Denver tours

Things to do in Denver

In Denver, where the air is crisp and the Rockies loom majestically, there’s a distinct harmony between adventure and ease. ToursByLocals invites you to explore the Mile High City. Picture yourself navigating LoDo’s lively streets, then retreating to the serene paths at Red Rocks. A walking tour reveals Denver’s gold rush beginnings, while a food and wine tour introduces you to local craft beers and fresh, farm-to-table flavours. Your guide ensures you navigate past the crowds, immersing you in Denver’s relaxed vibe, where every street corner holds a story and each sunset transforms the sky. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Denver. Explore Denver your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Denver tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Denver for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Head to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to spot bison, deer, and raptors on a guided drive, then continue to Red Rocks Park for short trails between the sandstone monoliths. Your tours can add Lookout Mountain for sweeping Front Range views and chances to see elk in season. Layover tours: Meet at DEN and ride the A Line into Union Station or get curbside pickup, then do a quick loop of LoDo, Larimer Square, and RiNo’s mural blocks with a snack stop at Denver Central Market before returning with a solid security buffer. These tours are timed to your gate and can keep luggage in the vehicle. History tours: Step inside the Molly Brown House Museum and the State Capitol, then walk LoDo’s brick warehouses to hear gold-rush and railroad tales. Many tours finish in the lobby of the Brown Palace Hotel to admire its 1892 atrium and learn how it shaped the city’s early high society. Downtown is walkable and RTD rail and buses, including the A Line, connect key spots, but nature sites and foothills require driving; you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Denver inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour of Denver to uncover its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique slice of the city's character. A local guide can show you the best spots to visit. Consider including these neighborhoods in your private tour: - LoDo (Lower Downtown): Known for its historic charm and lively nightlife, this neighborhood is great for those interested in architecture and entertainment. It's a lively area that caters to multi-generational groups. - RiNo (River North Art District): Perfect for art enthusiasts and those seeking a vibrant cultural scene. With its street art, galleries, and craft breweries, it offers an eclectic mix for cultural tourists. - Cherry Creek: A shopper's paradise with upscale boutiques and dining options. Ideal for families and those looking to indulge in some retail therapy. - Highlands: Known for its beautiful Victorian homes and trendy dining spots, it's a great choice for families and those seeking a blend of history and modernity. - Capitol Hill: Rich in history and culture, this neighborhood is home to the Colorado State Capitol and offers a mix of historic sites and cultural attractions for meaningful connections. Day trip ideas from Denver If Denver is your base, add a few easy day trips to nearby cities and mountain parks so you can trade downtown blocks for big views without spending hours in the car. Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park: go for alpine lakes, wildlife spotting, and Trail Ridge Road’s sweeping scenery when it’s open, and since the park offers short trails and longer hikes, your tour can lean into photography, a calm picnic by the water, or a steady climb to a lookout. Boulder and the Flatirons: mix a mellow city stroll on Pearl Street with quick trail time under the sandstone slabs, then finish with local coffee or a brewery stop, which works well if you like a balance of light hiking, easy shopping, and a relaxed college-town vibe. Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods: walk among red rock spires on simple, well-marked paths and pair it with nearby neighbourhoods for local eats and murals, a solid pick if you want striking geology, family-friendly paths, and a full day that still feels unhurried. Golden and Lookout Mountain: follow Clear Creek through a small historic centre, then wind up to panoramic viewpoints above town, good for short walks, Old West history, and riverfront paths that suit casual explorers and photographers alike. Red Rocks Park and Dinosaur Ridge: explore trails around the famous amphitheatre’s towering formations, then see fossil sites along the ridge in nearby Morrison, a straightforward outing for geology fans and anyone who likes big landscapes without a long drive, making it one of the easiest day trips from Denver. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Denver most travellers miss.