City Park refers to both the park itself and the surrounding neighborhood. The neighborhood is east of downtown and is filled with bookstores, restaurants and cafés. The park covers 330 acres (130 hectares) and is easily accessible by public transport. Head to Colfax Avenue on weekends to browse shops and people watch from cafés.
The park itself is another good people-watching spot, as well as a great escape from city life. The City and County of Denver acquired the land in 1881, and it’s since become an integral part of daily life for residents and visitors to the city.
On weekends in the warmer months City Park is full of families, couples and groups of young people picnicking or exercising. Spread out on a blanket under tall trees or beside one of three man-made lakes and enjoy views of the city and surrounding mountains. There are trails to walk, jog or cycle around. Sit under the Shakespeare Elm, the perfect place to read a book. This tree was grown from a cutting of an English elm at the site of Shakespeare's grave. It was planted at City Park three centuries to the day from the date of the Bard's death.
In summer, hire a pelican- or duck-shaped paddleboat, or catch one of the free jazz concerts held on a number of Sunday evenings between June and August. The jazz concerts are part of a popular series that draws thousands of locals and visitors. Details and a schedule can be found on the official City Park Jazz website.
Both the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science are located in the park. For golfers, there’s an 18-hole course that dates from 1913. Today, the perfectly manicured, tree-lined fairways are accompanied by a driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, lake and restaurant. The golf course is open during daylight hours year round, weather permitting.
