After Landing: Denver
After Landing is a travel guide series dedicated to bringing you insider tips and local recommendations on what to see and do in some of our favorite destinations.
Ranked third on the list of the best places to live in the U.S. behind Austin, Texas and the neighboring town of Colorado Springs, Denver is just as appealing to those who visit for a weekend. If you haven't visited The Mile High City before, our guide is chock full of insider tips and local recommendations compiled by a few of our employees who happen to be travel experts.
Get to know the Mile High City
The capital city and also the most populous city in Colorado, Denver dates back to the Old West era when it was founded as a mining town during the gold rush in the mid-1800s. As a jumping off point for many ski resorts located in the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a cultural hotspot that basks in more than 300 days of sunshine each year.
Your arrival
Denver International Airport is 27 miles northeast of the city. The A Line rail service will get you to downtown Denver in 37 minutes, costing $9 each way, whereas a taxi is likely to cost upwards of $50.
Where to stay
Excellent hotels are dotted across the city, but many of the best options can be found clustered around Cherry Creek, Glendale and LoDo — Denver's lower downtown area. Cherry Creek is an excellent choice if you're looking for upscale shopping options, while Glendale offers a more suburban feel with plenty of parks and walking trails. Most visitors will gravitate towards LoDo and for good reason. The vibrant neighborhood is filled with many of the city's best restaurants and bars. Wherever you opt for, Denver is a walkable city, so nothing is out of reach.
What to see and do
First-time visitors won't want to miss any of these amazing activities.
Early on, climb to the golden dome atop the Colorado State Capitol building to get your bearings and to take in some Insta-worthy views of the city.
Next, explore the magnificent Union Station in the heart of LoDo. Built in 1881, the station was recently transformed from a tired, old train terminal into the hub of the city. In what the city loving calls "Denver's Living Room," you'll find an eclectic array of the city's best restaurants, bars and boutiques.
If you're a history buff, head to the Denver Art Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Native American art, as well as many works from European masters. The impressive Clyfford Still Museum is home to thousands of Clyfford Still's abstract expressionist works while the lower-profile History Colorado Center offers more interactive exhibits to keep younger visitors entertained.
Explore historic Larimer Square and the pedestrian promenade at the 16th Street Mall for great shopping that will keep you entertained for hours. A free shuttle bus also runs the length of the mall if your legs get tired.
In a city of more than 200 parks, City Park is the standout. Its 330 acres are home to Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, plus numerous lakes, playgrounds, picnic sites and historical monuments.
With 85 miles of tracks that crisscross the city, the easiest way to explore Denver is by bicycle. Bcycle offers 700 bikes at more than 80 stations throughout the city, and if you only have time to explore one trail, make it Cherry Creek Trail, a 42-mile route from downtown to Franktown.
One of the city's most iconic structures stands 16 miles east of the city. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is frequently named the best outdoor venue in America and has hosted everyone from The Beatles to U2. Even if there's no show when you visit, you can still take a tour for a stunning experience.
Finally, take time to embrace the great outdoors. "Head for the Rocky Mountain National Park, about 90 minutes northwest of the city," says Denver based flight attendant Jackie H. "Concerts, fresh air, kayaking, river rafting, camping…the Rockies give you freedom from life's chaos, whatever time of year you visit."
Where to eat and drink
Once renowned for its Rocky Mountain oysters andomelets, Denver's cuisine now reflects the cultural melting pot the city has become. You can eat well on any budget in all quarters of the city, but these spots are within easy reach of LoDo.
For breakfast, Snooze, Prosperoats and Lucile's Creole Cafe are just three of many excellent options, but Jelly in Capitol Hill is a must. "It has, no kidding, the best jelly in the world," says San Francisco base supervisor Miriam S. "It helps that the bread you spread it on is so fresh and delicious, but hands down, this is the best breakfast spot in Denver."
For lunch, Linger, Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen and il porcellino salumi all deserve to be mentioned, but you should definitely make time to visit Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, particularly if you've never tasted rattlesnake and pheasant in a hot dog before. The pairing is not for the faint of heart.
Denver has too many excellent restaurant options for dinner to include in one paragraph. Acorn offers eclectic American, Osteria Marco dishes out high-end Italian and Guard & Grace offers a modern take on a steakhouse, but that only scratches the surface. As a general rule, aim to eat around the areas of Union Station, Highland and Five Points and you should leave happy.
Additionally, Denver brews more beer than any other U.S. city and boasts more than 40 brewpubs and microbreweries in the downtown area alone. Wynkoop Brewing Company offers some of the city's most inventive brews, although the Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout made with roasted bull testicles may not be for everyone. A visit to My Brother's Bar, the oldest bar in Denver, is an absolute must, and if you want to extend the night, Skylark Lounge and Hi-Dive are two live music venues off the beaten path.
The great outdoors
Make time to explore beyond the city limits and you'll soon find that Denver has some of the greatest scenery on earth. Rocky Mountain National Park is 71 miles northwest of the city and covers 415 square miles, packing in more hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls and majesty than you'll have time for in a single visit. Mount Evans is equally awe-inspiring, and is 60 miles from downtown Denver. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, winding its way 14,264 feet up to the magnificent summit.
Best time to visit
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, there's no bad time to visit Denver. However, be aware that the peak tourist season runs between June and August when temperatures and hotel rates are higher. The two shouldering seasons of April-May and September-October are a better option — the weather is still warm and the tourist numbers and hotel rates are generally much lower.
Getting there
United Airlines offers flights to Denver from many cities throughout the U.S. For more information and to book your journey to The Mile High City, go to united.com or download our convenient United app. And while you're there, share your adventures on social media with the hashtag #UnitedJourney.
Discover more in the After Landing series:
Get to know the Mile High City
The capital city and also the most populous city in Colorado, Denver dates back to the Old West era when it was founded as a mining town during the gold rush in the mid-1800s. As a jumping off point for many ski resorts located in the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a cultural hotspot that basks in more than 300 days of sunshine each year.
Your arrival
Denver International Airport is 27 miles northeast of the city. The A Line rail service will get you to downtown Denver in 37 minutes, costing $9 each way, whereas a taxi is likely to cost upwards of $50.
Where to stay
Excellent hotels are dotted across the city, but many of the best options can be found clustered around Cherry Creek, Glendale and LoDo — Denver's lower downtown area. Cherry Creek is an excellent choice if you're looking for upscale shopping options, while Glendale offers a more suburban feel with plenty of parks and walking trails. Most visitors will gravitate towards LoDo and for good reason. The vibrant neighborhood is filled with many of the city's best restaurants and bars. Wherever you opt for, Denver is a walkable city, so nothing is out of reach.
What to see and do
First-time visitors won't want to miss any of these amazing activities.
Early on, climb to the golden dome atop the Colorado State Capitol building to get your bearings and to take in some Insta-worthy views of the city.
Next, explore the magnificent Union Station in the heart of LoDo. Built in 1881, the station was recently transformed from a tired, old train terminal into the hub of the city. In what the city loving calls "Denver's Living Room," you'll find an eclectic array of the city's best restaurants, bars and boutiques.
If you're a history buff, head to the Denver Art Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Native American art, as well as many works from European masters. The impressive Clyfford Still Museum is home to thousands of Clyfford Still's abstract expressionist works while the lower-profile History Colorado Center offers more interactive exhibits to keep younger visitors entertained.
Explore historic Larimer Square and the pedestrian promenade at the 16th Street Mall for great shopping that will keep you entertained for hours. A free shuttle bus also runs the length of the mall if your legs get tired.
In a city of more than 200 parks, City Park is the standout. Its 330 acres are home to Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, plus numerous lakes, playgrounds, picnic sites and historical monuments.
With 85 miles of tracks that crisscross the city, the easiest way to explore Denver is by bicycle. Bcycle offers 700 bikes at more than 80 stations throughout the city, and if you only have time to explore one trail, make it Cherry Creek Trail, a 42-mile route from downtown to Franktown.
One of the city's most iconic structures stands 16 miles east of the city. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is frequently named the best outdoor venue in America and has hosted everyone from The Beatles to U2. Even if there's no show when you visit, you can still take a tour for a stunning experience.
Finally, take time to embrace the great outdoors. "Head for the Rocky Mountain National Park, about 90 minutes northwest of the city," says Denver based flight attendant Jackie H. "Concerts, fresh air, kayaking, river rafting, camping…the Rockies give you freedom from life's chaos, whatever time of year you visit."
Where to eat and drink
Once renowned for its Rocky Mountain oysters andomelets, Denver's cuisine now reflects the cultural melting pot the city has become. You can eat well on any budget in all quarters of the city, but these spots are within easy reach of LoDo.
For breakfast, Snooze, Prosperoats and Lucile's Creole Cafe are just three of many excellent options, but Jelly in Capitol Hill is a must. "It has, no kidding, the best jelly in the world," says San Francisco base supervisor Miriam S. "It helps that the bread you spread it on is so fresh and delicious, but hands down, this is the best breakfast spot in Denver."
For lunch, Linger, Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen and il porcellino salumi all deserve to be mentioned, but you should definitely make time to visit Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, particularly if you've never tasted rattlesnake and pheasant in a hot dog before. The pairing is not for the faint of heart.
Denver has too many excellent restaurant options for dinner to include in one paragraph. Acorn offers eclectic American, Osteria Marco dishes out high-end Italian and Guard & Grace offers a modern take on a steakhouse, but that only scratches the surface. As a general rule, aim to eat around the areas of Union Station, Highland and Five Points and you should leave happy.
Additionally, Denver brews more beer than any other U.S. city and boasts more than 40 brewpubs and microbreweries in the downtown area alone. Wynkoop Brewing Company offers some of the city's most inventive brews, although the Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout made with roasted bull testicles may not be for everyone. A visit to My Brother's Bar, the oldest bar in Denver, is an absolute must, and if you want to extend the night, Skylark Lounge and Hi-Dive are two live music venues off the beaten path.
The great outdoors
Make time to explore beyond the city limits and you'll soon find that Denver has some of the greatest scenery on earth. Rocky Mountain National Park is 71 miles northwest of the city and covers 415 square miles, packing in more hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls and majesty than you'll have time for in a single visit. Mount Evans is equally awe-inspiring, and is 60 miles from downtown Denver. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, winding its way 14,264 feet up to the magnificent summit.
Best time to visit
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, there's no bad time to visit Denver. However, be aware that the peak tourist season runs between June and August when temperatures and hotel rates are higher. The two shouldering seasons of April-May and September-October are a better option — the weather is still warm and the tourist numbers and hotel rates are generally much lower.
Getting there
United Airlines offers flights to Denver from many cities throughout the U.S. For more information and to book your journey to The Mile High City, go to united.com or download our convenient United app. And while you're there, share your adventures on social media with the hashtag #UnitedJourney.
Discover more in the After Landing series:
On March 19, 2020, United operated its first flight carrying cargo without passengers on board. While the passenger cabin was empty, its cargo hold was completely full, carrying more than 29,000 pounds of commodities from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
A year later, United Cargo has operated more than 11,000 cargo-only flights carrying more than 570 million pounds of freight. To support the COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, United Cargo has also transported more than 113 million pounds of medical and pharmaceutical products on both cargo-only and passenger flights as well as approximately 10 million COVID-19 vaccines, providing global communities access to the items they have needed most.
"At the beginning of the pandemic, we knew we were uniquely positioned to utilize our widebody aircraft and our network to keep commodities moving, so we quickly mobilized various departments throughout the airline to launch a cargo-only network of flights that would keep commodities moving," said United Cargo President Jan Krems. "Thanks to those efforts, United Cargo has delivered millions of items to countries all around the world. We would not have been successful without the steadfast support of our employees, industry partners and our customers."
Since last March, United Cargo has transported almost 850 million pounds of freight on cargo-only and passenger flights. The airline will continue to monitor market trends adjust its cargo-only flight schedules to help ensure we are meeting our customer's evolving shipping needs.
Whether you haven't flown with us for a while or just need a quick refresher before your spring trip, read this list of tips to know before your flight and arrive at the airport travel-ready:
1. Download the United app for contactless bag check, travel assistance and more
Before your flight, download the United app to view your flight status, check in, sign up for flight notifications, locate departure gates, access our free personal device entertainment when available and more. We've also updated our app with new features that can make your trip a little safer, including contactless bag check.
Don't forget to use Agent on Demand for help with any and all questions you may have before your flight. This new capability is available at all our U.S. hub airports and allows you to use your own mobile device to contact a customer service agent via phone, video or chat to help with day-of-travel questions while you're at the airport. Learn more about Agent on Demand here.
2. Check out the Travel-Ready Center
Our Travel-Ready Center makes it easy to get a personalized overview of everything you need to do in preparation for your flight. Just enter your confirmation number or MileagePlus® number and you'll find detailed information on all the documents, tests and more that you'll need for your trip.
3. Read and sign the Ready-to-Fly checklist
Before completing check-in, all United travelers will need to read our Ready-to-Fly checklist and confirm that they understand and agree to our policies. These include:
Acknowledging that you haven't had any symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
Agreeing that you will not fly if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 21 days
Confirming that you will follow all policies regarding face masks, social distancing and other health and safety measures we've adopted
4. Arrive early; avoid the stress
Airports can be busy, especially during peak travel periods like spring break season. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours for international travel in anticipation of long security lines. This can help ease the stress when navigating busy check-in areas, security lines and crowded boarding gates.
5. Get familiar with CleanPlus
United CleanPlus℠ is our commitment to delivering industry-leading cleanliness as we put health and safety at the forefront of your experience. We've teamed up with Clorox to redefine our cleaning and disinfection procedures and Cleveland Clinic to advise us on enhancing our cleaning and disinfection protocols, like:
Disinfecting high-touch areas on board and in the terminal
Using electrostatic spraying, Ultraviolet C lighting wands and more advanced measures to clean aircraft cabins before boarding
Redesigning our mobile app to allow for touchless check-in and contactless payment, along with enhanced travel assistance features
Implementing high-efficiency (HEPA) filters on our aircraft that completely recirculate cabin air every 2-3 minutes and remove 99.97% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria
Studies show COVID-19 exposure risk is minimal when air filtration systems and masks are in use, so you can rest assured that the steps we've taken to keep you safe truly make a difference.
6. Wear your mask
Federal law requires all travelers to wear a face mask in the airport, including customer service counters, airport lounges, gates and baggage claim, and on board during their entire flight. Make sure you review the requirements for face masks, including what an acceptable face mask looks like.
7. Get ready for a safer boarding process
To make boarding even safer, we now have travelers board their aircraft from back to front. At the gate, just listen for your row number to be called – we'll ask a few rows at a time to board, starting with the last row of the plane. This helps everyone maintain a safe distance from each other during boarding without slowing things down. As you step onto the plane, flight attendants will hand each passenger a sanitizing towelette, which you can use to wipe down your seat to ensure it's extra clean.
8. Pack smart
Before packing your bags, check to see what exactly you can carry on and what you should plan to check. You can also copy your confirmation number into our Baggage Calculator tool to learn about the bag allowance included with your reservation, as well as the cost of checking any additional bags.
9. Check your flight status, important notices and weather
Check the United app regularly for the latest updates on weather conditions, flight status, gate numbers and seat assignments. You can also visit our Important Notices page to find essential information and updates about travel waivers, international travel, TSA and security, airports and United Club locations.
10. Relax and enjoy your flight
Once you're on board, it's time to sit back and enjoy your flight. Our flight attendants will be happy to help you with anything else you need.
This week, we were honored to become the first U.S. airline to join the UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by transporting the vaccine and other critically needed supplies to underserved areas of the globe.
"We are committed to helping the global community in any way we can, and we all must work together to do our part to bring this health and humanitarian crisis to an end," said Director of Cargo Specialty Products Manu Jacobs.
We will leverage our expertise to transport these critical pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments around the world safely, efficiently and expediently. We are proud to partner with the United Nations to support this global effort and provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Together, we are facing an unprecedented challenge. United Together, we rise to meet that challenge.
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Calling all AvGeeks and travelers! Take your next video call from a United Polaris® seat, the cockpit or cruising altitude with United-themed backgrounds for use on Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Newly added to our collection is a background encouraging our employees and customers to vote. Our mission is to connect people and unite the world — and one of the most important ways to do that is to engage in the democratic process. No matter which party you support, we know our democracy will be stronger if you make your voice heard and vote.
So for your next meeting or catch up with friends and family, download the app to either your computer or mobile device to get started.
To use on Zoom:
- Start here by downloading your favorite United image to your computer or mobile device. Just click "download" in the bottom left corner of the image.
- Next go to your Zoom app (you'll need to download the app to access backgrounds) and click on the arrow to the right of your video camera icon in the bottom of the screen.
- From here select, "choose virtual background" to upload your uniquely United photo.
To use on Microsoft Teams:
- Start by downloading your favorite United image to your computer. Just click "download" in the bottom left corner of the image.
- If you're using a PC, copy the image you want to use into this folder:
- C:\[insert your device user name here]\AppData\Microsoft\Teams\Backgrounds\Uploads
- If you're using a Mac copy the images to this folder on your computer:
- /users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams/Backgrounds/Uploads
- If you're using a PC, copy the image you want to use into this folder:
- Once you start a Teams meeting, click the "…" in the menu bar and select "Show background effects" and your image should be there
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This is why we fly.
20 UCSF Health workers, who voluntarily set aside their own lives to help save lives, are on their way to New York City.
We are humbled by your selfless sacrifice.
Thank you.
#UnitedTogether #UCSFHeroes
In celebration and appreciation of all first responders and essential workers. 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿
This is the story of Jason and Shantel. You see, Jason and Shantel love each other very much. They also love traveling and they love the classic Adam Sandler film, The Wedding Singer.
It all began when Jason reached out to United's social media team, hoping for assistance with his upcoming plan to propose. Some phone calls and one borrowed guitar later, the stage was set for Jason. Put all that together, mix in some helpful United employees and, voila, you have a truly memorable marriage proposal. Congratulations to this fun-loving and happy couple, and here's to many more years of making beautiful music together.
A big thank you to Chicago-based flight attendants Donna W., Marie M., Karen J. and Mark K. for making this proposal come to life.
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