[1]Founded in 1858 as a gold mining camp, Denver is located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains, 5,280 feet about sea level – exactly one mile high. Colorado’s sophisticated capital city is a thriving, cultural metropolis with a growing reputation for fine dining, museums, galleries, theaters and professional sports.
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Denver Weather
Mild and Mile High. The biggest surprise for visitors to Denver is the climate. The arid conditions bring only 8 to 15 inches of annual precipitation and locals wake up to more than 300 days of sunshine a year. That’s more annual hours of sun than Miami and San Diego.
Weather in Denver can change quickly, so two days before your trip to Denver, check into www.weather.com [2] for the latest on weather and temperature. Please use this information to pack appropriately. Because Denver is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer your clothing.
The mild weather is due in part to the city's altitude: 5,280 feet above sea leve, or exactly a mile high. There are a few ways to make your visit more comfortable at this altitude.
Denver Neighborhoods
The heart of downtown Denver is the 16th Street Mall, one block from the Marriott City Center. This mile long promenade is lined with outdoor cafes and distinctive shops. Free shuttle buses traverse the mall as often as 90 seconds.
Denver is also a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. From the stately Victorian houses of Five Points, rich in African-American culture, to the hip restaurants and nightclubs of historic LoDo, to the quaint, tree-lined streets of Old South Gaylord and Old South Pearl, Denver’s laid-back attitude is exemplified in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. Be sure to leave time in your visit to explore the independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants nestled in areas outside the vibrant downtown. With a diverse population, there is something for everyone.
A City of Many Cultures
Denver is a city of many colors and cultures with a rich ethnic heritage. This diversity is celebrated in numerous festivals, including the nation’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival, the famed Black Arts festival, the nation;s largest Martin Luther King, Jr. Aparad and the largest Native American dance competition. Places to visit include the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center which tells the fascinating story of African-American cowboys in the West and the Museo de las Americas, which showcases Latino art and culture.
State of the Arts
Denver is experiencing a cultural renaissance. The new Denver Art Museum was designed by world-renowned architect David Libeskind. The Museum of Contemporary Art houses six galleries of changing exhibits. The new theater district has ten venues and houses 10,000 people for award-winning theater, opera, symphony and dance.
