Must-Dos While You’re in Denver

The 2025 Physics and Astronomy Congress is taking place in Denver, Colorado. To help you make the most of your trip, the SPS Observer asked students from local host chapters to share their area favorites. Here’s what they suggest. Some responses have been modified for length and clarity.

Where Should we Eat?

Some of my favorite spots are Tofu House in Aurora (get the tofu soup), Tony Pho on Federal (get #9 rice noodle soup), and Bonfire Burritos in Golden. These aren’t going to show up on your “top 10” lists of Denver, but they are absolutely worth a visit! In Denver proper, I’ve really enjoyed Fox and the Hen, and people recommend Tocabe and El Taco de Mexico for their chile relleno! - Zack Disler, SPS Chapter Communications Chair, Colorado School of Mines

If you have food allergies, a great place is the Allergy Free Baking Company in Morrison. - Lark Bradsby, SPS Chapter President, University of Denver

Yummy Hot Pot & Dumpling. It’s a cute Chinese restaurant that serves all-you-can-eat hot pot and dumplings! Another great option is The Kitchen American Bistro. And if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you’ve got to check out Casa Bonita. - Mae Oling, SPS Chapter Social Chair, Colorado School of Mines

What Should we do for Fun?

One of the best free activities in Denver is simply exploring on foot! You can visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre [or join the SPSCon tour], stroll along Pearl Street to admire the charming buildings and unique shops, or take a scenic walk on trails like Bear Creek Greenbelt or Cherry Creek. You could even go somewhere like Dinosaur Ridge or Triceratops Trail to see fossils. - Mae Oling

If you come to Golden, you can visit Buffalo Bill’s grave on Lookout Mountain and see Colorado School of Mines’ signature “M,” made by students with rocks from their hometown. - Sean Holmen, SPS Chapter Vice President of Inreach, Colorado School of Mines

Walk through Washington Park and go to the Denver Public Library. I also love to wander around bookstores: Tattered Cover Book Store, Petals and Pages of Denver, and The Hermitage Bookshop. - Lark Bradsby

Some highlights are playing basketball at public parks, going swimming in Clear Creek, and walking around South Table Mountain. - Zack Disler

Visit the South Pearl St. Farmers Market on Sunday. - Lauren Kim, SPS Chapter Secretary, University of Denver

Round1 is a fun arcade and bowling alley that I find myself at often. - Kevin Collins, SPS Chapter President, Colorado School of Mines

What Science Centers and Museums do you Recommend?

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Museum of Illusions. - Anna Mays, SPS Chapter Treasurer, University of Denver

History Colorado and the Denver Art Museum. - Lark Bradsby

The Mines Museum of Earth Science. - Kevin Collins