Watch CBS News

Top Tourist Attractions In Denver Worth The Hype

16th Street MallDecorations on the 16th Street Mall (credit: CBS)

Visitors and locals alike have must-see attractions in Denver that are well worth the hype. Fascinating people watching and fabulous dining and fun await in the famous 16th Street Mall area. Baseball enthusiasts will find their inner child with a visit to Colorado Rockies' Coors Field while taking in the character of a myriad of pubs and restaurants. The entire family will soak in the beauty and wonder of Denver's Downtown Aquarium. Get out and enjoy Denver's attractions worth they hype.

Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 370-6000
www.dmns.org

The Museum of Nature and Science is an absolute must see in Denver. The IMAX Theater and Planetarium shows alone are worth the visit. Yet this museum is unique in that it caters to visitors of all ages. Young and old will spend hours of joy checking out one of the West's most incredible dinosaur collections and playing with the activities in the Space Odyssey. A special treat to look forward to is the MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition. With the exhibition in Denver until mid-January, visitors will become their own myth buster and have the chance to test theories and play with hands-on experiments and see live myth-busting demonstrations. A favorite for the adults is the Science Lounge that makes science fun. Every third Thursday, the museum hosts this amazing program that brings together the perfect mixture of socializing and learning. Share cocktails and conversation with guest speakers and live music that always makes for a memorable evening.

16th Street Mall
Denver, CO 80265
www.16thstreetmalldenver.com

The 16th Street Mall is not only a staple for locals; it is an experience for visitors around the world. This 1.25-mile-long pedestrian mall runs up and down 16th Street in downtown Denver with only a free shuttle bus on the road. The best time to visit the 16th Street Mall is the afternoons and evenings where one will take in a variety of entertainment ranging from street vendors, people watching, a mixture of both budget and high class shopping and fabulous dining. The avid shoppers will have their run of H&M, Banana Republic and Victoria's Secret, just to name a few. Come lunch or dinner time, guests will quench their palates with the Paramount Café, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Jazz at Jacks. There is also a movie theater and bowling alley to complete an entire day of fun.

Coors Field
2001 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 292-0200
www.colorado.rockies.mlb.com

Believe it or not, Coors Field is the fifth oldest stadium in baseball. Although the playoffs and the World Series are in the rear view mirror, this beautiful ballpark is a must see year around. The Colorado Rockies baseball team opened its inaugural season to this stellar stadium built of green with even a row of purple seats to mark the "mile high" spot. Not only does this spectacular outdoor stadium have views of the Rocky Mountains, there is plenty more to see with a tour of the venue. Call ahead to see if a visit to the locker rooms and dugout can be arranged. Thanks to this amazing baseball stadium, the lower downtown area of Denver known as LoDo offers fun restaurants and bars to hang with old friends and meet some new ones.

Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-2700
www.wynkoop.com

The Denver area has become the Napa Valley of microbreweries. Probably one of the most well-known places to tempt the beer connoisseur's taste buds is the Wynkoop Brewing Company. Founded by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, this brewery just happens to be Colorado's first brewpub. It is a must see for any beer lover where they can take a tour, grab a wonderful meal and find themselves in a brewery full of flavor. In addition to the beer and food, it has pool tables, dart boards and shuffleboard to complete a memorable visit. Nestled in between the shops and fun of the 16th Street Mall and Coors Field, Wynkoop Brewing Company will make it worth the while of any Denver visitor or local.

Related: Top Fall Drinks In Denver

Downtown Aquarium
700 Water St.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 561-4450
www.aquariumrestaurants.com

The Downtown Aquarium is a must visit for both out-of-town guests and locals alike. Being landlocked here in Denver will not prevent the salty taste of an ocean adventure. Although the exhibits are a bit limited, they are fascinating and educational. The tiger in the rainforest and the flash flood of the desert are always favorites. The kids will have a blast getting to touch some of the marine life and the adults can even arrange the scuba dive they have always wanted. Complete the day with a visit to the Aquarium Restaurant or Dive Lounge where fresh seafood, steaks and delicious desserts are featured. The ambiance creates serenity with its colorful wall of fish and the possibility of a mermaid sighting.

Related: Top Bar For Business Drinks In Denver

Colleen Bement is a freelance writer covering all things Denver. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.