The Denver metro area provides an energizing blend of culture, fun, food and outdoor activity. The area enjoys a booming culinary scene, one that caters to all types of diets. This is where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure. Situated in the South Platte River Valley, the area draws openness from the Great Plains to the east and features spectacular Rocky Mountain views to the west.

The Denver Metro Area is a conurbation region in the U.S. state of Colorado. The conurbation includes one continuous region consisting of the six central counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson. The Denver region is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor.

The Metro Denver region has 4,532 square miles of area and almost 3,000,000 people. The official elevation of Denver is exactly one mile (5,280 ft or 1,610 m) above sea level, making it one of the highest major cities in the United States

There are plenty of free things to do all year long from scenic parks to historical sites across the metro area. The area is known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries, chef-driven dining and red-hot music scene, and all within easy reach of the Rocky Mountains.

For visitors arriving by air, Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the largest connecting airports in the world provides easy access. From there, it’s a short, effortless trip on the airport train to Denver Union Station in the heart of downtown.

You will arrive at the Union Station, an opulent and fully restored 1914 Beaux-Arts train station which is home to swanky bars, restaurants, shops and a boutique hotel. Offering an extensive network of convenient options, Union Station once again serves as Denver’s energetic transportation hub. Locals, tourists and business travelers alike are welcome to partake in RTD’s front-range bus route, light rail line networks and a full Amtrak train schedule.

The Denver Union Station Transit Improvements project transformed 20 acres of blighted former rail yards into the vibrant centerpiece of a bustling downtown Denver, anchoring and facilitating connections between the region’s transit system with all modes of public transit: an iconic, eight-track commuter rail train hall; new light rail station; and an airy, airport-like underground bus concourse with 22 bays for regional and commercial bus service.

In the wintertime, skiers and snowboarders can take the Winter Park Express ski train from the station to the mountains for a unique ski-in, ski-out experience (runs seasonally).

The Denver area is also known for something other than its high altitude: beer. With more than 100 breweries and tap rooms in the metro area, there is endless variety from pale ales, one-off firkins and daring ingredients, created by a community of passionate artisans crafting some of the most adventurous beers in the country.

There are several free festivals from the People's Fair in June to "A Taste of Colorado" in September during Labor Day weekend. Most festivals offer free admission and entertainment, although visitors may be tempted to spend some cash on the food and drink vendors.

Denver's City Park hosts free jazz concerts from June to August. Every Sunday at 6 p.m., the park comes alive with picnickers and jazz aficionados alike gathered around the bandstand near Ferril Lake.

The Denver metro area lies within the semi-arid, continental climate zone. It has four distinct seasons and receives a modest amount of precipitation spread through the year. The area is subject to sudden changes in weather

The climate is very sunny, averaging 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers range from mild to hot with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and high temperatures reaching 90 °F. December, the coldest month of the year, has a daily average temperature of 29.9 °F . Winters range from mild to occasional bitter cold, consisting of periods of snow and very low temperatures alternating with periods of relatively milder weather.