Denver

Many tourists only use Denver's airport and disregard the rest of the city as a starting point for a Rocky Mountain escape. However, those people are passing up: Other American cities can only dream of the combination of urban excitement and natural settings that The Mile High City offers.

We're not saying you shouldn't go hiking or skiing in the Rockies, just that you shouldn't do it without first making reservations at some of Denver's unique restaurants, seeing its museums, or trying some of its world-famous beers. You may visit the Denver that locals know and love by incorporating some of these more urban attractions into your trip. You might want to join up for one of the top Denver tours to get local insight.

Compared to residents of other major American cities, Denverites are far more relaxed back, encouraging an energetic, outdoorsy lifestyle that lives on fine cuisine and craft beer. Spend your days in the Mile High City getting to know its hiking trails, shopping streets, and brewery trails by taking the advice of the locals. Denver residents have a passion for art, culture, and food in addition to embracing the outdoors.

If Mother Nature is not your preferred travel companion, spend some time exploring Larimer Square or the Denver Art Museum before purchasing a basket of Rocky Mountain oysters from Restaurant Row in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. And if you happen to be traveling with children, there are lots of activities to keep them occupied in this area, from a top-notch zoo to the fascinating U.S. Mint branch.

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in November
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in April
  
• #14 in Best Weekend Getaways

Country: USA