Denver Winter Vacation: How To Spend An Epic Winter Weekend In Denver

Denver, Colorado is a great destination for a winter getaway. It sees mild weather compared to the Rockies but still provides a taste of winter.

Planning a weekend away in Denver this winter? From festivals and day trips to the mountains, to museums and professional sporting events, there’s no shortage of great things to do during your Denver winter vacation.

I’ve lived in Denver most of my life and think the city is really underrated this time of year. Read on for a 3 day Denver weekend guide in winter!

Denver Winter Vacation Guide & Things To Do 

Below I’ve compiled a 3 day itinerary with lots of options for your Denver winter vacation. 

This itinerary includes more than most would do in one weekend, pick and choose which attractions appeal to you.

Denver Winter Vacation: Day 1

If you arrive downtown via the train, you’ll find yourself at Union Station. This is a great place to start your weekend in Denver.

Restaurants Near Union Station Denver 

First thing’s first, grab a bite to eat.

There’s an excellent selection of delicious food in this immediate area, check out:

• Snooze A.M. Eatery for breakfast.
• Machete Tequila + Tacos for lunch. 
• Mercantile Dining & Provision for dinner. 
• Illegal Pete’s LoDo for a quick bite to eat. 
• Amante Coffee for a quick snack and caffeine. 
• Wynkoop Brewing for quick food and local brews. 

Denver’s Union Station

Now that your stomach is full, it’s time to explore Union Station.

This is Denver’s most iconic historic landmark, located smack dab in the middle of downtown. It’s a must-see during your Denver winter vacation.  

Not only is Union Station an active train terminal, it’s also a hub for restaurants, shops, bars. It’s a legitimate hangout for locals and visitors alike. 

Union Station was built in the 1920’s during the heyday of train travel. Following the decline of train travel in the United States, the building became ran down and scarcely used. 

That was until a multi-million dollar renovation from 2012 – 2014 magnificently revived the historic building, and brought a pulse back to the now-lively neighborhood. 

Looking for more things to do in the neighborhood? Check out Top Things To Do In LoDo Denver. 

Visit A Museum

Depending on what time you arrived, consider spending the afternoon at one of Denver’s many museums.

Downtown has an excellent variety of galleries and collections, especially considering the city’s relatively small size. 

Downtown Denver Museums

• Denver Art Museum
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Molly Brown House Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
• Colorado History Center
• Clyfford Still Museum 

Visit The Colorado State Capitol

Denver isn’t called the “Mile High City” for no reason, in fact the capitol building sits exactly at one mile above sea level. 

The gold-capped building, modeled after the nation’s capitol, is located in the heart of downtown and draws thousands of visitors a year.

The 13th step is the spot to stand if you wish to snag a pic exactly one mile above sea level. 

Fun Fact: The 15th and 18th steps are also marked “one mile”. As technology has improved, the measurement has become more accurate. The 15th and 18th steps were marked in 1947 and 1969, respectively.

While here, consider taking a free tour of the capitol building. For tour information, head on over to Colorado State Capitol Tours.

Visit Larimer Square

Larimer Square is an excellent spot to wrap up your day.

It’s a lively, pedestrian-friendly historic block and one of the top things to do in Denver.

This area is known for charming local businesses, upscale eateries, and excellent boutique shopping. 

My favorite women’s boutique here is Coco & Grace, be sure to check it out!

Denver Winter Vacation: Day 2

Day 2 will involve a day trip from Denver to explore Colorado’s beautiful mountains. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry, there are tour options available.

You’ll want to hit the road early, as many of these attractions get quite busy during the weekends. 

You May Also Like: The Most Popular Day Trips From Denver

Grab A Quick Breakfast In Denver

Before beginning the day, fuel up with some delicious breakfast.

Some of my favorite spots to grab a quick bite downtown are:

• Rosenberg’s Bagels
• Santiago’s Breakfast Burritos
• Voodoo Doughnuts
• Bodega Denver
• Maria Empanada

Rocky Mountain National Park (Option 1)

1 hour, 40 minutes from Denver 

Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning park located less than two hours from the city.

This is one of the most visited national parks come summer, but it’s quite peaceful during the winter months.

It has great snowshoeing routes and scenic drives, perfect for your Denver winter vacation. 

If you’re interested in snowshoeing, check out Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, The Loch, or Lake Haiyaha.

You’ll be blown away by how beautiful the trails are this time of year.

Never snowshoed? Don’t worry, snowshoeing is fairly easy, especially on the well packed trails of RMNP.

Plus, snowshoeing allows you to enjoy solitude in a park which is typically very crowded.

You can rent snowshoes for cheap in Estes Park from Estes Park Mountain Shop.

The cost to enter the park is $30 / vehicle or use your America The Beautiful Pass. There is no Timed Entry Permit requirement in the winter months. 

For more information, be sure to check out: Rocky Mountain National Park: Things To Do In Winter

Rocky Mountain National Park Tour From Denver 

Don’t have a car? Or rather not drive to the mountains in snow? No problem.

There’s numerous tours available from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Consider this highly rated tour with Aspire Tours: Rocky Mountain National Park Tour From Denver.

This tour allows you 4 hours in the park, which is plenty for a winter visit. The tour is for small groups so needs to be booked in advance, especially if traveling with a group.

For more ideas, check out The Best Rocky Mountain National Park Tours. This includes winter tours and tours from Denver.

Breckenridge (Option 2) 

1 hour, 50 minutes from Denver 

Breck, as it’s referred to by most, is a highly popular ski town located just under 2 hours from the city.

It’s largely known for its impressive skiing and snowboarding (some of the best in North America) and abundance of winter activities. However, that’s not all it has to offer.

Historic downtown is full of great shops, dining, nightlife, galleries, and museums. Many of which you’ll find in colorful, restored homes dating back to the late 1800’s.

You could easily spend all day just exploring downtown.

Note: Traffic along I-70, from Denver to the ski resorts, can be significant during winter weekends, be sure to plan accordingly. 

You May Also Like: Breckenridge In Winter: Top Things To Do

Tours From Denver To Breckenridge

Interested in seeing Breck via guided tour? Many are! Check out this tour by The Colorado Sightseer.

The all day adventure includes stops at Red Rocks, Clear Creek Canyon, and Loveland Pass in addition to Breckenridge.

This tour is very popular so be sure to book in advance.

This is a great way to see some of Colorado’s most beautiful highlights in just one day!

Quick Winter Day Trips From Denver

Looking for something closer to the city?

Consider the following destinations, which are all within an hour drive of downtown, and offer great outdoor activities any time of year:

• Golden
• Roxborough State Park
• Idaho Springs
• Boulder
• Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods
• Evergreen Ice Rink

You May Also Like: The Best Quick Day Trips From Denver

Go Ice Skating

Prefer not to leave town? No problem! Go ice skating in Denver’s Skyline Park or McGregor Square Skate.

Sitting under the lofty buildings of downtown, and among the bustle of the 16th Street Mall, is the Downtown Denver Rink in Skyline Park.

This pop-up skate rink has been a highlight of Denver winters since 2009. Bring your own blades and skate for free or rent a pair on site.

Following your skating excursion, grab a hot chocolate and walk the shops on the 16th Street Mall.

Also consider Denver’s newest outdoor skate rink, located in McGregor Square.

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do In Denver During Winter

Denver Food Halls

For dinner, pop into one of Denver’s many food halls for some local grub.

The food hall scene has exploded in Denver over the past few years, leaving visitors with an excellent variety of delicious food options. 

Best Food Halls In Downtown Denver: 

• Denver Milk Market
• Avanti Food & Beverage
• The Source Hotel + Food Hall
• Zepplin Station
• Denver Central Market

You May Also Like: The Best Food Halls In Denver

Visit A Local Brewery In RiNo

If you’re up for it, grab a local brew in the highly popular RiNo neighborhood following dinner.

The River North Art District, referred to simply as “RiNo,” is located on the northern edge of downtown.

The area has undergone a massive industrial revival in the past decade.

It’s transformed old, run-down buildings, giving life to fun new restaurants, breweries, and art galleries.

While many buildings still maintain their industrial feel, they’ve been heavily modernized. Not to mention, brightened with street art and massive murals from local artists… Seriously, so many murals.

Exploring RiNo’s colorful murals and thriving brewery scene is a favorite among many during their Denver winter vacation. 

Denver Winter Vacation: Day 3  

Sunday Brunch In Denver

Brunch is a must when visiting Denver.

Around town you’ll find locals and visitors indulging in breakfast classics and new flavors alike.

Below are a few of the best spots to grab brunch in Denver.

Keep in mind, wait times can be very long. It’s best to arrive early, or pack your patience.

Best Brunch In Denver

• The Denver Biscuit Company
• Snooze A.M. Eatery
• Lucile’s Creole Cafe
• City O’ City
• Sassafras American Eatery
• Root Down

For a full list of my favorite brunch options, check out The Best Brunch Spots In Denver

Explore Meow Wolf 

Meow Wolf is the latest craze to open in Denver, and something you must consider during your Denver winter vacation. 

It’s an incredible immersive art experience that will keep you entertained for hours.

Get lost (literally) in this outrageous 90,000 square foot, 4-story interactive art exhibit created by over 300 diverse artists.

This unique establishment is one of the best places to visit during your time in Denver.

It’s open 7 days a week and tickets need to be reserved in advance.  

If Meow Wolf isn’t for you, consider spending the morning at a museum instead. I listed a number of options in the “Day 1” section of this literary.  

Visit Red Rocks Amphitheater 

Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of Colorado’s most unique attractions, and one of the best things to do in Denver during winter.

It’s the worlds only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater, and it’s only 30 minutes west of downtown.

This music venue opened in the early 1900’s and has since seen everyone from Johnny Cash and The Beatles to Stevie Wonder perform on its iconic stage.

Today the venue hosts hundreds of diverse musical performers every year.

During winter you may miss out on live music, but you’ll instead experience beautiful Red Rocks Park when the crowds are gone and snow covers the ground.

You can even hop on stage, and stand where many musical legends have performed!

The park is free as long as there’s no event. 

Tour Red Rocks Amphitheater From Denver

Again, if you don’t have a car or would prefer not to drive in inclement weather, there are tour options available.

Consider this popular half day tour which includes stops at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Lookout Mountain, and Golden: Denver & Foothills Mountains Small Group Tour.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

If time permits, also consider stopping by Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge during your Denver winter vacation. 

It’s a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge located about 10 miles north of downtown, near Commerce City.

This is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country.

It’s home to deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and the refuge’s most popular residents — the great American bison.

There are trails around the park and a scenic drive, Wildlife Drive.

The Wildlife Drive is perfect for a winter visit, as you can see the animals from the warmth of your car.

Have Delicious Mexican Food For Dinner 

Mexican food is extremely popular in Denver and a personal favorite for me.

From street tacos to smothered burritos, you’ll have no problem finding something savory and delicious here. 

Some of Denver’s most popular Mexican eateries are La Loma (my personal favorite), Machete, El Taco De Mexico, Rio Grande, and Lola Coastal Mexican.

Be sure to try something with green chili, a spicy stew-like mix of green chilies.

This regional staple originates from New Mexico and has been proudly adopted across the state of Colorado.

Dessert At Little Man Ice Cream

Yes, ice cream in winter, just trust me. 

This Denver icon serves fresh homemade ice cream in unique and traditional flavors from an iconic 28 foot tall cream can… You have to see it to believe it.

Little Man offers a scoop of “vintage American nostalgia” — a perfect way to end your Denver winter vacation. 

The Best Things To Do In Denver During The Holidays

Visiting the Mile High City during the holiday season?

Consider adding one of the following activities to your vacation itinerary:

• Shop at the Denver Christkindlmarket.
• Enjoy the Denver Blossom of Lights at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
• Join in on Hammond’s Candy Factory tour (they offer free tours!).
• Visit the Denver Zoo for their annual Denver Zoo Lights.
• See the holiday lights of The Denver City & County Building (this is one of my favorite things to do over the holidays, and it’s free!).

For my full list, check out 25 Festive Things To Do In Denver During Christmas!

Where To Stay In Denver

If you’re only planning to spend a few days in Denver, I recommend staying in the downtown area.

It’s centrally located, walkable, and there’s tons to do!

Best Hotels In Downtown Denver 

• The Crawford Hotel
• The Curtis Denver
• Four Seasons Hotel Denver
• The Brown Palace
• The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block
• The Art Hotel Denver
• The Oxford Hotel
• The Ramble Hotel

All of these hotels are centrally located, making a great base for your Denver winter vacation. 

There are less expensive hotels outside the city. However, there’s not a lot of tourist-friendly things do in the suburbs immediately surrounding Denver.

Additionally, Denver area traffic can be really bad. Commuting in and out of the city will cut into precious vacation time. 

How To Get To Denver

Denver International Airport – 35 minutes from downtown (26 miles)

Looking for cheap flights? Be sure to sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get cheap flight alerts delivered right to your inbox. It’s a free service I’ve used for years and couldn’t recommend more. 

From the airport you can…

Take The Train To Denver 

The University of Colorado A Line, simply referred to as the A Line, takes you directly from DIA to Union Station, which is centrally located downtown.

The train costs $10 each way and takes just under 40 minutes. 

Call An Uber/ Lyft/ Taxi 

Ride share or a cab will usually run you about $60-75 to downtown.

The drive between DIA and downtown is about 35 minutes. If arriving during rush hour, that time can nearly double.  

Rent A Car

Prices will vary. The drive between DIA and downtown is about 35 minutes without traffic.

Do You Need A Car In Denver? 

Short answer, no.

However, day trips from Denver are awesome, the city is sitting right at the base of the Rocky Mountains after all! So lets look at the pros and cons below… 

Getting Around Downtown 

I don’t recommend having a car downtown. Parking is limited and traffic can be terrible.

Downtown Denver is compact and easy to get around by walking or utilizing the abundance of scooter and bike rentals around town. 

If there’s bad weather and you’d rather not walk, Uber/Lyft are readily available. 

What About Day Trips?

A car is most convenient for day trips, but there are tours available for the most popular attractions near Denver. 

If you’re not accustomed to winter driving, skip the rental car and let a tour guide take the wheel for you.

What To Wear In Denver During Winter

My 3 Day Denver Winter Packing List:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of leggings
• 1 fleece jacket 
• 2 lightweight long sleeves (such as a cardigan or flannel)
• 2 sweaters
• Warm socks
• Warm jacket (warm and waterproof is excellent)
• 2 pairs of shoes (boots, heels, tennis shoes, crocs, whatever… just skip the sandals)

Tip: Denver’s winter weather can vary widely throughout the day, layers are well utilized here.

If there’s snow in the forecast or the high’s below 40°F, also pack:

• Warm base layers or long underwear  
• Warm pair of gloves
• Hat or earmuffs
• Wool socks
• Scarf 
• Pair of boots (If snowing you’ll want weather proof boots with sturdy traction. If you don’t have snow boots that’s okay, for example rain boots work fine in a pinch.) 

If heading to the mountains for snow activities, you will also need:

• Warm base layers or long underwear
• Warm and waterproof jacket
• Pair of warm and waterproof gloves
• Pair of warm and waterproof pants 
• Pair of wool socks 
• Warm hat
• Snow boots 

If you are headed to the mountains, be sure to also check out What To Wear In Colorado During Winter.

This covers what to wear in the mountain towns, including ski trips and outdoor activities like snow tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.

As you can see, there is so much to do in Denver during winter.

Any questions or comments? Please leave a comment below!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides or head on over to Visit Colorado.

More Information For Your Winter Trip To Denver:

• Winter In Denver: The Best Things To Do
• Brunch In Denver: The Best Places To Eat
• Top Denver Food Halls
• Day Trips From Denver: Quick Day Trips
• Day Trips From Denver: The Most Popular
• 24 Hours In Denver: What To Do
• All Denver Guides

More Information For Your Trip To Colorado:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Cities & Regional Hubs In Colorado (for visitors!)
• Colorado Travel Guide (everything to know for visitors!)
• All Colorado Guides