A Weekend in Denver: How to Spend 48 Hours in the Mile High City
- Benjamin Moxley
- Sep 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Denver is one of those rare cities that blends mountain-town vibes with big-city energy. You can land at the airport, grab brunch in a trendy neighborhood, shop for gear at one of the biggest outdoor stores in the country, wander through historic landmarks, and still make it to a baseball game — all in the same weekend.
One of the things we loved most? Denver is incredibly walkable. You can cover a lot of ground on foot, and walking between neighborhoods made it feel like we were really experiencing the city instead of just driving from spot to spot.
Here’s how our two days played out.
Day 1: Brunch, Gear, and Highland Nights
Brunch at Root Down
We landed in Denver and headed straight for Root Down in the Highland neighborhood. If you’re looking for a place that feels fresh, colorful, and full of energy after a flight, this is it. Their brunch menu is packed with unique twists on classics, and it was the perfect first stop to kick off the weekend.
Shopping at REI Denver
After brunch, we made our way to the flagship REI store in Denver — and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s huge. The place feels more like an outdoor playground than a retail store. We ended up grabbing a new REI hiking backpack and a pair of Salomon hiking shoes. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, this store is worth walking through just for the experience.
REI Flash 22 Pack →
Salomon Hiking Shoes →
Union Station
On our walk after REI, we stopped at Union Station, one of Denver’s most iconic landmarks. The historic building is beautifully restored and doubles as a hub for shops, restaurants, and bars. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth visiting just to take in the atmosphere.
Checking in at the AirBNB
We booked a spot in West Highland, which turned out to be a great base. The neighborhood has a mix of laid-back local spots and easy access to downtown without being right in the middle of the chaos. Plus, we were able to walk to most of our destinations, which made the trip feel more relaxed.
Dinner at Tacos Tequila Whiskey
For dinner, we went with Tacos Tequila Whiskey, also in Highland. The tacos were legit — packed with flavor — and the margaritas didn’t miss. This spot feels fun and casual but still like you’ve treated yourself.
Post-Dinner Drinks at Mead St Provisions
To round out the night, we stopped at Mead St Provisions for a nightcap. I'm a maniac that orders Disaronno at the bar, I had two doubles and we watched some opening weekend college football. It’s one of those neighborhood bars that feels welcoming whether you’re a local or just passing through.
Day 2: Farmers Market, Baseball, and Ice Cream
Morning: Farmers Market + Coffee + Donuts
We kicked off Saturday at the Highlands Farmers Market, wandering through stalls of fresh produce, local food vendors, and crafts. It gave us a feel for the neighborhood and was a perfect slow start to the day.
From there, we grabbed donuts at The Salty and coffee from Huckleberry Roasters. Both are Denver staples — The Salty is very creative with its donut flavors, I went with a raspberry cheesecake donut that was meal all by itself.
Afternoon: Rockies vs. Cubs at Coors Field
Next up was the Rockies-Cubs game at Coors Field. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere here is hard to beat. The stadium has mountain views peeking out beyond the outfield, and the energy of a summer game makes it a must-do Denver experience. The Rockies won on a walkoff from Mickey Moniak (shocking result from one of the worst teams in baseball history).
Exploring Five Points
After the game, we walked around the Five Points neighborhood — another one of Denver’s historic districts. While exploring, I scored a great deal on an LL Bean jacket, proof that Denver has plenty of unexpected shopping gems tucked into its neighborhoods.
Dinner at Denver Central Market
For an early dinner, we headed to the Denver Central Market, a food hall in the RiNo Arts District. It’s packed with options — from fresh seafood to wood-fired pizza — and makes for a great spot if you want a little variety without committing to just one restaurant.
Dessert at Little Man Ice Cream
We finished the night at Little Man Ice Cream, a Denver icon shaped like a giant milk can. The line can be long, but it’s worth it — the ice cream lives up to the hype and was the perfect way to close out our weekend.
Why Denver Works for a Weekend Trip
What makes Denver such a great weekend destination is the mix:
You can get the city energy with food, drinks, and nightlife.
You’re surrounded by outdoor culture, whether that’s shopping gear at REI or hiking just outside town.
It’s walkable, so you can explore on foot instead of spending the trip in the car.
And you can pack it all into 48 hours without feeling rushed. The airport also has plenty of direct options no matter where you are coing from.
Whether it’s brunch in Highland, a Rockies game, or tacos, margaritas, and ice cream to end the day, Denver is an easy city to enjoy on your own terms.
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