Jason's Downtown Denver Tour

-620079258

Experience Downtown Denver. This jam packed tour will take you from the historic Union Station, through LoDo, up the 16th Street Mall around the Capital, through the DAM, down the bike path and drinking a beer at My Brother's Bar within eight hours. Originally conceived for guests visiting from France, this tour is full Americana and random history.

Jason's Downtown Denver Tour

If you are meeting someone, there isn’t better starting spot, than Union Station. I recommend starting between 9-10AM.

The Union Depot and Railroad Company built the city’s first Union Station. It cost $525,000 and opened on June 1, 1881. Up until 1958, Denver Union Station had more travelers than Stapleton Airport.

If you are meeting someone, there isn’t better starting spot, than Union Station. I recommend starting between 9-10AM.

The Union Depot and Railroad Company built the city’s first Union Station. It cost $525,000 and opened on June 1, 1881. Up until 1958, Denver Union Station had more travelers than Stapleton Airport.

Tattered Cover Bookstore

1628 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

Grab a breakfast sandwich and a drink for the walk.

Grab a breakfast sandwich and a drink for the walk.

Wynkoop Brewing Co

1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202

Walk down Wynkoop Street past the Brewing Company, where our current Mayor made is millions.

http://www.wynkoop.com/history.html

Walk down Wynkoop Street past the Brewing Company, where our current Mayor made is millions.

http://www.wynkoop.com/history.html

Coors Field

2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205

With spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, Coors Field opened in 1995 and is home to the MLB's Colorado Rockies. The open-air stadium seats over 50,000 spectators with a row of purple seats indicating the one mile mark above sea level. Located in downtown's LoDo district a few blocks from Union S... more »
With spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, Coors Field opened in 1995 and is home to the MLB's Colorado Rockies. The open-air stadium seats over 50,000 spectators with a row of purple seats indicating the one mile mark above sea level. Located in downtown's LoDo district a few blocks from Union Station, the stadium is designed with red brick to mimic the ambiance of an old-time baseball park.

The Oxford Hotel

1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80205

Opened in 1891 and fully restored a century later, this genteel hotel in Denver's historical district appeals to affluent leisure and business travelers who appreciate its atmosphere and personalized service. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the five-story hotel features antique fu... more »
Opened in 1891 and fully restored a century later, this genteel hotel in Denver's historical district appeals to affluent leisure and business travelers who appreciate its atmosphere and personalized service. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the five-story hotel features antique furnishings, marble floors, frescoed walls, stained glass, sterling chandeliers, and collections of Colorado art. THE OXFORD HOTEL IS PROUD TO BE A NON-SMOKING HOTEL

Stop in at Rockmount and try on a pair of custom boots or a red velvet cowboy hat. ROCKMOUNT’s magic popularized western wear and you’ll agree it still has appeal.

http://www.rockmount.com/our_story.htm

Stop in at Rockmount and try on a pair of custom boots or a red velvet cowboy hat. ROCKMOUNT’s magic popularized western wear and you’ll agree it still has appeal.

http://www.rockmount.com/our_story.htm

16th Street Mall

511 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

Completed in 1982, the 16th Street Mall is a shopping, dining and transportation hub covering more than a mile.

Make sure to stop in at least one of the many cheesy tourist shops. Try on a Moose hat and read some comical Colorado bumper stickers.

Completed in 1982, the 16th Street Mall is a shopping, dining and transportation hub covering more than a mile.

Make sure to stop in at least one of the many cheesy tourist shops. Try on a Moose hat and read some comical Colorado bumper stickers.

Overland Outfitters

1512 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202

There is nothing more fun than trying on a fur hat, laughing at yourself in the mirror and then choking on the price.

There is nothing more fun than trying on a fur hat, laughing at yourself in the mirror and then choking on the price.

Writer Square

1512 Larimer St Unit 1 R, Denver, CO 80202

The lush flowers and outdoor dining make for a great photo.

The lush flowers and outdoor dining make for a great photo.

Larimer Square

1400 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202

Larimer Square focuses on boutique shopping and fine dining while still retaining is turn-of-the century charm through its cobble stone streets and occasional horse-drawn carriage rides. Diners can enjoy a glass of Pinot Gris at the Cru wine bar, find gourmet coffees and food at The Market or find We... more »
Larimer Square focuses on boutique shopping and fine dining while still retaining is turn-of-the century charm through its cobble stone streets and occasional horse-drawn carriage rides. Diners can enjoy a glass of Pinot Gris at the Cru wine bar, find gourmet coffees and food at The Market or find Western apparel and gifts at Cry Baby Ranch. Located in downtown, Larimer is a few blocks from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the 16th Street Mall.

The Daniels & Fisher (D&F) Tower

1601 Arapahoe St Denver, CO 80202

The Daniels & Fisher (D&F) Tower is a distinctive Denver, Colorado landmark. Built as part of the Daniels & Fisher department store in 1910, it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi at the time, at a height of 325 feet (99 meters).

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts contains ten separate performance spaces that total nearly 10,000 seats combined. The Boettcher Concert Hall was America's first theater-in-the-round and is home to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra while the recently renovated Ellie Caulkins Opera House is hom... more »
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts contains ten separate performance spaces that total nearly 10,000 seats combined. The Boettcher Concert Hall was America's first theater-in-the-round and is home to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra while the recently renovated Ellie Caulkins Opera House is home to Opera Colorado and the Colorado Ballet. In addition, the complex showcases plays, concerts and musicals in the diverse space. The complex is located downtown, north of the Colorado Convention Center and contains several eating establishments.
Set in the heart of downtown Denver, the Colorado Convention Center features 584,400 square feet of available exhibition space, divided into six major areas of various sizes and functions. In addition to its large group spaces, the center has 63 smaller meeting rooms and the 5,000-seat Wells Fargo Th... more »
Set in the heart of downtown Denver, the Colorado Convention Center features 584,400 square feet of available exhibition space, divided into six major areas of various sizes and functions. In addition to its large group spaces, the center has 63 smaller meeting rooms and the 5,000-seat Wells Fargo Theatre. Services provided for attendees at the convention center include a full business center, multiple ATMs, Internet services and a gift shop. Viewed from downtown, the center's most recognizable feature is the sculpture of a large blue bear, rearing up on its legs as if peering curiously into the building. Located conveniently close to many hotels and at a hub of the city's light rail system, the center is close to the Denver Performing Arts Center, the Denver Art Museum and the popular LoDo shopping and entertainment district.

Johnny Rockets

401 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

Johnny Rockets sells burgers, Americana and shakes – better than most. You may consider this a little cheesy, but work-release convicts dancing is always a good time.

If you are looking for the real deal, back up a couple blocks and hit Sam’s No. 3.“All American Restaurant” http://www.samsno3.com/ but be warned there is minimal dancing in the aisles.

You’ll will want to be done with your burgers no later than 12:45.

Johnny Rockets sells burgers, Americana and shakes – better than most. You may consider this a little cheesy, but work-release convicts dancing is always a good time.

If you are looking for the real deal, back up a couple blocks and hit Sam’s No. 3.“All American Restaurant” http://www.samsno3.com/ but be warned there is minimal dancing in the aisles.

You’ll will want to be done with your burgers no later than 12:45.

 

Colorado State Capital

200 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80203

Everyone loves big old buildings where important things happen. Make sure to get your photo on the steps, marked a mile high.

Denver Public Library

10 W 14th Avenue Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204

Walk by the Library on your way to the new wing of the Denver Art Museum.

Walk by the Library on your way to the new wing of the Denver Art Museum.

Frederic C. Hamilton Building - DAM

100 W 14th Avenue Pkwy Denver, CO 80204

If you have time I recommend coming back. This tour only has time for a quick stop in the gift shop and a few moments for gawking at the architecture. You have to be at the Brown Palace at 2PM for their guided tour.

Civic Center Park

100 W 14th Ave Parkway Denver, CO 80204

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

321 Seventeenth Street, Denver, CO 80202

The Brown has a free guided tour on Saturdays. You should call ahead and plan to meet in front of the Ship Tavern. The tour is definitely worth the hour it takes.

http://www.brownpalace.com/press_room/press_kit_2008.cfm

The Brown has a free guided tour on Saturdays. You should call ahead and plan to meet in front of the Ship Tavern. The tour is definitely worth the hour it takes.

http://www.brownpalace.com/press_room/press_kit_2008.cfm

Classic Cruisers Bike Rentals & Adventure Tours

anywhere Denver, CO 80202

This service will drop and pick up the bikes where ever you are at. Call Doug at 303-777-5375 or 720-427-3939 A Half Day Rental is $20 + Tax.

Ride your bikes to the new Hyatt and go up to the Peaks Lounge, reward yourself with a drink and enjoy the views. Both are incredible on the 27th floor.

Finish that drink by 4PM, knowing there are more in store – later in the tour.
http://denverregency.hyatt.com

Ride your bikes to the new Hyatt and go up to the Peaks Lounge, reward yourself with a drink and enjoy the views. Both are incredible on the 27th floor.

Finish that drink by 4PM, knowing there are more in store – later in the tour.
http://denverregency.hyatt.com

Cherry Creek Bike Path

Speer Blvd & Colfax Denver, CO 80202

After the Hyatt you’ll ride past the Convention Center and hit Speer and Colfax, from there you drop down in the Cherry Creek Bike Path for an easy cruise along the river.

If you’re the sporty type this is your heaven and you should go inside. If your like the rest of us the confluence of the Platte and Cherry creek may be more entertaining.

If you’re the sporty type this is your heaven and you should go inside. If your like the rest of us the confluence of the Platte and Cherry creek may be more entertaining.

Denver Skate Park

2205 19th Street Denver, CO 80204

You’re not going to see Tony Hawk or any other Pros, but this park is worth checking out. Or better yet, show off your stuff and give skating a shot.

Platte River Bike Trail

Platte River Denver, CO 80204

Trails go along both sides of the river. Try one and then go back the other way. The goal is only a few blocks away and your on a bike – be adventurous.

My Brother's Bar

2376 15th St, Denver, CO 80202

Lock up those bikes, call the bike service for pick up, and order a beer and onion rings at Jack Kerouac’s old haunt. You made it.

Lock up those bikes, call the bike service for pick up, and order a beer and onion rings at Jack Kerouac’s old haunt. You made it.

Platte River Pedestrian Bridge

N 39° 45.393 W 105° 00.418 Denver , CO 80202

Walk down Platte Street to the Emagene Skate Board shop and hang a right then walk over the Platte River Pedestrian Bridge.

If you take a left and go over I-25 you’ll end up in the highlands. While fantastic in every way, I recommend saving it for another day.

Millennium Bridge

Riverfront Park Denver, CO 80202

Located behind Union Station, the Millennium Bridge connects the popular 16th Street Mall with the Riverfront Park in the Central Platte Valley neighborhood.

You are back where you started and the clock hasn’t striked six.

This tour has been tried and tested for your enjoyment. Enjoy!

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Discussions

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Looking for a spot for a group of us to meet for my colleague’s last day at work… thanks for the helpful guide!

About The Author

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North City Park
I have built and sold a marketing agency, spearheaded the formation of design organizations, taught university courses and earned regional and international recognition. Throughout my career I have directed teams in strategic planning, creative development and technical implementation. As the...