Denver City Highlights Tour: A Mile High City Drive Through History, Art, and Neighborhoods
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all; expect short walks at a few stops and sitting comfortably for the drive.
Overview
See Denver’s essential streets, storied neighborhoods, and skyline viewpoints on a fast-moving, two-hour driving tour. From Union Station to RiNo’s murals and Five Points’ jazz legacy, this route blends history, art, and practical local tips to shape the rest of your stay.
Denver City Highlights Tour: A Mile High City Drive Through History, Art, and Neighborhoods
Select participants and date
Morning light resets the sheen on Union Station’s Beaux-Arts stone as travelers roll their shoulders back and climb aboard. The air is thin—5,280 feet and change—and it nudges your lungs to pay attention. In two hours, this curated driving tour draws a clean line through Denver’s past and present, slipping from polished downtown blocks into creative corridors and storied neighborhoods where the city’s character was forged.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early at Union Station
Plan to be at the flagpole at 17th and Wynkoop 10–15 minutes before departure to check in and get situated.
Mind the Altitude
At 5,280 feet, hydration matters—drink water before and during the tour to avoid headaches or fatigue.
Dress for Rapid Weather Swings
Denver can flip from sun to breeze quickly; pack a light layer and sunscreen year-round.
Quick-Draw Photography
Have your camera ready—photo stops are brief and the best murals and skyline angles can appear fast from the van.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red-tailed hawks riding thermals over parks
- Urban foxes occasionally spotted near the South Platte and greenbelts
History
Founded during the 1858 gold rush, Denver grew from a confluence encampment into a rail hub anchored by Union Station’s 1914 terminal and a boom-and-bust mining economy. Five Points evolved into a jazz hotspot mid-20th century, hosting legends from Ella Fitzgerald to Duke Ellington.
Conservation
Carry a reusable bottle—water refills are provided—to reduce single-use plastic. Respect street art and historic structures: photograph freely, but don’t climb or touch murals or facades.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Denver, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Refillable Water Bottle
Altitude and dry air make hydration key, even on a short city tour.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Spring breezes can be cool, especially in shaded parks and open plazas.
spring specific
Sun Protection (hat and SPF)
High-elevation sun can be intense; protect your skin during drive-by sections and brief stops.
summer specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll hop out at a few viewpoints and historic blocks, so supportive footwear helps.