I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good girls’ trip!!
I recently had the opportunity to take a trip to Denver, Colorado with my niece over a long weekend. We had such an awesome time in the Mile High City that I couldn’t wait to get home and share our itinerary with you!
This getaway guide to a girls weekend in Denver will be all you need to get started planning your trip to this iconic city featuring things to do, day trips from Denver and Denver nightlife!
Is Denver Worth Visiting?
Whatever reason brings you to Denver, there are so many awesome things to do here in the ‘Mile High City’.
Each part of the city has its own unique flare. Whether it be the unique, Instagram worthy street art in the RiNO art district or the amazing dining options in Lower Downtown (LoDo) you will find yourself leaving Denver already planning your next trip back, trust me!
The more time you are able to spend in Denver the better. We spent a total of 4 days there and didn’t get to see and do everything we wanted to. But make your own itinerary out of this list based on how much time you have to spend and what your groups interests are.
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Things to do on a Girls Weekend in Denver
Ok now for the good stuff that you came here to read!!! There are so many unique and fun things to do in Denver you probably won’t be able to fit them all in on one weekend trip. But if you have more time to spend, take advantage of this entire list!!
Whether you’re looking for a more sophisticated, urban setting or more outdoor adventure, Denver has it all!
Denver Beer Spa
If kicking back and relaxing in a private bath (for up to two people) in a perfectly formulated blend of hops and herbs sounds like fun to you, then you have come to the right place.
One of our favorite parts of our girls trip to Denver was The Beer Spa. Not your average day spa, this was such a fun and unique experience.
When you arrive you will be given an insulated pint glass that you are able to fill up as many times as you want during your stay. We chose to have the cider, but they have several beers on tap as well as wine and non-alcoholic beverage options.
Once you have chosen your drink, you will head into your own private room. Here you will use the in-room sauna for about 20 minutes to prep your body for the tub. Next, you should take a cold 15 second shower to shock your system before hopping into the perfectly warm water.
Here you will soak and relax for an hour or so until the tub automatically starts to drain on its own. There are several face masks, lotions, hair masks, etc for you to choose from if you wish.
After our soaks, we decided to partake in a 15 minute zero-gravity massage chair session. This was such an amazing way to end our time at The Beer Spa. They also have a really cute lounge that you can hang out in as long as you want after your session and continue to .
Hydrate IV Bar
To gear up for a weekend of hiking or to end a long weekend of drinking and eating, you will want to add a trip to Hydrate IV Bar to your list of things to do.
Another fun, and unique, experience allowing you to relax and rejuvenate. You can choose from IV Therapy for jet-lag, anti-aging, general health and wellness and several more. They even do vitamin injections.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Even if you aren’t much of a hiker, a quick 25 minute drive out to Red Rocks is still well worth your time.
If you can, coordinate your trip when there is a concert in town. I have heard that is an experience like no other
When we went, they were setting up for a concert later that evening, but we were still able to get inside and take a look around.
There’s some really great spots for some photo ops too! Be sure to stop by Mac Nation Cafe for some amazing mac and cheese. I tell you more about it in my post about where to eat in Denver!
The Inventing Room
Another fun, unique experience in Denver that you and your girlfriends can enjoy is watching and sampling different desserts with a twist at The Inventing Room.
Make sure to buy your tickets WELL in advance, they sell out very quickly and spots are limited.
Check their website to purchase tickets and to see what the next Sugar Science event is, they change every so often.
Also, make sure you check out the Candy Wall before you leave!
Denver Shopping
What kind of girls trip would it be if there was no shopping involved?!
Of course, there are lots of places to shop in Denver all around the city and throughout the surrounding neighborhoods depending on your taste and style.
One of the most popular areas is 16th Street Mall. Here you will find some of the more big box stores along with some restaurants all together in one convenient area. There is a free shuttle service that runs the length of the entire street which is a convenient option to take advantage of, especially if the weather isn’t that great.
Denver Central Market is also another fun spot to grab some food or coffee and walk around the streets of the RiNo art district and check out some smaller, more unique shops.
Stanley Marketplace is another cool option to check out some independent, locally made items. They have food vendors as well as over 50 privately owned businesses all together in one huge warehouse.
Selfie Studio
Selfie studios seem to be popping up all over recently and they’re such a fun and unique way to capture some cool photos from your girls weekend in Denver!!
Each selfie studio has their own unique set ups, props and interactive experiences. Two I recommend checking out are Denver Selfie Museum or Adventure Room Selfie Studio.
I also recommend that you bring a tripod for your phone to take photos.
Check out the Street Art
Denver is such a vibe!! All over the city you will find painted murals, but most are situated in the RiNo Art District.
Grab a coffee from Denver Central Market, and walk around and admire! Don’t forget your camera!
Rocky Mountain Hot Air Balloons
For a different view of Denver and the Rocky Mountains, consider splurging for a hot air balloon ride over the city. Although not a cheap excursion, it will surely leave you in awe of this beautiful city with some breathtaking views.
Brewery Tour
If you and your girlfriends like beer, you’ve come to the right city. Denver has over 150 breweries, many of them within walking distance of downtown.
Of course you can always brewery hop on your own, but booking a microbrewery tour allows you to kick back and just go with the flow. They take care of the rest! I like this company – Denver Microbrew Tours – for their tours because you can choose the tour by different Denver areas.
If you are only going to visit one brewery though, the iconic Coors Brewery is a must.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME BREWERY TOUR IN DENVER!
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf at Convergence Station is a crazy, interactive art exhibit. It will take you around 3 hours to walk through the different “worlds” on all 3 levels.
You’ll either love it – or you won’t get it. That’s honestly the best way I can describe it, but still take some time to check it out and see for yourself.
Denver Art Museum
For more of a traditional art exhibit, check out Denver Art Museum which houses works of art from all over the world.
There are permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones that are always changing. A gift shop and two dining options are on site as well.
Admission is $15 for Colorado residents and $19 for non-Colorado residents. The Denver Art Museum does offer free days so if you are visiting Denver on a budget, take advantage of this! Check their website for details.
Catch a Game at Coors Field
Grab your baseball caps and a beer and head to Coors Field during baseball season and watch a Colorado Rockies game!
You can walk just a short 2 blocks from Union Station and get here.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
How does seeing some cool animals without getting out of your car sound?
Located just 10 miles from Denver, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a Denver hidden gem.
At this wildlife drive through, you will have the opportunity to see bison, coyotes, deer and many other animals. You can drive the 11 mile wildlife drive, hike over 20 miles of easy hiking trails or even bicycle through the refuge all while coexisting with these incredible animals.
Admission is FREE and they are open from sunrise to sunset.
The Source Hotel
Looking for a great spot for lunch and some off the wall boutique shopping? Be sure to check out The Source Hotel.
Staying in this chic, yet minimal, hotel in the RiNO art district would be a great option for your girls weekend in Denver.
They have a bakery, bars, restaurants, ice cream, a florist and more in Market Hall as well as The Woods rooftop bar and pool!
Even if you don’t stay, you and your girlfriends should definitely come check it out and grab some lunch.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE SOURCE HOTEL
International Church of Cannabis
The International Church of Cannabis offers guided meditation and a light show that is a really cool, fun and unique experience!
The light show plays every hour from 12:20pm-8:20pm on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and 4:20-8:20pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are $25 per person.
Don’t forget to play some board games, vintage video games or table games out in the lounge.
There is NO SMOKING allowed on property when open to the public. This is only allowed for members.
Day Trips from Denver to take on a Girls Weekend
As I mentioned before, Denver is near the mountains but not in them. Therefore, if you want to get out into them you’re going to need to hit the road.
Indian Hot Springs
A girls weekend in Denver would not be complete without soaking in some Colorado hot springs!!
In a short 30 minute drive outside of Denver you will find Indian Hot Springs Resort in Idaho Springs, Colorado. The hot springs pool is located amid some lush greenery in a very relaxing space.
They also have caves that you can enter as well. The caves are clothing optional and are separated by gender. Many people use the caves for meditation purposes, so you need to make sure you are quiet while inside.
There are a total of 5 pools inside the caves and each one gets hotter as you go. You’ll want to start all the way in the back and work your way to the front as this is the hottest one. The temperature in the caves is MUCH hotter than the pool and I found it hard to breathe in there at times.
They also have private baths and outdoor jacuzzis. I did not use either of these, but it is my understanding that the rooms with the private baths get very hot and stuffy as well.
The resort also has a spa on property where you can choose from a range of services. I had the fire dancer massage using hot stones and it was wonderful!
Reservations are not required for the caves or the main pool. Reservations are required for any of the spa services and the private baths.
Admission Rates: Pool $19 per person. Caves $23 per person. Cave & Pool Combo Package $34 per person.
They also have different lodging options that you can consider.
Glenwood Hot Springs
If you have the time to take a full day trip from Denver, I highly recommend you check out Glenwood Hot Springs. This is such a fun getaway here in Colorado!
The drive to Glenwood Springs from Denver is about 3 hours. But the time spent in the world’s largest hot spring pool is well worth it!! It’s located outdoors and open all year round. Consider staying a night at the historic Hotel Colorado just next door or at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort itself!
Mt Evans Scenic Byway
If you don’t want to put on your hiking boots but still want to get out into the mountains then DRIVE IT!
The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 5, is the highest paved road in North America. Here you will see immeasurable views, bighorn sheep, and you will pass through 5 different climate zones on your way up to the 14,264ft summit.
You will want to plan this as a full day trip from Denver as it starts about 60 miles west of the city. Pack a picnic lunch or stop at Echo Lake Lodge for some food and light shopping.
There is a $15 fee to enter and you will want to make reservations for your time slot ahead of time HERE. The US National Park Pass is NOT valid for the Mt Evans Scenic Byway.
Important Note: The Byway is only open for the season, due to snow, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can continue to go to Echo Lake through October only.
Devil’s Head Lookout
But maybe you DO feel like putting on your hiking boots…
Another awesome day trip to get out into the mountains is the hike to Devil’s Head Lookout located in Sedalia, CO – about an hour from Denver. This is part of the Pike National Forest.
The hike to Devil’s Head Lookout tower is a moderately difficult 2.7 mile hike out and back to the only fire lookout tower in Colorado. Get ready for some truly majestic views of downtown Denver, Pike’s Peak and Mount Evans.
You will have to drive a long dirt road to the trailhead and this road can be very tricky and slippery if there is any sort of adverse weather conditions. I would avoid the area if this is the case.
The best time to visit Devil’s Head is April-November, but again – check for conditions BEFORE you go. I also want to note that since this tower is the highest point in the area, it is also a lightning magnet so if there are chances of storms, do not go.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one attraction in Colorado that you cannot miss. Also an hour away from Denver in Colorado Springs but the views are well worth it.
There are many stunning rock formations that you can see here but one of the most popular is Balanced Rock. Most of the main rock formations can be seen from the road and there are several parking areas where you can stop and get out along the way.
You can also hike or walk any of the 21 miles of trails if you want to!
The drive through Garden of the Gods will only take about 20-30 minutes if you drive straight through. But admission is FREE and you can take as much time as you would like to admire the beauty here.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Last, but certainly not least, you can’t mention any trip to Colorado without mentioning Rocky Mountain National Park.
One of the most fun things to do in Denver for young adults and people of any age really is to get out and experience the Rocky Mountain majesties we have heard about since we were little. Remember that America the Beautiful song we used to sing in school?
The closest entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver is the Beaver Meadows entrance in Estes Park. This will be just under a 2 hour drive from Denver and located on the east side of RMNP. This entrance is also the most popular because it’s open year round. The east side of the park also offers the best mountain views and hiking trails as well.
Ideally you should plan to spend a few days in the RMNP on its own on your trip to Colorado. But, even if you only have a day to spend here that’s okay and I still recommend you come check it out and hit the highlights such as driving Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake.
NO LONGER REQUIRE TIMED ENTRY PERMITS FOR 2023 SEASON
Denver Nightlife and the Best Drink Spots
So now that you know what there is to do in Denver during the day, you’re probably thinking what is there to do in Denver at night? Well you will be pleased to know that Denver does have a pretty awesome nightlife!
Are you looking for a party on your girls weekend in Denver? Or maybe something more upscale? Don’t worry, Denver has it all!
Pro Tip: It’s in your best interest to make reservations anywhere you want to go. Places can get full quickly and the wait times can be long.
Barcelona Wine Bar
One of the best places for wine and tapas in all of Denver! This Spanish restaurant is located on Larimer Square and gets pretty busy.
Don’t be afraid to ask your server for some pairing recommendations or to explain some of the menu items to you.
Address: 2900 Larimer St, Denver
54 Thirty
54 Thirty is one of the best rooftop bars in Denver with stunning mountain views and an adorable neon sign saying “I love you to Denver and back”.
It’s located inside the Le Meridien Hotel downtown and almost always has a huge wait .. im talking an hour or more for a seat.
Get your name on the list and either have a drink at the bar inside Le Meridien while you wait or head down the street .. there’s plenty to choose from!
Address: 1475 California St – inside Le Meridien Hotel
Welton Room
This cocktail bar is one of the best spots in Denver! They serve elegant and modern cocktails in a trendy environment.
Don’t skip the cotton candy martini for the most instagrammable martini of all time!
Be sure to make reservations!
Address: 2590 Welton St Denver (inside The Lydian)
Coopers Lounge
No matter what reason brings you to Denver or who you are visiting with, you cannot miss a stop at the iconic Union Station downtown.
When visiting Denver with your girlfriends, I suggest you get dressed up and stop by Coopers Lounge for some drinks in this upscale lounge.
Coopers Lounge is located on the second level of Union Station, above the Terminal bar.
Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver (inside Union Station)
Death & Co
Be sure to stop by Death & Co for some after dinner drinks. They have an extensive cocktail menu with speciality drinks. Even the non-alcoholic cocktails are delicious too!
The vibe is sexy and elegant with stunning interior decor!
Address: 1280 25th St, Denver (inside Ramble Hotel)
El Five
El Five is an intimate and edgy penthouse bar and restaurant with amazing views of the Denver skyline. They serve small plates with a Mediterranean flare.
Address: 2930 Umatilla St, Denver
Peak’s Lounge
For excellent views and some really great cocktails don’t miss Peak’s Lounge on the 27th floor inside the Denver Convention Center Hyatt Regency.
Address: 650 15th St, 27th Floor, Denver
Avanti
Another rooftop bar in Denver to go with your party is Avanti. They have an amazing view of the skyline and some pretty delicious food vendor options. It’s a great place to have dinner AND drinks.
Address: 3200 N Pecos St Denver
ViewHouse Ballpark
If you happened to catch a baseball game at Coors Field, walk over to ViewHouse Ballpark for some post-game drinks at this rooftop bar in Denver..
However, if there is a game in town then you can expect it to be very crowded.
Address: 2015 Market St, Denver
Jacksons LoDo
Less than a 5 minute walk from Coors Field, Jackson’s LODO is a rooftop patio that’s perfect for pre or post-game drinks and a bite to eat. They have watch parties often and do lots of giveaways.
Tip: if you’re staying for a game, you can park here for only $40. Super convenient!!
Address: 1520 20th St, Denver
The Cruise Room
Located in the Oxford Hotel, this unique bar serves classic martinis amidst an art deco vibe illuminated by red lighting.
Address: 1600 17th St, Denver (inside The Oxford Hotel)
Ghost Donkey
I don’t know about you, but there’s no way I could pass up a hot pink bar!
Ghost Donkey is lit up with hot pink lighting and serves Mexican cocktails and mainly tequila.
Beware – it can be a little difficult to find.
Address: inside the Coloradan at 1750 Wewatta St, Denver
Happy Camper
A really cool, vibrant and alive atmosphere is what you will find at Happy Camper. Their pizzas are amazing. There is an indoor and outdoor area that is heated in case it’s a little chilly.
Address: 3211 N Pecos St, Denver
Cru
A great spot for wine flights and charcuterie in a casual, laid back atmosphere.
They have a cozy patio where you can admire the lights on Larimer Square.
Address: 1442 Larimer St, Denver
Bigsby’s Folley Craft Winery & Restaurant
If you and your friends like dry wine, check out Bigsby’s Folley. They specialize in dry, California wines and have some small shareable plates and appetizers.
The interior is gorgeous and cozy and they do have an outdoor patio as well.
Address: 3563 Wazee St, Denver
Terminal Bar
Located inside Union Station this is a great laid back spot to grab a couple drinks – maybe while you’re waiting for dinner reservations.
You can sit inside the bar itself or you can grab a drink and sit down on the couches inside the main lobby of Union Station.
Larimer Square
A trip to Denver would not be complete without stepping onto the magical Larimer Square at night. The oldest, most historic block in Denver is adorned with twinkling overhead lights that just makes it a picture perfect dream.
There are so many restaurants on Larimer square to choose from. Some of my favorites include Tamayo, Osteria Marco, Barcelona Wine Bar & Ocean Prime. Click HERE to read more about Denver dining.
Howl at the Moon
For a spot that is full of energy do not miss Howl at the Moon for their live music shows sure to get you dancing!
You will definitely want to make table reservations Friday and Saturday nights and the tables seat 4 people. Shows will start every night at 8:00pm (except on Fridays they start at 7:00pm) There will also be a $10 cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays
Address: 2100 Larimer St – but they will be moving to a new location the fall of 2023
Grizzly Rose
This country music bar and dance club has live music, pool tables and a mechanical bull. It’s always busy and has such a great and exciting atmosphere. They also offer free country dance lessons!
The Grizzly Rose has hosted some of the best country music stars. Click here for a concert list.
Address: 5450 Lincoln St, Denver
The Church Nightclub
Dress to impress and head out to this old church turned nightclub on your girls weekend in Denver. There are multiple rooms with different music but the main stage is the best.
Be sure to get tickets ahead of time, they usually are around $20 per person.
Beware that it does get pretty hot in here though.
Address: 1160 Lincoln St
How To Get Around Denver
I would highly suggest you rent a car for your girls weekend in Denver. We had an unfortunate mishap with our first rental car at the airport and ended up having to Uber to our hotel and deal with that situation in the morning. Our uber from the airport to our hotel in Cherry Creek was $40. That can get pretty pricy if you are trying to Uber everywhere around the city.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR IN DENVER
There is also free public transportation downtown that will take you down 16th Street Mall, but it doesn’t go everywhere. So if you don’t want to walk everywhere and waste all that time, just rent a car. Parking is cheap and you can pay right through an app on your phone.
There were also lots of people who would rent and ride scooters around the city, which is another option if you are interested in that.
Denver’s Best Luxury Hotel
A girls trip sounds like a great excuse to splurge a little bit and stay somewhere awesome – and that somewhere is The Art Hotel Denver.
The views are great, the staff is friendly and the location puts you within close proximity of pretty much whatever you want to do downtown. You won’t want to leave this gorgeous hotel!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE ART HOTEL DENVER
Wrap Up: A Girls Weekend in Denver
Hopefully now I have convinced you that you should gather your friends and spend a girls weekend in Denver.
When you’re done reading this one, be sure to check out the most Instagrammable spots in Denver and all about the best dining in Denver. Happy Planning!!!
