Broadway Snow Globes

What to do in Denver

Most people associate Denver, Colorado with snow. After all, are located just east of the Cordillera Frontal Rocky Mountain, a mile above all the sea level.

However, Denver has more hours of sunshine than either San Diego or Miami Beach.

That might explain why Denver has the nation's largest system of city parks.

Within city limits there are more 200 parks. For example around, there are over 20,000 acres of parks to visit and explore.

Denver is the capital of Colorado and the 24th United States' city more populated. It is also home to the largest airport in the nation. At 53 square miles, Denver International Airport is larger than Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare Airport combined.

We hope you enjoy the first 10 places to visit in Denver.

# 1 Denver Performing Arts Complex

Speer and Arapahoe

It may seem strange to list the Denver Performing Arts Complex as number one on our list until you realize that's it's the largest center performing arts in the country after Lincoln Center in New York.

The four blocks, 12-acre complex houses the Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Customers can also get Broadway touring shows, concerts and theater professionals in the arts center.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts, as an organization, including the Center Theatre Company Denver, Denver Center Attractions, the National Theatre Conservatory and the Denver Center Theatre Academy.

Buell Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and the theater space are just some of the places found within the complex.

# 2 Red Rocks

8300 West Alameda Parkway

The famous Red Rocks is a 868-acre park and amphitheater, located 15 miles from Denver. It is a world famous concert hall and many often chosen as the best place to watch a show in the United States.

Its large red sandstone rocks, which seem to defy gravity, once it had been listed Seven Wonders of the World. The best honor gone, but the park is still impressive and spectacular.

Even if your favorite band is not performing at Red Rocks the park is worth the trip.

# 3 Denver Z00

2300 Steele Street

One of the most popular zoos in the United States, houses Denver Zoo, more than 4,000 animals representing over 700 species.

Visitors to the zoo is located on a parcel of 80 acres of land in City Park.

Operating since 1896, the Denver Zoo, open every day of the year. The zoo offers regular input free. Look for those days in January, February, October and November.

# 4 U.S. Mint

320 West Colfax

Of all the houses U.S. currency, only Denver and Philadelphia facilities offer tours.

The Denver Mint is the world's largest producer of coins. It turned its first currency in 1906 and production of the Mint has been regular and commemorative coins since then.

Visiting the Denver Mint are free and show visitors not only the blank form ore becomes treasure coins, but how the minting process has evolved over the years.

# 5 Denver Art Museum

100 West 14th Avenue Parkway

The first question everyone asked about the Denver Art Museum is to call it DAM? The answer is yes.

Dam is part of the Civic Center Cultural Complex in downtown Denver. The world class facility is known for its vast collection of Indian art American.

In total, the museum houses over 68,000 works of art from around the world.

# 6 Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche, Nuggets, and Rapids
Invesco Field at Mile High – 1701 West Mile High Stadium Circle
Coors Field – 2001 Blake Street
Pepsi Center – 1000 Chopper Circle
Dick's Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, Colorado

Denver is one of 13 U.S. cities have a representative in each of the four major American sports leagues North.

NFL Broncos play at Invesco Field at Mile High. The Major League Rockies play ball at Coors Field.

The Avalanche (NHL) and Nuggets (NBA) compete in the Pepsi Center.

While the Rapids, a team of Major League Soccer, the game in the Dick's Sporting Park property in the vicinity Commerce City.

# 7 Park City

East of downtown on Avenida 17 and Calle York.

City Park is a 330-acre, multi-purpose facility containing Ferril and Duck Lake and a public golf course, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Denver Zoo.

Located in east-central Denver, the park is also known for its lush gardens, vibrant flower gardens, decorative fountains, and a spectacular view of the Mountains Rockies.

# 8 Paramount Theatre

1631 Glenarm Place

The best intimate concert hall in the city is the 1870 seat Paramount Theatre.

The Paramount hosts from rock shows to comics to dance recitals standing films.

The Paramount Theatre has been included in the National Register Historic since 1980. When the facility opened in 1930 was the place to go see movies.

# 9 Elitch Gardens Park

2000 Elitch Circle

downtown Denver park premiere attractions, Elitch Garden, entered its 120th season on May 1, 2010.

As one of the main destinations Denver for fun, Elitch Gardens has delighted visitors with their rides emotion and well-kept gardens, the Trocadero Ballroom, and the theater in the gardens.

# 10 16th Street Mall

16th Street

As you can imagine the 16th Street Mall is located on 16th Street in downtown Denver. It is a center business of a mile long pedestrian where the best restaurants and stores in Denver – more than 500 retailers throughout.

You'll find stores like Virgin Records Megastore, Niketown, and The Gap. Restaurants include Maggiano's Little Italy, the Hard Rock Cafe and Brewery Rock bottom.

Free shuttle service buyers taking runs daily from one end of the mall to another.

If you do not want to buy, there is ample seating in the tree-lined median. It is a great place to stop, relax and watch people.

Denver is a diverse and interesting city to provide citizens and visitors ample opportunities for fun and recreation. But perhaps Denver's greatest asset is its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks offer a lifetime of places to explore and see one that does not disappoint.

About the Author

Ryan Hogan is the head writer for
DenverSmarts
, a site dedicated to all-things-Denver. He loves Denver and all the
places to visit in the greater Denver, CO
area.