Denver, Colorado Parks

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Looking for a cultural green space surrounded by iconic Denver landmarks? Civic Center Park is the city’s ceremonial core—bursting with color, history, and community events year-round.

Recommended For:

City explorers, event-goers, photographers, flower lovers, and anyone who enjoys grand architecture and open lawns.

What we Love:

Summer flower beds, historic colonnades, the amphitheater, and unbeatable views of the State Capitol and Denver Art Museum.

• Stroll along tree-lined paths and admire colorful floral displays across 25,000 square feet of garden beds.
• Relax on expansive lawns framed by classical architecture and fountains in the heart of downtown Denver.
• Attend seasonal events like festivals, outdoor concerts, and civic celebrations at the amphitheater.
• Explore nearby cultural landmarks like the Denver Art Museum and Colorado State Capitol within walking distance.

Cost:

Free admission

Best time to visit:

Late spring through fall for flower displays and event season; holidays for light shows and public gatherings

Local tips:

Bring a blanket and a book—the lawn is ideal for people-watching and relaxing in the shadow of the Capitol dome.

Distance:

Located in the center of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Civic Center Park:

From any downtown Denver location, walk or take public transit to Colfax Ave. between Bannock St. and Broadway. Street parking and garages are nearby.

Address:

Bannock St. to Broadway, between Colfax Ave. and 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Searching for a peaceful spot with stunning gardens and neighborhood charm? Alamo Placita Park is a historic gem filled with vibrant flowers, shady groves, and cozy corners for play or rest.

Recommended For:

Garden lovers, families, walkers, photographers, and anyone craving beauty and tranquility just outside downtown Denver.

What we Love:

Manicured floral displays, a classic sundial, sandstone steps, and a seamless blend of garden elegance with family-friendly play areas.

• Wander through formal flower beds filled with annuals and perennials, framed by juniper, spruce, and pine.
• Explore the sandstone steps, shady walkways, and seating areas that invite quiet reflection or reading in the sun.
• Play on the basketball courts and playgrounds in the park’s northern section, easily reached by a connecting path.
• Relax by the sundial and paved square under a grove of cottonwoods, surrounded by lush lawns and flowering shrubs.

Cost:

Free admission

Best time to visit:

Spring and summer for full floral displays; fall for peaceful walks beneath golden cottonwoods

Local tips:

Don’t miss the garden in early morning light—the sandstone steps and symmetrical flowerbeds make it a favorite among local photographers.

Distance:

10 minutes southeast of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Alamo Placita Park:

From downtown, head southeast on Speer Blvd. Turn onto E 3rd Ave. The park straddles 3rd Ave between Emerson and Ogden Streets, with street parking nearby.

Address:

E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 720-913-0700

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Looking for a park that truly has it all? Greenway Park in Denver’s Stapleton neighborhood is a vibrant community hub where shady trees, action sports, gardening, and dog play all come together.

Recommended For:

Families, dog owners, skaters, gardeners, nature lovers, and community-minded locals.

What we Love:

Ancient shade trees, a free-range dog park, skate park thrills, and community gardens—this is where nature and neighborhood meet.

• Skate or ride at the park’s Skate Park, a hotspot for advanced skaters, BMX riders, and in-line enthusiasts.
• Let loose at the Dog Park, a wide-open paradise for pups to run, chase, and socialize leash-free.
• Dig in at the Community Garden, where locals grow their own produce and connect over shared planting plots.
• Climb, explore, and play with features like the climbing wall, Mud Pie Sandbox, observation tower, barbecues, playgrounds, and public art installations.

Cost:

Free admission

Best time to visit:

Spring through fall for gardening and shaded play; early evenings for a peaceful dog walk or sunset skate

Local tips:

Head to the observation tower for views of the park’s mature tree canopy—some of the oldest and most majestic in Stapleton.

Distance:

20 minutes northeast of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Greenway Park:

From downtown Denver, take Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd east to Central Park Blvd, then turn onto E 26th Ave. The park is located near 8180 E 26th Ave with parking nearby.

Address:

8180 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80238
Phone: 720-913-1311

Romantic Denver Parks

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Craving lake views, mountain backdrops, and historic charm? Berkeley Lake Park is a peaceful northwest Denver retreat with scenic trails, shady trees, and fascinating architecture rooted in local history.

Recommended For:

Walkers, history lovers, families, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a quiet urban escape with Rocky Mountain views.

What we Love:

A tranquil lake loop shaded by cottonwoods, historic buildings like the Moorish bathhouse, and sweeping western vistas of the Front Range.

• Stroll the lakeshore path under a canopy of cottonwoods, perfect for birdwatching and reflective walks.
• Relax on open lawns framed by groves of pine, oak, birch, and cedar, or picnic near the restored pavilion.
• Admire architectural gems like the 1918 Moorish-style bathhouse, Italianate pumphouse, and cozy cottage library.
• Reflect on the park’s past as a 19th-century resort with a racetrack, dance hall, and Denver’s first public golf course.

Cost:

Free admission

Best time to visit:

Spring through fall for lakeside walks and picnics; winter for quiet trails and mountain views

Local tips:

Visit near sunset for magical lighting over the lake with the Rockies in the background—it’s a photographer’s dream.

Distance:

15 minutes northwest of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Berkeley Lake Park:

From downtown Denver, take I-70 W to Tennyson St, then drive north to W 46th Ave. The park surrounds the lake near 4601 W 46th Ave with ample street parking nearby.

Address:

4601 W 46th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Looking to unplug and reconnect with nature right in the city? Bluff Lake Park is a peaceful 123-acre wildlife haven along Sand Creek, with trails, bluffs, and lake views that feel miles away from urban life.

Recommended For:

Hikers, birdwatchers, photographers, families, and nature lovers seeking quiet solitude and scenic urban ecology.

What we Love:

Wildlife spotting, boardwalk strolls, and stunning panoramic views of the Front Range from the top of the bluff.

• Walk miles of peaceful hiking trails that pass through wetlands, prairies, and riparian zones—no bikes, dogs, or vehicles allowed.
• Observe birds and wildlife from quiet nature stations and shaded lookouts along the trail system.
• Explore Bluff Lake itself via a serene boardwalk, perfect for reflection, photography, and nature study.
• Connect to the Sand Creek Trail from either end of the park to extend your adventure through Denver’s larger greenway system.

Cost:

Free admission

Best time to visit:

Spring and early fall for active wildlife, moderate weather, and the best views of the Front Range

Local tips:

Pack light and leave the dog at home—this is a protected wildlife area, and quiet hiking is part of the experience.

Distance:

25 minutes northeast of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Bluff Lake Park:

From downtown Denver, take I-70 E to Havana St, then continue to MLK Jr. Blvd. Look for access points to the Sand Creek Greenway near the Bluff Lake trailhead.

Address:

Sand Creek Regional Greenway, Denver, CO 80239
Phone: 720-708-4147

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Looking for open lawns, rich history, and a vibrant community spirit? Cheesman Park is one of Denver’s oldest and most beloved green spaces, blending classic architecture with inclusive vibes and peaceful tree-lined paths.

Recommended For:

Walkers, runners, LGBTQ+ community members, history buffs, picnickers, and anyone who loves classic park design with a welcoming atmosphere.

What we Love:

The historic Cheesman Pavilion, peaceful drives through tree-shaded paths, and the park’s central role in Denver’s Pride celebrations.

• Stroll or jog the circular drive lined with oak, hackberry, spruce, and maple trees for a serene urban escape.
• Relax on the expansive lawns or by the tiered pools and grand staircases that lead up to Cheesman Pavilion.
• Connect with the local LGBTQ+ community at events like PrideFest, where the park becomes a center of celebration and unity.
• Reflect on the park’s transformation from Prospect Hill Cemetery to one of Denver’s most iconic public spaces.

Cost:

Free admission

Best time to visit:

Spring through early fall for events and green scenery; summer for PrideFest and community gatherings

Local tips:

Visit the pavilion at sunrise or sunset for peaceful solitude and sweeping views of the lawns and city skyline.

Distance:

10 minutes southeast of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Cheesman Park:

From downtown Denver, take Colfax Ave east to Franklin St, then turn south to 8th Ave. The park is located between Franklin and Humboldt Streets with multiple access points.

Address:

8th Ave & Franklin St, Denver, CO 80206

Denver Parks for Couples

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Want iconic Denver views and endless space to explore? City Park is the city’s largest and oldest urban oasis, offering lakes, trails, sports fields, and cultural institutions with a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Recommended For:

Families, runners, sports enthusiasts, museum-goers, and anyone seeking classic park charm with plenty of room to roam.

What we Love:

Historic fountains, pavilions, open meadows, lakes, and proximity to top attractions like the Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature & Science.

• Stroll through themed gardens, tree-lined paths, and scenic lakeside trails with views of downtown and the Front Range.
• Play on tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and football greens—perfect for a day of casual or league sports.
• Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or catch a glimpse of giraffes at the nearby Denver Zoo, located within the park.
• Relax under shady groves or picnic beside Ferril and Duck Lakes, surrounded by historic bridges and scenic islands.

Cost:

Free park access; museum and zoo admission varies

Best time to visit:

Year-round for walking and cultural attractions; summer for festivals and boating; fall for golden trees and crisp air

Local tips:

Bring a bike or rent a paddleboat on warm weekends—City Park is Denver’s best mix of natural beauty and activity.

Distance:

10 minutes east of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to City Park:

From downtown, take 17th Ave east to York St or Colorado Blvd. Multiple entrances surround the park, with plenty of street parking and paths accessible from all directions.

Address:

Colorado Blvd. and York St., Denver, CO 80205

Location:

Denver, CO

Highlights:

Looking for a full weekend escape without leaving the metro? Bear Creek Park is a lakeside haven for camping, boating, swimming, and trail adventures—tucked between Red Rocks and the foothills of Lakewood.

Recommended For:

Campers, boaters, families, hikers, horseback riders, and anyone craving a nature getaway close to Denver.

What we Love:

Three scenic lakes, 15 miles of trails, and cozy overnight options from yurts to cabins—all with mountain views.

• Swim at the sandy beach of Big Soda Lake (open Memorial Day–Labor Day), or relax in shaded picnic shelters near the playground and volleyball courts.
• Boat on Bear Creek Lake—the park's largest—open to motorized watercraft from March through mid-November.
• Camp overnight at one of 47 sites, two yurts, or three rustic cabins with easy access to trails and lakeside relaxation.
• Explore on horseback, bike, or foot along 15 miles of multi-use trails winding through foothill terrain and scenic overlooks.

Cost:

$10 per vehicle day pass; camping and overnight fees vary

Best time to visit:

Summer for swimming and boating; fall for crisp hiking and fewer crowds

Local tips:

Pets are welcome on-leash—just keep them off the beach! Early mornings offer the quietest lake views and wildlife sightings.

Distance:

25 minutes southwest of downtown Denver, CO

How to Get to Bear Creek Park:

From Denver, take US-285 or C-470 to Morrison Rd, then follow signs for Bear Creek Lake Park. The park entrance is just off W Kenyon Ave.

Address:

4901 W Kenyon, Denver, CO 80236