Denver named a top 10 destination to see in 2017 by Lonely Planet

Denver has been named one of the top 10 destinations "you need to see in 2017" by Lonely Planet.

"Every year Lonely Planet's experts scour the States to bring you America’s unmissables," Lonely Planet wrote on its website. "From sweeping mountain ranges, tropical coastline, desertscapes and dazzling cities, these underrated or off-the-radar spots are set to shine in the coming months."

The other destinations on Lonely Planet's list were Asheville (North Carolina), Western Washington State, Lincoln (Nebraska), California's low desert, Montana's Flathead Valley, Atlanta (Georgia), the Adirondacks in New York, Texas Hill Country's Wine Region and Florida's Emerald Coast.

Lonely Planet wrote about Denver, "The secret is out: ample sunshine, a brewery on every corner and an endless supply of adrenaline-firing fun are fuelling the Rocky Mountain rush."

Lonely Planetalso recommended the art scene including museums and arts districts, music, trails, sports and, of course, legal marijuana.

"Denver has the largest number of marijuana shops in the state – over 100, at last count," Lonely Planet wrote. "The best sell weed like fine wine: scientifically cultivated and thoughtfully blended to produce specific flavors and potencies (and bear endearingly pothead names like Bubba Kush and Super Lemon Haze)."

If you have friends or family coming to Denver for he holidays, here are the top 10 tourist attractions, according to Visit Denver.

• 16th Street Mall
• LoDo
• Cherry Creek Shopping Center and neighborhood shops
• Denver Zoo
• Denver Art Museum
• Coors Brewery
• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
• Park Meadows Retail Resort
• Denver Pavilions
• Denver Botanic Gardens

Find great things to see and do in our Discover Colorado section.