Best Summer Activities in the Denver Area

Global Dance Festival | Colin Lloyd

The Denver area offers numerous appealing summer activities, ranging from street festivals to scenic destinations where visitors can hike, bike, and more. Let’s look at some of the top activities Denver residents can prioritize to make the most of their summer this year.

Golf at Beautiful Courses

Denver’s pleasant summer temperatures and mountain scenery highlight the one-of-a-kind golf settings surrounding Colorado’s biggest city. With dozens of nearby championship golf courses, from TPC Colorado in Berthoud to Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, Denver is one of the best cities in the Mountain West for golf enthusiasts. 

Colorado | Matthew McBrayer

Indulge in Craft Beers Outdoors

Colorado’s craft beer scene is renowned, comprising hundreds of local brewers across the state that produce delicious and flavorful beverages. During the summer, thousands of people in Denver gather with their family and friends for laid-back get-togethers on the area’s sunny patios. From rooftop beer gardens like Tap Fourteen to massive gastropubs such as BurnDown, this city has countless scenic outdoor spaces to enjoy a beverage.

Explore Cherry Creek State Park

Covering 4,000 acres just outside of Denver, Cherry Creek State Park offers ample excellent recreational options with a beautiful mountain backdrop. The park includes scenic hiking trails, bustling campgrounds, and a large reservoir.

Cherry Creek State Park | Max D

Get on the Water at Chatfield Reservoir

There is no better way to beat the heat than spending a day on the water. Surrounded by Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Chatfield Reservoir is an expansive artificial lake with public-access beaches and boat ramps. It is a popular destination for boaters, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts, and anglers are attracted to its abundance of bass, trout, catfish, and more. 

Enjoy Summer Festivals

The Denver area is busiest in the summer, and there are several events and festivals that residents and visitors can attend. The weather entices people to spend time outside, and many of the city’s major festivals take place in open-air settings. The following are a few well-known summer events: 

Underground Music Showcase: An annual outdoor spectacle that features the top rising talent in Denver’s booming music scene

A Taste of Colorado: A massive three-day celebration of the state’s food scene at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver 

Global Dance Festival: A huge musical celebration at Empower Field, where the Denver Broncos play

Global Dance Festival | Colin Lloyd