We all know that when you sit down at your computer (or on your phone, it is 2022 after all), and search “Top Summer Activities in [your city here]”, the list they inevitably come up with is never the most exciting or out of the box. I guarantee if you were to go look at the list they may come up with for your hometown, you’ll likely cringe at the influx of overly-touristy options presented. If only there were a list of the secret haunts none of the locals wants to share with you!
So that’s where we come in! Of course, some highly trafficked Denver activities are truly worth the hype: going to a Rockies game, splurging on tickets to a favorite artist at Red Rocks (trust us, it’s more than worth it), or planning a trip to the Botanic Gardens or Art museum (but only on a rainy day obviously). But what about the other closely guarded secrets of residents of the Mile High City?
Here are, in no particular order, our takes on the actual best summer activities to go out and do here in Denver. By locals and for locals:
Visit Dairy Block: This former city block near Coors Field, recently transformed into a cosmopolitan micro-district is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in all of Denver. The cornerstone establishment is the Denver Milk Market, an expansive space home to 16 eclectic food and drink establishments (we highly recommend Kachina Catina), including wine bars, boutique shops, and art galleries that all come together to make it hard to believe you haven’t stumbled into a town in Europe.
Take the Whiskey Tour at Stranahan’s Colorado: It’s hard to believe that Colorado only opened its first distillery back in 2004. Still, the brand has certainly made up for any lost time, allowing its tour and tasting experience to land a place on this list. If you are a whiskey lover, we highly recommend you check it out!
For all our art lovers, we can’t say enough good things about First Friday Art Walks, a signature event of Denver’s Santa Fe Art District. On the first Friday of every month, the city descends upon Santa Fe Drive between 5:30-9:30 pm to explore the art galleries, hipster hangouts, or unique museums like the Museo de las Americas. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to hop from gallery to gallery, watch performances and imbibe.
The Beer Spa- Yes, you did read that correctly. Beer and Spa? You heard me right! One of Denver’s more recent establishments, The Beer Spa combines the services of a day spa, with a craft beer taproom. Featuring local brews, you can drift away and soak in a bubbly beer bath infused with hops, barley, and seasonal herbs that are carefully selected to give your body and mind a natural glow, or receive a deep full body massage in a private zero-gravity nook inspired by Astronauts in space. Still on the fence? Sounds like you need to schedule an appointment and check it out for yourself!
Located in the heart of the Rino District (River North Art District, another tourist haven well worth a visit), is the Denver Central Market. Almost like Denver’s mini Chelsea Market, the gourmet marketplace houses everything- a bakery, coffee shop, fish market, butcher, rotisserie, chocolate shop, ice cream, wood-fired pizza, salad, and sandwiches, and more! It also houses an outstanding bar, serving cocktails, beer, and wine. Come shop, eat and drink anytime between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Be sure to check out the countless murals around Rino, especially in the alley just behind the marketplace!
Keep an eye out for more of our staff’s “must-dos” in the Denver area on our blog- outdoor activities, bars and restaurants, and more! Have something specific you’d like our take on? Email [email protected] and we’ll be sure to give you our top recommendations in a future blog post!