Denver Getaway Guide

Urban adventure awaits in Denver.

Live life a mile up (fun fact: Denver is dubbed “Mile High City” because the 13th step on the west side of the Capitol is exactly a mile above sea level) where the wild things roam in the Colorado Rockies. 

“Road trippin’ through cinema’s backdrop” (aka Dumb and Dumber does Denver), outdoorsy folks can bask in 300 days of sunshine for hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, while music lovers will thrive via a ~rockin’~ year-round music scene and unique venues (s/o The Mission Ballroom in RiNo!). Ample food and bev fuel the hustle, from distinctive food halls (think Avanti F&B and Denver Union Station, a landmark in its own right) to Michelin-starred restaurants, and renowned breweries and bars. Basically, an adult playground at every turn. Here’s where to get that “Rocky Mountain High.”

DO

Winter Park Resort
When in Colorado in the winter, you ski. About an hour drive from Denver (or take the Winter Park Express train), elevated adventure awaits via the oldest continually operating statewide ski resort‘s 160+ skiing and snowboarding trails—plus daytime and night glow tubing, snowshoe/snowcat tours, and scenic gondola rides with 360-degree views of the Rockies. winterparkresort.com

Red Rocks
For views and vibes on high, the famed amp’s concert season runs April through November, but the ~6,280-feet-above-sea-level park is open year-round for hiking and biking. With red rocks as far as the eye can see, it’s not just ’Gram-worthy—it’s peak perfection. redrocksonline.com

Meow Wolf
A truly out-of-this-world experience, Denver’s premier interactive art venue’s third and largest permanent exhibition Convergence Station is “the first multiversal transit station serving Earth,” offering limitless exploration of new worlds—from a projection-mapped forest to a cosmic cave-like labyrinth and much more. Aliens may or may not make an appearance. meowwolf.com

Cherry Creek North

Home to the city’s highest concentration of locally owned stores, the popular shopping district is a shopaholic’s dream come true. Make your way through 300 retail shops, then treat yourself to drinks and eats at one of the beloved bars/restaurants. And getting you in the holiday spirit is the neighborhood’s 1 million bright festive lights. cherrycreeknorth.com  

Nurture

Denver’s ~nurturing~ wellness hub offers everything from movement classes (yoga, strength, conditioning, HIIT, etc.) to an infrared sauna and Himalayan salt room to a clean and health-conscious cafe. The “wellcare marketplace” is also always buzzing with events, including markets, workshops and speed dating. visitnurture.com 

EAT

Happy Camper
No bad vibes here—“don’t worry, eat happy” is the MO at this colorful lively bar/restaurant thanks to a giant patio, firepits, 360-degree bar, and disco ball-filled and neon-lit dining room. Pizza, “happytizers,” desserts, brunch, and fun cocktails and shots keep the party going all day long. happycamper.pizza

The Wolf’s Tailor
No rules is the rule at one of Denver’s top-notch Michelin-starred restaurants. Taking inspo from near and far (including the team’s travels and local artisans, farmers and craftsmen), the standout spot is known for its seasonal multicourse menu experience, feat. anything from wagyu and Berkshire pork dumplings to sourdough piada straight from the wood-fired oven—all making for a killer meal. thewolfstailor.com

Alma Fonda Fina
For a fiesta in every bite, look no further than this newly Michelin-minted Mexican locale at once paying homage to chef Johnny Curiel’s rich heritage in his home country while also nodding to the local culinary scene. Start with the guac or rajas con crema, then make your way through the tacos, flautas, ribeye, Colorado striped bass and more—interspersed with rounds of margs, tequila and/or mezcal, natch. almalohidenver.com

Fox and the Hen
At this cute and colorful all-things-breakfast hot spot, brunch is more than a meal—it’s a lifestyle. Classic items get a lighthearted twist—“animal-style” hash browns, tacos con huevos, gyro omelet… you get the gist—and are best served with a creative cocktail, bloody or mimosa (a bottle is always a smart choice). After all, the best things in life happen in the morning. foxandthehen.com

Hey Kiddo
Calling all kids at heart. The menu at JBA Outstanding Restaurateur Kelly Whitaker’s lively resto is, in a word, fun. Naturally, playing with your food is A-OK here, so mix and match with the vibrant selection of shareables, “centerpieces” and accompaniments (and no one will judge if you order dessert first). After your meal, tuck into the hidden cocktail bar in the back dubbed Ok Yeah, and the masterful mixologists will whip up a stellar drink to match whatever you’re in the mood for. hk-oy.com 

Hop Alley
If you crave a mood to match your menu, the RiNo arts district eatery’s got you covered with one of the best playlists in town. The main event, of course, is the unique Asian-inspired cuisine—think chilled tofu with cucumber and bang bang sauce, Sichuan boiled beef, and bone marrow fried rice; while the Vietnamese coffee waffle makes for the perfect ending. hopalleydenver.com

Xiquita
Nixtamal is the name of the game at chef/owner Erasmo Casiano’s sophomore restaurant (pronounced “Chiquita”), where maize is used to create delicious tortillas, tamales and more—and pay homage to ancient traditions. Give your taste buds a cultural education via the likes of slow-roasted pork belly “porchetta,” duck confit tacos with house mole and carne asada—best paired with a tequila- or mezcal-forward cocktail, natch. xiquita.co

DRINK

Hello Darling
Spend a good morning and a good night at this ubercute coffee shop/cocktail lounge. Swing by in the am for espresso bevs, teas and tea lattes, and classic coffee drinks—and, come evening, choose your fighter from the list of gin-, vodka-, whiskey-, tequila/mezcal-, and rum-based cocktails, or spring for a glass of vino to pair with charcuterie and other snacks. hellodarling.cafe

Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company 
With its vibrant colorful exterior, you can’t miss Five Points’ popular brewery/taproom—and you definitely won’t want to pass up the opp to enjoy a round or two. “Indie-owned and -crafted,” OMF specializes in a constant rotation of stellar brews made with local ingredients, from IPAs and lagers to saisons and funky sours. buyomfbeer.com

The Tatarian
Casual-cool contemporary neighborhood bar vibes and in-the-know bartenders collide with sophisticated sips at this lauded cocktail haven in the quintessential Berkeley neighborhood. Drinks taking inspo from trees range from the Flor de Cana Rum-based Rainbow to the melon liqueur and Heirloom Genepy-based Wisteria—all certain to turn anyone into a “tree-hugger.” thetatarian.com

Dandy Lion Coffee
It’s all fine and dandy at this whimsical cafe meets plant shop in the Park Hill Neighborhood, providing a major serotonin boost in the form of specialty lattes and teas, espresso spritzes and the like, plus pastries from local business partners. The best seats in the house are by far the fun swing chairs—and don’t leave without a plant baby to take home. @dandy_lion_coffee

Room for Milly
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but here it’ll only allow you to find your new favorite drink. Inspired by world travels and foreign explorations, the whimsical fancy-meets-cheeky cocktail house offers an intimate space to enjoy modern bevs and snacks, like the Beijing mule starring Jasmine-infused vodka, or Melo’s Sangria made with red wine, brandy, peach liqueur, citrus and prosecco. roomformilly.com

Ay Papi
Cocktails and vibes are on high at this energetic Latin-inspired cocktail bar that feels like a sultry Miami lounge experience. The rum-based drinks are a must, whether you spring for the spicy guava daiquiri, mai tai or rum old-fashioned—and the small bites have you covered when hunger strikes. Take a seat in the light-filled and gorgeously designed interior, and you’re bound to spot some of the who’s who of the city. aypapidenver.com

STAY

Hotel Clio
Located in the chic Cherry Creek North shopping district, the Luxury Collection Hotel is peak elegance, what with luxe rooms and suites boasting Rocky Mountain views, a refined lobby, and in-house all-day resto Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge. Not to mention boutique shops, fitness studios, restaurants and other attractions are mere steps away. hotelcliocherrycreek.com

Urban Cowboy
You’re not in the Wild West anymore… Housed in an ornate Gilded Age mansion touting preserved original details and architecture, you’re gonna wanna extend your stay. A feast for the eyes and the senses, opulence and whimsy unfold in stunning fashion across the newly revamped 16-room boutique property via art tile fireplaces, handmade wallpaper, copper clawfoot tubs and beyond. urbancowboy.com

Populus
Already heralded for its unique biophilic design is this striking au naturel new kid on the block inspired by Colorado’s widespread Aspen tree. Boasting natural materials and calming tones, seasonal cuisine, and original art curated by environmentalist Katherine Homes, it promises to be an escape in style. populusdenver.com

Life House LoHi
Nodding to Denver’s Western pioneers, this homestead evokes Old West and Victorian elements within its lavish yet rustic suites (there are even guest rooms with modern bunks designed for groups!), coffee/tea lounge, and cocktail bar and restaurant inspired by the wildflower terrain. Every detail is guided by the area’s history and cultural heritage—though how your own story plays out at the House is up to you. lifehousehotels.com

Limelight
Après-ski takes on a whole new meaning at Condé Nast Traveler’s No. 2 2024 readers’ choice awarded hotel in Colorado. With its urban-alpine-inspired rooms (see: knotty pine paneling, warm tones, thoughtfully curated art by local artists and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing top-tier views of the Rockies), you’ll feel as though you’re on a mountain getaway—but in reality you’re only steps away from some of the best attractions in the city. limelighthotels.com/denver