My family moved to the Denver suburbs from Detroit when I was 9 years old and, to get family and friends to visit us, I’d send handwritten invitations promising our esteemed houseguests a West-facing seat at our dinner table to take in the “gorgeous mountain views.” It worked quite well. Our guest bedroom was frequently booked.
Denver locals and travelers are well-conditioned to gaze out West for those primo Rocky Mountain views. And while our mountains do provide our most prized vantage points (you can never tire of them, truly), there’s plenty more great views in and around Denver if you know where to look.
Ahead, here’s seven spots in the Mile High City where you can get postcard perfect views of, yes, the mountains, but also flora and fauna, the skyline, art and more.
Enjoy Pond Views from Hive Garden Bistro at the Denver Botanic Gardens
You could park yourself on any bench in the Denver Botanic Gardens and soak in stunning views, from the sun-seeking succulents basking in the light to lush tropical plants thriving in the humid conservatory air. But one of my favorite viewing spots is at Hive Garden Bistro, where you can enjoy the shade of mature trees, sink your teeth into a fresh stacked veggie sandwich, and take in views of the Monet Pool and its graceful water lilies. (Pro tip: You can see peak bloom June through September). In the winter, the pool is equally stunning and a highlight of the Blossom of Lights display. By the way, here’s 8 things you didn’t know you could do at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
See Sky-High City and Mountain Views at Populus Hotel’s Stellar Jay
Not only is Populus Hotel one of the best boutique hotels in Denver, but it’s also a top spot for taking in views. Your move here is to head to Stellar Jay, the rooftop restaurant, where triangular windows frame views of the Capitol Building (this is extra special during the holidays when the Christmas lights are twinkling) on one side of the restaurant. You can take in mountain views from another viewpoint. For a good photo opp (and after-dinner tipple) head out to the open-air rooftop. Those staying at the hotel can also enjoy fantastic views, including the Capitol Suite’s view of Colorado’s gold-domed capitol building.
See Red Rocks Light up on Concert Nights from BurnDown
Most of the rooftop bars with immaculate views are clustered in downtown or Cherry Creek. But BurnDown, a relative newcomer to the South Broadway bar scene, offers great Front Range views from its rooftop deck. If the skies are clear in the evening, you can even see the concert lights illuminating Red Rocks, made easier with BurnDown’s binoculars.
Marvel at Architecture at The Cooper Lounge in Union Station
The Cooper Lounge is a wild card on this list, because, unlike the others, the views are indoors. Set on the mezzanine level of the Beau-Arts Union Station train station, architecture aficionados and craft cocktail alike will delight in the views. One view gives you prime people watching as you look over into the Great Hall. The other is through the arched 28-foot-high cast-orn windows that peer out in downtown Denver. Take it all in with a glamorous cocktail (espresso martini, anyone?) to match.
Spot Wildlife Just Outside the City at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is located in Commerce City (technicalities!) but it earns a spot on this urban list because you can see buffalo roam here. A former site for weapons manufacturing, this 15,000 acre wilderness preserve is 11 miles outside of Denver city limits and you can see bison grazing with Denver’s skyline in the backdrop, with the Rocky Mountains rising beyond. In addition to the bison herd, you can also spot deer, raptors, and cheeky prairie dogs playing peek-a-boo from their mounds.
Get Bird’s Eye Views from Elitch Gardens in Downtown Denver
An amusement park in the heart of a downtown area is a rare find, but Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park brings the thrills, as well as some spectacular city views best enjoyed on rollercoasters (if you can keep your eyes open, that is). High-in-the-sky rides like the Tower of Doom elevate riders 200 feet into the air before dropping them at 60 mph, offering a fleeting but spectacular look at the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains, depending on where you’re seated. And if the ride views aren’t dazzling enough, the park lights up the night with fireworks on holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Pack a Picnic for River Views at Confluence Park
The views at Confluence Park are hardly a secret. Anytime the temps get above 70 or so, you can expect to find sunseekers sprawled out on the lawn and sitting on the steps. This is the spot where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet, and you might see kayakers paddling through the rapids. For outdoorsy types, there’s also a large REI store occupying a brick building that’s the former home of the Denver Tramway Power Company and overlooking the park.
