With a renowned snow season and nearly 300 days a year of sun, Denver contains the perfect balance of outdoor activities. Mix in the booming economy, great public transit, and a wealth of entertainment options, and you have one of the hottest travel destinations in the country. Many national and international companies are headquartered there, so it’s not improbable to travel to this beautiful place on business. Whether you’re there for pleasure or business, here are some of our favorite things to do in Denver.
Cruise the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
This is an activity you don’t have to get out of the car to enjoy. In fact, it’s contingent upon being inside a vehicle. This 2-lane road runs 15 miles up to the summit of Mt. Evans, climbing more than 5500 in that short distance. The result is a scenic drive with panoramic views and more than a few shifts in ecosystem. Mt. Evans itself is awesome, but the drive to it is something else entirely.
Attend a Chinese Festival
While Chinese Festivals aren’t an everyday occurrence in Denver, there are three per year that you should definitely experience if you happen to be there. The Dragon Boat Festival in July, the Moon Festival in September, and the Chinese New Year celebration in January/February are all spectacles to behold. Whether you make it to one of these festivals or not, do yourself a favor and grab some Chinese or Korean cuisine while in Denver. They’ve been getting more popular (and delicious) with each passing year.
See a Game at Coors Field
It’s not a bad idea to see a home game in any city you visit, and Denver is certainly no exception. It’s the highest elevation baseball park in the major leagues and is constantly expanding. There are even plans for a double-decker rooftop area with a slew of beers on tap. An added benefit of the high elevation (at least for those not yet acclimated) is that alcohol will have more effect, so be sure to grab a brew from The Blue Moon Brewing Co. nearby and take advantage of that natural discount.
Visit a Museum
If you want to take some time for edification, there are plenty of options in Denver. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has incredible displays for kids and adults alike. Both the Denver Art Museum and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art have aesthetic anomalies to boggle the mind. You won’t regret an afternoon spent at any one of these places.
Go to the Denver Zoo or Downtown Aquarium
If inanimate exhibits aren’t your style, Denver still has plenty to offer. The Denver Zoo is well-renowned and has a wealth of exhibits, from big cats to cheeky chimps to exotic flowers. For the more aquatically inclined, the Downtown Aquarium doesn’t disappoint. Don’t let Denver’s distance from the ocean fool you — this aquarium is brimming with exhibits. Whether you’re looking to pet some bottom-feeders or gawk at a wall of tropical fish, this Aquarium has your needs covered.
While this is only scratching the surface of this booming town in the middle of the country, it should give you some inspiration for getting started. Depending on the season of your visit, there are always snow activities (in winter) or hiking and climbing (anytime else). After a long and satisfying day, head back to a luxury Denver vacation rental instead of a hotel. Whether you’re on business or vacation, PC Housing can cover your temporary housing needs. Contact us today to find out more.