.
+ RECESS
Located in the Lower Highlands area, Recess is a beer garden that was made for large groups. I have visited Recess before on another weekend trip to Denver and loved it so much that we went this time around. This bar has a huge outdoor space making it easy to find seating. In the warmer months, the patio is opened up for some lawn games and picnic style seating.
+ HAPPY CAMPER
I have been trying to visit a Happy Camper for awhile now. There is another location in Chicago and this place is always busy! After finally getting a reservation here, I can see why. While the bar is huge, everyone wants a seat outdoors on one of their many unique seating areas. Come here with a big group, order a few pink flamingo’s and I guarantee you’ll leave a happy camper (I’m sorry, I had to do it…).
Places I wish I had time for: Huckleberry, Williams & Graham, Death & CO, 54thirty and Elevated.
As you can see, there is no shortage of good times with a weekend in Denver. Hoping your time in the mile high city is just as memorable as ours was and let me know if you think I need to add any other restaurants or bars on my next visit to Denver! Looking for places similar to Denver? check out my guide to Asheville, North Carolina.
