Denver is a beautiful city known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture. There are plenty of things to do in the city, but if you’re only visiting in May, here are 11 places you should check out:
From exploring the Denver Zoo to shopping at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center or hiking in Red Rocks Amphitheater, there’s something for everyone in Denver. When you’re planning your itinerary for May 2024, make sure to include these activities on your list.
1. Visit the Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals from all over the world. You’ll see everything from lions and tigers to elephants and gorillas. The zoo also has a variety of educational exhibits and programs, so you can learn about the animals and their habitats.
2. Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but they’re especially stunning in May when the flowers are in bloom. The gardens feature a variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a butterfly garden.
3. Go for a hike in Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a natural rock formation that hosts concerts and other events. But it’s also a great place to go for a hike. There are several trails that lead to the top of the amphitheater, and the views are amazing. Make sure to bring your camera!
4. Visit the Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is home to a vast collection of art from around the world. You’ll find everything from American Indian art to European masterpieces. The museum also has a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year.
5. Go shopping at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center
The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is an upscale shopping mall with over 160 stores. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to home goods to jewelry. The mall also has a variety of restaurants and cafes, so you can take a break from shopping and refuel.
6. Take a brewery tour
Denver is home to a thriving beer scene, with over 40 breweries in the city. Take a tour of one of the breweries to learn about the brewing process and sample some of the local beers.
7. Visit the Union Station
Union Station is a historic train station that has been converted into a shopping and dining destination. You’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars in the station, as well as a hotel. Union Station is also a great place to catch a train to other cities in the West.
8. Go to a Rockies game
The Colorado Rockies are Denver’s Major League Baseball team. Catch a game at Coors Field, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains.
9. Take a day trip to the mountains
Denver is located just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains. There are a number of beautiful mountain towns and hiking trails within a day’s drive of the city. Spend a day exploring the mountains and enjoying the fresh air.
10. Visit the Denver Mint
The Denver Mint is where the majority of the United States’ coins are produced. Take a tour of the mint to learn about the process of making coins, and see some of the historic coins that have been produced at the mint.
11. Visit the Museum of Nature & Science
The Museum of Nature & Science is a great place to learn about the natural world. The museum has a variety of exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs, animals, and space. There’s also a planetarium where you can watch shows about the stars and planets.
Culture
Denver is a culturally diverse city with a vibrant arts and music scene. There are always plenty of things to do in the city, from attending a concert or play to visiting a museum or gallery. Denver is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Denver is in the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October. The weather is mild during these months, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. However, Denver is a great place to visit year-round, so don’t let the weather deter you from visiting during other months.
Nearby Transportation
Denver is well-connected by air and rail. Denver International Airport (DEN) is located about 25 miles northeast of the city center. There are also a number of Amtrak train stations in the city, as well as a light rail system that connects the city center to the airport and other suburbs.
Local Food
Denver is home to a number of great restaurants, serving everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as green chili, Rocky Mountain oysters, and Denver omelets.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels in Denver, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and needs. Here are a few of the top-rated hotels in the city:
- The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
- The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
- The Curtis Denver
- The Oxford Hotel
- Hotel Teatro
Conclusion
Denver is a great city to visit any time of year, but May is an especially beautiful time to visit. With so many things to do, you’re sure to have a memorable trip. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Denver today!
