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Denver is known for its craft beer scene, access to nature, and high altitude. It’s known as the “Mile High City” because it’s over 5,000 feet above sea level. Locals are not short of excitement lives in Denver, but if you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, we’ve got the list for you. We reached out to locals to share their favorite Denver secrets. So whether you live in one Apartment in Capitol Hill or just bought it house in the highlandsYou won’t want to miss these local favorites.
Nature and Science Museum
“My favorite place to enjoy the Denver skyline in front of the Rocky Mountains is at the Natural Science Museum,” he notes Little Miss bike ride, a blog for solo bike travelers. “At sunset, head up to the 3rd floor rooftop terrace for a postcard-worthy view of the city park.”
But before heading out onto the terrace, be sure to check out one of the many exhibitions at the Natural Science Museum, including Egyptian Mummies and a Space Odyssey.
death and glory
Death and Glory is a skate shop specializing in inline skates, roller skates and skateboards since 2018.
Jackie Zoeller from Denver Headshot Co. notes, “One such place that we’ve come to love is the skate shop on South Broadway called Death and Glory. This place is so well put together and so knowledgeable about healthy ways to spend time and money. Even if we don’t buy skates every time we go in, there’s always the experience of seeing something new, whether it’s a sticker, merchandise, poster, tattoo or floor plan.”
Elitch Gardens
Elitch Garden is a theme and water park that has been open for over 100 years.
“A favorite place of mine would be Elitch Gardens, which has a rich history,” says local photographer Kelly Hein Venn Diagram Photography. “Elitch Gardens was run by Mary Elitch and her husband. She was a successful female business owner by the time her husband died shortly after what was then the Zoological Park opened. She lured people into the city of Denver while everyone else was getting rich with gold up in the mountains.”
Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Hills and Cherry Creek Reservoir
Denver has always been a great place for cyclists. With sunny weather 300 days a year, cycling is an outdoor activity almost all year round.
Gravel bike adventure, a women-run website that creates gravel bike routes, shares, “As Denver’s population has grown over the past decade, we’ve seen a tremendous interest in gravel biking. Gravel biking is great for staying away from traffic, it doesn’t require a lot of technical skill like mountain biking, and you still get to see the beautiful scenery that Colorado offers.”
They recommend checking out Chatfield Reservoir and Waterton Canyon, Cherry Hills and Highline Canal and Cherry Creek Reservoir are great options for gravel biking.
Beaver meadows (path no. 44)
“Vicinity Periwinkle, CO, Beaver Meadows is a hidden gem near the Denver metro area. This trail, less traveled, has mature pines, wildflower meadows, beaver ponds, beautiful views of Mt Evans, and historic mountain shelters. The catch is that the trail is only open in the summer, you have to drive 5 miles on a bumpy dirt road with washboards, and you need a fishing license to hike there — even if you don’t fish.” revealed Karen Hoglunda local photographer.
mile high spirits
Mile High Spirits is a distillery and lounge offering house cocktails, live music and food trucks. They also offer tours, cocktail classes, and private events.
“What makes it unique here is they walk you through the whole process, raves Local Tours in Denver, a tour company that offers walking tours of Denver’s neighborhoods. “You’ll see everything from the Rack House, where over 53,000 gallons of whiskeys are aged, and you can get up close and personal with the distillation equipment. To top it off, you can taste the distillate (Moonshine) straight from the still at full strength.”
Hi darling
“Hello Darling is a brand new coffee and cocktail lab in Riverfront Park and is the perfect place to enjoy craft coffee and locally baked pastries by day and cheese and charcuterie cocktails by night,” he shares Local table toursa local food tour.
Some must-trys are the locally-sourced coffee and classic cocktails like espresso martinis and Manhattans.
El Noa Noa
El Noa Noa is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that offers everything from guacamole and fries to steak fajitas.
“My insider tip is the El Noa Noa restaurant. This unassuming Mexican restaurant has been a Santa Fe Drive staple for 42 years and has the best patio. I always order the same thing: Tacos Mi Tierra and their Coin Margarita,” she shares Jeremy Rilla local photographer.
The ART Hotel – FIRE Terrace
FIRE Terrace is a rooftop bar at the ART Hotel. It overlooks Broadway Street and offers beautiful views of Denver.
“ART Hotel’s 4th floor terrace (FIRE Terrace) is a popular place to meet friends in the Golden Triangle for drinks and bites. It is open all year round and is particularly beautiful on summer evenings. It’s a comfortable and welcoming place for casual gatherings with a beautiful view of the city,” enthuses Denver Golden Trianglea creative district of Denver.
Sam’s #3
Sam’s No. 3 is a diner staple with locations in aurora, Glendaleand Downtown. They have an extensive menu with dishes like poutine, shrimp benedict, and pork carnitas street tacos.
“Denver is packed with so many hidden gems, and our family’s favorite is Sam’s No. 3. Sam’s No. 3 isn’t fancy, but if you love diners you should try them, the pancakes and chili cheese fries are must-haves,” he says The Denver Housewifea blog dedicated to life in Denver.
Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery
Bigsby’s Folly is a craft winery offering house wines and a full-service bar. They also have a menu of small bites like truffle popcorn and tomato bisque.
“For a unique spot that’s perfect for meeting, sipping cocktails and grabbing a bite to eat, I definitely recommend Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery and Restaurant,” shares the local photographer Erin Winters. “They have small plates perfect for sharing, in addition to a variety of wines and offerings at the full bar. Be sure to indulge in a green chili goat cheese dip and Devil’s Margarita while sinking into their art deco.” -inspired furniture.”
