Hidden gems in Denver
Skip the tourist circuit. These Denver spots are the ones locals actually send their out-of-town friends to.
Top spots in Denver
Red Rocks Park
OutdoorsMorrison
Sandstone amphitheater + free yoga and sunrise concerts.
RiNo Art District
CultureRiNo
Murals, taprooms and Denver Central Market food hall.
Denver Botanic Gardens
OutdoorsCheesman Park
24 acres of themed gardens with summer Chihuly nights.
Larimer Square
Food & DrinkLoDo
Historic strip with patios, holiday lights and rooftop bars.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
OutdoorsFront Range
Drive to 14,000 ft — highest paved road in North America.
Confluence Park
OutdoorsPlatte River
Tubing the South Platte + a kayak run right downtown.
Where to eat
Mercantile Dining & Provision
$$$New American · Union Station
Alex Seidel's farm-to-table + market under one roof.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
$$Mexican · Capitol Hill
Street tacos and a Colorado-sized agave list.
Sushi Den
$$$Sushi · Platt Park
Fish flown daily from Tokyo's Toyosu market — book ahead.
Snooze A.M. Eatery
$$Brunch · Multiple
Pancake flights and bacon Bloody Marys — Colorado original.
Safta
$$$Israeli · RiNo
Alon Shaya's mezze and pillowy laffa from the wood oven.
Frequently asked
- Locals' under-the-radar picks include Red Rocks Park, RiNo Art District, Denver Botanic Gardens. These are the places that don't show up on the first page of mainstream travel guides.