5 Things to Do in Denver, Colorado (Updated 2026)

10 Sept 2025
min read

Denver isn’t just “a mile high.” It’s a city that feels alive; mountains brushing the skyline, neighborhoods buzzing with food and art, and a wellness culture that’s as modern as it is grounded. Whether you’re passing through for a weekend or plotting a longer stay, there are a few things that can make your time here feel unforgettable.

Let’s start with something a little unexpected.

1. Experience a Robot Massage with Aescape

This isn’t the massage chair at the airport. It’s a fully guided session in an Aescape studio; private, solo, and built to help your body reset. You set the pace, you choose the focus (back, glutes, hamstrings), and the system adapts to you in real time. People love it because it feels personal without any of the pressure to chat or explain.

Denver’s wellness scene has always leaned progressive, and Aescape fits right in. It’s the kind of experience you leave thinking, oh, this is what my body needed. 

2. Catch a Show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks is one of those rare places where the venue itself is as legendary as the music. Surrounded by ancient sandstone formations, concerts here are almost spiritual. Even if you can’t snag tickets, go in the morning, locals use the steps for sunrise workouts, and the view alone is worth the climb.

3. Stroll Through RiNo Art District

RiNo (short for River North) is the neighborhood where creativity spills out onto the streets. Think massive murals, independent breweries, and food halls that feel like mini festivals. It’s the kind of place where you wander in for coffee and end up staying all afternoon because there’s always one more block you haven’t explored.

4. Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens

A calm pocket in the middle of the city, the gardens are a reminder that Denver isn’t all grit and peaks. From desert cacti to lush Japanese water features, the space feels curated but never stiff. If you need a slower day (or just a reset between mountain adventures), this is the spot.

5. Take a Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Less than two hours from Denver, the park is pure drama: alpine lakes, elk herds, and trails that make you stop mid-step because the view is just that good. Trail Ridge Road, which climbs over 12,000 feet, is especially breathtaking in summer. Just remember, the air is thin, so give yourself grace on the climbs.

Denver has plenty of options for adventure, food, and wellness. But what makes it special isn’t just what you do, it’s how it all flows together. A morning massage, an afternoon hike, an evening under the stars… it’s the kind of balance that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Let us know you enjoyed this read by booking a massage and using code BLOG for $10 off your first session (30 minutes and up!). Wanna share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout at @LetsAescape on social!