Got some time for exploring during your swing through the Mile High City? If you’re ready to come down from the mountains (but you want to keep them in view), check out Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. About five miles from Downtown Denver, this vibrant neighborhood boasts boutique hotels, a bounty of restaurants, trendy galleries, and a slew of spas and fitness studios.
And attention shoppers: Cherry Creek is home to the largest and most eclectic shopping space between Chicago and San Francisco, featuring Denver’s highest concentration of locally-owned stores. Polish up your plastic and browse everything from quirky boutiques to upscale fashion brands on the charming tree-lined streets of Cherry Creek North. Then soothe those aching shopping muscles at a luxury spa.
Get an infusion of gorgeous greenery at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Hit the scenic trails of Cherry Creek Park. When you’re ready to recharge, settle in for a sip-and-savor session at one of Cherry Creek’s vibrant restaurants and bars.
Got your relaxation gear ready? You’ll have Cherry Creek, Denver, at your fingertips with this complete guide for what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Colorado Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
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What to see & do in Denver’s Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Ready to give your wallet a workout? Just three miles north of Downtown Denver, you’ll discover Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the Rocky Mountain region’s shopping epicenter. Get ready to rumble!
This upscale shopping paradise invites you to “shop, dine, repeat.” Take up the challenge, and you’ll discover a massive indoor mall with an impressive collection of over 160 stores, including upscale boutiques and major department stores.
Browse big names like Chanel, Gucci, Neiman Marcus, and Louis Vuitton. But don’t stop at shopping for fashion: The Cherry Creek Shopping Center is also home to bookstores, spas, gift shops, art galleries, jewelers, grocers, and more.
For a change of pace, settle back in one of the mall’s eight movie theaters. Or scope out some fresh produce at the weekly farmers’ market. Got little ones in tow? Let them blow off steam in the children’s play area.
By now, you’ve worked up an appetite, right? Do yourself a favor and fuel up at one of the Center’s delicious dining options, including Denver favorites like Elway’s, Kona Grill, and 801 Chophouse.
Cherry Creek North
If you’re up for a little outdoor retail therapy, head for the tree-lined sidewalks of Cherry Creek North. A favorite Denver retail destination, this walkable neighborhood is a unique blend of urban energy and small-town ease.
Cherry Creek North is home to more than 300 retail shops and the proud host of Denver’s highest concentration of locally-owned stores. In other words: Scour the shops here, and you’re bound to discover gems that you’ll find nowhere else!
Take a stroll, and you’ll discover an eclectic collection of trendy boutiques, vibrant art galleries, palate-pleasing restaurants, and soul-soothing spas. Check out the Denver Darling Boutique for cutting-edge fashion, LoLo Rugs and Gifts for home goods, Kendra Scott for jewelry, and Artisan Center for one-of-a-kind gifts. For some fresh-from-the-field goodies, cruise the colorful stalls of the Saturday Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market during the summer and fall.
Want a break from browsing? Kick back, sip a crisp craft beer, and grab a bite on the rustically chic (and Fido-friendly) outdoor patio at the Cherry Creek Beer Garden.
Cherry Creek Trail
If you want to swap the browsing hustle and bustle for a quiet timeout, carve out time for the Cherry Creek Trail, a picturesque 45-mile path that winds from Confluence Park in Lower Downtown Denver to the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Jog, bike, or take Fido for an outing on this scenic sunken trail, and the sounds of the city will seem to fade away.
You can access Cherry Creek Trail from various points along the route and hit plenty of Denver’s coolest attractions along the way. Get on board at the beautiful Sunken Gardens, where spruce and pine trees make for a great picnic backdrop. Take your pick of city parks en route and enjoy a scenic stopover.
Carve out time for a layover at Four Mile Historic Park, home to Colorado’s oldest standing building. Built in the 1860s, Four Mile House was once the final stagecoach stop on the Smoky Hill Trail running from Kansas to Colorado. Today, this historic gem is a museum that invites you to step back in time, stroll the grounds, explore the building, and immerse yourself in Denver’s Western heritage.
Cherry Creek Park
Want to savor some green space during a day of downtown browsing? Head for Cherry Creek Park, a mere two minutes away from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver’s shopping hub. This 30-acre gem is the perfect spot for anyone who craves some downtime in the outdoors – even Fido!
Want to get the adrenaline going? Hit Cherry Creek Park’s paved path for a walk or a run. If you’ve got youngsters in tow, let the kids loose to burn off energy on the playground. Let the pooch scamper in the park’s designated off-leash area.
When you’re ready to cool off, take a dip in the pond. Then stake out a spot in the picnic area, unpack a picnic hamper, and chill out.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
If you’re an art enthusiast or festival fan, book yourself in at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Time your Denver sweep for the Fourth of July weekend, and you’ll discover a city that’s bustin’ out all over with awesome sights and sounds.
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a massive annual event that transforms Denver streets into an amazing outdoor art show. Ride the wave and dive into one of the largest celebrations of art in the country, with a fantastic array of cool events, including live music, performance art, and culinary adventures.
Join about 350,000 kindred spirits to see and celebrate the works of 250 national and international artists, along with a legion of performance artists in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry, and printmaking.
But don’t just stand on the sidelines: Jump in! Meet and engage with the artists. Enjoy family-friendly activities at the Creation Station, where makers of all ages can unleash their inner artists. Add your own artistic flourish to the massive Imagination Collaboration mural.
Fuel up at the Art of Food, where you can choose from a huge selection of delicious creations courtesy of the tastiest restaurants and food trucks in town. Kick back at the on-site Cherry Creek Beer Garden, and guzzle up live musical performances that run the gamut from Blues to jazz to Hip Hop.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Feeling the urge for a shot of green on your Denver trip itinerary? Make the jaunt over to the Denver Botanic Gardens for a rejuvenating dose. Set on 24 acres in Denver’s Cheesman Park, this stunning urban oasis is rated one of the top five botanic gardens in the country.
Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens, and you’ll find a treasure trove of plants, trees, and grasses from around the world. Let yourself ramble through a myriad of vivid theme gardens. Discover delights ranging from Great Plains wildflowers to an award-winning tropical conservatory to ornate Japanese gardens (complete with an authentic tea house).
For a more rustic experience, take a 45-minute jaunt southwest to the Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms, a working farm, and 700-acre native plant refuge. Explore its fascinating collection of historical buildings dating back to the 1800s. Stroll the farm’s vivid wildflower gardens, wander 2.5 miles of scenic trails, and be sure to bring your binoculars. This is a birding hotspot!
Where to eat & drink
As one of the Mile High City’s most affluent neighborhoods, it’s no surprise that Cherry Creek is home to some of the tastiest and most eclectic places to eat & drink in Denver. Take your pick from a myriad of delicious dining options ranging from build-your-own burgers to sumptuous sushi.
If you’re in a down-home burgers ‘n beer mood, snag a spot at the Cherry Cricket. This unpretentious diner has been a Denver icon since 1945 – and patrons swear it dishes up one of the best burgers in the country. With over 20 toppings ranging from sauerkraut to spicy mac ‘n cheese, you can build your own. Sluice it all down with a refreshing local craft beer.
If you want to snack in style while you shop, slide into the Kona Grill. Set in Cherry Creek Mall, this polished American grill features steak, sliders, seafood, and award-winning sushi. Enjoy fresh-off-the-grill favorites and specialty craft cocktails for brunch, lunch, or dinner either indoors or on the patio. Check out Happy Hour specials from 4 pm to 6 pm.
If you’re craving some healthy but “drool-worthy” fuel, take a seat at True Food Kitchen. With its sustainably-sourced, nutrient-packed offerings, this spot is a hit with green juice lovers and burger aficionados alike. Dig into some Edamame Dumplings, grab a bite of comfort food like their Grass-fed Burger, or savor lighter fare like the O.G. Tuscan Kale Salad. Pair your meal with a sparkling refresher or a craft cocktail created with locally-sourced infusions.
Here’s the story on trendy Narrative: start with a sleek interior, outdoor patio, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lofty ceilings. Add in globally-inspired cuisine, new twists on modern American dishes ranging from shrimp & grits to grilled chicken, and a generous Happy Hour. Finish up with an amazing cocktail menu and a wine “library” featuring almost 100 selections. Need we say more?
If you’re a fan of fusion food, you’ll find your happy place at Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar in the heart of the Cherry Creek shopping district. Prime your appetite for Hapa’s Hawaiian-Japanese fare with a tasty sake selection that ranges from hot to sparkling to fruit-infused. Then take your pick of mouthwatering rolls filled with everything from lobster tail to shrimp tempura – or dig into classic mains like Honey Miso Salmon or seared Wagyu beef.
Fans of Mexican food and drink flock to Machete Tequila + Tacos – and it’s no wonder. This vibrant bar & grill stays true to its Hispanic heritage by serving up made-from-scratch street-style tacos and quesadillas, authentic salsas, fine tequilas, and freshly-juiced margaritas. Stake out a spot on their sunny outdoor patio, and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to the Land of Enchantment.
Where to stay
The Mile High City’s hotel scene is diverse, and many of the best places to stay in Denver can be found in Cherry Creek. With hundreds of lodgings featuring amenities ranging from Rocky Mountain views to rooftop pools to lively beer gardens, this neighborhood offers something for every taste.
The Jacquard, Autograph Collection
Nestled in the trendy North Cherry Creek neighborhood, this charming boutique hotel scores high on the rest and relaxation scale. Stretch out in bright, airy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi access, minifridges, and cable TV. Settle back in your private sitting area and enjoy amazing mountain or city views. Check out the hotel’s modern fitness amenities, then head to the rooftop for a dip in the pool or a beverage at the poolside bar.
Halcyon – A Hotel in Cherry Creek
A blend of elegance and ease, this modern upscale hotel lets you enjoy an action-packed stay peppered with luxurious touches. For some unique experiential amenities, check out their unique Gear Garage and get everything you need for buzzing around Cherry Creek North on a cruiser bike, capturing memories on a Go Pro, or chilling out with some tunes on vinyl. Unwind with a Happy Hour yoga class – or skip class and hit the rooftop restaurant.
Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Denver Cherry Creek
Settle in at this newly-renovated luxury hotel, and you’ll enjoy spacious rooms, picture windows, stunning mountain views, and high-end amenities. Wake up to a complimentary espresso or cold-pressed juice delivered to your door. Put the pedal to the metal with a Peloton workout, then luxuriate in a deep soaking tub. After a day of urban exploring, top it off with a freshly made cocktail and soul-satisfying Latin cuisine at the celebrated DenverToro Latin Kitchen & Lounge.
