Last minute itinerary help!

Question

Just decided to travel to Denver mid July because it worked out for visiting the ballpark (number 10 for us on our journey to them all) and we always like to take time to explore the new state we are visiting. I have a rough itinerary below, but would really love help on making this the best trip.

We want to see must see locations and dine at places with great food or food the area is known for (we don't care if its super fancy or not we like great food and great atmosphere/nice views, it can be fancy or hole in the wall, if its good its good). We like outdoor activities during the day with easy to moderate hiking/walking trails. Rivers/lakes nearby is always great. Water related activities are also a plus but not a must have, beautiful mountain views and also good for us too. We also enjoy well done museums, zoos, aquariums etc. where we don't feel ripped off for the price (we've been to the smallest local to the Smithsonian so again good is just good). Budget is pretty open. We aren't out much in the evening usually and don't care much about night life. Not bit drinkers. It's myself, my parents (50-60's) and my 16 year old son traveling with me. Thanks in advance for any help on my trip planning! Thinking of staying in the Denver tech area because it has a hotel that has a 2 bedroom suite and seems relatively safe although not very scenic...

Wed. Day 1: arrive/dinner out

Thurs. Day 2: museums/attractions in Denver Area: considering air and space museum, museum of transportation, museum of nature and scinece, botanical gardens, a food tour, aquarium, zoo (which are best?)

Fri. Day 3: day open for more denver area or other nearby attractions so long as we make it back in time for ballgame that night, (we like to get to the park right when it opens).

Saturday Day 4: Estes Park

Sunday Day 5 day open for anything

Monday Day 6 day open/ballgame that night

Tuesday Day 7 RMNP or Great Sand Dunes (which is better/should we try to do both on the trip?)

Wednesday Day 8 Travel home

Answer

It looks like you have a solid foundation for your Denver and Colorado trip! I’ll provide a detailed itinerary suggestion, highlight must-see attractions, recommend outdoor activities, and give some guidance on museums, dining, and day trips.

Accommodation: Staying in the Denver Tech Center is fine for safety and convenience, especially if you have a 2-bedroom suite. It is not scenic, but you’ll have easy access to highways and light rail if needed.

Day 1 – Wednesday: Arrival & Dinner

Arrive and check-in to your hotel.
Dinner suggestions near Denver Tech Center or central Denver:
- Root Down Denver – New American with great atmosphere.
- Mercantile Dining & Provision at Union Station – casual and high-quality.
- For a local favorite: Sam’s No. 3 – casual diner experience.

Day 2 – Thursday: Museums & Attractions

Denver has several good museums; prioritize based on interest and group size.

Museum of Nature & Science: Excellent for families; planetarium, dinosaur exhibits, IMAX.
Denver Zoo: Right next to the museum; great for animal lovers.
Denver Botanic Gardens: Beautiful for a slower-paced walk.
If you have time and interest in transportation, the Museum of Transportation is niche but enjoyable for train and car enthusiasts.
Skip the Aquarium unless you have extra time; Denver Aquarium is decent but smaller compared to the Zoo and Nature Museum.

Consider a food tour in LoDo or RiNo for lunch/snack stops to experience local flavors.

Day 3 – Friday: Open Day / Ballgame

Option 1: Take a short hike nearby. Mount Falcon Park or Red Rocks Trail for moderate hikes with mountain views (1–2 hrs).
Option 2: Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre and explore the park trails.
Return early to Denver for ballgame. If you want to maximize pre-game time, arrive at the stadium 30–60 minutes before gates open.

Day 4 – Saturday: Estes Park

Drive to Estes Park in the morning (1.5–2 hrs from Denver).
Optional hike in Estes Park area or just enjoy the town and shops.
Consider a short walk in RMNP if time allows, e.g., Bear Lake or Alberta Falls (easy to moderate).

Day 5 – Sunday: Open Day

Option 1: Full day in Rocky Mountain National Park – many scenic drives, lakes, and hikes.
Option 2: Day trip to Boulder – Pearl Street Mall, Flatirons hike, or Boulder Creek Path.
Option 3: Water activities – Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking at Chatfield Reservoir or Cherry Creek Reservoir near Denver.

Day 6 – Monday: Open Day / Ballgame

Option 1: Explore a neighborhood in Denver (LoDo, RiNo, or Highlands) and enjoy local dining and views.
Option 2: Short hike or nearby outdoor activity if you want a mix of nature before the ballgame at night.

Day 7 – Tuesday: RMNP or Great Sand Dunes

RMNP is closer (1.5–2 hrs from Denver) and offers iconic mountain scenery, lakes, and easy to moderate hikes. Ideal if you want to maximize mountain views.
Great Sand Dunes is further (3.5–4 hrs one way). It’s unique but might feel rushed for a day trip, especially if you want to enjoy hiking or sandboarding.
Recommendation: Focus on RMNP for a more relaxed day and classic Colorado scenery.

Day 8 – Wednesday: Travel Home

Morning – breakfast in Denver; if time allows, visit a local coffee shop or short stroll downtown.
Return rental car or head to airport.

Other Tips:

Denver traffic can be heavy; start early for day trips.
Altitude: Stay hydrated, especially in Denver (5280 ft) and Estes Park/RMNP (7000–9000 ft).
Book popular attractions like RMNP shuttle tours or Balcony/Long House style attractions in advance if possible.
For casual hikes with water and mountain views: Cherry Creek, Mount Falcon, Red Rocks, Bear Lake in RMNP.
Dining: Denver has great farm-to-table restaurants and casual diners; local specialties include green chili, bison burgers, and Colorado craft beers (non-alcoholic options are plentiful).

This itinerary balances city museums, easy to moderate hikes, scenic drives, local dining, and ballgames without rushing each day. Focus on RMNP over Great Sand Dunes for a single-day trip to avoid long drives.

Last minute itinerary help!

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