Unique things to do in Denver
Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.
Travel like a local
Denver continues to evolve from its roots as a 19th-century mining town to a hip urban epicenter of art and culture. But ask any Colorado natives, and you’d know the cool factor isn’t anything new — they were just too busy climbing mountains and brewing craft beer to alert us. Discover Denver’s most unique things to do with the local experts through Airbnb Experiences, who can take you on sunrise hikes to Red Rocks, through the city on art tours or pub crawls, and even for activities at an Alpaca ranch.
Top-rated activities
Most popular in Denver
Things to do near Downtown Denver
Things to do near Highland
Things to do near Capitol Hill
All activities near Denver
Your guide to Denver
Where do the locals hang out in Denver?
Lower Downtown (LoDo)
LoDo hosts some of Denver’s best places to eat, drink, and shop, not to mention a list of historic superlatives. The district, which was established as the original city of Denver in 1858, also sits adjacent to Larmarie Square, the oldest block in the city. Whether you are here for a morning stroll, lunch, or a night on the town, there’s always something going on over here thanks to more than 100 dining and shopping spots.
The Lower Highland (LoHi)
This neighborhood serves as the city’s cultural district. Here you can see old and new before your very eyes: Victorian homes, 19th-century brick warehouses, modern apartment complexes, and mixed-use buildings clash from block to block. Still, no one seems to notice (or care) in places like the Avanti Food and Beverage hall, where a variety of vendors serve up fresh fare.
River North Art District (RiNo)
While the Denver Highlands showcases a more polished urban playground, RiNo honors the creatives of the city as the premiere art district. Murals seem to splash onto the sides of buildings in the blink of an eye, as revelers sip on brews at a rockabilly-themed brewery before they head out to an open-house at an art gallery.
What are the best outdoor activities near Denver?
Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is the perfect launching point for some of the best outdoor activities in the entire United States.
Hike Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
While it may be best known as a concert venue, Red Rocks Park is also a favorite spot, just 15 miles out of Denver, to hike, mountain bike, practice yoga, and more. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy the sights here, be it along the 1.5-mile Trading Post Trail or the 6-mile loop on Red Rocks Trail. It’s also a great place to catch a sunrise.
Explore Eldorado Canyon State Park
Situated about 30 miles northwest of Denver, this Boulder County state park offers four hiking trails, as well as opportunities to fish, rock climb, picnic, and more. There are some 500 routes for climbers at “Eldo,” as it’s known affectionately by locals, who love going to this hidden gem of a park.
Take a day trip to the Rocky Mountains
Whether you travel into Rocky Mountain National Park, or explore the perimeters, this is one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts. Peaks rise up from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet in elevation, making for picture-perfect moments whether you’re on foot or in a car, including the chance at night to enjoy some astronomy as millions of stars explode across the sky.