This is one of Denver’s most vibrant neighborhoods! When you’re not out exploring, there is so much to see within walking distance of the house. Stroll to Sunken Gardens Park and Alma-Lincoln Park. Renegade Brewing Company, a popular local microbrewery, is a 5-minute walk away. Looking for a fun and unusual diversion in the area? The Escapist, an escape room center, is within walking distance. Experience a Denver institution at the historic Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant. Grab your breakfast at Swift’s, a classic diner in the Art District on Santa Fe. We like to get our caffeine fix at Joe Maxx Coffee Co, which is in the same area. You can also tour Stranahan’s Whiskey, Colorado’s first home-grown whiskey company.
The Art District on Santa Fe is one of Colorado's designated Creative Districts, with more than 30 art galleries, studios and innovative businesses. The neighborhood's roots are evident around every corner, from colorful murals and the exhibitions at Museo de las Americas to the Latino influence on the neighborhood's restaurants.
The district features some of the most authentic Mexican culture in the city. It's also home to craft breweries and the Buckhorn Exchange, Denver's oldest dining establishment. First Friday Art Walks and Third Friday Collector's Previews attract both locals and visitors each month throughout the year. Art lovers can meet and mingle with artists and gallery owners while discovering contemporary, traditional and emerging art in unique and creative spaces.
If you’re cruising around Downtown, get oriented at Union Station, which has been reimagined as a cultural hub with cafes, art and shopping. From Union Station, Coors Field is within walking distance to the North, while Ball Arena (Nuggets and Avalanche) is to the South. Trendy Larimer Street is also nearby. You can catch a light rail train at Union Station to get to Empower Field at Mile High. The 16th Street Mall offers a free shuttle, which is the best way to get to the Denver Performing Arts Center as well as the State Capitol and Denver Mint.
Further East, it’s a short Uber ride to City Park, Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Botanical Gardens, and other attractions. The new Meow Wolf art experience is also worth checking out, as are the Denver Aquarium and Elitch Gardens. All three are near Empower Field and the REI Flagship store.
Here for a concert? Red Rocks is a mere 20 minutes away by car. You may want to check out this area regardless of your itinerary – it’s a unique place, and its gateway town of Morrison is charming. Link up an easygoing riverside hike at Lair O’ The Bear or an afternoon paddleboarding or skating in Evergreen to really make a day of it. Further south, you’ll find Roxborough State Park (40 minutes) for more hiking trails. One of Colorado’s main draws is Rocky Mountain National Park, which makes for a great day trip. Drive 1.5 hours through a dramatic canyon for a day of hiking, sightseeing and wildlife viewing.
Depending on your destination, skiing is 1-3 hours away. Locals head to Echo Mountain, Eldora (near Boulder) or Loveland (near Georgetown) for a more low-key experience, but we’re also within a few hours of Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and other snowy delights. There is a Nordic center near Breck if you want to try out cross-country skiing, and the summer months are a great time to rent a kayak to explore Dillon Reservoir.
In short, this is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the best of Denver and the Rockies! It’s impossible to see everything in one visit, so we look forward to hosting you again after you fall in love with Mile High Life!
