The Mile High City

NASPL PDS 2023 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Denver which is located in the heart of downtown Denver, Colorado. Just steps away from museums, theaters, restaurants, and art galleries — and minutes to Coors Field and Broncos Stadium — it’s perfect for exploring the Mile High City. Feeling adventurous? You’ll be close enough to venture out to the Rocky Mountains and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Colorado.

Denver really is a mile high, but most people don’t even notice the altitude difference. Still, it’s a little easier here to get dehydrated, sunburned, and even a bit tipsier than you meant to. Follow these tips to stay happy and healthy.

Zero Fare for Better Air Campaign

Denver’s public transportation provider, RTD, is running a campaign in July and August called Zero Fare for Better Air Campaign. For the months of July and August, ALL rides on RTD vehicles are FREE! This includes the A-Line from the airport to downtown! 
 

Walking Distance
 

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs  $  0.7 MI / 1.13 KM AWAY

Must-try hot dog cart with delicious and creative wild-game and specialty sausages that have drawn food celebrities including Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern.

Sam's No. 3  $$  0.5 MI / 0.8 KM AWAY

Classic diner featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”  Famous for their green chili and massive breakfast burritos.

Steuben’s  $$  0.6 MI / 0.97 KM AWAY

A retro diner providing Regional American classics and classic cocktails. Reasonably priced meals everyone enjoys. Really good food every single time.

Rio Grande   $$  0.7 MI / 1.13 KM AWAY

If you are in need of cheap Mexican food, killer margs, great queso, and room for a large group, Rio is the one. A true Denver staple.

Denver Milk Market  $$  0.7 MI / 1.13 KM AWAY

Fun, casual food hall with something for everyone. Everything from steamed bao to lobster rolls to pasta bowls to local craft brews to gelato and so much more. Great for groups.

Illegal Pete’s  $$  0.8 MI / 1.29 KM AWAY

Local favorite taco joint with a fun and casual vibe. All handmade food made from responsibly-sourced, high-quality ingredients. Full bar + local beer on tap. Think Chipotle but cooler.

Machete Tequila + Tacos  $$  0.8 MI / 1.23 KM AWAY

Buzzing street taco joint that dishes up tasty Mexican food. Mix and match from a variety of scratch-made tacos and (reportedly) the biggest selection of tequila in Denver.

Cart Driver  $$  0.9 MI / 1.45 KM AWAY

Neighborhood favorite wood-fired Neopolitan pizzeria. Oysters and market plates. Craft cocktails and prosecco on tap.

Cherry Cricket  $$  0.9 MI / 1.45 KM AWAY

Beloved by locals, often touted as the best burgers in Denver. Classic sports bar close to Coors Field for great fun and great burgers. 

Elway’s  $$$  0.4 MI / 0.67 KM AWAY

Incredible steakhouse opened by former Bronco John Elway himself. Hand-cut USDA prime steaks, amazing Colorado lamb, fresh seafood and an amazing wine selection.

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox  $$$  0.6 MI / 0.97 KM AWAY

Killer vibes. This building was once a brothel and the theme carried over into the interior. Also, its downstairs offers an intimate venue with great live acts, reggae night, and crazy brunch parties.

ChoLon  $$$  0.7 MI / 1.13 KM AWAY

This contemporary, pan-Asian hotspot is a perennial favorite with beautifully executed small and shareable plates. Famous for their perfect French onion soup dumplings.

The Palace Arms at The Brown Palace  $$$$  0.2 MI / 0.32 KM AWAY

One of the most impressive places and meals in Denver. This classic hotel and restaurant are full of history so there will be plenty to talk about as you sip champagne and enjoy a true fine dining experience.

Five- to Ten-Minute Drive

Ace Eat Serve  $ 0.8 MI / 1.3 KM AWAY
When viewed as a whole, Ace Eat Serve – located on the corner of 17th Avenue and Pennsylvania St. – is grand in scale. However, look further and you’ll find that Ace Eat Serve combines three unique concepts into one Mayor's Design Award-winning space.

Maria Empanada  $ 1.8 MI / 2.9 KM AWAY

Maria Empanada is a Denver favorite. Her empanadas are known all over the state. If you have never had one you are going to fall in love with them here.

Happy Camper  $$  1.9 MI / 3.06 KM AWAY

Good pizza, a lively atmosphere, and a spacious astro-turf covered patio seating area that’s perfect on a warm Denver summer evening with a group of friends.

Linger  $$  1.9 MI / 3.06 KM AWAY

Unique, hip spot for soaking up the sun, imbibing cocktails and sampling street food dishes from around the world. Travel + Leisure named this one of "America's Coolest Rooftop Bars.'' Make reservations weeks in advance.

Avanti Food & Beverage  $$  1.9 MI / 3.06 KM AWAY

A crowd-pleaser. This two-story food hall is centered around two giant bars and a great rooftop. Avanti has a constantly rotating group of restaurants, so everyone is happy.

Punch Bowl Social  $$  2.2 MI / 3.54 KM AWAY

Half restaurant, half bar, and half adult playground. Punch Bowl Social has it all with an adult arcade, bowling, shuffleboard, darts, and great food. Great for groups.

El Five  $$$ 1.8 MI / 2.9 KM AWAY

One of the best rooftop restaurants in town. The views are simply amazing. Great vibe, cocktails, and tasty food. Make reservations!

Worth the Trip 
 

Gaetano’s  $$  2.5 MI / 4.02 KM AWAY

Classic Italian restaurant, one-time mob hangout. Frequently receives accolades for being Denver’s best old-school, real-deal Italian restaurant. Known for Italian favorites including burrata, hand-tossed pizzas, chicken parmigiana, and amazing lasagna.

Stranahan's Whiskey Distillery & Cocktail Bar  $$  3.3 MI / 5.31 KM AWAY

Stranahan’s is the first Colorado-born whiskey, smooth and distinctively flavored, handcrafted with Colorado's finest natural ingredients. Stranahan's Batch 49 was voted Artisan Whiskey of the Year in 2009 and the cocktail lounge was recently ranked the No. 1 whiskey bar in the U.S. by Yelp reviewers. Schedule a tour – it’s super fun.

Casa Bonita  $$  5 MI / 8.05 KM AWAY

Famously fun and campy spot recently reopened in May under new owners, South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Certainly not known for the food (very basic cafeteria-style Mexican fare), but the experience – like cliff divers plummeting down the indoor waterfall – is what draws the crowds here. We’re all hoping for a bump in food quality since the new ownership, but either way, it’s sure to be a good time.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

16th Street Mall 0.3 MI / 458 METERS AWAY

16th Street Mall is a popular pedestrian promenade. It is lined with historic office buildings, outdoor cafes, restaurants, boutiques, shops, and more. The mile-long mall also offers free shuttle buses for convenience.

Denver Zoo 0.9 MI / 1.4 KM AWAY

The Denver Zoo is one of the first institutions with natural habitats designed to promote animal welfare. It has been labeled one of the best zoos in the country because of its wide array of wildlife and conservation efforts.

Downtown Aquarium 3.8 MI / 6.11 KM AWAY

Enjoy colorful aquatic and geographic exhibits featuring hundreds of species in various habitats, tons of fun learning opportunities, and a full-service restaurant with views of the 50,000-gallon aquarium.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
 

Denver Botanic Gardens 2.6 MI / 4.24 KM AWAY

This 23-acre urban oasis features exquisite plant life from around the world and has been ranked as one of the best botanic gardens in the U.S.

City Park 2.9 MI / 4.73 KM AWAY

Enjoy 330 pristine acres that perfectly intertwine urban life with the outdoors. You will also find the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo on the City Park grounds.

Confluence Park

Denver was founded at Confluence Park as a gold mining camp in 1858. Today, the river park is the heart of Denver's bike trail network, and is surrounded by attractions. 

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre 15.6 MI / 25.08 KM AWAY

This world-renowned park has one of the best views in Colorado. Even if you can’t make a show it’s worth the trip just to see the venue, walk the steps, hike the beautiful trails and explore the museum.

ARTS & CULTURE
 

Denver Art Museum 0.9 MI / 1.52 KM AWAY

Denver boasts one of the largest art museums in the West. Take in more than 70,000 pieces, including sizable collections that span centuries and cultures worldwide.

Denver Performing Arts Complex 0.9 MI / 1.42 KM AWAY

Denver Performing Arts Complex is home to the DCPA, a Tony Award-winning theatre company, Broadway touring productions, contemporary dance and ballet, a renowned symphony orchestra, internationally acclaimed opera, and more.

Meow Wolf Denver 2.2 MI / 3.54 KM AWAY

Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is unforgettable, transformational, and not to be missed. Discover immersive psychedelic, mind-bending art and an underlying rich narrative as you take a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science 2.9 MI / 4.62 KM AWAY

Take a walk through history at Denver Museum of Nature and Science. With everything from dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies, their extensive collection is a must-see for the curious explorer.

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Live Music & Concerts

Denver is home to a thriving live music scene. No matter your tastes, you're likely to find something great – and there’s a good chance you’ll find something free AND walking distance in the summer. Explore the music calendar for Denver concerts and other live music events.

Coors Field 4.3 MI / 6.87 KM AWAY

Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies, Colorado’s premier MLB team. Located in Denver's lower downtown district, fans sitting in the first base and right field areas can take in pristine views of the Rocky Mountains as an added bonus.

Empower Field at Mile High 7.9 MI / 12.68 KM AWAY

Empower Field at Mile High, home to the Denver Broncos, offers beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Denver skyline to the east, a focal point on the Denver skyline and a proud symbol of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region.