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Are you planning a 4 days in Denver itinerary and wondering how to get the most out of it? Well, you’re in luck! This blog post will provide you with the perfect 4 day itinerary to explore Denver, Colorado.
Denver is a vibrant city with a wide variety of attractions to explore. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an urban explorer, Denver has something for everyone. 4 days in Denver itinerary is the perfect way to get a taste of all the city has to offer.
How many days do you need to see Denver?
4 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Denver. Whether you’re looking to explore the nearby Rocky Mountains, or an art and history buff looking to delve into Denver’s cultural heritage, a 4 days in Denver itinerary will give you enough time to take in the sights and sounds of Colorado’s Mile High City.
Getting to Denver
The best way to get to Denver from out of state is by plane, train, or car. Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the busiest airports in the country. Amtrak’s California Zephyr line stops in the heart of downtown Denver at Union Station. Once you’re in Denver, there are many easy ways to explore such as taking a shuttle service, or public bus, booking an Uber or Lyft, or biking.
If you’re flying into Denver International, I would recommend taking the RTD Light Rail down to Denver Union Station (depending on your destination). It’s a lovely scenic route that ends in the vibey and fun Union Station. You can check out the Terminal Bar or the many other restaurants and shops including cool coffee spots.
Day 1 – Explore the City of Denver
Exploring the city of Denver is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the Mile High City. You’ll find unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. You should definitley consider booking one or a couple of Denver Tours that will help you explore the city. You can also experience the amazing food scene by booking a Downtown Denver Food tour.
CityPASS Denver
You can make the most out of your time in Denver by purchasing a CityPASS Denver that includes the most popular sights in Denver for one low price.
These are just a few of the fun attractions:
- Denver Art Museum – This world-renowned museum features a permanent collection of more than 70,000 works of art from around the world.
- Denver Botanic Gardens – This beautiful oasis features more than 40 acres of lush gardens, including rare collections of plants from around the world. Take a stroll through the gardens, take in the stunning views from the observation decks, and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science – This world-renowned museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, from dinosaurs to space exploration. It also has a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a wide range of exhibits.
Hangout at the LoDo
LoDo refers to lower downtown Denver. LoDo is Denver’s oldest and most iconic neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and impressive art galleries. Head to the 16th Street Mall and ride the free shuttle, which takes you up and down the mile-long pedestrian shopping area.
Breweries
The craft beer scene in Denver is booming, so take some time to explore a few of the local breweries. Denver is home to some of the best breweries in the country, including Great Divide Brewing Company, Wynkoop Brewing Company, and Epic Brewing Company. Be sure to try a few of their unique brews and find out what makes each brewery unique.
Wine
Denver, Colorado has a variety of wineries and wine bars to explore. Popular wineries and wine bars in the Denver area include Snowy Peaks, Silver Vines Winery, Blanchard Family Wines, Carboy Winery, and Deep Roots Winery & Bistro.
Day 2 – Tour the Great Outdoors
There are many popular parks to go hiking near Denver, Colorado. Each of these parks offers a variety of trails with different levels of difficulty, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. It’s the perfect addition to 4 days in Denver itinerary.
Denver area parks and trails:
- Rocky Mountain National Park (90 miles/1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Staunton State Park (40 miles/1 hour)
- Red Rocks Park (25 minutes/15 miles)
- Chautauqua Park (45 minutes/30 miles)
- Arapaho National Forest (60 miles/1 hour and 15 minutes)
- Brainard Lake Recreation Area (45 minutes/30 miles)
- Buffalo Creek (36 miles/1 hour)
- Roxborough State Park (35 miles/40 minutes)
- White Ranch Park (30 minutes/17 miles)
- Mount Evans (50 miles/1 hour and 10 minutes)
Golden
Golden, Colorado is a beautiful city with something for everyone. From outdoor activities to unique attractions, Golden is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Explore the great outdoors by hiking Lookout Mountain Nature Center, or head over to Coors Brewery for a tour and tasting.
If you’re looking for some culture, visit the National Renewable Energy Laboratory or the Colorado School of Mines. For a taste of the city’s rich history, take a walk around the Golden Public Art Walking Tour and view the historic mansions and buildings. Check out the amazing shops, restaurants, and galleries in downtown Golden. With so much to do and see, Golden is the perfect place for a fun-filled trip!
Boulder
Boulder, Colorado is a vibrant city filled with exciting things to do. Take a stroll along the picturesque Pearl Street Mall, and explore the city’s restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. For stunning views, hike the iconic Flatirons or take a scenic drive up Flagstaff Mountain.
Enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Visit the University of Colorado Boulder campus and explore its history and attractions, such as Fiske Planetarium and Macky Auditorium. Immerse yourself in Boulder’s culture at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, or ake a tour of the Celestial Seasonings Tea Company.
Aurora
For outdoor adventure, visit Cherry Creek State Park for stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. Get a taste of the city’s history with a visit to the Aurora History Museum, or explore the Plains Conservation Center to see wild pronghorns and prairie dogs.
Shop at the Southlands Lifestyle Center and explore its eateries, or hit the trails at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Red Rocks
Red Rocks, Colorado is a stunning destination for outdoor adventurers and music lovers. Enjoy stunning views and breathtaking natural attractions. Take a hike along the Red Rock Trails and explore the park’s rock formations.
For a taste of history, take a tour of the Historic Trading Post and Hall of Fame. Visit the Red Rocks Visitor Center for information on all the park’s attractions, then swing by the Trading Post to pick up a souvenir.
Estes & Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Colorado. Estes Park is home to the iconic Stanley Hotel, the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, and the beautiful Lake Estes.
Spend a day exploring downtown, browsing the shops and restaurants, or take a kayak out on the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning expanse of mountains, meadows, and trails. Take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, or explore the many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Go fishing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in the winter months.
Check out this post on 8 reasons to visit Rocky Mountain National Park if you’re heading that way.
Day 3 – Discover the Arts & Culture Scene
In a 4 days in Denver itinerary, make sure you make time to explore Denver’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
RiNo, or the River North Arts District, is a vibrant neighborhood in Denver known as “the place where art is made.” It is home to some of the city’s most unique bars, microbreweries, art galleries, and unique shops. RiNo also boasts historic warehouses and factory buildings that are now home to some of Denver’s most creative businesses.
A visit to RiNo is an energetic and lively experience, full of art, delicious food, and creative music venues. Whether you’re looking for a coffee shop to relax in, a brewery to sample some local beers, or an art gallery to admire, the RiNo district has something for everyone. Plus, it’s conveniently located just ten minutes from downtown Denver, making it an ideal spot for a Denver itinerary.
Explore Denver’s thriving live music scene. One of the most iconic live music venues in the city is Red Rocks Amphitheatre, widely considered to be one of the best natural amphitheaters in the world. Other popular venues include the Mission Ballroom, the Bluebird Theater, Cervantes’ Masterpiece, and the Hi-Dive.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is a complex of artistic venues from Broadway tours to locally produced Theatre Company productions, immersive plays, cabaret shows, and more. Located in downtown Denver, the DCPA is home to the historic Buell Theatre, which regularly hosts award-winning shows from around the world. It’s also home to the Black Box Theatre, which showcases boundary-pushing performances from local and international artists.
Day 4 – Explore a Charming Mountain town
There are several mountain towns located a short drive away from Denver, Colorado. Our favorites are Boulder, Golden, Morrison and Estes.
- Boulder (27 miles/40 minutes)
- Golden (16 miles/30 minutes)
- Winter Park (67 miles/1 hour and 45 minutes)
- Morrison (23 miles/30 minutes)
- Idaho Springs (32 miles/45 minutes)
- Evergreen (29 miles/45 minutes)
- Estes Park (70 miles/1 hour and 10 minutes)
- Georgetown (42 miles/1 hour and 10 minutes)
- Nederland (20 miles/30 minutes)
- Ouray (210 miles/3 hours and 30 minutes)
Where to stay in Denver for 4 days
There are a number of great hotels in Denver that you can stay in for your 4 days in Denver itinerary.
The Brown Palace Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. This historic hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, from a world-class spa to a rooftop pool.
The Oxford Hotel is another great option. This boutique hotel offers modern rooms and suites, as well as a variety of dining and nightlife options.
The Crawford Hotel is a cool option since it’s in Denver Union Station and located near a bunch of restaurants and bars downtown.
These are just one of the many options available in Denver. I also love Hilton and Marriott properties and there are a lot of great ones located in the area. You really can’t go wrong!
Where to Eat in Denver
Denver is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale bistros. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in the city.
- Dushanbe Teahouse
- Denver Biscuit Company
- Rioja
- Beast + Bottle
- Voghera Ristorante
- Linger
- Sassafras
Recommended Bars in Denver
Denver is home to some of the best bars in the country. It has from the cozy and charming to the bustling and vibrant, Denver has something for everyone.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Adrift Tiki Bar
- B&GC
- The Cruise Room at the Oxford Hotel
- Mile High Spirits Distillery Lounge
- Forget Me Not
Tips for Visiting Denver
Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes. Denver is a very walkable city, and you’ll want to make sure you have the right footwear for exploring.
Bring a jacket. Even in the summer months, the nights can get chilly in Denver.
Take advantage of public transportation. Denver has an extensive public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city.
Check out the local markets. Denver is home to a variety of farmers’ markets, where you can find fresh produce and local goods.
Take your time. Denver is full of exciting things to see and do, so don’t rush your visit. Take your time and enjoy the city.
What is the best month to go to Denver?
The best month to visit Denver will depend on what activities you plan on doing during your visit. For avid skiers, late November to the end of March is the best time as the slopes are open and the cold temperatures keep the snow fresh.
For hikers, mountain bikers, and river rafters, May to October is the best time as the weather is best for these activities. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the best times of year overall as the temperatures are mild and the crowds are less.
My husband and I got married in Denver in October and the weather was absolutely awful the week leading up to our wedding. Thankfully, it cleared up literally the day of our wedding and it was a sunny yet chilly 50 degrees. It was absolutely magical!
Is Denver expensive to visit?
Denver is an affordable destination. Like any destination, Denver can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. Accommodation is generally quite reasonable, with plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available.
Food and transportation are also affordable, with local restaurants offering tasty and budget-friendly meals and public transport fares being relatively inexpensive. Denver also has plenty of free attractions and activities, such as walking tours, parks, and museums, making it a great budget destination.
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, you’ll definitely want to check out my posts on how to plan a weekend trip on a budget and ways to save money on your next vacation.
Get Ready to visit Denver, CO
Your trip to Denver will be unforgettable, no matter how long you stay! Start your 4 days in Colorado itinerary with a full day of outdoor activities and end the trip by taking in the nightlife and culture of the city. You’re sure to have an amazing time!
Looking for more ideas? Check out my feature in The Ultimate Denver, CO Bucket List from Redfin.
