Guide for PrideFest tourists: Ways to move and things to do in Denver for out–of–towners
Denver’s PrideFest – the fourth largest Pride celebration in the nation and expected to draw an estimated 325,000 visitors this year – draws its fair share of tourists and visitors from around the nation and world. If you’re one of those out–of–towners, or just want to celebrate without worrying about parking the car, here’s how to make the most of the weekend.
Get In: Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the nation – offering daily and direct flights from most U.S. cities – but a long way from Central Denver. The flat rate for a taxi will run you around $55 to get to Downtown, and every major car rental company operates out of Denver. But the budget–conscious, RTD’s Sky Ride provides one-way bus service downtown for about $9. Find out more at rtd-denver.com/skyride.
Get around: Once you’re in central Denver, getting around without a car is easy. Taxi services like Yellow Cab (303-333-3333) and Freedom Cab (303-444-4444) are easy to find in the Downtown area.
A free MallRide Shuttle down the 16th Street Mall connects Civic Center Park to Downtown Denver and Union Station, which in turn connects to bus and light rail routes throughout the metro area. Easily plan your route online with the RTD trip planner tool, located on the home page of RTD’s website. Use the trip planner at rtd-denver.com.
But Denver is a cycling city – and when in Rome… . Bikes are a preferred form of transportation here. Rent public bicycles with a credit card swipe at corner B-cycle stations throughout the city and check them back in at the next station – with an $8 24-hour membership or $20 week-long membership, you can check out bikes and won’t be charged if you check them back to the next station within 30 minutes. Find out more about B-Cycle and see a map of check–in/check–out stations at denver.bcycle.com.
More transportation options at denver.org/transportation.
Do: To see Denver beyond the PrideFest events, head to one of Denver’s hip neighborhoods for chance to really see what life is like in the Mile High City. The Highlands, located just north of Downtown, has numerous bars, shops and restaurants that cater to nearly anyone. Don’t miss the urban street tacos at Pinche Taqueria, and stop and enjoy a glass of wine at Highlands Cork & Coffee. If you’re looking for a chic experience, head to the Cherry Creek neighborhood, Denver’s premier shopping district. There’s more to the neighborhood than just your high–end department stores, though. Take the time to stroll through the many independent boutiques that line the streets before heading to True Food Kitchen, where the health–conscious food is far from boring and bland.
See more Denver attractions, restaurants and hotels at Denver’s tourism website at denver.org.
See: Denver is a city of many attractions, especially during Pride Weekend. The Colorado Rockies are hosting the Phillies all weekend, and even if you’re not a baseball fan there’s nothing quite like watching a sunset over the Front Range from the outfield at Coors Field. For a more cerebral experience, head to the Denver Art Museum or the new History Colorado Center, both within two blocks of Civic Center. Be sure to check out Denver’s theme/amusement parks, Elitch Gardens, Lakeside and Water World.
See more to do in Denver at Denver’s tourism website, denver.org.
