by Wendy Lafond

Created on: December 06, 2008   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

Denver, Colorado is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States and for very good reasons. There are so many things to do and see, whether it is winter or summer, and each one has its own special charm, excitement, or things to discover. For a memorable vacation, plan on visiting at least one of these top Denver attractions. A good place to start your vacation adventure is at the Denver Visitor Information Center. Located in the 16th Street Mall, the Center is open year-round and offers free maps, souvenirs, and a helpful and knowledgeable staff to assist you with all things tourist.

Arts and Entertainment

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1101 13th St., has everything from Broadway to Cabaret live theatre shows. The Denver Center Theatre Company is world renowned for their passionate work and commitment to aspiring as well as seasoned playwrights.

The Denver Art Museum is housed in two buildings, the North building and the Frederic C. Hamilton building, located within the Civic Center Cultural Complex on 13th Ave.. Tickets are purchased at the parking garage right next door to the Hamilton building. The exhibits depict artists from all over the world and there are special events and exhibits regularly.

At 2001 Colorado Blvd. history, nature, and science collide with an amazing collection of exhibits from a century old Wolverine skull to pictures of the first "space spiders" and don't forget to check out the Discovery Zone where kids can be scientific while having fun. All this is found inside the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, open 364 days a year.

Two 300-foot red sandstone rock formations are the backdrop for the Red Rocks Amphitheatre at exit 259 off I-70. The unparalleled acoustics and one-of-a-kind beauty of this natural phenomenon make it a perfect venue for outdoor concerts. It has attracted such artists as Willie Nelson, Nine Inch Nails, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and many others. The visitors center is open year-round and houses numerous exhibits, the Performers Hall of Fame, the Gift Shop, a theatre, and the Ship Rock Grille restaurant. It is surrounded by the Red Rocks Park with camping, hiking trails, and breathtaking scenic views.

Animals, Reptiles, Insects, and Nature

The Denver Zoo, located at 2300 Steele St., was started in 1896 with a small orphaned black bear cub named Billy Bryan. This extraordinary zoo is home to more than 3,500 creatures that represent over 650 different species. With over

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