As the largest city within a 500-mile radius, Denver has long attracted those looking for a central gathering space, access to the outdoors and an exciting roster of activities. “Our backyard is the Rocky Mountains. It’s just breathtaking,” said Raymond Gonzales, president, Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., and executive vice president, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “The offerings that we have really set us apart because there’s always something to do.”

Denver was founded in what’s now considered downtown, and the neighborhood has been a focal point of development in recent years. The 16th Street Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the world, is finishing a three-year, $175 million enhancement that added new trees; more comfortable seating; two permanent playscapes for kids; and a bevy of new, mostly local businesses. Electric shuttle buses move people from one end of the foot-traffic-only street to the other.

16th Street Mall © Oscity | Dreamstime.com

“It’s a mile-long experience in the heart of our city,” said Kourtny Garrett, president and CEO, Downtown Denver Partnership, a nonprofit business organization that helps set the neighborhood’s vision.

That new beating heart will be enjoyed by the millions of meeting and convention visitors — and attendees at popular events like the Outside Festival — who flock to downtown Denver each year.

The central neighborhood may be modest in size, but it packs a lot into those walkable blocks: Denver Union Station, a 144-year-old Beaux Arts-style transit hub that received an $11 million facelift last summer; most of the major sports teams’ stadiums; the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which hosts touring Broadway shows and an award-winning local theater company; and a plethora of hotels, including the new Populus Hotel, which is leaning into sustainability and aiming to be a carbon-negative accommodation.

The city contributes 1 percent of any capital improvement project over $1 million to public art, resulting in a collection of more than 400 pieces. Among the most beloved is the inquisitive, 40-foot-tall blue bear that looks into the Colorado Convention Center. That venue received its own facelift recently, adding more than 80,000 square feet of event space, including a new rooftop terrace with panoramic views. (Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center and Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel offer additional event venues in a central location.)

Big Blue Bear at Colorado Convention Center © Peng Ge | Dreamstime.com

“One of the greatest competitive advantages of Denver, particularly downtown, is you do have so many experiences encapsulated in a small geography,” Garrett said.

Four Michelin-starred restaurants are within walking distance or a quick ride-share away — as are some of the city’s most attractive neighborhoods. Five Points is known for its mural-lined streets, where top restaurants and bars line the blocks. Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Colorado Photographic Arts Center and other creative venues are based in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Anda bike ride along the Cherry Creek Trail brings visitors to the shopping district of Cherry Creek.

Construction isn’t slowing down, though. The National Western Center, a former agricultural hub, is transforming into a massive, year-round, multi-use campus. Two more downtown neighborhoods are in their infancy: the River Mile, a 62-acre urban redevelopment, and one built around Ball Arena (where the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche play).

And the airport — the sixth-busiest in the world, offering non-stop service to more than 30 international destinations — nears completion of a billion-dollar upgrade to its Great Hall.

“Denver is elevating our position on a national and international scale as a destination for things that are forward-thinking and unique while at the same time maintaining our sense of pride as a community,” Garrett said.

Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park © Brian Wolski | Dreamstime.com

SCENIC DRIVES
With the Rocky Mountains as the city’s backdrop, plenty of high-elevation adventures and picturesque routes await within a short drive of Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park sits about 70 miles northwest. The state’s largest national park is known for its hiking trails; alpine lakes; and wildlife viewing, including elk and bighorn sheep. Drive through it in one day by traversing the 48-mile-long Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the country. (The route is only open seasonally, between spring and autumn, and a timed-entry permit is required at certain times of day.) Start or end your outing in Estes Park, where a charming main street awaits with boutiques and saltwater taffy shops. Find seasonal fare made with Colorado produce at Bird & Jim, or take in lakeside views with your meal at Ember.

Head 15 minutes west of Denver to spend the morning in Golden, a historic gold rush town. If the sun is blazing, join the tubers floating down Clear Creek or take a walk along the shaded path. After grabbing a coffee at Windy Saddle Cafe, head a bit further west for a drive through Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Panorama Point Scenic Overlook — which affords expansive views over the Continental Divide — is reachable by car, but you can also hike around the area’s aspen and conifer forest on the moderate Raccoon Trail, a 3.5-mile loop.