The Perfect Weekend in Denver, Colorado!

Larimer Square, The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Experience the Mile High City in a whole new way with a weekend getaway in Denver, Colorado. There’s something for everyone with a variety of attractions and activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family-friendly vacation, Denver has something to offer everyone.

The perfect weekend in Denver, Colorado is a great way to celebrate being vaccinated and re-entering the world. There are so many things to do in Denver. So when I found round trip tickets there from Detroit for under $100 USD ROUND TRIP I booked Logan and me tickets .0001 seconds later. (Umm sweetheart, we’re going to Denver next weekend ok?)

Did I mention the tickets were for Friday to Sunday? Trying to fit in all the best things to do in Denver within just 2 days would be challenging but possible. The perfect weekend in Denver was officially set into motion.

This is your guide to the perfect weekend in Denver, Colorado!

Be sure to check the most up-to-date COVID-19 restrictions before your trip!
View Current COVID-19 Restrictions to Denver HERE

Union Station The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

How to get to Denver

To get to Denver we flew into (DEN) Denver International Airport early to make the most out of our first day. I spend a lot of my time on Skyscanner. Almost every single day. I’m constantly looking at flights out of Detroit to see what kind of deals there are, which is usually how we end up in the places we do.

Getting Around Denver

My recommendation is to rent a car in Denver if you plan on visiting the surrounding area. We picked up our rental car right at the airport and found parking in the city without difficulty.

Have you heard of Denver’s new eTuks? They are fully electric (zero emissions!), seat up to six people, and are equipped with seat warmers and see-through windscreens for cooler nights. Take an eco-friendly tour to see the city’s highlights, or just enjoy a nice carbon-free ride around the city.

Wondering when the best time to visit Denver is? Let me tell you.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

where to stay in Denver

The Crawford Hotel is like no other hotel in Denver. Residing within the historic transportation hub, Denver Union Station, The Crawford provides its guests with the best of Denver all within steps. Each of the hotel floors represents a different era of Denver Union Station’s history. The architecture of Denver’s original train depot has been carefully preserved, resulting in room layouts that are completely unique from one another. Perfect for couples flying in for a weekend getaway to Denver.

The Ramble Hotel is locally owned and operated. It is also the first hotel in Denver’s industrial and artistic RiNo neighborhood. The boutique hotel houses the bar Death & Co; DC/AM, a cafe bar serving breakfast and lunch. Then there is Suite 6a, a reservation-only private bar featuring a cocktail-tasting menu experience – all operated by Death & Co. Additionally, The Ramble Hotel is also home to Vauxhall, an intimate music and theatre venue.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

The Rally is located in Five Points, a neighborhood in Denver, and is in the entertainment district near a train station. MODERN COMFORT AND LOCAL SPIRIT IN DENVER’S NEWEST ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION. This hotel is vibrant, family-friendly, and is in the LoDo neighborhood which puts you right in the center of all the action. Plus it has a pool with an incredible view.

Flora House Denver is a beautiful 1892 Victorian mansion bed and breakfast. There are six luxury rooms each featuring designer details and a focus on the beauty of nature. You’ll find living plants and botanical details all around this sustainable property. Because the owners work each day to make earth-friendly choices in all areas of their businesses and lives.

Visiting the Boulder area? Then Check out these cozy pet-friendly cabins!

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Where to Eat in Denver

Food was the only thing on my mind as we arrived in Denver. It was 11 a.m. but we had been up since 5 a.m. EST and this girl hadn’t eaten yet- that made finding food priority #1. I’m more of a brunch person – so we sought out the best brunch spots in Denver and came across these delicious restaurants.

Brunch Spots

Snooze

Snooze is THE place for brunch in Denver. The restaurant was packed with an hour-long wait for a table (still hungry) so we wandered around Union Station while we waited.

Four Friends Kitchen

Southern & traditional style breakfast, brunch & lunch. Beignets are a must with your coffee or tea. Grab mimosas at the full bar, and plan your adventure in the insta-worthy kitchen.

Denver Biscuit Company

As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the food network this local cuisine cafe is an American-style menu full of unique biscuit-centered dishes with vegetarian and Vegan options. Denver Biscuit is also connected to Fat Sully’s Pizza in downtown Denver.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Coffee & Pastry desserts in Denver

After what might have been my favorite meal of the trip and some long-overdue caffeine from Pigtrain Coffee we headed out to explore Denver.

Pigtrain

The Union Station coffee spot restaurant offers coffee classics, iced coffee drinks, and pastries from local sources as well as alternative beverages such as alcoholic coffee beverages and coffee cocktails, so you can enjoy an Irish coffee, a hot toddy, or add your favorite flavors to your java, while enjoying the smells, and sip coffee in the Great Hall which is in the renovated Union Station, near the Crawford Hotel.

Sugar Bakeshop & Coffee Shop

This delectable treat shop speaks for itself. I’ll give you an example –“Popsters” in flavors of strawberry, caramel apple, & raspberry pistachio. Cookies – s’mores, nutty buddies, red raspberry thumbprint, & sprinkle sugar cookies.

You’re Welcome.

GATEAUX Bakery

Voted Best Bakery in Denver 8/10 years! This award-winning bakery makes specialty cakes, pastries, and tea cookies! Featured on the Food Network, these professional pastry chefs also won the 2016 Minority or Women-Owned Business of the Year!

The best places to eat in Denver Colorado.

What about taking a food tour around Denver? Denver’s compact downtown area makes it easy to visit several restaurants in a short amount of time which is perfect for a food tour of the Mile High City.

Evening Restaurants

Root Down

Root Down’s fresh-from-the-earth approach menu is vegan & vegetarian-friendly and full of seasonal flavor. This local favorite is open for both brunch & dinner! Try their Vdouvan Cauliflower with roasted tomato, almonds, coconut yogurt, dill, dijon & pomegranate molasses. Y-U-M

Restaurant Olivia

Restaurant Olivia is a high-class Italian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Wash Park. Splurge on a 5-course meal from chef Ty Leon, beverage guru Austin Carson and hospitality maven Heather Morrison.

IZAKAYA DEN

“Welcome to Denver’s popular Japanese gastro pub serving global cuisine. The menu is tapas style, serving traditional Japanese plates along with dishes infused with international flavors.” – IZAKAYA DEN

Explore Denver’s Beer Trail

Visit some of the 100 brewpubs, breweries, and taprooms during your weekend in Denver. As always, please drink safely and responsibly with a designated driver. Get a taste of local flavors by exploring the Denver Beer Trail!

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

What to do in Denver

Denver City Pass

If you’re planning to visit Denver’s iconic sites, I would recommend getting a CityPASS to save you money. The pass gives you entry to your chosen number (3, 4, 5) of attractions throughout Denver.

Attractions Included:

  • Downtown Aquarium
  • Denver Botanical Gardens
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science
  • Denver Art Museum
  • Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
  • History Colorado Center
The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Go Shopping at a Cannabis Dispensary

Cannabis. Weed. Marijuana. Mary J. Reefer. Bud. Flower. Pot. Herb. Grass. Chronic. Whatever you want to call it – visiting a cannabis dispensary is something you should absolutely experience during your weekend in Denver.

We popped into some local dispensaries to do a little taste test and compared Denver to Michigan growers. Cannabis dispensaries can be found all across the city. We found ourselves within walking distance of one in most neighborhoods. Each dispensary in Colorado offers a unique product to customers that can only be found at that specific dispensary, so it’s fun to go into a couple and see their house supply.

When you go into the dispensary, you’ll be asked to show your ID

You must be 21+ to enter. Just like at a bar or a club when you drink. Since we turned 21 a couple of years ago… (ok so it was more than a couple) we just walked into any that looked cool. One was located in this older abandoned building… it was on the top floor of this old creepy spiral carpeted staircase. We contemplated turning back each step up we took, thinking surely we were in the wrong spot (we weren’t). It turned out to be a really cool shop.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

FYI – It’s important to speak with your budtender about your history with cannabis and what type of experience you want to have, so they can help you find the right product and dosage that is best suited for you.

Best cannabis Dispensaries in Denver

Here are some of the best dispensaries in the Denver area. Each listed below is a recreational storefront that is accessible to anyone over the age of 21. To find more, or one that is close by – use WeedMaps. WeedMaps will show you which dispensaries are open if they are medical or recreational, menus, and ratings.

  • Rocky Mountain High
  • Mile High Green Cross
  • The Lodge Cannabis High St
  • Lightshade 6th Ave
  • Local Product of Colorado
  • Cannabis Station
The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Best Local Denver Bars

Reynard Social is on the sixth floor of the Thompson Denver Hotel offering some of the best views in the city. The cocktail list here is fun and unique with drinks like the Montoneige, Grey Goose Essences ‘Strawberry & Lemongrass’ Vodka, Lillet (always), Gruner veltliner, and soda. Sip on your drink and take in the views at this hip Denver bar.

The Crypt opened in January, filling the hole in Denver’s vegan bar scene. There’s a moody relaxed vibe, and you can order delicious things like vegan beer cheese soup, $3 beers, plus eggplant Reubens. You won’t find fancy cocktails here, but what you will find is good food and cheap beer.

Bezel is the kind of place you go to when you’re feeling extra. Located off the 16th Street Mall inside the Sheraton Downtown Denver, this Denver bar is not to be missed. I mean, with its own specialty ice program- you should know. So pass on ordering a beer or a shot, because you’re about to try a sophisticated cocktail with lavish frozen water.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide
Image: Tripadvisor

Instagrammable BEYOND Light Show & Meditation in Denver

Immerse yourself in the rainbow world of BEYOND Lights. This light show in Denver is an hour-long combination of laser lights with accompanying music. The vibrant experience is open 7 days a week and is easy to fit into your weekend itinerary in Denver.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Larimer Square


We ventured over to Larimer Square to explore the local shops and see the famous lights (we went a little too early, they weren’t turned on yet). It was September, just the beginning of the fall season- and the weather that day was perfect, cloudy and 70 degrees. Ideal temperatures for walking around with a delicious cup of coffee.

Denver Milk Market

Denver Milk Market is located in the heart of the Ballpark Neighborhood in Denver. The Milk Market is a combo of take-out and dine-in locally-owned restaurants and bars. Over 16 venues occupy the cornerstone of the historic Dairy Block. Owners strive to draw in travelers, locals, out-of-towners, and fans celebrating a win. We walked around and smelled all the delicious bakeries and restauants, sampling things here and there. There was also a winery, distillery, and brewery inside.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide
The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Union Station

Located in an old train station full of cute shops and eateries, Union Station has something for everyone. The Crawford Hotel is conveniently located inside Union Station, putting you right in the middle of all the action and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and Denver’s local transportation station.

The best Denver itinerary for a perfect weekend trip. My guide covers where to stay, how to get to #Denver Colorado, the best brunch spots, what activities to do, where to stay in Denver, hidden local gems, and all the best stops for your weekend trip! | Her Life Adventures | #coloradosprings #usadestinations #whattodo #colorado #hikes #thingstodo #bestplace #lodging #itinerary #guide

Denver NightLife

54Thirty is downtown Denver’s highest outdoor rooftop setting, perfect for watching sunsets or sitting under the stars around a fire atop Le Méridien Denver Downtown. Where the menu is comprised of globally inspired eats and crafted cocktails.

CoClubs (SOCO Nightlife District) is on Broadway or Lincoln south of Colfax. There are four nightclubs in the area, Club Vinyl, The Church Nightclub, Bar Standard, and Milk. Our award-winning venues have it all: fire pits, rooftop patios with spectacular views, state-of-the-art sound systems, stylish interiors, energizing DJs, live music, and experienced staff to handle all of your event needs.

La Rumba is all about Latin dance. The club is 21 and up, appealing to quite a diverse crowd spanning multiple generations, cultures, and ethnicities. Diverse styles of Latin music are played giving it that Havana feels.

The Perfect Weekend in Colorado Springs

Day Trips From Denver

Enjoy the beauty of a hike in the Rockies, an Instagram photoshoot, ziplining, Pike’s Peak and so much more. Just a short distance outside the city of Denver you can explore the state of Colorado with either half or full-day tours that won’t disappoint!

While we walked around the city, I decided Denver was one of my favorite cities. I loved the vibes, the art pieces (even the restaurant signs were creative and artsy), the cleanliness of the city, and how chill the vibes were. This mountain town is certainly a place I plan to return.

Enjoy your weekend in Denver, and don’t forget to PIN IT for your trip planning!

Chelsea Messina

Author, Photographer

Chelsea is the Author and Photographer for Her Life Adventures. She lives in Detroit Michigan with her fiance and two dogs.

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