Denver Pictures

Denver's mascot hangs out in front of the Colorado Convention Center. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Sitting west of central Denver, Red Rocks Park offers excellent hiking during the day, while the on-site amphitheater hosts concerts and shows in the evenings. Steve Crecelius VISIT DENVER

Echo Lake – located west of central Denver – is a popular pit stop along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. You'll find several hiking trails on which to stretch your legs. Sandra Leidholdt Getty Images

Located on the eastern edge of the Uptown neighborhood, City Park is the largest green space in Denver. You'll find plenty of ways to pass the time here, from rounds of golf to tours of the Denver Zoo. Steve Crecelius VISIT DENVER

Larimer Square marks the birthplace of the Mile High City. This historic area now boasts a variety of restaurants, bars and shops. Stan Obert VISIT DENVER

A popular pedestrian thoroughfare, the 16th Street Mall features a wide array of shops and restaurants. You'll find it bustling with activity day and night. Steve Crecelius VISIT DENVER

If you've got some energy to burn, grab your wheels and head to the Cherry Creek Bike Trail. This 22-mile-long path connects central Denver to the Cherry Creek Reservoir, located southeast of the city center. Steve Crecelius VISIT DENVER

You don't necessarily have to go inside the Denver Art Museum to see some incredible works. You'll find immense sculptures (like the one pictured here) all around the building. Steve Crecelius VISIT DENVER

Elitch Gardens has provided Denver with family-friendly fun since the late 19th century. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Consider showing up extra early for a concert in Red Rocks Park – that way, you can take advantage of the area's hiking trails. Rich Grant VISIT DENVER

Coors Field is home to Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. Rich Grant VISIT DENVER

The Denver Botanic Gardens features more than 15,000 species of plant life, not to mention a nice collection of sculptures. Scott Dressel-Martin VISIT DENVER

The Denver branch of the U.S. Mint produces all types of circulated coins, including Sacagawea dollars. The facility has the ability to produce up to 50 million coins a day. smithcjb iStockphoto.com

Located south of downtown Denver, Washington Park is one of the city's most popular green spaces. Denverites often spend their weekends walking or biking alongside its two lakes. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

When you're not touring the Coors Brewery, spend some time exploring Golden, Colorado. You'll find several Wild West-themed attractions and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

One thing's for sure: Denverites love their beer. The city is home to Coors, as well as a wide variety of lesser-known (but still worth trying) varieties of brew. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Take a drive along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains (and possibly their residents). Rich Grant VISIT DENVER

These tigers are just two of the more than 4,000 animals housed at the Denver Zoo. This 75-acre facility also features rhinos, elephants and lions. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Sports Authority Field at Mile High can hold up to 76,000 Denver Broncos fans. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Constructed in 1932, Denver's City & County Building sits opposite the State Capitol Building in downtown Denver. *clarity* Flickr

The Pepsi Center is home turf for the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche, the National Basketball Association's Denver Nuggets and the National Lacrosse League's Colorado Mammoth. dherrera_96 Flickr

The LoDo area bustles after sundown. This trendy neighborhood is home to a variety of bars where sports fans often gather after watching a game at Coors Field. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Wynkoop Brewing Company is Denver's oldest brewpub and one of LoDo's popular hangout spots. The brewery still produces more than 4,000 barrels of beer each year. Courtesy VISIT DENVER

Union Station, a 100-year-old landmark, offers opportunities for shopping and dining in addition to tours. powerofforever Getty Images

Union Station was a huge success when it first opened to the public in 1881. Flickr CedricTheCat

Swing by Union Station at night for a different view. Mr. Jason Hayes Flickr

Consider hopping the train from the airport to Union Station to get to the heart of Denver. Sam Cox Flickr

According to past visitors, attending a night concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must. Stevie Crecelius VISIT DENVER

With its excellent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of hiking trails and cinnamon-hued sandstone cliffs, Red Rocks Park Amphitheatre draws many an outdoorsy traveler.  Vanessa McWhirt VISIT DENVER

Red Rocks Amphitheatre has held several artists throughout the years. Check the events schedule in advance, since tickets here often sell out. Michael Goldman VISIT DENVER

Larimer Square plays host to plenty of festivals and street performances throughout the year. Geoff Livingston Flickr

The Denver Botanic Gardens' 24 acres feature 15,000 species of plants from across the globe. SeanXu Getty Images

Before venturing to Larimer Square, you may want to pay a visit to the Larimer Square website. Here, you'll find a listing of all the local businesses and upcoming events, not to mention a printable walking tour. Geoff Livingston Flickr

Have your camera at the ready to snap photos of the beautiful flowers at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Michael Levine-Clark Flickr

Try to snag a close up shot of some of the beautiful flowers at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Michael Levine-Clark Flickr

Washington Park features central lawns, two lakes and walking and running paths throughout. Sepidehmaleki Getty Images

You'll find flowers of all varities at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Dave & Margie Hill Flickr

Located south of central Denver, Washington Park is consistently praised by Denverites and visitors alike for its ample facilities and enjoyable atmosphere.  Sergio Vassio Photography Flickr

Stick around for sunset to see some spectacular colors in Washington Park. Larry Goodwin Flickr

Denver is among six cities with United States Mint facilities. The others include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco, West Point, New York, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Peter Gridley Getty Images

The Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, houses the Denver Art Museum's modern and contemporary art collections. milehightraveler Getty Images

The Denver Art Museum's western American art gallery is highly prized. Jeff Wells Courtesy Denver Art Museum

Denver architect J.J.B. Benedict designed the eclectic-style pavilion and boat house on the south side of Smith Lake in Washington Park. The park itself started in 1899 as a "grand civic space" for the people of Denver. Sepidehmaleki Getty Images

Every December, the Denver Zoo hosts its annual Zoo Lights event. Courtesy Denver Zoo

The Denver Art Museum's collection of African art includes sculpture, textiles, jewelry, painting, printmaking and drawings that depict the artistic traditions of Africa. Kevin Hester Courtesy Denver Art Museum

Mount Evans Scenic Byway, a two-lane road, is known as the "road into the sky" because of the nearly 9,000 feet of elevation change. Ryan McGinnis Getty Images

You'll spot plenty of period artifacts and decor inside the Molly Brown House Museum. Tom McClure Photography

Though she is perhaps best known as one of the survivors of the Titantic, Margaret "Molly" Brown was also an activist. You'll learn about her life and fortune during a tour of her historic home. Tom McClure Photography

December is an especially festive time to visit 16th Street Mall. Yuya Sekiguchi Flickr

Keep your eyes peeled for Denver Zoo's youngest residents. Courtesy Denver Zoo

According to past visitors, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a hit with kids. Courtesy Denver Musuem of Nature and Science