Play Store Apple Store Sign up Login Sign Up Create a Tour
Denver Colorado's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Mile High City Landmarks - tour image
Driving tour

Denver Colorado's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Mile High City Landmarks

24POIs
20.48 miDistance
1h:19mDuration
EnglishLanguage
Category
Main Sites
Language
English
Mode
Driving
Region
North America / USA
Country
Colorado, United States
City
Denver
Listen to the tour introductionA short audio preview of this tour
0:00

Denver, Colorado: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour of Iconic Landmarks incl. the State Capitol

Welcome to Denver, Colorado — the Mile-High City, where the spirit of the Old West meets the energy of the modern Rockies.

Perched exactly one mile above sea level, Denver began as a dusty mining camp during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of 1858. Prospectors came here chasing fortune, and before long, the town turned into a booming frontier city filled with saloons, railroads, and ambition. You can still feel that pioneer grit today — but now it’s mixed with creativity, culture, and a deep love for the outdoors.

This is a city that balances both worlds — historic landmarks like Union Station and the State Capitol stand side by side with sleek glass towers, art murals, and mountain views in every direction. You’ll see traces of its railroad roots, its cowboy past, and its thriving present as one of the most dynamic cities in the American West.

Denver is also a gateway — to the Rockies, to adventure, and to a lifestyle built around sunshine and open skies. It’s a city of music and museums, of craft beer and bike paths, of innovation and independence. Whether you’re here for the history, the scenery, or just the great weather, there’s always something new to discover.

So buckle up and get ready for a journey through a city that’s equal parts frontier and future. This is Denver — the Mile-High City — where the mountains meet the skyline, and the stories reach just as high.

Note: This tour has been updated to better align with current traffic patterns and routing conditions. (June 2026)

Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 1h:19m driving tour in Denver

The Colorado State Capitol
Union Station
Denver Art Museum
Coors Field
Molly Brown House Museum
16th Street Mall

Before You Start!

For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (UCPlaces AI Bot Icon) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.

Route Preview

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place 1

Civic Center Park and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park Recommended starting point

Distance: 0.16 mi · Attraction: Park (Recommended selfie spot). Broadway & W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80202, USA Place 1: Civic Center Park and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park
0:00
As you continue ahead, take a look around — Civic Center Park spreads out on your right, while on your left is Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park. Together, they form the green heart of Denver’s government and cultural district.

Civic Center Park, designed in the early 1900s, was part of Denver’s City Beautiful movement, meant to bring elegance and open space into the heart of the city. Its tree-lined walkways, classical fountains, and marble monuments make it one of the most photographed spots in downtown Denver. The park hosts everything from food festivals and art fairs to political rallies and concerts. On summer weekends, you’ll often find picnics, street performers, and locals stretched out on the lawns enjoying the mountain sunshine.

Across the street on your left is Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, home to powerful tributes honoring Colorado’s servicemen and women. The park features sculptures and plaques commemorating veterans from every major conflict — a quiet reminder of courage and sacrifice in the middle of the city’s bustle.

Together, these parks form a kind of open-air gallery — one side celebrating civic pride, the other paying respect to those who defended it.

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Parks/Civic-Center-Park

Place 2

Denver Public Library

Distance: 0.12 mi · Attraction: Library 1357 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210, USA Place 2: Denver Public Library
0:00
Get ready to turn right on 13th Avenue, but before you do, take a look to your right — that striking modern building with the colorful towers and bold shapes is the Denver Public Library.

This isn’t just any library — it’s one of Denver’s most beloved landmarks, designed by world-renowned architect Michael Graves and opened in 1995. Its playful mix of forms and colors reflects Denver’s creative spirit — a blend of classic and contemporary that feels right at home in the Mile High City.

Inside, the library holds more than two million items, from rare Western history archives and photography collections to modern literature and digital media. It’s also home to the Western History and Genealogy Department, a treasure trove for anyone curious about the pioneers, explorers, and miners who shaped the Rocky Mountain region.

Beyond the books, the library serves as a cultural hub — hosting art exhibits, children’s programs, and community events year-round. And if you step inside, the grand central atrium floods with natural light and offers stunning views of Civic Center Park and the State Capitol dome.

Alright, go ahead and turn right on 13th Avenue, and keep your eyes open — up ahead we’ll see another Denver icon, the Denver Art Museum, just around the corner.

https://www.denverlibrary.org/content/central-library

Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

  1. Place 1 Civic Center Park and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park
  2. Place 2 Denver Public Library
  3. Place 3 RiNo Art District
  4. Place 4 South Platte River
  5. Place 5 Highland Park
  6. Place 6 Denver Fun Facts
  7. Place 7 Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)
  8. Place 8 Ball Arena
  9. Place 9 Denver Performing Arts Complex
  10. Place 10 Cheesman Park and the Denver Botanic Gardens
  11. Place 11 Welcome to City Park
  12. Place 12 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
  13. Place 13 Joseph Addison Thatcher Memorial Fountain
  14. Place 14 Denver Museum of Nature & Science — Farewell
  15. Place 15 The Colorado State Capitol
  16. Place 16 Union Station
  17. Place 17 Denver Art Museum
  18. Place 18 Coors Field
  19. Place 19 Molly Brown House Museum
  20. Place 20 16th Street Mall
  21. Place 21 Larimer Square on Your Left and Larimer Street on Your Right
  22. Place 22 Empower Field at Mile High
  23. Place 23 Meow Wolf Denver
  24. Place 24 United States Mint and Denver City and County Building

Click below for full access to this tour

Buy This Tour ($26.00)
or save with Explorer Pass →

How to take a UCPlaces tour

Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.

How does the tour work?

UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.

How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?

UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:

  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?

  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.

What's NOT included?

  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

How long does this tour take?

Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.

What does this tour include?

This self-guided driving tour includes 24 stops, covering top attractions such as Civic Center Park and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, Denver Public Library, RiNo Art District, South Platte River, Highland Park.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Civic Center Park and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park (Address: Broadway & W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80202, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.

What type of tour is this?

This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.

Can I do this tour at my own pace?

Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.

Do I need a car for this tour?

Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.

Do I need anything in order to take the tour?

There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.

How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?

The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.

What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?

The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include The Colorado State Capitol, Union Station, Denver Art Museum, Coors Field, Molly Brown House Museum and 16th Street Mall. In total, the tour has 24 points of interest along the route.

Is this tour suitable for families or groups?

Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.

What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?

Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.

I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?

The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.

What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?

We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.

Can I take the tour in my language?

Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!

You might also like

More self-guided tours in Denver, Colorado, United States.

All Colorado, United States tours →
Alternative tour names (People also searched for)

Denver tour guide,  Denver tour guide English,  Denver guided tour,  Denver guided tour English,  Denver self guided tour,  Tour Denver,  Driving tour in Denver,  Denver Driving tours,  Tour guide United States,  Tour United States,  Driving tour in United States,  English Driving tour in United States,  English Driving tour in United States,  English Driving tour in Denver,  United States Driving tours,  Driving tour of Denver,  Denver Driving tour,  Denver audio tour guide,  Denver guided audio tour,  Denver self guided audio tour,  Driving audio tour in Denver,  United States audio Driving tours,  Denver audio tours,  Denver GPS tours,  Denver GPS map,  Denver Main Sites tour,  Main Sites Driving tour in Denver,  Main Sites Driving tour in Denver in English,  United States Main Sites tours,  Main Sites United States tours in United States,  Main Sites Driving tours in United States in English,  Phone tour Denver,  GPS guided tour Denver,  United States phone tours,  Denver phone led audio tour,  Denver road trip,  United States road trips,  Denver self guided city tour,  United States city tours,  Self tour Denver,  Self tour United States,  Denver travel stories,  Denver guided tour app,  Denver travel guide,  Denver map guided tour,  visit Denver,  United States travel guide,  visit United States,  where to go in Denver,  what to do in Denver,  best things to do in Denver,  Denver best places,  Denver landmarks,  Denver attractions,  Denver destinations,  Denver sightseeing,  Denver sightseeing guided tour,  Denver sightseeing Driving tour

Log in or create your UCPlaces account

or continue with

By continuing you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.