Going on a weekend vacation is an amazing way to relax and recharge. A good weekend spent in a new city can be exactly what we need to reset. However, a weekend vacation can also be a double-edged sword. This is because they’re much shorter than regular vacations, and so they need to be planned more strictly. When going to a city like Denver, it’s important to have a plan if you want to experience it fully. And Denver has a lot to see, so if you really want to experience the city’s beauty and culture, you’ll need a good plan. So, in order to help you out, we’ve put together a guide on how to make the most out of a weekend in Denver.
Image via Pexels
To start, explore downtown Denver
After checking in to your accommodations, we recommend that you begin by exploring downtown Denver. More specifically, the Lower Downtown, also known as LoDo, has quite a lot to do. LoDo is the oldest neighborhood in Denver, dating back to 1850, and this can be seen in the mix of historic and modern buildings around the neighborhood. In LoDo, you can find tons of top-rated restaurants, bars, and breweries. However, the one place you need to see here is Larimar Square. Larimer Square is a beautiful shopping district with tons of unique stores and restaurants. However, before you set off on your vacation, make sure you pack the essentials for the trip. After all, an otherwise amazing vacation can easily get ruined by forgetting the essentials. So, when packing for the trip, make sure to double-check your back and confirm you packed all of the needed essentials.
Explore the 16th Street Mall
Another must-visit place for your weekend in Denver is the 16th Street Mall. Found at the heart of Denver, the 16th Street Mall is Denver’s outdoor shopping promenade, and it covers the entirety of a mile-long street. It’s also known as one of Denver’s most beautiful streets, with plenty of shops and 42 distinct cafés. All in all, a visit to Denver really isn’t complete without visiting the 16th Street Mall. You can fill a good few hours of your trip here, and it would be time well spent. As a matter of fact, the 16th Street Mall is one of the reasons a lot of visitors decide to stay in Denver. If you find yourself tempted, remember that you can always engage specialists to help you move. Local movers can help you get all of your belongings moved without any delays or issues.
Experience the famous Denver nightlife
During your weekend in Denver, you should take the time to experience Denver’s nightlife. Denver has an array of options when it comes to nightlife, so much so that there’s something to experience on almost every street. Of course, you should make sure to stay away from sketchy areas, just like anywhere else. In general, the most popular spots for nightlife in Denver are focused around the Five Points neighborhood. Most visitors seem to agree that the best options for experiencing Denver’s nightlife are here. However, staying safe is important for your weekend vacation in general, especially when it comes to nightlife. Even more so if you’re going on this trip solo, it’s very important to know how to stay safe. At the end of the day, safety should always be a priority, even when you’re trying to relax, so make sure to always be careful, wherever you go.
Visit the city’s beautiful parks
There are a number of parks you can go to when you feel like taking a break from the city proper. Some of the most popular options include Cheesman Park, City Park, and, in the city’s south, Washington Park. All three of the options are quite beautiful and free to visit. If you came to Denver with a car, you can consider making the drive to the nearby Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Animal Refuge. Here, you can take an 11-mile drive, or trek along the park’s trails. Whichever you choose, you will get to see bison, deer, and marmots around the park. However, when exploring the city, you won’t be able to bring everything with you, and experts from Spyder Moving note that you shouldn’t leave important items in your hotel. We recommend you rent out a short-term storage unit, as this is the easiest way to do it.
Visit Denver’s museums
Denver has a variety of museums, all of which are worth a visit. A great way to finish your trip is to visit some of these museums. If you’re interested in art history, then the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, and Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative art are the best choices according to visitors and locals. If you’re a history buff, then consider paying a visit to the History Colorado Center and Molly Brown House Museum. Alternatively, if you’re planning a family trip with kids, you should plan to visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. However, while on your trip, try to indulge without spending too much. Yes, the entire point of a weekend vacation is to relax and indulge, but you should still be careful. After all, you don’t want to entirely break the bank for one weekend trip to Denver.
Weekend in Denver: how to make the most of it – wrap up
Denver has quite a lot to offer to visitors, and planning a weekend trip here can be difficult because of that. With so much to see, planning exactly what you want to visit during your trip is very important. After all, you want to make sure to fully experience what the city has to offer in a very short timeframe. As such, sticking to the popular attractions is a good idea, as they’re typically the most interesting places in a city. But, exploring on your own is also encouraged, as you never know what you might find. We hope that this guide on how to make the most of a weekend in Denver helps you plan, and we wish you a good day.
