If your family loves exploring new cities, you should definitely put Denver on your list. Located in northern Colorado, the city sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, a mile above sea level (giving the city its nickname, the Mile High City) and has tons of unique vacation rentals to choose from. Each of the neighborhoods in Denver and the small surrounding towns has its own vibe and unique attractions to offer. Check out these 11 neighborhoods and areas in and around Denver to look for a vacation rental.
1. Art District on Santa Fe
If you love art, then look for a trendy loft or condo in the Art District on Santa Fe neighborhood. Wander through the art galleries that line the streets in this artsy neighborhood, and discover an unknown artist whose work you love. On the first Friday of each month, the neighborhood comes alive as gallery owners and artists mingle with art lovers at the First Friday Art Walk. While staying here, check out the murals painted on the walls throughout the neighborhood and the Museo de las Americas to learn more about the area’s Hispanic heritage.
2. Capitol Hill and the Golden Triangle Neighborhood
Take pictures of the family on the 13th step of the capital building with its “Mile High” marker with the gold dome of the state building gleaming in the background. You and your family can take a tour of the Molly Brown House Museum to learn more about the “unsinkable” Molly Brown, who survived the Titanic disaster. This neighborhood is small enough to walk to a dinner at the latest, hottest restaurant or enjoy an afternoon of shopping in the upscale stores and boutiques.
3. Cherry Creek
In the Cherry Creek neighborhood, you and your family can find a vacation rental in the heart of the best shops and restaurants Denver has to offer. Spend your days wandering around this 16-block neighborhood discovering your favorite upscale stores, privately owned boutiques filled with unique items, and art galleries with the works of up-and-coming artists. When you’re ready for a break, stop at a coffee shop or enjoy an amazing lunch at one of the many locally owned eateries.
4. Downtown Denver
Stay in the hippest area in Denver when you select a vacation rental in the downtown neighborhood. While away the afternoons at the large independent bookstores, or catch a movie at one of the theaters. Kayaking on the Platte River gets into the open air or travel the Denver Beer Trail to sample the local craft beers. A water park in the neighborhood lets your kids spend a day playing in the water.
5. East Colfax Neighborhood
Spend your vacation taking in all the East Colfax neighborhood has to offer with its shopping, galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Use the B-cycle program to pick up a rental bike at one of the many locations, ride the bike where you want to go, and then leave it at another B-cycle stop near your destination, or take the trolley that cruises up and down the neighborhood. You can catch a live music concert at the Ogden, the Bluebird, or the Fillmore Auditorium.
6. Five Points Neighborhood
Enjoy staying in a cool family home or condo in the Five Points neighborhood with its rich history as the center of jazz in Denver. Visit clubs and music venues where jazz legends such as Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis once played. Pass an afternoon sipping coffee and writing your novel, or stop at one of the small local museums to learn more about the area’s history. Stop at one of the eateries on the way home and pick up some finger-licking barbecue for dinner.
7. Highlands Neighborhood
Stay in a stately Victorian home or a small bungalow in the Highlands neighborhood just minutes from the downtown area. Walk around the streets exploring the boutiques or grabbing a quick bite to eat at independent restaurants. On a hot summer afternoon, take the family to Little Man Ice Cream for a cool treat. You’ll recognize the place because its design looks like an old-fashioned milk can.
8. River North Art District
This neighborhood enjoys the nickname “RiNo” and takes the Rhino as its mascot. Here you’ll find former warehouses that now house craft bars, music venues, restaurants, art galleries, and small-batch coffee roasters. As you walk around the neighborhood, look for the murals on almost each building.
9. South Broadway
If you love everything old, then choose a vacation rental in this neighborhood, where you can spend your days exploring all the local antique stores with their treasure troves. This area offers an eclectic blend of locally owned shops, cafes, bookstores, taverns, and eateries.
10. South Federal
Enjoy the exotic flavor of the South Federal neighborhood when you select a vacation rental around the Little Saigon or Barnum areas. In this part of town, you can eat your way around the neighborhood, visiting authentic restaurants with cuisines ranging from Thai and Chinese to Mexican and Vietnamese. Stop by one of the Asian markets to create your own gourmet meal.
11. Lowry
This small suburb town of Denver gives your the family the chance to escape the crowds while still remaining close enough to spend a day in town. If you take your dog, head out to Central Park, where they welcome your best friend. At the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, you and your family can explore the ecosystem of a prairie and catch sight of buffalo, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species.