Known as “The Mile High City,” Denver is a vibrant city where urban sophistication meets great outdoor adventure as it is the main gateway city to the Rocky Mountains. Denver boasts 300 yearly days of sunshine, a compact, walkable downtown, chef-driven dining, thriving culture and diverse neighborhoods.
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is a metropolis dating back to the American Old West era. Larimer Square, the city’s oldest block, features landmark 19th-century buildings. As Denver’s city center is very walkable, plan to explore the uniqueness of its various neighborhoods.
From stately Victorian houses to hip restaurants and nightclubs to its numerous craft breweries and the Denver Beer Trail, Denver’s laid-back attitude is exemplified in its neighborhoods.
Near the Sheraton Denver Downtown is the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, a tree lined pedestrian promenade featuring shops, restaurants and retail stores. Numerous fountains and plazas offer a variety of daily special events and entertainers. There is a free shuttle bus that runs the length of the mall (note there may be shuttle rerouting at the time of our meeting due to mall upgrade construction). This area is home to some of the most popular places to visit in Denver, like the historic Union Station and the LoDo Historic District. Practically next door to the Sheraton Denver Downtown is Denver Pavilions, the downtown shopping hot spot featuring everything from international brands to locally owned boutiques in one convenient mall location.
The city’s museums include the Denver Art Museum, an ultramodern complex known for its collection of indigenous works along with works of European masters, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Meow Wolf Denver, and the mansion of famed Titanic survivor Molly Brown.
City Park is Denver’s largest green space while Washington Park has two lakes, two formal flower gardens, and tree-lined paths. Denver Botanic Gardens is a breathtaking urban oasis with themed gardens from multiple climate zones. Cheesman Park offers a peaceful retreat in urban Denver and Sloan’s Lake has Denver’s largest lake and is one of the best parks for catching a sunset, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Of course, with the majestic Rocky Mountains nearby, Denver boasts lots of outdoor fun. The area is overflowing with outdoor activities like cycling, running, white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and more. After a full day of outdoor adventures, return to the city and have a feast at these outdoor and patio dining options, grab a craft beer along the Denver Beer Trail or explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, teeming with arts, culture and urban flair.
Plan to take some extra time to explore attractions and day trip options near Denver.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Featuring 415 square miles of mountain beauty, this national park is located 70 miles from Denver.
- Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak: Located 60 miles from Denver, Colorado Springs features the Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Olympic Training Center, as well as excursions up to the summit of Pike’s Peak via the Broadmoor Manitou and Pike’s Peak Cog Railway.
- Coors Brewery: See and taste traditional brewing at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in this largest single-site brewery in the world located in Golden, CO, 15 miles from Denver.
- Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: This famous, striking natural amphitheater is located 15 miles from the Sheraton Denver Downtown.
- Georgetown Loop Railroad: Take a mountain ride on one of Colorado’s great narrow-gauge railroads, located 45 miles west of Denver.
- Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: View this amazing gorge with the world’s largest suspension bridge, a zip line and Sky coaster. Royal Gorge is located 129 miles from Denver.
- Lariat Loop Scenic Historic Byway: Located 17 miles away from Denver, this 40-mile loop connects Golden, Morrison, Lookout Mountain and Evergreen and features historical and cultural attractions.
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway: This is the highest paved road in North America, snaking and climbing nearly 9,000 feet of elevation gain. This byway is located 60 miles from Denver.
- Dinosaur Ridge: This outdoor museum and natural landmark features Jurassic dinosaur bones and is located 16 miles from Denver.
For more information on things to do in and around Denver, visit: https://www.denver.org/welcome/ishrs2024/
TAKE A TOUR OR TWO!
DISCOVER DENVER TOURS – OFFERING ISHRS DISCOUNT
https://www.discoverdenvertours.com/, info@discoverdenvertours.com, phone: 1-720-372-3849
ISHRS discount code: 2024WORLDCONGRESS
Discover Denver Tours provides various bus and walking tours. They are offering ISHRS 20% off on specific daily public group tours for the dates of October 13-20, 2024.
This discount includes the following tours:
1:30PM Discover Denver Bus Tour (daily)
6:00PM Denver’s Street Art & Graffiti Unplugged + Chocolate Tasting & Beer Garden Visit (daily)
8:00PM Ghosts of Capitol Hill Tour (daily, multiple times)
24/7/365: 5 unique Audio Adventures (Self-Guided App-Based Tours attendees can take anytime)
In addition, but not qualifying for the 20% discount, families and friends can book one of 12+ private bus tours and private walking tours, starting at just $145 for the 60-75 minute walking tours.
Other tour providers to consider:
Colorado Sightseer
Denver Local Tours
Explorer Tours
Mile High Bike Tours
Viator
WeVenture