Denver skyline © Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Why? Travel to Denver, Middle America's hub, where the
Great Plains meld into an urban sprawl at the edge of the Rocky
Mountains, for a 'mile high' experience. A holiday in Denver offers
all the modern tourist amenities and attractions to fill your time
with the bonus of plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities just
beyond the city limits.
When? The weather is not a good yardstick for planning when
to holiday in Denver, because it is notoriously unpredictable. The
best time to travel to Denver, though, especially for lovers of the
outdoors, is during late Spring or early Autumn, when there are
plenty of sunny days and, consequently, a number of outdoor events.
Winter sports enthusiasts travel to Denver for the ski resorts
during Winter.
Who for? People of most ages and diverse interests will find
something to enjoy during a Denver holiday. The city is well-geared
for families, with several educational attractions and a fun 'Six
Flags' park in the downtown area. Culture vultures will thrive on a
full programme of musical and arts events.
More Info: Our informative Denver travel guide is updated
daily and includes all the information you need to plan a memorable
Denver holiday.
Overview
Although it is literally a 'Mile High City', being sited one
mile (1.6km) above sea level, Denver is flat and sprawling,
overwhelmed by the backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Rocky
Mountains.
It was founded as a gold mining camp in 1859, and at the centre
of the Old West it was filled with cowboys, gamblers, saloons,
gunslingers, Native Americans, and crooked characters such as the
infamous Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. Although very little gold was
discovered, a city was laid out and the name Denver attributed
it.
Having since shed its cow-town image and evidence of its western
past, it has developed into a modern city with wonderful museums,
historic architecture, cultural attractions, shopping venues and a
world-class airport. It has more than 200 parks and tree-lined
boulevards and a completely refurbished lower downtown area (LoDo
to the locals), where blocks of old Victorian buildings and
warehouses have been carefully restored to house restaurants,
galleries, antique shops and jazz clubs. Historic Larimer Square is
the heart of the dining and nightlife scene. Denver brews more beer
than any other city in America and most of it can be sampled in
LoDo where the city's brewpubs proliferate.
Most residents are active nature lovers who take advantage of
the city's setting, the pleasant climate and unlimited outdoor
adventures just minutes from the centre, including skiing, hiking,
mountain biking and fishing. Tourism focuses on its natural setting
and the outdoors, and as such it is a major destination for
tourists heading into the mountains. Visitors to Denver will be
pleasantly surprised by its welcoming and friendly nature.
