Colorado is a U.S. state you may think you know well. It is known for the beautiful Rocky Mountains, ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and progressive views on certain medicinal plants. The Centennial State is surprisingly bordered by a whopping seven states, including Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Utah.
The state is home to many Native tribes before becoming a mecca for the gold rush in the 1850s. Now, the state of Colorado is a booming outdoor lovers' haven with waterfalls, Pikes Peak, National Parks, iconic outdoor music venues.
And, of course, visitors flock to the thriving capital of Colorado.
What is the Capital of Colorado?
The largest city of colorful Colorado is the capital city, Denver. Perched one mile above sea level, the Mile High City (the Colorado State capital city) features sprawling city parks, vibrant neighborhoods full of fantastic food, and
1. Colorado State Capitol Building
Located on Colfax Avenue in Capitol Hill, a trip to the Colorado State Capitol Building is a must when visiting the Mile High City. This piece of Colorado history welcomes 300,000 visitors each year to tour the building and learn more about the state and the General Assembly's work.
Since the tours are trendy, we recommend booking a tour in advance.
2. Larimer Square
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Larimer Square is Denver's oldest and most historic park. The area boasts a diverse mix of local shops, chef-forward restaurants, eclectic bars, and up-and-coming wellness businesses. Expect to find everything you could dream of for a day in the city under the canopy lights of Larimer.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park
Oh, the glorious Rocky Mountains, an alpine oasis filled with hiking, camping, and sightseeing opportunities. Some of the most beloved trails include Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, and Grand Lake.
4. Parks in the City
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Here's a Denver fun fact: supposedly, the city sees 300 days of sunshine a year! There is no better way to enjoy a fantastic sunny day than with a picnic and chill in one of Denver's incredible city parks.
The most popular include City Park (by the Denver Zoo), Washington Park (or Wash Park, as locals call it), Cheeseman Park (next to the Denver Botanical Gardens), and the Civic Center Park (in Capitol Hill).
5. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum offers 10 permanent collections with over 70,000 works of art. Ranging from Native American art, Asian art, European and American art, fashion, photography, and more, learn about Colorado history with a tour to the museum.
6. Coors Field
Nestled in downtown Denver, Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies MLB team and is one of the most iconic spots in town. So if you are in town and the Rockies happen to be playing, it is a Denver must-do if you get the chance.
7. Meow Wolf
Denver is now home to the brand-new Meow Wolf interactive art museum (opening 2021). With over 110 local artists featured over 90,000 square feet, you are sure to have a fascinating time.
8. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is the most epic outdoor music venue in Colorado and maybe even in all of the United States. The park has an incredible history and sees thousands of visitors every day! People come from far and wide to take pictures, hike up the steps, and see live music in this insane natural red-rock amphitheater.
9. Denver Performing Arts Center
The Denver City for the Performing Arts Complex is located between Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall. Spanning over 12 acres with ten performance spaces that encompass four blocks, the Denver Performing Arts Center is one of the largest performing arts centers in the country. This non-profit organizes Broadway tours, DCPA Theatre Company productions, statewide education programs, and other seasonal events.
10. Road trip
While this last reason is not for Denver specifically, we had to throw in our perfect 10-day Colorado Road Trip in the mix. This scenic adventure takes you to some of the state's most exemplary attractions. So book yourself 10 days and make the Rocky Mountain magic happen!
Nearby Cities to Visit
- Boulder
- Colorado Springs
- Cheyenne,
- Aurora/Lakewood
- Colorado City
- Gunnison
- Pueblo
