When you’re looking for a vacation destination where you’ll never get bored, Denver is a surefire winner. From the Rocky Mountains to the vast shopping and culinary scenes, the Mile High City has everything you could possibly want.
The excitement of your trip begins the moment you land at Denver International Airport. DIA makes navigating the airport and its exits and entrances simple, including guides to finding a Denver airport car rental or other transportation to your destination.
Once you’re out of the airport and settled into your temporary new home, what should you do? There are plenty of hotspots and must-see famous tourist destinations, but if you want to head to where only the locals go, check out these 5 hidden gem locations to add to your itinerary while in Denver.
1. The Cherry Cricket
Denver’s culinary scene is world-renowned, but you won’t find the best burgers in a fancy restaurant. Instead, they’re tucked away in a local favorite called The Cherry Cricket. This longstanding bar opened up in the 1960s and has been serving incredible food, including mouthwatering burgers and Colorado’s top craft beers, ever since.
2. Buffalo Bill’s Grave
Located just outside Denver in Golden is the grave of one of the most famous frontiermen in the Wild West. Toured by thousands of guests each year, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is still relatively unknown by most Denver visitors. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s request was to be buried at the top of Lookout Mountain, and when you visit his grave, you’ll understand why he fell so in love with the area.
3. The Wizard’s Chest
When you’re a teenager in Denver, The Wizard’s Chest is a family visit you actually look forward to going on and a favorite get-together location with friends. Located in Cherry Creek, The Wizard’s Chest is in the shape of a castle and modeled on the J.R.R. Tolkien book “Middle Earth,” but it’s full of retail and dining places. Don’t be surprised if you see dungeons and dragons during your visit, though, as the castle is full of games, magic, and people in costume (or are they?)!
4. Casa Bonita
Once you experience Denver’s Mexican food, you understand that most of the world’s version of this cuisine is truly lacking in flavor. To taste this claim, head to Casa Bonita, the Mexican restaurant made famous by the show South Park. The creators of this hit cartoon series had good memories of visiting the restaurant as children and featured an entire episode about it. They recently bought and revamped the establishment, making it so popular that you’ll need to reserve your spot well in advance.
5. Lakeside Amusement Park
Families in Denver plan their short vacations around Lakeside Amusement Park, an outdoor park that’s been around since 1908. This historic entertainment destination has become so well-known that tourists visit to get that old-time, slower days feel. However, all the equipment is up to code, so you can feel comfortable letting your children enjoy the many rides you once loved as a kid! Before you add it to your itinerary, check the website for its schedule, as the establishment will close to the public to allow schools and other organizations access for fundraising causes.
