by Steven Mayo

From spirited outdoor festivals and museums to experimental food to breathtaking skiing in the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado is a vibrant vacation destination at any time of year. Few other cities in the nation weave a tapestry of old-world traditions, continental hospitality, and cosmopolitan charm so comfortably as Denver, and with tourist traffic increasing steadily year after year, it’s clear that people are starting to take notice.


Of course, increasing tourism means increasing prices, so the time to act, the time to experience all the flare and personality of The Mile-High City is now.

In this article we’ll discuss some of the basics of Denver travel including when to visit, you’re best travel options, affordable Denver, Colorado hotels, and finally what to do during your stay.

When to Visit

While the conception of Denver is often of merciless coldness all year, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, one distinct advantage of Denver is that you can visit four times in a year and have a different experience each time. Throughout the spring, summer, and early fall, the city pulses with lively festivals and outdoor fun as the temperature settles on a cozy high-70s. After a beautiful turning of the season in mid-autumn, the winter weather sets in over the Rockies to make for the best skiing in the country. No matter you preferred entertainment; there’s a right time for you to visit Denver.

Transportation

Due to a rather isolated midwest location, airplane traffic far outweighs drive traffic in Denver, so as for getting in you’re talking about a stop at Denver International Airport (DIA). This is a bit of a treat in itself. As the country’s largest airport, the DIA can be fun to experience. It’s so large, in fact, that you must ride a short subway to move between terminals.

You’ll notice a number of paid airport shuttles offering stops throughout the city, but if you plan ahead you can easily find a Denver Airport lodging that offers a free shuttle.

Through a combination of inexpensive busses, light rails, and of course the agreeable outdoor weather, Denver is an efficient “driveless” city, meaning one you can easily enjoy without the utility of your own vehicle. Plan ahead and you’re almost certain to find either a bus or light rail stop near your hotel.

Lodging

Since you’re likely to be coming in to the DIA, Denver Airport hotels are always a best bet. To save on transportation costs, be sure to shop for a hotel that provides a free shuttle to and from the airport at a minimum, and a local area shuttle wouldn’t be terrible.

For a rewarding hotel near Denver Airport, consider the Embassy Suites Denver – International Airport Hotel.

Your other option is to stay closer to where the action is, that is, near downtown, the Denver tech center, and Coors Field. Hotels near Coors Field in Denver, CO have the benefit of more mass transit options in the near vicinity. In addition, many lodgings will offer free area shuttles, and important part of enjoying that “driveless” city experience.

For Denver hotels near downtown and the tech center, we recommended the Doubletree Hotel Denver – Southeast.

Attractions

Now you’re here, so what do you do? Fortunately, the options are wide open. While Denver has four distinct seasons and a local vibe to match each one, here we’ll discuss the most popular two – the summer festival season and the winter ski season.

Summer

Colorado Avalanche – The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche are consistent division and conference champions, and if you do a little planning ahead, you can catch them in a playoff game at the Pepsi Center throughout April, May, and if their really doing well, early June.

Waterworld – That’s right: a water park in Denver. And not just any water park. Waterworld is among the country’s largest and most awarded water parks, and it’s sure to put a memorable day into any family vacation in Denver. Waterworld is located 15 minutes north of downtown, parking is free, and while the park encourages picnicking, its regulations on what may and may not be taken into the park are very strict, so inquire before you go.

Cherry Creek State Park – It doesn’t have the name recognition of something like Yellowstone, but Cherry Creek far surpasses the big dogs with unrivaled natural beauty thanks to the unusual landscape of clamoring rocks, blooming flowers, and the expansive Cherry Creek Reservoir. Any outdoor fun you can imagine is available from biking to camping to water skiing.

Of course, in the winter it becomes only more magnificent, not to mention an ice skater’s and sled rider’s paradise.

The 16th Street Mall – Only one of many great shopping destinations in Denver, the 16th Street Mall stands out for its unique design running the entire length of 16th Street in downtown Denver. The mall is dotted with cafes and restaurants throughout, but the retail epicenter is known as the Denver Pavilions, a sort of urban mall on one end of 16th Street. Here you’ll find several anchor brands as well as some upscale boutiques.

A Taste of Colorado – It just wouldn’t be the festival season without a festival or two, and in fact, during the summer you’d actually have to plan ahead to visit a time when there wasn’t a festival going on. A Taste of Colorado is a great choice of Labor Day weekend travel for the sheer variety of the entertainment. Food, drinks, carnival rides, live shows, culinary exhibits, and more are hosted annually. Admission is free; however food, drink, and ride tickets must be purchased.

Winter

Denver Broncos – Two-time Super Bowl champions, the Denver Broncos bring fast and furious football action to INVESCO Field at Mile High every winter. The team sells out its home games regularly, so plan ahead to attend a game.

Skiing – Football is fun, but skiing is undoubtedly the dominating force behind Denver’s winter tourism. Only 15 miles from the Rocky Mountains proper, it’s not too much further out before you start running into first-class ski resorts. To maximize your experience avoid the world-famous names like Aspen and Vail and instead head out for a set of slopes like Copper Mountain. Despite being considered by enthusiasts and athletes as among the country’s best, Copper Mountain has so far maintained a reputation as a “local’s mountain”, meaning shorter lines (and cheaper prices) for you.

However, Copper Mountain does begin more or less at intermediate difficulty, and you should never ski out of your league, so if you require an easier start, then the Vail Ski Resort is your best bet.

So What are You Waiting For?

Denver, Colorado is exactly what a tourist destination should be: it’s a joy to experience and there’s never a wrong time to go. As long as you match your expectations with your timing, you can have a fabulous family, couples, or even solo vacation in Denver for virtually no effort at all. Take our recommendations for hotels in Denver, Colorado into consideration, and have a great trip. Next time we see you, we hope you’re a mile high!