Ultimate Itinerary For A Weekend In Denver
Known for being situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City of Denver is always a huge travel destination for Americans across the country. Between winter skiing, summer hiking and everything in between, we have the ultimate guide on the best places to eat, sleep and explore. Check out this weekend itinerary we have made just for you and your next road trip!
Where To Stay
The Oxford Hotel
Website | 1600 17th St, Denver, CO
If you’re looking to step back in history, the Oxford Hotel is Denver’s oldest still-in-operation hotel to date. Opened in 1891, the Oxford Hotel is known for its timeless elegance complete with oak furnishings, silver chandeliers, and frescoed walls.
Castle Marne
Website | 1572 Race Street, Denver, CO
The historic Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast in Denver, Colorado is a castle in the heart of Denver’s City Park and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Castle Marne features 9 beautiful rooms decorated in the Victorian style with all the same conveniences you’d find in a modern hotel. The 1889 locally and nationally designated Historic Landmark building is a unique location for intimate dinner parties, weddings and receptions alike.
Where To Brunch
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Website | 2262 Larimer St, Denver, CO
Snooze was born on April 2, 2006 in Denver, Colorado seeking to evolve the A.M. dining experience through culinary innovation, an eclectic and energetic atmosphere and comfortable and friendly service. Their mantra: it only takes a moment to make a difference. Since only being open for 11 years, Snooze sees the welcome of hungover college kids and families alike. They also believe in maintaining sustainability and economical practices.
Sam’s No. 3
Website | 1500 Curtis Street, Denver, CO
The best thing about Sam’s No. 3 is that they’re constantly serving up Denver classics such as the Denver Omelet and the Denver Skillet. Given that the owner is of Greek heritage, Sam’s No. 3 is unique in that it features Greek, Mexican and the classic American dishes you’re used to finding at a diner. If that isn’t enough to sell you, they’ve also been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
Where To Lunch
The Source
Website | 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO
After indulging on breakfast, you can opt for the lighter more health-conscious fare that Denver is also known for at The Source. The Source is an artisan food market that occupies a former 1880‘s brick foundry building in Denver’s River North District, offering a collective of food artisans and retailers complete with everything from freshly baked bread to craft cocktails, and street tacos to contemporary flower arrangements. While not your typical sit-down that you’re used to, The Source is a place you won’t want to miss out on.
Vert Kitchen
Website | 704 S Pearl St, Denver, CO
Vert Kitchen has been voted “Best Sandwich Colorado” most notably by Food Network Magazine. This cozy restaurant emphasizes real cooking and healthy eating. Their food is inspired by old world flavors, slow foods philosophy, and the passion and techniques of French cuisine. Everything is proudly handmade in-house using 100% organic and locally-grown produce, all-natural, sustainable meats and dairy, plus the finest pantry goods in Denver.
Root Down
Website | 1600 W. 33rd Ave, Denver, CO
Root Down is an exciting and creative masterpiece where each part is as important as the next. The fresh, modern take on food is exactly what you would think when you think Denver. Root Down is better known for their arepas, lamb sliders and bottomless mimosas.
Where To Have Dinner
Dos Santos
Website | 1475 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO
Innovative Mexican fare, beer & craft cocktails served in industrial, wood-accented digs, Dos Santos is the perfect place if Mexican is on your mind. Located in Uptown Denver, Dos Santos has attracted people from all over for their tacos but the delicious and inventive food does not stop there.
Fish N Beer
Website | 3510 Larimer St, Denver, CO
Fresh fish in Colorado? You betcha! Constantly flowing into Fish N Beer is high quality seafood direct from the coasts. Fish N Beer partners with local friends in the cheese, bakery, and farming industries to create the best food. Fish N Beer also maintains a light and industrial setting, making it the perfect place to dine while you’re in town.
The Pig & The Sprout
Website | 1900 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO
Located in Denver’s Union Station neighborhood, The Pig & The Sprout features a playful menu featuring food for those looking to pig out or those wanting to nibble on something lighter. Their atmosphere has the same split-focus design, between industrial slabs of concrete and climbing vines, books, and mirrors. Whether going for a brew before the game, or hosting a lavish dinner on the mezzanine, anyone and everyone is welcome.
Guard & Grace
Website | 1801 California St, Denver, CO
Named after the chef Guard’s daughter, Guard and Grace is a new take on the classic steakhouse – featuring the usual fiery grills and charcuterie, an oyster bar and bar tops, private rooms, and a wine cellar but with a brighter, more whimsical atmosphere instead of the usual dark stiffness.Guard and Grace’s sits within a 9,000 square foot space in the heart of Downtown Denver’s business district. Prime, certified angus and local grass-fed cuts of beef are met with fresh seafood, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and vegetarian fare for you and all your friends.
What To See
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Website | 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO
Red Rocks is 738 acres of history and geology. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transition between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. As the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world, this is a place you will want to hike, run around and explore for sure, and, if you get the chance, see a concert.
Estes Park
There really are a million different things to do in Estes Park if you have the time. If you’re looking to encounter wildlife, stay a night in a luxurious or rustic cabin or simply hike for the afternoon, Estes Park is the perfect finish to your Denver vacation whether you’re going solo, with a spouse or the whole family.
What To Do
Shop Larimer Square
Website | 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO
As the Mile High City’s oldest and most historic block, the buildings along Larimer Square are now home to an inspired mix of independent shops, high-end restaurants and lively bars & clubs. Larimer Square provides you with everything from one-of-a-kind fashion to vibrant nightlife—all within a canopy of lights above. Denver’s first block is a modern place to shop and a look back into history.
Grab ice cream at Little Man
Website | 2620 16th St, Denver, CO
Little man was inspired by Coney Island’s vintage hot dog-shaped stands, conducting business within a twenty-eight foot tall, 14,000 lb. cream can. For Little Man, it is all about the experience, nostalgic of the early 21st century’s golden age. The Little Man experience is a loving tribute to the creativity, wonderment, and whimsy of that era, featuring flavors that include peach cobbler, s’mores, and oatmeal cookie.
Take a Brewery Tour
Colorado ranks third nationwide in craft breweries per person, so it’s no surprise that a brewery tour is a must for visitors. If you’re looking to go mainstream, check out the ever-classic samples at Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewer in the world. Or, for something a bit more local and Denver-ish, try the craft brews at Breckenridge, Great Divide Brewing Co., or Wynkoop Brewing Co. for delicious beer flights and mouth-watering grub.
Stroll LoDo
Website | Lower Downtown, Denver, CO
LoDo, or Lower Downtown, is the historic district, a 28-square block erputing with nightlife. LoDo has everything from excellent restaurants, live music and livelier brewpubs, it also is home to Coors Stadium and Denver’s Union Station.
Hangout at Williams & Graham
Website | 3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO
For those of you who are 21 or older, Williams & Graham is the place you want to be to finish off your night. This popular and classic speakeasy has also been voted best cocktail, with live music in the heart of Denver.
Okay now, I’m suddenly hungry and ready to take a hike. I hope this itinerary helps you map out your Denver to-do list!
