Insider's Guide

Denver, CO

Welcome to Denver Insider's Guide

Denver is a vibrant city that blends history, modern living, and natural beauty. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while also providing a lively mix of culture, dining, shopping, and entertainment. With its balance of recreation and community, Denver is a place where you can easily feel at home.

Weather

The climate in Denver makes the area a year-round playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. With an average of 300 sunny days per year and minimal water vapor in the air, due to the altitude, the sky really is bluer here. Even in the winter months, the dry air makes for great snow and milder temperatures.
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Avg. Temperature
50°F
Avg. Annual Rainfall
15"
Weather Patterns
Semi-arid
High
Low
Rain
January
46°F
23°F
0.1"
February
49°F
26°F
0.2"
March
57°F
32°F
0.6"
April
64°F
39°F
1.3"
May
72°F
47°F
1.9"
June
83°F
57°F
1.4"
July
88°F
62°F
1.5"
August
86°F
60°F
1.4°F
September
79°F
52°F
1.0"
October
67°F
41°F
0.6"
November
54°F
31°F
0.3"
December
46°F
23°F
0.1"

Local Sports

Denver sports fans are passionate, loyal, and deeply connected to their teams. Whether it’s cheering the Broncos on a cold Sunday, celebrating Nuggets victories downtown, or filling Coors Field for a Rockies summer game, Denver lives and breathes sports. Fans proudly support every team — from the Avalanche on the ice to the Rapids on the pitch — creating one of the most energetic and united sports cultures in the country.
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Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Founded in 1972 as the Quebec Nordiques and relocated to Denver in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche are the state’s NHL powerhouse, playing at Ball Arena. Known for their speed, skill, and championship pedigree, the Avs have captured multiple Stanley Cups and built a fiercely loyal fan base, making them a cornerstone of Colorado’s vibrant sports culture.
Sport: Ice Hockey
Founded: 1972
Ball Arena
Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Founded in 1995, the Colorado Rapids are Colorado’s Major League Soccer team, playing at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. As one of MLS’s original clubs, the Rapids have built a strong and diverse fan base and bring exciting, high-energy soccer that reflects Colorado’s multicultural spirit and passion for the game.
Sport: Soccer
Founded: 1995
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park
Colorado Rockies (MLB)
Founded in 1993, the Colorado Rockies are Denver’s Major League Baseball team, playing home games at Coors Field in the heart of downtown. Known for breathtaking mountain views and high-scoring games in thin mile-high air, the Rockies offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that captures the fun and spirit of Colorado summers.
Sport: Baseball
Founded: 1993
Coors Field
Denver Broncos (NFL)
The Denver Broncos, founded in 1960, are Colorado’s flagship NFL team and play at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Known for their electric orange-and-blue fan base, the Broncos have won three Super Bowls and hold a legacy of toughness, loyalty, and pride. Game days in Denver unite the city, transforming every Sunday into a statewide celebration of football culture and community.
Sport: Football
Founded: 1960
Empower Field at Mile High
Denver Nuggets (NBA)
Founded in 1967, the Denver Nuggets are Colorado’s professional basketball team, competing in the NBA and playing at Ball Arena in downtown Denver. Known for their fast-paced style and passionate fan base, the Nuggets made history by winning their first NBA Championship in 2023, solidifying their place as one of the state’s most dominant and unifying sports teams.
Sport: Basketball
Founded: 1976
Ball Arena

Golf Courses

Golfers in Denver discover more than just a game, they experience a lifestyle. With 90 golf courses open year-round and the advantage of altitude adding an extra 10% to every drive, the Mile High City transforms every round into something extraordinary. It’s no wonder Denver is celebrated as a true golfer’s paradise.
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Country Clubs


Blackstone Country Club
Cherry Creek Country Club
Cherry Hills Country Club
Columbine Country Club
Country Club At Castle Pines
Denver Country Club
Glenmoor Country Club
Lakewood Country Club
Pinehurst Country Club
Ravenna Country Club
Red Rocks Country Club
South Broadway Country Club
The Club at Pradera
The Pinery Country Club
Valley Country Club

Golf Courses


Applewood Golf Course
Arrowhead Golf Course
Buffalo Run Golf Course
City Park Golf Course
Evergreen Golf Course
Foothills Golf Course
Fossil Trace Golf Club
Fox Hollow Golf Course
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club
Indian Tree Golf Club
Kennedy Golf Course
Legacy Ridge Golf Course
Murphy Creek Golf Course
The Ridge at Castle Pines North
Wellshire Golf Course
Willis Case Golf Course

Schools

Denver offers abundant local educational options for K–12, including public, private and charter schools. Local public initiatives include building healthy school cultures and STEM mentorship programs through local businesses. The area is home to several exceptional private and charter schools, including the acclaimed KIPP Denver Collegiate High School.
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Colleges and Universities


Arapahoe Community College
Colorado Christian University
Community College of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Regis University
University of Colorado Denver
University of Denver

School Districts


Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Aurora Public Schools
Denver Public Schools
Douglas County

Private Schools


Denver Christian School
Front Range Christian School
Fusion Academy Denver
Graland Country Day School
International School of Denver
Montessori School of Denver
St. Elizabeth’s School
St. John's School
The Goddard School of Denver (Highlands)
The Logan School for Creative Learning

Performing Arts Schools


Colorado Music Institute
Denver School Of The Arts
Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy
Parker Performing Arts School
Performing Arts School on Broadway
Pickering Creative Artists Academy
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Things to Do and See

Denver locals enjoy an abundance of activities for people of all ages. Whether you are drawn to the lights of a stadium, the masterpieces of a museum or the exhilaration of the nightlife, the list below is a great way to start planning your weekends.
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Aurora Reservoir
With over 800 acres of water surface, Aurora Reservoir is one of the city's largest park and open space sites. Aurora Reservoir offers fishing, sailing, non-motorized boating, windsurfing, a seasonal swim beach, a scuba area, an archery range and an eight-mile trail that circles the reservoir.
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Bluff Lake Nature Center is a 123-acre wildlife refuge and environmental education center that is free to visitors. The center is located on the eastern edge of the former Stapleton International Airport in Denver and is the largest privately owned open space in Denver.
C Lazy U Dude Ranch
This all-inclusive ranch includes activities, such as horseback riding, fly fishing, hunting, hiking and whitewater rafting.
Chamberlin Observatory
Look through the observatory's famous Alvan Clark-Saegmuller 20-inch refracting telescope to see the wonders of the universe! Enjoy the beauty of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and more.
Chatfield State Park
Beautiful rolling foothills, an expansive reservoir and abundant wildlife surround this popular Denver metro area park. The park includes campsites, a livery, miles of hiking and biking trails, the historic Slocum Cabin, a recreational lake, a marina and one of the most popular hot air balloon launch areas on the Front Range.
Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park
Anchored around an 880-acre reservoir, Cherry Creek offers a natural prairie environment of rolling hills and outdoor recreation facilities, including campsites, picnic areas and facilities for group events. The park offers unique activities, like model airplane flying, horseback riding and a family-friendly shooting range.
Children’s Museum of Denver
With one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits, daily programs and year-round special events, there is always something to create, explore, discover and learn at the Children’s Museum of Denver!
Clyfford Still Museum
Considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century, Clyfford Still (1904–1980) was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists who developed a new and powerful approach to painting in the years immediately following World War II.
Coors Brewery
Come see and taste traditional brewing in the majestic Rocky Mountains! The newly upgraded Coors Brewery tour includes a self-guided tour through the malting, brewing and packaging processes. Visitors can sample several thirst quenching Coors products and shop in the Coors & Co. gift shop.
Denver Art Museum
With more than 60,000 works of art, the Denver Art Museum has the largest and most comprehensive collection of world art between Kansas City and the West Coast. The museum contains a diverse collection of art from all over the world, including pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial pieces, as well as Western American art. The museum also has a variety of special exhibits, events and lectures.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens has been a favorite Denver destination for 50 years. Art and science unite in the spectacular 23-acre site, which offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family, as well as a living laboratory for education and plant conservation programs.
Denver Firefighters Museum
This museum offers outstanding exhibits on the history of firefighting in Denver, particularly focusing on the Denver Fire Department. It has innovative and exciting hands-on activities that allow visitors to interact with the exhibits.
Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys
This museum displays miniatures, dolls and toys ranging from the 16th century to modern times. The attraction also offers workshops and educational programs.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, offering fascinating exhibits on everything from space exploration and ancient fossils to gems, wildlife, and human cultures. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences at the IMAX theater and planetarium, while hands-on displays make it a favorite destination for families and lifelong learners alike.
Denver Zoo
Located in City Park, the zoo spans more than 75 acres and is home to nearly 4,000 animals, including the rare Amur leopard, okapi, black rhinoceros, elephant, vampire bat, orangutan, Komodo dragon and more. Denver Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the country.
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is a famous natural landmark, located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains near Morrison, Colorado. The location features bones discovered in 1876 from famous Jurassic dinosaurs (such as the Stegosaurus and the Apatosaurus) as well as Cretaceous dinosaur footprints.
Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is home to thrilling coasters, family rides and fun-filled shows, as well as beautiful gardens and playful water attractions.
Four Mile Historic Park
Nestled on the banks of Cherry Creek, the Four Mile House was the last stop coming west to Denver along the Cherokee Trail. This serene, rustic, 12-acre historic oasis is the site of Denver's oldest house. Tour the museum, stroll the gardens and grounds, see antique farm equipment and visit the animals.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods was voted the number one city park in the country. Located right in Colorado Springs, its gravity-defying whimsical rock formations inspire imaginations of all ages. The park boasts dramatic views, including 300-foot sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square, the oldest and most historic block in Denver, truly captures the spirit of the Old West. Today, the street is a mix of old and new, with Victorian-style architecture mixed with eclectic shops and eateries. When Denver was founded on Larimer Square over 150 years ago, it consisted primarily of hotels and saloons, evoking the feeling of an old mining town. Now the square is a hot spot for all kinds of high-end shopping, restaurants, clubs and bars.
LoDo Historic District
Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo) is hot. The neighborhood, which has been completely restored and renovated, is one of the liveliest areas in the city. LoDo features dozens of entertainment, shopping and cultural options.
Molly Brown House
This museum is located in the former home of Margaret Brown, a survivor of the RMS Titanic sinking. Patrons enjoy exhibits of her life as well as exhibits of Denver during the Victorian era.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. A day trip to the top is a journey that snakes and climbs through nearly 9,000 feet of elevation gain to the 14,264-foot summit of Mount Evans, one of 54 peaks in Colorado that soar to 14,000 feet (known as the famous "fourteeners"). The drive goes from the high plains of Denver through five climate zones before reaching the summit.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Located just 15 miles west of Denver, this iconic venue hosts world-class musical events throughout the summer. Red Rocks Park spans 818 acres and welcomes hikers and sightseers year-round. The Visitor Center offers state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a restaurant and lounge, and an impressive exhibit highlighting the amphitheater’s geological formation and rich entertainment history.

Directory

This directory serves as a valuable tool for efficiently locating and accessing essential resources, such as dining establishments, healthcare facilities, public service offices, and community events. By offering comprehensive details and contact information, it aims to streamline the process of finding necessary services and participating in local activities.
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Blue Sparrow Coffee
Corvus Coffee Roasters
Crema Coffee House
Dandy Lion Coffee Co.
Huckleberry Roasters
Jubilee Roasting Co.
Little Owl Coffee
Middle State Coffee
Queen City Collective Coffee
Sapor Coffee & Concepts
Sweet Bloom Coffee
Arash International Market
Lotus Asian Market
Middle East Market
Pacific Mercantile Company
Tower Road Asian Market
City Park Farmers Market
Colorado Fresh Markets Inc
Metro Denver Farmers Market
Parker Farmers Market
South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
University Hills Farmers Market
American Furniture Warehouse
Denver City Furniture
Denver Modern Showroom
Rare Finds Warehouse
Denver City Council
Denver Clerk and Recorder
Denver Human Services
Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Social Security Office
State of Colorado
AdventHealth Littleton
AdventHealth Porter
Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
HCA HealthONE Mountain Ridge
HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke's
HCA HealthONE Rose
HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge
Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital
Kindred Hospital Denver
University of Colorado Hospital
Denver Westword
Huffington Post Denver
The Denver Post
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
Temple Nightclub
The Church Nightclub
The Horseshoe Lounge

The business listings provided in this directory are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, not all listings may include complete information such as phone numbers, websites, or other contact details.