The 10 Most Exciting Suburbs Near Denver

Generally speaking, Denver proper has all the fun you’d ever need. But what makes a big, metropolitan area so rich and enjoyable is the mix of offerings between bustling downtown and quieter, suburban outskirts. The greater Denver area is made up of many suburbs and surrounding towns in all directions, each proudly inviting visitors and 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. The next time you’re feeling like you’ve “Been there, done that” in Denver, consider taking a short trip to one of these vibrant suburbs; you won’t be disappointed.

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 (and definitely don’t skip dessert). Got a furry friend? The West Arvada Dog Park has plenty of space for zoomies.

Distance from Denver: 25 minutes
Once viewed as simply the affluent neighbor of Cherry Creek and 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.

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.

Distance from Denver: 35 minutes
Lafayette has small-town appeal and then some to keep you busy on any given morning, afternoon, or night. A half-hour north of Denver puts you in the heart of this historically agriculture-driven city, specifically in Old Town where 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.

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. And in the summer, take the kiddos (or go by yourself) to the H2O’Brien Pool with its epic water slides, water features, and lap pool.

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, which at one time hoped to be the “Princeton of the West.” (Things didn’t work out that way, but it is a historic landmark and still really cool.) And when your stomach rumbles, plenty of top-rated options like Sakana Sushi and Ramen, Hideaway Steakhouse, and Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood Restaurant are well within reach. There’s even a Polish restaurant, Cracovia, if you’re fiending for some homemade pierogi or tender, spiced gulasz.

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. In addition to the revived brewery tours, there are a ton of reasons to visit Golden. For example, a drive up Lookout Mountain offers sweeping views of the Front Range and a visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is where the Old West comes to life. Back downtown, 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, where sandwiches come loaded with anything and everything, from house-made smoked and corned buffalo and elk to marshmallows and bananas. And we’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+.

Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
Denver’s eastern neighbor sometimes gets a bad rap but if you skip out on spending time here you’re missing something pretty major: Some of the best international cuisine aross the Front Range. Like let’s talk about the epic feasts awaiting you at Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, where you should definitely bring friends and opt for one of the combos. Or well-known local favorite, Cora Faye’s Soul Food Cafe, where heaven awaits in the form of crispy fried chicken, chop-licking BBQ rib tips, and a sweet slice of peach cobbler for dessert. 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.

Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Why is this small foothills community (only 20 minutes west of Denver) a must visit? 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. Want to make a mini staycation out of your Morrison adventure? Check out Cliff House Lodge in the quaint downtown area where you can stay in a cottage with a private hot tub.

Distance from Denver: 20 minutes
Just 20 minutes south of downtown Denver is this suburb with historic small town vibes and lots of independently owned shops. Littleton has maintained many of its historic buildings, which you can see on a walking tour that will take you by sites like the Columbine Mill, the Coors Building, and the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad depot. 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 where you can enjoy the free walking trails around features like the rose garden, turtle pond, and honey bee apiary, and Breckenridge Brewery’s expansive outdoor beer garden.

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