TL;DR: Brighton has some brilliant places to visit like Barr Lake State Park and the Oasis Aquatic Park. And with Denver just 20 miles away, boredom is never an option.
Brighton, Colorado is home to over 40,000 residents and is an increasingly popular choice for families seeking an affordable home to rent in a destination blessed with several top attractions and nearby places to visit.
Before looking at Brighton rentals, knowing what to expect from the lifestyle is vital. Leisure activities play a key role and this guide will help you discover the most popular places.
Brighton Things To See
Brighton is a surprisingly vibrant area that offers locals many things to see and do. However, its signature outdoor spot is Barr Lake State Park, an 11km2 park that surrounds a reservoir. Over 250,000 visitors flock to the space each year.
Other top attractions include local farm stands and seasonal U-pick farms, which are renowned for providing a family-friendly vibe. Meanwhile, self-guided walking tours of downtown Brighton are another fantastic option for renters to explore their new hometown.
Popular Places in Brighton
Many of Brighton’s best places to visit focus on nature or the arts. Riverdale Regional Park is free to daytime visitors, making it one of the most popular choices for locals to explore the vibrant area’s picturesque gardens. It is more of a hidden gem than Barr Lake, which adds to the appeal for residents.
For family-friendly days out, there is arguably no better option than Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park on a warm and sunny day. The outdoor swimming pools, water slides, and other features will make a splash with guests of all ages.
Elsewhere, the Armory Performing Arts Center plays an important role in the region’s acclaimed art scene. Event listings confirm regular performances from local talent and acts from further afield.
Must-Visit Parks and Wildlife
Barr Lake State Park
Barr Lake State Park is the most popular tourist spot, but also attracts thousands of local visitors each year. The birthwatching gazebo is a top photo hotspot. While the park is home to a lot of birdlife and wildlife species, the bald eagle stands out as a firm favorite. The Annual Bald Eagle festival includes presentations, guided hikes, crafts, and more.
There are boasts restrictions on the north side of the lake, but visitors can enjoy time on the water. Alternatively, there are plenty of hiking and cycling routes. It is an ideal way to enjoy nature.
Riverdale Regional Park
Riverdale Regional Park is a little less known to visitors, but is one of the most popular parks in Colorado for locals. Dedicated picnic areas near the river are the perfect setting for a relaxed break from the stresses of modern life. There’s additionally several great walking trails for casual scenic strolls.
Locals looking for sporting activities can enjoy the sports fields, where soccer and baseball are played almost daily. Meanwhile, fun runs are just one example of the community events happening in the park throughout the year.
Popular Places Near Brighton — Denver Day Trips
As you search rental listings in Brighton, CO, it’s nice to know that there are also plenty of nearby places to visit throughout Denver. Many do not have to be booked in advance while some that do offer a free cancellation policy.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver is renowned for upscale shopping and dining experiences. Whether it’s a day of browsing and enjoying great food or you need to make an important luxury purchase, this is the place to be. Not least because it is only a little over 20 miles to the south of Brighton.
As well as over 160 stores and restaurants, there is a cinema showing the latest movies. The mall opens at 10am daily, although closing times vary during the week.
Colorado Convention Center (Convention Center)
The Colorado Convention Center is located at 14th St in Denver. The multi-purpose venue is home to an eclectic range of exhibitions and events throughout the year. As it is located in the heart of Downtown Denver, many visitors consider spending the night at the nearby Slate Hotel so that they can truly enjoy the city.
The bus from Brighton to Downtown Denver takes around 45 minutes for the cost of just $3. However, verifying the event schedule before departure is highly advised.
Ball Arena
Ball Arena is home to the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoth. When looking for top-class indoors sporting action in the Centennial State, this is the place to be. The venue’s calendar also includes dozens of concerts from some of the biggest names in music.
While some games don’t sell out, it is advised to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Travel to the venue is easy thanks to its Interstate 25 exits.
Empower Field at Mile High (Mile High)
Empower Field is home to the Denver Broncos. Quite frankly, nothing captures the atmosphere of the region quite like an NFL gameday. However, you can also arrange visits on a non-gameday and book a stadium tour. Sporting memorabilia and jerseys make the perfect souvenirs for Broncos fans too.
Unsurprisingly, it gets very busy around this part of the city on gameday. So, using the local light rail system is the most suitable solution. Tickets should be booked in advance, even if you will pay added fees through ticketing companies.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Red Rocks)
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is known for outstanding acoustics, making it a world-class music venue supported by stunning surroundings. It is advised to arrive early for parking and to claim the most spectacular viewpoints. You are certain to gain great photos of the beautiful backdrops while there’s nothing like seeing an iconic act in this iconic setting.
Hiking the adjacent trails before sunset is another incredible way to enjoy this venue, even when no events are taking place.
Coors Field
Coors Field is another top sporting venue that is found in Downtown Denver. So, if looking to enjoy a sporting occasion while still exploring what else The Mile High City has to offer, this could be the ideal choice. Signing Take Me Out To The Ball Game at a Rockies game will make you feel more connected to the area.
A ballpark tour is another option. You’ll get to see the field in a more relaxed setting while getting to see all parts of the ballpark, including the museum and the dugout benches.
Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo started in 1896 and it is as popular as ever. On peak days, you will need timed-entry tickets. Alternatively, you can enjoy a calmer visit during off-peak times. The family-friendly attraction is one of the top CO things to do. Highlights include the California sea lions, Toyota Elephant Passage, and the African lions.
The 80-acre attraction is situated at Steele St. Whether it’s a day trip or coupled with a short stay over in the city, all Brighton residents should add it to their to-do list.
Getting Around and Practical Tips
While Denver is only 20 miles or so to the south of Brighton, the traffic can get bad at peak times. This is especially true before the biggest sporting gamedays and music events. Give yourself plenty of time by taking the bus or driving in hours in advance. Parking in Denver is typically $4 per hour, but you’ll want to avoid the stadium or arena parking lots. If staying over, pick accommodation that includes parking as standard.
As for Brighton, most attractions can be explored by foot, although the spaces like Barr Lake State Park are served by public transportation including the RTD Express Coach.
