The Highlands neighborhood sits northwest of downtown Denver across the South Platte River, encompassing the Lower Highlands (LoHi) and Upper Highlands sub-districts. Known for its well-preserved Victorian and Craftsman homes, the area has evolved into one of Denver’s most walkable dining and nightlife destinations while retaining residential character on its tree-lined streets.
What is the Highlands neighborhood in Denver known for?
The Highlands is known for its Victorian-era architecture, a nationally recognized restaurant scene concentrated along 32nd Avenue and Tennyson Street, and direct pedestrian access to downtown Denver via the Highland Bridge (W 16th Avenue Bridge), a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist crossing over the South Platte River that opened in 2016. The neighborhood blends historic homes with modern bars, independent boutiques, and weekend farmers markets that draw both residents and visitors.
Best things to do in the Highlands, Denver
Walking the Highland Bridge for skyline views, browsing independent shops and galleries on Tennyson Street between 38th and 44th Avenues, and visiting Rocky Mountain Lake Park for open green space are top activities. Chef-driven restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and live music venues along 32nd Avenue fill evenings, while Highlands Square hosts a weekly farmers market on summer Sundays.
- Cross the Highland Bridge for Denver skyline panoramas
- Browse Tennyson Street galleries and boutiques
- Visit Rocky Mountain Lake Park
- Explore Highlands Square at 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard
- Attend the Highlands Farmers Market on summer Sundays at Highlands Square
Where to eat in the Highlands, Denver
The Highlands holds some of Denver’s most celebrated restaurants, with 32nd Avenue and Tennyson Street serving as the main dining corridors. Root Down at 1600 W 33rd Avenue is a well-known farm-to-table spot housed in a former gas station. Linger, located at 2030 W 30th Avenue in a converted mortuary building, serves globally inspired small plates. El Camino Community Tavern on 32nd Avenue is a neighborhood institution for Tex-Mex and margaritas, and Avanti Food and Beverage at 3200 Pecos Street operates as a collective food hall with multiple rotating chef concepts.
- Root Down: farm-to-table in a repurposed gas station on W 33rd
- Linger: global small plates in a converted mortuary on W 30th
- Avanti Food and Beverage: food hall collective at 32nd and Pecos
- El Camino Community Tavern: Tex-Mex staple on 32nd Avenue
How to get to the Highlands from downtown Denver
The most direct route on foot or by bicycle is the Highland Bridge, a dedicated pedestrian and cycle span at W 16th Avenue that connects directly to Lower Highlands from downtown in roughly a 10-minute walk. By car, Federal Boulevard (US-287) and Speer Boulevard provide quick access from central Denver. RTD bus routes including the 32 and 44 lines serve major corridors in the neighborhood, and the area is served by B-cycle Denver bike-share stations at multiple intersections along 32nd Avenue and Platte Street.
Where to walk in the Highlands, Denver
The most rewarding walk begins at the Highland Bridge on W 16th Avenue, proceeds north along Central Street through LoHi, continues west on 32nd Avenue past Highlands Square, and can extend north to Tennyson Street for galleries and coffee shops. A second loop follows Platte Street south along the river before crossing back into LoHi via the pedestrian bridge at Confluence Park.
Best time to visit the Highlands, Denver
Late spring through early fall (May through October) offers the best conditions for exploring the Highlands, when patio dining is active along 32nd Avenue and Tennyson Street, the Highlands Farmers Market runs on summer Sundays, and the Highland Bridge walk yields clear Rocky Mountain views. Weekend afternoons are peak time for foot traffic; weekday evenings are quieter for restaurant reservations.
