Centennial travel guide

Centennial, United States

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Centennial

Introduction

Centennial is a home rule city in Arapahoe County, Colorado, and a principal city of the Denver–Aurora–Centennial metropolitan area. It sits within the Front Range Urban Corridor, the populated band along the mountains' eastern edge, so it is best understood as part of the wider Denver region rather than a standalone destination.

Before you go

Centennial is a young city, incorporated only in 2001, so don't expect a historic downtown core or a long-settled identity. It came into being as a large suburban community, and that character shapes what you'll find: plan your visit around the surrounding metro area rather than a central district of its own. Because the source material on Centennial is limited, check current local resources for details on getting around, where to stay, and what's on during your dates before you set out.

Getting there

Most travellers reach Centennial through Denver. Denver International Airport is the main gateway, and from there you can connect to Centennial using the RTD commuter rail A line, which links up with the RTD light rail E line. If you're flying privately or on general aviation, Centennial Airport east of I-25 handles that kind of traffic, along with flights to Grand Junction.

By rail, the Amtrak California Zephyr and the Winter Park Express serve Denver Union Station, and the RTD light rail E line connects from there into Centennial. If you're driving, the E-470 Toll Road gives direct access to Denver International Airport, and Greyhound Lines serve Denver for those arriving by bus.

Getting around

Centennial is spread out and car-oriented, so plan on combining transit, driving, or ride-hailing rather than covering the city on foot. Walking is generally practical only for short trips within a single neighbourhood or commercial area. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Denver metro area, including Centennial, and are a practical choice for trips that don't line up with rail or bus routes or for reaching destinations away from stations.

RTD light rail lines E and R run through the city, connecting Centennial to Denver and Denver Union Station, the region's main rail hub. Key stops include Arapahoe at Village Center Station, Dry Creek Station, and County Line Station, all served by the E and R lines. RTD buses complement the rail network: routes 66, 153, 169, and AT serve the Arapahoe at Village Center Station area, while routes 135 and 139 serve the Smoky Hill/Picadilly Park-n-Ride. FlexRide, RTD's on-demand bus service, operates around Arapahoe at Village Center, Dry Creek, and County Line stations. Rail and bus share a common fare system, so a single ticket or day pass can generally cover both modes within the relevant zones; buy tickets at station vending machines or through the RTD mobile app, and consider a day or multi-day pass if you plan to ride frequently.

Where to stay

Lodging in Centennial is low-key and practical, with the area around the Tech Center offering the most straightforward option for travellers passing through. The Drury Inn on East Dry Creek Road keeps costs down while providing solid rooms, and rates include both breakfast and an evening meal of pizza and salad — useful if you'd rather not head out again after a day of meetings or errands.

Food & drink

Centennial's eating is casual and spread out, with a couple of distinctive options worth seeking out. Las Brisas Restaurant, on South Clinton Street, blends Latin coastal cooking with Mexican dishes, and is known for its Las Brisas Ritas.

For something more theatrical, head to Perfect Landing on South Peoria Street, south of Arapahoe Road at Centennial Airport. You can dine on great food with wine while watching planes take off from the airport below.

What to see and do

Centennial is a relaxed suburban city, and its sights are few but straightforward. The grounds of the Denver Area Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on East Phillips Circle, are open to the public, though the temple building itself is reserved for members by appointment, so plan your visit around the landscaped grounds rather than the interior.

For open-air time, head to Centennial Center Park on East Peakview Avenue, an expansive space with an amphitheatre and a water park for kids. Then spend a few hours walking Downtown Centennial, where you can admire the high-rises, browse the historical shops and buildings, and get a sense of where the city came from.

Three days in Centennial

Day one: Arrive at Denver International Airport and use RTD to reach Centennial, or take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Centennial Airport also serves the area if you fly in privately. Once settled, explore the Arapahoe County seat's neighbourhoods on foot, using the light rail at Village Center Station, Dry Creek Station or County Line Station to move between them. FlexRide connects Village Center, Dry Creek and County Line for shorter hops. End the day with a meal in Centennial before resting for the days ahead.

Day two: Head north to Denver or east to Aurora for a change of scene, both within easy reach of Centennial along the Front Range Urban Corridor. Use the rail network from Village Center, Dry Creek or County Line to connect onward. If you prefer to stay local, spend the afternoon at Smoky Hill or Picadilly Park. In the evening, return to Centennial for dinner.

Day three: Take a day trip west to Grand Junction via Amtrak California Zephyr from Denver Union Station, or head to the mountains on the Winter Park Express. Greyhound Lines and the Toll Road offer alternatives for longer journeys. If you are departing, allow time to reach Denver International Airport by RTD or rideshare. Return to Centennial for a final evening, or continue south through Arapahoe County.

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