Live like a local.
These are Bethany's recommendations for getting the most out of your time in Colorado. Whether you're a first time visitor or a long time resident, enjoy our guide to the places we are lucky enough to call home.
Restaurants
Any good day in Denver has starts and ends with good food.
Torchy's
This taco chain has two locations near Bethany. Try the taco of the month and the queso!
Cherry Cricket
This local burger chain has 4 locations across Colorado and serves classic American cuisine with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Everything they make is great, you can’t go wrong!
Los Dos Potrillos
A classic Mexican restaurant great for family dinner or a few margaritas!
Birdcall
This fast-casual chicken chain began here in Denver and has expanded to two other states. Their tots and all-natural chicken are delicious!
Duffeyroll
This sweet and savory pastry joint began just 1000 feet from Bethany and is a local favorite. Have Swiss & Honeycup Mustard Spinach Savory Roll for lunch and an Irish Cream Cinnamon Roll for dessert!
La Loma
This upscale Mexican restaurant has new creations and classics that suit any palette.
The Bagel Deli
A Denver institution (visited by Guy Fieri), this Jewish deli has all kinds of classic sandwiches, soups, and more. Be warned, the sandwiches are huge, and delicious!
Tokyo Joe's
This Japanese fast-casual eatery has locations up and down the front range.
Chipotle
Founded in Colorado (next to the University of Denver), this international chain is one of our claims to fame!
Snooze
This local chain is a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Take your pick!
Illegal Pete's
This local fast-casual Mexican chain is a fresh favorite with great quesadillas.
Beau Jo's
This Colorado institution has a variety of pizza choices all served on their delicious dough – be sure to dip the crust in honey!
Sam's No. 3
Another Denver institution, this classic greasy spoon has a huge menu that’s sure to please any palette.
Local Eats
Denver is known for lots of local flavors that are all worth a try, including green chili, bison burgers, Rocky Mountain oysters, elk sausage, Palisade peaches, and Colorado craft beer.
Things to Do
Denver is a vibrant city in a scenic and lively state. These are a few of our recommendations (of many!) of things to do while you're here.
See a concert at Bethany!
Bethany hosts many different musical groups in our beautiful sanctuary – there's something for everyone!
Denver Botanic Gardens
The botanic gardens showcase 24 acres of local flora and fauna and plants from a variety of climates. They are gorgeous and certainly worth the trip!
Denver Zoo
Home to more than 3,000 animals, the Denver Zoo makes a fun day for all ages. They have one of the largest elephant exhibits in North America and Predator’s Ridge with lions and hyenas.
Red Rocks Ampitheathre
Red Rocks is a world-renowned concert venue that hosts the world’s best musical artists, movie nights, yoga mornings, and more. It’s worth a visit for the views, unique landscape, and hiking, even if you aren’t catching a show.
Meow Wolf Denver
Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience unlike anything you've seen before. Wander through colorful, interactive exhibits, uncover hidden stories, and explore imaginative worlds that make it a fun adventure for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Elitch Gardens
This amusement park is a Denver classic and worth visiting between April and October. You can easily spend a day or two here on rides for all ages!
Union Station
More than just a train station, historic Union Station is a lively downtown destination filled with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and historic charm. It's a great place to grab a meal, meet friends, or begin exploring the nearby LoDo neighborhood.
Denver Performing Arts Complex
One of the largest performing arts centers in the country, the Denver Performing Arts Complex is home to Broadway touring productions, concerts, ballet, opera, comedy, and theater. Performances can be enjoyed year-round!
Professional Sports Games
Denver is home to championship-caliber professional sports teams, including the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Avalanche (NHL), Rockies (MLB), Rapids (MLS), and Mammoth (NLL). Catching a game is a great way to enjoy Colorado and feel like a local!
Museums
Denver is home to many world-class museums - here are some of our favorites.
Littleton Historical Museum
Explore Colorado's past through interactive exhibits, historic buildings, and two beautiful living history farms where costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like in the 1860s and 1890s. With farm animals, beautiful grounds, and free admission, it's a fun and unique destination for visitors of all ages. Definitely worth the visit!
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Explore fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, space, wildlife, gems, health, and Colorado history. The museum also features an IMAX theater and planetarium, making it a great destination for families and curious minds!
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum features everything from Indigenous art to contemporary masterpieces and is well worth a visit for a couple of hours or a whole day!
Children's Museum of Denver
Designed especially for younger children, the Children's Museum encourages creativity and hands-on learning through interactive exhibits, climbing structures, art projects, and outdoor adventures. It's a fun place for kids to learn through play.
History Colorado Center
Discover Colorado's rich history through interactive exhibits that bring the state's people, places, and stories to life.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Located in a former Air Force hangar, this museum features historic aircraft, space exhibits, flight simulators, and hands-on activities. It's a fascinating destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike!
Molly Brown House Museum
Step inside the beautifully preserved Victorian home of Margaret "Molly" Brown, Titanic survivor and Denver philanthropist. Guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into Denver's history and life in the early 1900s.
Can't Miss
You can't come to Colorado without doing these.
Concert at Red Rocks
Seeing a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a true Colorado bucket-list experience. With incredible acoustics, breathtaking scenery, and world-class performers, it's one of the most unforgettable concert venues in the world.
Drive up to Mount Blue Sky
Take a scenic drive up Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), one of the highest paved roads in North America. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking mountain views and will likely spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots.
RMNP and Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers spectacular mountain scenery, wildlife, hiking, and scenic drives for visitors of all ages. It is one of the most beautiful places in God’s creation. Be sure to enjoy the charming mountain town of Estes Park, too!
Aspens in the fall
Every autumn, Colorado's aspen trees transform into brilliant shades of gold, creating one of the state's most beautiful natural displays. Take a scenic drive or hike through the mountains in late September or early October to experience the colorful foliage!
Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is famous for its towering red rock formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Admission is free, and the park offers easy walking trails, hiking, rock climbing, and breathtaking views.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Step back in time aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, a scenic steam train that winds through the Rocky Mountains between Georgetown and Silver Plume. It's a fun way to experience Colorado's mining history while enjoying beautiful mountain scenery!
Outdoor Spaces
Wash Park
This Denver favorite (officially ‘Washington Park’) features beautiful flower gardens, lakes, walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and plenty of open space for picnics or relaxing outdoors. Bicycles, pedal boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent seasonally.
Cherry Creek State Park
This expansive state park is perfect for hiking, biking, paddleboarding, boating, camping, and birdwatching. It's one of the best places to enjoy Colorado's outdoors without leaving the metro area.
DeKoevend Park
Located close to Bethany, DeKoevend Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails. It's also a popular access point for the nearby High Line Canal Trail.
City Park
Denver's largest urban park offers scenic mountain views, lakes, playgrounds, golf, and easy access to both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
Blackmer Common
Just minutes from Bethany, Blackmer Common is a peaceful neighborhood park with walking paths, open green space, and mature trees. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or spending time outdoors.
Hudson Gardens
This beautiful botanical garden features colorful seasonal displays, peaceful walking paths, water features, and outdoor concerts throughout the year. It's a relaxing destination just a short drive from Bethany.
You can't come to Colorful Colorado without spending some time outdoors!
High Line Canal Trail
Stretching more than 70 miles through the Denver metro area, the High Line Canal Trail is popular for walking, running, and biking. Several access points are located just minutes from Bethany.
Four Mile Historic Park
Step back in time at this living history museum centered around Denver's oldest standing structure, the Four Mile House. Visitors can explore historic buildings, meet farm animals, and learn about Colorado's pioneer past.
Chatfield State Park
A favorite destination for outdoor recreation, Chatfield State Park offers boating, paddleboarding, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It's an excellent place to enjoy Colorado's sunshine and wide-open spaces. Bethany Outdoor Adventures loves to paddleboard here!
South Platte River Trail
Following the South Platte River through Denver, this scenic multi-use trail is ideal for walking, running, and biking. Along the way, you'll pass parks, public art, breweries, and some of the city's best riverfront views.
Places to Stay
Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Tech Center
Courtyard by Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
Hampton Inn & Suites Cherry Creek
The Jacquard Hotel
Halcyon Hotel
Airbnb & VRBO
Spending time at altitude.
Colorado's climate can take some adjustment if you're not acclimated. Here are some tips and
tricks for living well at a mile high.
High altitude recipes
High altitude recipes are adapted to lower atmospheric pressure. This thinner air causes leavening gases to expand faster, liquids to evaporate more quickly, and water to boil at lower temperatures. When possible, look for high altitude recipes when baking!
Drink lots of water
Because Denver sits between grasslands and mountains, our climate is a semi-arid steppe biome. This means we have to drink lots more water, because of the altitude and the dry climate. Try to be conscious about drinking extra water when visiting Denver, and even more if you go into the mountains!
Extra sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must in Denver and in the mountains. At higher elevations, the atmosphere is thinner and filters out fewer UV rays. Combined with Colorado’s 300 days of sun a year, sunscreen will keep you very safe!
Afternoon thunderstorms
A typical summer in Denver sees thunderstorms every early afternoon lasting anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. Be sure to plan hikes (especially if they go above timberline!) to be done by about 1:00.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is common for those visiting high altitudes who are not acclimated to the thinner air. It can range from a mild headache to nausea and dizziness. While this is more likely in the mountains, altitude sickness is possible in Denver, too. It takes about two weeks to fully physiologically acclimatize to high altitude, but only 3-5 days for altitude sickness symptoms to disappear.
Extra moisturizer
A dry climate means moisturizer and chapstick are your best friends!
Air quality and wildfires
Wildfire season is from May to September in Colorado, and wildfire behavior is highly unpredictable. Keep an eye on air quality and areas that may be affected by fires year-round.
Day Trips
Expand your visit beyond Denver - the whole state of Colorado has lots to offer!
Golden
Nestled at the base of the foothills, Golden is a charming town known for its historic downtown, Clear Creek, hiking trails, and the Coors Brewery. It's a great place to spend the day shopping, dining, or enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to tube down Clear Creek!
Idaho Springs
This historic mountain town is known for its mining history, natural hot springs, and easy access to mountain adventures. Stop for lunch, explore the charming downtown, or soak in the hot springs after a day in the mountains. The Argo Tramway is worth the trip!
Georgetown
This picturesque Victorian mountain town is known for its historic buildings, scenic mountain setting, and small-town charm. While you're there, ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad or stroll through the quaint downtown shops.
Boulder
Surrounded by the Flatirons, Boulder offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, local shops, restaurants, and the University of Colorado. Be sure to visit the Pearl Street Mall and enjoy the city's laid-back atmosphere. This is a can’t miss – Boulder is the perfect taste of Colorado!
Manitou Springs
Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a colorful mountain town filled with unique shops, local restaurants, art galleries, and natural mineral springs. It's also the gateway to attractions like the Manitou Incline and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Evergreen/Morrison
Just a short drive from Denver, Evergreen and Morrison offer beautiful mountain scenery, local restaurants, hiking trails, and charming downtowns. Morrison is also home to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, making it a great stop before a concert.
Colorado Springs
Located about an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is home to some of Colorado's most iconic attractions, including Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It's an easy and rewarding day trip for visitors of all ages.
Breckenridge
This historic mountain town is known for its charming Main Street, year-round outdoor recreation, and world-class ski resort. Whether you're shopping, hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the mountain views, Breckenridge is a favorite Colorado destination – you can’t miss it!
Dillon/Silverthorne
Located in the heart of Summit County, Dillon and Silverthorne offer beautiful mountain scenery, shopping, dining, and easy access to nearby ski resorts. Be sure to visit the Dillon Reservoir, explore the outlet stores, or enjoy a walk along the waterfront. Enjoy the Sunshine Cafe for breakfast, brunch, or lunch!
Frisco
Often called the "Main Street to the Rockies," Frisco is a welcoming mountain town with locally owned shops, restaurants, and easy access to hiking, biking, skiing, and the shores of Dillon Reservoir. Its small-town charm makes it a wonderful stop any time of year.
Skiing, Boarding, and Hiking
Bethany Outdoor Adventures
Bethany Outdoor Adventures is a welcoming group that gathers to slow down, notice the beauty of creation, and build meaningful relationships through shared adventure. Check out their website to see what’s going on!
Skiing & Boarding
Well-known ski mountains: Vail, Breck, Winter Park, Copper, Keystone, A Basin, Beaver Creek, Loveland
Lesser-known ski mountains: Monarch, Eldora, Ski Cooper, Sunlight
Enjoy classic Colorado skiing and long runs at the larger, more well-known mountains or a less crowded and more natural experience at the smaller, lesser-known mountains.
Hiking
Hiking for beginners: Roxborough State Park, Castlewood Canyon, South Valley Park, Mount Falcon, Lair o' the Bear, Red Rocks Trading Post Trail
Colorado offers hiking at all levels of difficulty everywhere in the state; our hiking is world class! Check AllTrails and hiking books for well-loved hikes.
Shopping
The Denver area has great shopping for whatever you may need, from unique gifts to retail chains.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
One of Denver's premier shopping destinations, Cherry Creek Shopping Center features luxury retailers, popular national brands, and a variety of dining options. It's a great place to spend an afternoon shopping or simply exploring.
Park Meadows
One of Colorado's largest shopping malls, Park Meadows features hundreds of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options under one roof. Whether you're looking for everyday essentials or a special purchase, you'll find plenty to explore.
16th Street Mall
Stretching through the heart of downtown Denver, 16th Street is lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and public art. It's a great place to explore the city, people-watch, and enjoy the energy of downtown.
Happy Canyon Shopping Center
This small outdoor retail space right next to Bethany has cute gift shops, the original Duffeyroll, and a lovely flower shop.
The Streets of Southglenn
The Streets at SouthGlenn is a charming outdoor shopping district with local boutiques, national retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater. It's a popular destination for shopping, dining, and community events throughout the year.
Larimer Square
Denver's oldest historic block, Larimer Square is known for its beautifully restored buildings, boutique shopping, acclaimed restaurants, and twinkling lights strung overhead. It's one of the city's most charming destinations for dining and an evening out.
Groceries
King Soopers & City Market
Kroger, but in Colorado.
Natural Grocers
A Colorado-based organic grocery chain.
