Suburban
Welcome, Let Me Show You Around...
The greater Denver area is made up of many suburbs and surrounding towns in all directions, each proudly inviting neighbors to wander its charming, historic streets, pop into local shops, or sample tantalizing fare that only it can claim. And that’s not even mentioning the unique attractions of each suburb, from lakes and golf courses to butterfly sanctuaries, food halls, sprawling entertainment facilities, and more.
arvada
Distance from Denver: 15 minutes
Not far west out of the heart of Denver will land you in quaint Arvada. Expect lots of parks and green spaces, and the historic charm of what some may call the city’s most delightful aspect: Olde Town. Centered on Olde Town Square, this is the place to stroll in and out of independent shops and boutiques, pubs and eclectic bars, and through the seasonal Farmers Market. As you might expect, there are a ton of worthyeateries to check out, too The West Arvada Dog Park has plenty of space for zoomies.
Greenwood Village
Distance from Denver: 25 minutes
Host of the buzzing Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village has made a name for itself in recent years as less of a suburb and more of a destination. It’s home to the array of flavors at Grange Food Hall, which is mere steps from the bowling, big games, and entertainment epicenter that is Pindustry, as well as Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, where you’ll find some of today’s best artists year-round.
Lakewood
Distance from Denver: 15 minutes
Lakewood is, among other things, huge. Spanning just west of the core of Denver right up to the base of the Front Range, it’s a huge area that’s primarily residential but with a few key draws. There’s the Belmar shopping district with its regular rotation of shops, plus the outdoor adventure of Bear Creek Lake Park. And in addition to the commercial streets of Kipling, Wadsworth, and Sheridan having everything you could need, there’s also the thrill (and potential risk) over at Lakeside.
Lafayette
Distance from Denver: 35 minutes
Lafayette has small-town appeal and then some to keep you busy on any given morning, afternoon, or night. In Old Town you’ll find the superbly roasted beans of East Simpson Coffee and Ghost Box Pizza, among a number of other great restaurants. Take your treats to go as you picnic in Waneka Lake Park, get a few rounds in at Indian Peaks Golf Course, or skip the takeout altogether and dine at one of Three Leaf Farm’s farm dinners for an unforgettable and enchanting evening.
Parker
Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
Head southeast of Denver and you’ll hit Parker, a town full of commuting residents and folks who love where they live. Why? For one, Mainstreet is charming and full of fantastic shops and restaurants, like date night and special occasion favorite Parker Garage. For another, there’s an abundance of local trails and parks to get your fresh air on as well as an engaging art scene—be sure to check out the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center for what’s going on when you visit.
Westminster
Distance from Denver: 25 minutes
A hop, skip, and jump slightly northwest of Denver, Westminster is another popular residence for commuters but with its own special appeal. It’s where you’ll find the stunning, fluttering colors of the Butterfly Pavilion, the kayaking and fishing potential of McKay Lake, and Westminster Castle.
THORNTON
Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Ranked the #1 best small city for quality of life by the NY Times in 2019, the city of Thornton offers an affordable alternative to Denver home prices while providing proximity to amenities like parks, shopping centers, restaurants, golf courses, recreation centers, and trails.
Golden
Distance from Denver: 25 minutes
West of Denver, Golden is best known as the home to Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world. Take a walk along Clear Creek which runs through Golden and, in the warmer months, is a popular tubing spot. If you work up an appetite, the town’s home to some stellar food options like Bob’s Atomic Burgers and D’Deli. And I’d be remiss not to mention the forever fun, busy, and dog-friendly Golden Mill, where the beer is plentiful and the vibes are A+.
Littleton
Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
South of downtown Denver is this suburb with historic small town vibes and lots of independently owned shops. While you could spend the better part of the day exploring Main Street, Littleton’s also got a few hidden gems outside of its downtown area, including the Greenway Foundation trail that runs along the South Platte River, Hudson Gardens, and Breckenridge Brewery’s expansive outdoor beer garden.
Aurora
Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
Denver’s eastern neighbor has the best international cuisine across the Front Range. Like let’s talk about the epic feasts awaiting you at Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, or well-known local favorite, Cora Faye’s Soul Food Cafe, where heaven awaits in the form of crispy fried chicken. Then there’s the ropa vieja at Cuba Bakery & Cafe, and Colorado’s first Burmese restaurant Urban Burma, and $1.50 tacos at Tacos Selene, and tajines at Cafe Paprika, and… you get the point. Now start eating.
Morrison
Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Why is this small foothills community a must? Two words: Red Rocks, aka one of the best music venues in the world, which also happens to be a free public park maintained by the city of Denver. So it’s both an amazing place to see live music but when the schedule’s clear, you can also spend time hiking among the giant red sandstone formations and even stand on the stage where some of the world’s best musicians have played.
Boulder
Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
The city of Boulder frequently acquires top rankings in health, well-being, quality of life, education, and art.
Boulder County is home to the most diverse, natural landscapes and sustainable development along the Front Range. Cresting the hill on Highway 36 into Boulder, it's easy to see why this intriguing town has been dubbed "the city nestled between the mountains and reality."
Fort Collins
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
Fort Collins is situated between the plains and the mountains, offering residents the best of both worlds. Providing easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures and attractions in the area. The Old Town Historic District is home to a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants, and annual events.
Castle Rock
Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
Located in the middle of Colorado Springs and Denver. Castle Rock has roots in mining and railroads, this affluent town offers an updated taste of the Old West. It boasts an historic downtown area, 6000 acres of open space, 50 developed parks, and 87 miles of trails. Castle Rock is easily accessible by Interstate 25, and is home to the Outlets at Castle Rock (the largest open-air outlet center in the State).
