This is a easy guide to have a good time, from a local and expert…
Before we jump in, this guide comes straight from a true local expert. The owner of USAWeed.org grew up in Colorado and spent years exploring every corner of the Denver cannabis scene long before cannabis tourism was even a thing.
He worked directly with shops, tours, growers, and travelers, so this insider rundown reflects real boots-on-the-ground experience… not just another copy-and-paste travel list.
Landing in Denver for a cannabis-friendly weekend is exciting, but your trip gets a whole lot smoother when you plan your transportation, your first dispensary stop, and a 420-friendly place to stay. This outline gives you a simple insider structure to build your perfect weekend.
Quick Summary:
• This guide explains what to do when you arrive in Denver including transportation options, lodging, and cannabis-friendly activities.
• Rideshare, train, or 420-friendly limo services all work well depending on your vibe.
• Pick a 420-friendly hotel or BnB so you can enjoy your products without stress.
• Visit key Denver spots like LoDo, Red Rocks, the Golden Triangle, and Illuzion’s Glass Gallery.
• Use this outline as a ready-made three-day cannabis itinerary.
Getting From the Airport
Once you land at Denver International Airport, you have a few good options to get into town:
• Uber or Lyft… the fastest and easiest if you plan to hit a dispensary on the way to your hotel. Just schedule it in the app or order another after your done shopping.
• Taxi… simple, but expensive and not recommended.
• The A-Line Train… no shopping here…just straight to your hotel if it is in the downtown/Union Station area.
• 420-friendly limousine services… fun for groups and fully cannabis-tolerant. Here is one.
Whatever transportation you choose, I recommend trying to get a 420 friendly one. It just makes it so much easier and so much fun. You can get lit up before you get to the hotel.
You first Dispensary Stop?
One great first stop is Seed & Smith, the shop known for offering grow tours. Call ahead to confirm tour times, because they change. Their flower isn’t the cheapest in the city, but the strains are solid and the real highlight is getting to see the grow in person.
If you’re coming in on I-70, another easy stop is Star Buds on Brighton Blvd, the original location. This was one of the first shops to go recreational and one of the earliest stops on Colorado’s first cannabis tours thanks to great service and consistently good product. You can hit it on the way in or save it for later in your trip when you’re exploring the LoDo area.
No matter what you choose, plan your dispensary stop ahead of time. Denver has shops everywhere, but choosing one along your route saves you time. Pick one from our listings, save it in your notes, and hit it on the way in.
Choosing a 420-Friendly Place to Stay
The heart of any cannabis vacation is staying somewhere that actually allows consumption. Denver has many cannabis-tolerant hotels, private rooms, and bed-and-breakfasts.
One of the most recommended downtown options is Sonesta Denver Downtown, which is right by the 16th Street Mall, Convention Center, and the Golden Triangle.
Here are several 420-friendly bed and breakfasts and inns you can choose from:
• Cliff House Lodge – 420 Friendly Cabins
• Lumber Baron Inn and Gardens
• The Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast
• The Holiday Chalet, Denver
All offer designated consumption spots, and some allow indoor use depending on room type.
Why LoDo Is a Great First-Night Base
LoDo (Lower Downtown) is one of the best neighborhoods for cannabis tourists. It’s walkable, loaded with food, and has several well-known dispensaries.
Some great stops in the area:
• The original Star Buds on Brighton Blvd , a historic shop that helped welcome early cannabis tourists and partnered with some of the first tour companies. Pick up a shirt and relive a piece of Colorado history.
• Another well-loved dispensary on North Brighton with a grill attached (you can fill in the exact name when you confirm it).
LoDo gives you an easy place to hang out, snack, explore breweries, and reset after traveling.
And definitely grab a toasted sub from Cheba Hut , a Denver staple with a cannabis-themed menu.
Day Two: Glass, The Best Bud, and Red Rocks
This is a perfect second-day plan for any cannabis traveler.
1. Illuzion’s Glass Gallery
A legendary spot with some of the best functional glass art in the state. Expect to wander around for at least an hour admiring the work. Illuzion’s Glass Gallery isn’t just a head shop, it’s a full-blown glass art experience. This place has become legendary in the cannabis community for showcasing some of the most incredible functional glass art in the world. Walking inside feels like stepping into a modern art museum, except the masterpieces here are made for smoking.
What really sets Illuzion’s apart is the range. You can find simple $5 pipes for a quick souvenir or daily use, but right next to them are jaw-dropping glass pieces worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some of these works were crafted by the most respected artists in the glassblowing world, names that collectors recognize instantly. The piece featured in the image here is valued at over $750,000, and it’s not just for display… it’s an example of how far glass artistry has evolved within cannabis culture.
Beyond the art, the vibe is friendly and laid-back. Staff are knowledgeable and love talking about the artists and the stories behind each creation. Whether you’re shopping, browsing, or just soaking in the craftsmanship, Illuzion’s Glass Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the creative side of cannabis culture.
2. Colorado Harvest Company
Colorado Harvest Company on South Broadway is one of those Denver gems that feels both classic and current. Known for its friendly atmosphere and local roots, this shop makes cannabis shopping simple and comfortable for everyone who walks in. The staff know their products well and are always ready to help you find something that fits your vibe, whether that’s premium flower, flavorful concentrates, or smooth edibles.
Their shelves are stocked with trusted Colorado brands, and the pricing stays reasonable, which makes it a great stop for both first-time visitors and regulars. Conveniently located along the city’s famous “Green Mile,” Reefer Madness is a solid, no-fuss spot to grab quality cannabis and enjoy a real Denver experience.
3. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
From Broadway Blvd, it’s an easy drive to Red Rocks. When you arrive, start with the museum downstairs … many visitors don’t even know it exists. After that, head up to the amphitheatre for the classic panoramic views.
Sometimes you’ll catch people training or crews preparing for a show.
Day Two Add-Ons
• Drive up the mountain for more views.
• Hit Black Hawk or Central City for gambling.
• Head back to Denver for dinner and nightlife.
• Walk the Golden Triangle with a vape (discreet and scenic).
• Stop by Civic Center Park for food trucks and sunshine.
• Take a “I’m High a Mile High” photo on the Mile High Step at the Capitol.
• Visit the Denver Art Museum.
Day Three: Boulder Day Trip
Boulder is only about 30 to 40 minutes from Denver and makes an awesome final-day destination for your Colorado trip. The city sits right where the mountains meet the plains, so you get that perfect mix of fresh air, scenic trails, and chill college-town energy. Take a walk along Pearl Street Mall to check out local shops, street performers, and plenty of cafes with great people-watching.
If you’re in the mood for a little outdoor adventure, hit the Flatirons Vista Trail or hike Chautauqua Park for those classic mountain views. Afterward, grab a local bite at The Sink, a funky Boulder favorite known for good food and a laid-back vibe, or stop by Mountain Sun Pub for craft beer and great burgers.
And of course, don’t miss Boulder’s dispensary scene. Some good picks include Karing Kind, one of the area’s original recreational shops known for high-quality flower and extracts, and Terrapin Care Station, a trusted local favorite for consistency and fair prices. Another great stop is The Farm, a boutique-style dispensary offering carefully curated cannabis in a welcoming space.
Whether you’re here for the views, the vibe, or the weed, Boulder’s a perfect spot to wind down your Colorado adventure.
It’s a mellow, scenic way to wrap up your weekend.
Final Thoughts
Denver is one of the easiest cities in the country for a cannabis-friendly getaway. Plan your hotel, choose your first dispensary stop, and let the city do the rest. With mountains, music, culture, and top-tier cannabis, you really can’t go wrong.
Whenever you’re ready to book lodging, choose activities, or find safe, tested cannabis products, browse more great options on USAWeed.org.
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