Denver Airport is a great place to explore and discover the beauty of Colorado. Whether you have an hour or a few days, there are plenty of things to do both near and far from the airport.
From breweries to art galleries and shopping centers to outdoor trails, Denver Airport has an array of activities that will keep you entertained! Here we have listed the top 10 things to do by Denver Airport that should be on your bucket list.
From exploring local attractions and culture to discovering its culinary delights, there is something for everyone here! So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in the Mile High City!
1. Visit the Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States, featuring collections from around the world. Located just a few miles from Denver International Airport, it’s the perfect place to explore before your flight.
The museum has galleries devoted to modern and contemporary art, American Indian art and artifacts, photography, Asian art, and more. Plus, there are special exhibits throughout the year.
Take a break from your travels and take in some of Denver’s culture at this impressive institution.
2. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado. It’s just a short drive from Denver International Airport and is perfect for those looking to make the most of their time in Denver.
The national park offers breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and countless activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, auto touring, and more.
Make sure to explore the stunning mountain peaks that reach above 12000 feet in elevation! There are also plenty of nature trails and scenic drives that can be taken to explore the park.
So if you’re looking for ways to make your stay near Denver Airport even more memorable, add Rocky Mountain National Park to your list!
3. Check out Coors Field and Red Rocks Park
Coors Field and Red Rocks Park are two of Denver’s most iconic attractions. Coors Field is the home of the Colorado Rockies, one of Major League Baseball’s most successful teams.
Located in downtown Denver, it’s a great place to catch a game or just take in the atmosphere. Red Rocks Park, meanwhile, is located just outside of Denver and features some of the best views in the city.
It’s also one of the top concert venues in America, having hosted some of the biggest names in music. So if you’re looking for a fun day out near Denver Airport, Coors Field and Red Rocks Park are must-visit attractions.
4. Enjoy a Meal at the Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo, located just a few miles from the airport, is a great place to enjoy a meal while taking in some of the local wildlife. With over 4,000 animals representing more than 700 species, the zoo is sure to delight animal lovers of all ages.
You can take your time exploring the various exhibits or grab some food at one of the many restaurants onsite. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full-course meal, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite.
Plus, with special events and activities offered throughout the year, there’s always something new and exciting happening at the Denver Zoo.
5. Shop at Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Cherry Creek Shopping Center is a great place to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Located only 8 miles from Denver Airport, it’s one of the largest shopping centers in Colorado, with more than 150 stores and restaurants.
Enjoy an array of luxury shops such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus, as well as more affordable retailers like H&M and Forever 21.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, or Shake Shack. After your shopping spree, take some time to relax at the outdoor amphitheater or enjoy a movie at the on-site theater.
6. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Downtown Denver
Denver is the largest city in Colorado, and it’s full of amazing attractions. If you’re looking for something fun to do near the Denver airport, why not take a self-guided tour of downtown?
The 16th Street Mall is a great place to start your tour. Stretching from Union Station to Broadway, this pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Along the way, you’ll find public artworks and historic buildings. There are also free shuttles that run along the mall every few minutes.
You can even hop on one of the free shuttle buses that take passengers up and down the 16th Street Mall. These buses provide a great way to explore downtown Denver while taking advantage of some beautiful views of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
From there, you can make your way over to Larimer Square and explore its unique boutiques and galleries. Or take a stroll through Civic Center Park and enjoy its lush green space and stunning architecture. There’s no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city!
7. Try Out the Local Breweries
Denver is known for its craft beer and microbreweries, so why not take advantage of them while you’re in town? Just a few miles from Denver Airport are some of the best breweries in the area.
Sample unique beers made with local ingredients, or check out a brewery tour to learn more about how beer is made. From light lagers to dark porters, there’s something for everyone at these breweries.
Plus, they often have live music and food trucks on the weekends! So grab a beer, kick back, and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait for your flight.
8. Go for a Hike at Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is a top hiking spot near Denver Airport. Here you can find some of the best trails for a hike, such as the Fountain Valley Trail, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding red rock formations.
Besides, this park is home to diverse wildlife and plant life. You can also rent a bike here for an enjoyable ride around the park’s more than 5 miles of trails.
With its incredible landscapes, Roxborough State Park is one of the must-visit attractions near Denver Airport.
9. Enjoy the Live Music Scene
The Denver International Airport is one of the most popular airports in the United States and serves over 58 million passengers annually.
With so many people passing through, there are plenty of attractions and things to do near the airport. One of the top activities to check out is the live music scene!
There are a variety of venues located around Denver Airport that feature live music, including Red Rocks Amphitheater, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater, and Ogden Theatre.
These venues host a variety of concerts featuring both local and international acts throughout the year.
For those looking to experience some traditional Colorado music, head to The Grizzly Rose Country Bar & Grill, which hosts live country music every day of the week. There’s also Mile High Station which features jazz music as well as comedy shows.
No matter what kind of music you’re looking for, you can find it near Denver Airport!
10. Take in the Views of the Mountains from Lookout
Mountain Park Lookout Mountain Park is a great spot to take in some of the stunning views of the Front Range. You can go hiking, biking, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding areas.
The park also features picnic areas and historical sites, including Buffalo Bill’s grave site. There’s plenty to explore in this scenic oasis right next to Denver Airport.
Final Words
Exploring Denver Airport and its vicinity is always a fun experience. There are plenty of activities that one can enjoy, from visiting nearby museums to trying out delicious food.
No matter what you choose to do, make sure to create wonderful memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
With the top 10 things to do by Denver Airport mentioned in this article, you will surely have an eventful trip!
Key Takeaways
– Denver Airport is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the surrounding area and experience all that Denver has to offer.
– There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from historical museums and parks to shopping, live music, hiking, and more.
– Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, there are plenty of options around Denver Airport.