Southwest Airlines Presents A Day Denver
We here at Southwest are very proud to serve passengers flying throughout the United States, but we do have a few standout cities that make up some of our busiest travel destinations.
For example, we bet many of you didn’t know that Denver was one of our top-ranked destinations when it comes to the number of flights and passengers served!
And to help out many of our passengers flying to Denver, we decided to invite frequent Southwest Airlines flyer and Denver resident Jim McDallas to help throw a spotlight on all the great things you can do, experience, and see over a 24-hour stay in Denver!
My wife always says that right after our family, I love two things in life: Flying Southwest Airlines and living in Denver.
And in this blog entry for Southwest Airlines, I am happy to share with you some of the great things you can do here in a day in Denver.
9 AM
You just arrived in Denver, and I would suggest you start your day right by grabbing a green chile breakfast burrito at Santiago’s — it’s an iconic dish unique to Denver, and the best time to try it is in the mornings!
10 AM
Now that you’re fueled up, your next stop should be one of Colorado’s 41 amazing state parks. I would personally suggest you check out the Roxborough state park near Littleton.
Not far from Denver, this park has over 4,000 gorgeous acres to explore that include forests, red rock formations, meadows, and the historic Waterhouse Homestead.
Make sure to bring a good camera with you to capture the majesty of our parks!
12 PM
After a good long hike, all you want to do is put up your feet somewhere and really kickback. The perfect place to do this in my opinion is the Indian Hot Springs.
Just 30 minutes from Denver, these natural hot springs, set against a jungle-like dome, can soothe any aches and pains you might have from your morning hike. The pools offer cozy temperatures around the 90 to 100 range and cost just 18 USD for a one hour soak. Don’t miss this!
2 PM
After the hike around Roxborough park and dip at the Indian Hot Springs, I am sure you could probably use a drink and a bite to eat.
Do not, and I repeat, do not visit Denver without a pilgrimage to the famous Buckhorn Exchange. This classic steakhouse situated around Lincoln Park has been serving up fine steaks to Denver residents and visitors since 1893.
If you’re feeling especially daring, you can even sample the infamous “oysters.” Breaded, fried, and served with a horseradish dipping sauce that can almost make you forget you are chowing down on bulls’ testicles.
3 PM
Having hiked, soaked, and fed up, I would recommend you take the afternoon to get a taste of the vibrant Denver culture and art scene.
There are two spots you could think of checking out. I recommend either the RiNo or the Santa Fe Arts District.
Here, in these two neighborhoods, you will be surrounded by the latest works from talented street artists from Denver and across the United States.
Walking through these streets and taking in thecool paintings and art galleries is the perfect way to spend a late afternoon here in Denver.
4 PM
As the day winds down, the nightlife winds up. And, it’s also the perfect time to grab a happy hour drink! And here in Denver, you will be spoiled for choice.
There are well over a hundred great breweries to check out for your happy hour beer.
We would suggest you try them all but wouldn’t be drinking responsibly now, would it?
But if I had to choose two to recommend, I would suggest checking out the Ratio or the Breckenridge Brewery.
Not only do they serve up great happy hour drinks and beer, but they offer home delivery for those of you that prefer to socially distance at the moment.
And that’s always a welcome option!
5 PM
No trip to Denver would be complete without a visit to the Red Rocks. Some have called it the best place to experience music in the galaxy.
We’re not going to argue with that, but it’s not just about the amazing concerts.
The Red Rocks event site is also the backdrop for all kinds of live events, including world-famous plays and theater troupes.
Thanks to the pandemic, that part of Red Rocks is not available to us, but a drive-in movie theater experience has replaced it and is just as fun.
Do yourself a favor, make sure you rent a car, and make sure you get out to Red Rocks to catch a sunset film with your partner or family. It’s unforgettable.
8 PM
If you have followed this guide of mine, then by 6 PM you will have hiked, soaked, chowed, cultured, and watched your way through a great day in and around Denver.
And, if you’re like me, you are probably ready to wind down. Be sure and do that with a nightcap from one of Denver’s two historic hotels.
The Oxford Hotel offers a Prohibition-era red hue bar serving handcrafted cocktails and The Brown Palace offers great drinks at The Ship Tavern.
Here, you can imbibe some of the finest beers Denver has to offer and check out all the cool model boats that make up the interior decoration for this marine-themed bar.
And that rounds out a day in Denver!
If this sounds like a great way to spend a weekend with your family, then I would like to invite you to get out here with Southwest Airlines.
Southwest flies to Denver from throughout the United States and you can’t beat their quality of service and prices. Check out some of the latest travel deals here!
