Day Trips From Denver (2025)

A hand-carved gift from Boulder’s sister city, this Tajik teahouse remains a living work of art with daily afternoon tea and global dishes. Featured by Michelin Guide and celebrated by local media; the city oversaw artisan-led restorations in 2024. Open daily.

This adobe landmark near Red Rocks serves bison, elk, and frontier recipes in a setting that feels part museum, part feast. Long praised by 5280 and Westword, with a Wine Spectator–recognized list, it’s independently owned and very much alive in 2025.

Ride restored narrow-gauge cars between Georgetown and Silver Plume on a 19th-century engineering marvel. A perennial pick in state travel guides, it runs an active 2025 schedule with seasonal events and optional mine tours.

Soak under a century-old glass dome or in geothermal caves at this independently run retreat steps from historic Miner Street. Recommended by regional travel editors and state tourism outlets; the resort continues daily operations with multiple soaking options.

A tiny 1800s bakery reborn as a weekend cocktail den, pouring drinks named for local legends. Lauded by Eater Denver and 5280, it anchors Silver Plume’s creative revival and posts current hours and events; plan for Fridays and Saturdays.

Lyons’ homegrown distillery crafts award-winning American single malt and gin with local grain and St. Vrain juniper. Recognized by Forbes and international spirits competitions, the tasting room runs tours, cocktails, and events year-round.

A Vietnam veteran’s 26-year carving project brought a 1910 Looff carousel back to life; today it spins to a 1913 Wurlitzer. Featured regularly by local news and arts outlets, this nonprofit operates daily in summer and hosts community events.

An employee-owned pioneer with tours, a garden-like patio, and seasonal taps. Frequently spotlighted by Axios Denver and regional guides, Odell remains independent and community-focused, making Fort Collins an easy, culture-rich day trip for beer lovers.

Golden’s trail-adjacent brewery pairs mountain views with a thoughtful beer list and nightly food trucks. Named Readers’ Choice Best Brewery by Westword and praised by 5280, it’s a post-hike hangout that captures modern Front Range beer culture.

Family-run since the 1970s, this European-style market houses Colorado’s famous walk-in cheese room and a French café. Celebrated by 5280 and Westword’s Best of Denver, it’s a delicious cultural detour on the northern Front Range.

Back open in 2025, this cliff-hugging log cabin bar serves burgers, live tunes, and Colorado lore by the creek. Westword chronicled its revival under new ownership; hours run Thursday through Sunday with music on many Saturdays.