Top 10 Denver Tourist Traps

If you're planning a trip to Denver, make sure you maximize the time visiting some of the greatest features there are to see in city. There are 10 tourist traps you'll want to pass up during your stay. Here are some of the Denver tourist traps you may want to avoid.

1. Casa Bonita. If you're looking for a popular place to eat, you may get recommendations to visit Casa Bonita. The restaurant boasts cliff divers, escaping gorillas and an amusement arcade. Beware the bland Mexican food though because it isn't authentic.

2. Colorado's Ocean Journey. This indoor aquarium is possibly the most well known tourist trap in Denver. It's a bit pricey after you pay for parking an admission and the whole attraction only lasts about an hour and half. The food is also expensive. If you do go, eat before.

3. 16th Street Mall. Many tourists have complained that there isn't much to do in this setting. There is a horse drawn carriage to get to one side of the mall to the other, which is pretty pricey. Take the free shuttle instead.

4. Denver Mint. After Sept. 11 the mint was closed to tours unless you prearrange the trip through a group, such as a school trip. So if you're headed for the Denver Mint without a reservation, you'll be wasting your time.

5. Adolph Coors Brewery. If you're a big beer fan you may not be able to resist the Adolph Coors Brewery. Note that you'll get a sample of beer, but very little. If you aren't a beer fan, pass this one up.

6. Denver Botanic Garden. This garden is considered a tourist trap because better gardens can be found elsewhere. If you're a garden buff, save your money (admission is $10.50) for other more impressive gardens or take a stroll through one of the free parks.

7. LoDo's restaurants. The bars here are crowded and noisy. You'll have a much better time visiting a neighborhood that isn't filled with noisy kids spoiled on vacation.

8. Eliche Gardens. This small theme park is expensive for the size. Admission is $34.99 for general admission. The food is also expensive and you'll find the ride lines are long if you go during the warmer months. If you absolutely have to go there, you'll only go once.

9. Buckhorn Exchange. If you've seen ads for the many things to see and do in Denver, you've seen ads for the Buckhorn Exchange. It's claimed as the city's oldest restaurant. The food is overpriced at $25-$50 per entrée and the service doesn't match the food.

10. Platte Trolley. This trolley, next to Platte River, costs $5 to ride to visit many of Denver's tourist destinations. It's cheesy, so avoid it if you can.