Things to Do in The Highlands

Denver's most walkable neighborhood — dining, character, urban roots

Food & Drink

Dining & Nightlife

Breweries & Taprooms
6+ (Denver Beer Co., Prost Biergarten, Zuni Street Brewing, Oasis, Call to Arms, FlyteCo)
Coffee Shops
Blue Sparrow Coffee, Carbon Beverage (coffee-cocktail hybrid), multiple neighborhood cafes
Farmers Market
Highland Square area markets (seasonal)

Notable Restaurants

  • Alma Fonda Fina (Michelin-starred Mexican)
  • AshKara (Mediterranean/North African, Bib Gourmand)
  • Wildflower (Italian-Mexican, 2025 Michelin Young Chef Award)
  • Root Down (farm-to-table, converted gas station)
  • Gaetano's (Italian, mid-1900s heritage)
  • My Brother's Bar (Denver's oldest bar, 151 years)
Culture

Arts & Entertainment

Community Center
Tennyson Street Cultural District (38th–46th, galleries, music venues, boutiques)
Public Art
Confluence Park murals, street art throughout neighborhood

Annual Events

  • Highlands Street Fair (41st annual)
  • Tennyson Street First Friday Art Walk (monthly)
  • Sunnyside Music Festival (free)
  • Berkeley Beer Festival
  • Tennyson Fall Festival
Nature

Parks & Outdoors

  • Confluence Park 2.5-mi loop, Cherry Creek + South Platte convergence, dog park, fields
  • Commons Park native prairie restoration, adjacent to South Platte River
  • Cherry Creek Trail 10–30 min bike from Highlands, extends through city
  • Platte River Greenway continuous trail system with riverside parks
Pets

Pet-Friendly Living

Off-Leash Dog Parks
Confluence Park dog park, Wynetka Ponds Bark Park (fully fenced)
Pet-Friendly Trails
Cherry Creek Trail (dog-friendly corridor), Platte River Greenway
Vet Clinics
Highlands Animal Clinic, Sploot Veterinary Care (Highlands), Urban Vet Care
Dog-Friendly Patios
Denver Beer Co., Prost Biergarten, multiple LoHi restaurants
Common Questions

FAQ — The Highlands

What is the commute from The Highlands to downtown Denver?

The Highlands sits approximately 1 mile west of downtown, across I-25, and is walkable or bikeable via the Highland Bridge. Off-peak trips take 5–10 minutes by car, 10–20 minutes during rush hour. LoHi residents can walk to Union Station in 10–30 minutes depending on location. Cherry Creek and Platte River trails serve as bike commute corridors.

What parks and outdoor recreation are available in The Highlands?

Confluence Park features a 2.5-mile loop at the Cherry Creek and South Platte convergence, with a dog park and playing fields. Commons Park offers native prairie restoration adjacent to the South Platte River. The Cherry Creek Trail is accessible within a 10–30 minute bike ride, and the Platte River Greenway provides a continuous riverside trail system.

What are the top restaurants and dining options in The Highlands?

The Highlands and LoHi form Denver’s densest dining corridor with 55+ bars and restaurants: • Alma Fonda Fina — Michelin-starred Mexican in LoHi • AshKara — Mediterranean/North African, Michelin Bib Gourmand • Wildflower — Italian-Mexican, 2025 Michelin Young Chef Award • Root Down — farm-to-table in a converted gas station • My Brother’s Bar — Denver’s oldest bar, 151 years • Little Man Ice Cream — Salted Oreo and Lemonade Cookie flavors