Summer City Guide: Denver

When it comes to summer activities, the warm weather always brings out the best in us. So for 15 straight days, we're going to be dropping City Guides telling you the best concerts to see, outdoor activities to do, and places to eat, shop and stay with a summer focus. Next up, Denver. With that, here's our Summer 2013 essentials in the Mile-High City.

Download Summer City Guide: Denver As A PDF

The summer lineup includes The Postal Service, Bassnectar and The Avett Brothers, but you’ll have to act fast because apparently tickets for a show at an amphitheatre carved into a rock face go at lightening speed.

Website: redrocksonline.com

If you’re more of the punk rock/alternative persuasion, hit up Larimer Lounge for nights filled with almost-but-not-quite-yet discovered punk bands, including Passenger, Hands, The Technicolors, and more.

Website: larimerlounge.com

This place is guaranteed to be packed out every weekend of the summer – it’s where Denver locals flock for the both the wraparound patio and the hearty American burgers. It’s cheap eats done right, and with a great music selection to boot.

Website: paramountcafe.com

While it may be hard to believe that you can find great pizza in Denver, such a place exists. Marco’s has the best ingredients – mixed with an amazing location – to make for a great meal.

Website: marcoscoalfiredpizza.com

There’s burlesque, there’s comedy, there’s wonderfully awful cover bands. And it’s all housed in one of the coolest venues in the city. Come alone and leave with friends.

Website: lannies.com

Get it? It’s like a drive-in, except with bikes, because it’s cheaper. And if you don’t have a bike, you can still go. Just rent one. Making out on a bike might present some problems though, but hey – be spontaneous. Girls like that.

Website: civiccenterconservancy.org

After opening with just two employees in 1971, the Tattered Cover Book Store has grown into one of the premier independent bookstores in America. Come for a reading, and spend the rest of the day lost in one of their overstuffed chairs.

Website: tatteredcover.com

Forget topping Denver’s lists, the Grammy® Awards even named Twist & Shout one of the Top 10 record stores in the nation. They have everything you’re looking for and more.

Website: twistandshout.com

Coors Field, the Pepsi Center and Denver Pavilions are all within walking distance of Hotel Teatro, which takes up residence in the former Denver Tramway Station. But even though you’re close to everything around you, chances are you’re not going to want to leave.

Website: hotelteatro.com

Don’t let the name deter you, because this is one of downtown Denver’s classic buildings. If you choose to stay here, you’ll gain free access to public tours of the hotel, and bragging rights with your friends over best luxury hotel ever stayed in.

Website: brownpalace.com