To keep the boys happy, check out our “A Guys Getaway Trip to Denver” post. And if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, see our Basecamp Denver page.
Where to Stay
Your grown-up slumber party requires the best accommodations in the heart of it all – downtown Denver.
For old-school style, try the historic hotels: the Oxford Hotel and the Brown Palace Hotel & Spa by Marriott, both built in the late 19th century. Don’t miss the Oxford’s retro-cool Cruise Room cocktail lounge or the ultra-classy traditional afternoon tea at the Brown.
The Four Seasons Hotel Denver offers all the world-class luxury that the Four Seasons brand is known for — plus a lushly landscaped third-floor rooftop terrace with a heated swimming pool and whirlpool.
The elegant Hotel Teatro boasts exquisite suites and is located just down the street from the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
The Magnolia Hotel Denver, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel combines old-world style with modern glamour — and many suites feature cozy wood-burning fireplaces.
For offbeat, quirky fun, try the The Curtis – a DoubleTree by Hilton. Each floor is themed around a different pop culture phenomenon — everything from horror movies to rock ‘n’ roll.
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver was awarded the AAA Four-Diamond rating, so you know you’ll be treated like royalty. Looking for something a little more intimate? The Ramble Hotel is the first hotel in the always-happening River North Art District (RiNo) and is home to Death & Co, an outpost of the acclaimed New York City cocktail institution.
Before booking, find out-of-this-world savings on Denver hotels.
Cherry Creek North
Where to Shop
Hope you brought your credit card!
The historic Larimer Square , in Lower Downtown (LoDo) on Larimer between 14th and 15th, is a perfect beginning to a Denver shopping spree, with cutting-edge boutiques offering trendy clothing, handcrafted jewelry, chic bags and to-die-for shoes.
Hop on the free shuttle and ride up the 16th Street Mall to the Denver Pavilions to browse at such big-name stores as Forever 21 and H&M.
Check out the variety of artisans offering the unexpected along with a creative activated alleyway at the historic Dairy Block . The redevelopment project is in the Ballpark neighborhood surrounding Coors Field .
The Cherry Creek Shopping District is the biggest (and most fun) retail adventure between Chicago and San Francisco. Cherry Creek North’s 16-blocks boast the region’s largest collection of independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and spas. Across the street, experience retail bliss at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center , home to upscale names like Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren.
Vintage lovers should take a side trip to Antique Row , south of Alameda on Broadway, where you can dig through a whopping 18 blocks of antique shops, art galleries, indie boutiques and much more.
Denver is a city of neighborhoods, each one with its own distinctive flavor. For even more shopping options, head to the Highlands , South Pearl Street or East Colfax.
The Oxford Hotel
Where to Relax
What’s a girls’ getaway weekend without a trip to the spa? Here are just a handful of options.
The Spa at the Brown Palace welcomes visitors with a soothing waterfall that sets the stage for the spa’s signature soaks. These treatments make use of the hotel’s exclusive artesian well located 750 feet below the lobby. Standard spa favorites, from massages to body wraps, are all available in these exquisite surroundings.
The Oxford Club at the Oxford Hotel‘s unique “Herbal Steam” includes a lymphatic dry brushing of the body followed by time spent in the spa’s detoxifying steam tent.
At the Four Seasons Denver’s spa , distinctive skin care, body wraps and massage treatments take a soothing, nature-inspired approach to rejuvenation. Each treatment room is named after a gemstone, and several treatments on the menu incorporate gemstones, long known for their healing powers.
Denver Art Museum
Where to Explore
Denver’s arts and cultural world has exploded in the past decade, with three major art museums, a sprawling performing arts complex and a vibrant gallery scene.
Spend some time marveling at the masterpieces (both classic and contemporary) at Denver Art Museum . Don’t forget to stop at the gift store where you can purchase many artsy items.
Adjacent to Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum < has international art aficionados talking — much of Still’s iconoclastic abstract expressionist art had been locked away from view for decades. Denver is now the only place to see it!
Take in cutting-edge pieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) and soak in the sunshine on its fabulous rooftop patio afterward.
And for a truly unforgettable experience, check out Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station, the Santa Fe, New Mexico-based arts and entertainment company’s permanent installation. Discover immersive, mind-bending art across four alien worlds.
And don’t miss the city’s thriving art districts, where Denver’s creative community lives and works. On the first Friday of each month, look for special events and gallery showings.
Take a day trip to the spectacular Rocky Mountain Front Range, including such natural wonders as Rocky Mountain National Park , Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America. Wherever you go, don’t forget the camera — the sights are stunning.
Dairy Block
Where to Eat
Denver’s always been known for steakhouses, but that’s just the beginning of the culinary adventures available in The Mile High City. In the past decade, dozens of diverse, innovative eateries helmed by superstar chefs have made Denver a must-visit for any self-respecting foodie. (You can also find vegetarian and vegan options here.) This is just a tiny sampling:
ChoLon Bistro showcases a contemporary approach to authentic Asian cuisine. For dessert, don’t miss the traditional Malaysian shaved ice, served with “mango noodles” and drizzled with palm syrup. Delish!
For a unique twist with tons of options, try the Denver Milk Market , cornerstone of the Dairy Block redevelopment, where all the takeout and dine-in restaurants and bars are run by one entity: Colorado chef Frank Bonanno and his restaurant group. The 16 concepts within the hall each have their own style and theme such as crepes, pizza, pasta, salads and seafood, plus there is a meat emporium, coffee house and wine shop to boot!
Denver’s landlocked, but it’s still got fresh, perfectly prepared seafood. Jax Fish House boasts a stylish atmosphere, a sunny patio and a knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Looking for a modern steakhouse with a chic lounge? STK Denver delivers. It’s a place to be seen as local celebrities abound.
Il Posto offers a truly cosmopolitan experience in a vibrant, hip space. Glance into the open-air kitchen as Milanese chef/owner Andrea Frizzi prepares dishes inspired by Northern Italian cuisine.
For more options, see our Must-Try Restaurants.
First Friday events
Where to Party
Denver’s nightlife won’t disappoint.
Looking for some laughs? Look no further than Comedy Works , Denver’s long-running comedy club in LoDo, where big names try out new material and rising stars hold court.
For a naughty-but-still-nice night out, try Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret located below downtown’s iconic Daniels & Fisher Tower. On any given night, enjoy big band jazz, lighthearted burlesque, irreverent magic acts and more.
If you and your girlfriends feel like dancing, head to the South of Colfax Nightlife District. Bordered by Lincoln, Speer and Colfax and comprised of nightlife venues all within walking distance of one another, this is Denver’s hottest club district. Pay one entrance fee on a Friday or Saturday night and enjoy all types of dance music at four different clubs. That’s the South of Colfax Nightlife District, an experience you don’t want to miss!
For a mellow night out, try the Peaks Lounge . Located high atop the downtown Hyatt Regency Denver, it provides a sophisticated backdrop for cocktails and conversation. Or try the glamorous Cooper Lounge at Denver Union Station .
For another fun way to spend a few hours, try the Local Table Tour . Offering culinary walking tours in Denver and Boulder, Local Table Tours features dining, cocktail, coffee and pastry, farm-to-table and private dining tours with a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the top restaurants and bars, all in the company of a passionate, expert guide.