Don’t know what to do in or near Denver this summer? This list highlights must-do activities across our city and in nearby mountain communities Winter Park and Granby.
Top Denver Summer Activities
Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place to visit with the whole family all summer long. The lush gardens offer an escape from the surrounding city and are full of interactive and educational highlights. We look forward to summer nights here all year — the summer concert series is a definite Denver highlight and runs from June through August.
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum
Denver is full of incredible museums and so many are worth visiting. We like to suggest The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum because it’s so unique. The museum is located in Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base and displays iconic aircraft, artifacts, uniforms, and even space vehicles! Make sure to check their website for special exhibits like the current Snoopy and the Red Baron exhibit and events like cockpit tours that bring you up close and personal with history you can touch!
Beer Gardens & Breweries
Few things are as welcome as a cold drink and delicious bite of food after a long, hot day of exploring Denver in the summertime. Luckily Denver is home to 150 brewpubs, breweries, and taprooms. If you’ve just spent the day shopping in Lowry or exploring the Wings Over the Rockies museum, make sure to take the short walk over to Lowry Beer Garden to enjoy some shade and great views (this is a nice spot to see a Denver sunset if you’re there at the right time). Maybe you’ve spent the day on Windsor Lake? Copper Kettle Brewing Company is right around the corner and the perfect spot to catch your breath and recharge with good company.
Farmers Markets
Despite being a bustling urban center, Denver is still very in touch with its natural surroundings. Our farmer’s markets are a great example of that — fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, and more can be found on sale all around the city. Most are dog friendly and are nice ways to do both some shopping and eating all in one place! Check out Denver’s list of local farmer’s markets here.
Cherry Creek Shopping
A little too hot to just be outside? We recommend going to Cherry Creek! Here you’ll find the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, home to more than 160 shops, 15 restaurants, and a large movie theater — perfect for staying cool when temperatures rise! Need some fresh air? Cherry Creek North consists of 16 fully walkable outdoor blocks brimming with things to eat, see, do, and buy.
Koelbel’s Denver Communities
All the amazing summer things to do in Denver on this list are no more than a few minutes from two of our Denver communities — Prelude and Boulevard One — both nestled into thriving parts of Denver. Prelude offers resort-style amenities and access to Windsor Lake while Boulevard One puts you within walking distance of Lowry Town Center. Check them out and schedule a showing today!
Explore Prelude
Explore Boulevard One
Top Boulder & Front Range Summer Activities
Pearl Street Shopping
Boulder is famous for many things, but Pearl Street stands out as one of the best and is certainly an unmissable attraction. We love Pearl Street because it’s full of shopping, dining, and culture, giving you a perfect blend of things to see, do, and eat! The many small businesses and local makers here keep this street a unique Colorado highlight.
Hiking
It’s hard to have a conversation about Colorado and not talk about hiking. And for good reason! Hiking is a fun and accessible way to enjoy the natural splendor of our state and to connect with nature. You’ll have the chance to see wildlife and views you’d never see from the car. Winter Park is a great hub to find some of the best hiking near Denver. Check out the Wellness Blog from our Rendezvous community to find hikes and learn about ways you can exercise even more while out on the trail.
Fishing The Fraser River
Fly fishing is a quintessential Colorado summer activity. While there are many places you can fish all across the state, we especially recommend the Fraser River. You can catch several varieties of large trout and take in the views without having to venture too far from civilization.
Golfing in Granby
Golf is a great way to get outdoors, get exercise, and soak up some sun. Grand County is home to a lot of golf courses, but none are as special to us as Grand Elk Golf Course. This 7,144-yard course was exquisitely crafted by PGA champion Craig Stadler and makes the most of the area’s undulating meadows, rugged beauty, and natural wetlands. After you sink your last putt, make sure to check out the Grand Elk Grille for some delicious food and drinks.
Lake Activities
Many people may not think of Colorado as a great place for water activities, but they’d be missing out on some incredible summer days! Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Lake Granby are all within a short distance of each other and easily reached by driving from Denver. Here you can swim, kayak, sail, paddleboard, and enjoy the water to your heart’s content.
Koelbel-Sponsored Events
We host many events all summer long in Rendezvous! Check out our events calendar here. If you can only choose one, we suggest joining us for a Sunday brunch where you can refuel with free food and mimosas on the treetop deck at Rendezvous Center. Every Sunday throughout the Summer!
Koelbel’s Boulder & Mountain Communities
The mountains offer nonstop adventure all year long. Looking to stake out your own mountain sanctuary? Check out our communities in Superior, Winter Park, and Granby to ignite your imagination and the potential for everlasting memories.
Explore Montmere in Superior
Explore Grand Elk in Granby
Explore Rendezvous in Winter Park
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