Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is famously known as a destination for nature lovers looking to hike, bike, climb, and ski in the nearby mountains. Despite its well-earned reputation as a hub for outdoor adventures, Boulder also offers a lively downtown center featuring exceptional shopping and dining options, a famed microbrewery scene, along with several popular galleries, museums, and theaters to appreciate local arts and culture.
If you’re planning to fill your Boulder itinerary with activities in the mountains, concerts and outdoor events, food and drink tours, lively nights out, or a mix of everything, here are some of the best things to do in Boulder.
Take a Stroll Down Pearl Street
Pearl Street is the heart of downtown Boulder and hosts some of the best shopping and dining options in town. This colorful, brick-lined pedestrian thoroughfare stretches for six blocks and is adorned with historic buildings transformed into coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Street performers and food carts abound, creating the perfect ambiance for an afternoon stroll and people watching.
Experience Pearl Street at its liveliest during the street festivals and events held throughout the year, including local favorites like Bands on the Bricks and Boulder Fall Fest.
Hike to the Flatirons from Chautauqua
Chautauqua Park is the gateway to the most popular hikes that showcase Boulder’s iconic Flatirons. These slanting sandstone slabs represent Boulder’s most recognizable landmark, offering breathtaking views across all seasons.
Hiking trails at Chautauqua vary from easy to strenuous. Consider the Enchanted Mesa or the Chautauqua Loop Trail for a leisurely outing, or tackle the Royal Arch Trail for a challenging yet rewarding hike to a massive stone arch. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the park once their hike concludes or grab lunch at the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall.
Have Afternoon Tea at the Dushanbe Teahouse
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse stands out as one of the most unique destinations in town. Gifted to Boulder in 1987 by the mayor of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the teahouse was constructed piece by piece and set up beside the city’s central park and Boulder Creek Path.
This teahouse offers a tranquil spot to unwind after a day of exploring, featuring an extensive selection of teas and delightful snacks, all while marveling at the intricate ceiling and enjoying the lush patio views.
Traverse the Boulder Creek Path
The Boulder Creek Path is a scenic 5.5-mile trail that weaves through the heart of Boulder, connecting many of the city’s main attractions. It is multi-use, suitable for bikers, walkers, runners, and skaters throughout the year, providing an excellent way to experience the picturesque landscapes of Boulder, including the iconic Flatirons and beautiful Boulder Creek. The path also leads to a number of the city’s parks, such as Scott Carpenter Park and Eben G Fine Park, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon before a picnic.
For those looking to explore the path by bike, nearby bike shops like University Cycles provide rentals, or check out the B-cycle bikeshare stations along the creek path. Download the B-cycle App to rent a bike starting at just $2 for half an hour, or $8 for a full day.
Try Some Tricks at Valmont Bike Park
Colorado is well-known as a prime location for mountain biking, and Boulder features a fantastic spot for riders of all skill levels at Valmont Bike Park. Just a short drive from downtown, this 42-acre park presents a range of biking courses for varying abilities. Whether you’re introducing young kids to biking or honing your skills with more challenging tracks, Valmont Bike Park has everything you need. Once you’ve wrapped up your biking session, enjoy lunch in the beautiful picnic area while observing other bikers.
Sample the Season’s Bounty at Boulder County Farmers Market
A visit to Boulder isn’t complete without exploring the Boulder County Farmers Market, a fantastic way to experience the local culture. Every Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon from April through November, locals and visitors gather on 13th Street (just a few blocks from Pearl Street) to discover a variety of seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, and more, all sourced from nearby farms.
The market also features a food court and booths from local organic brands, solidifying Boulder’s status as a hub for natural foods. Arrive early to sample the offerings and avoid long lines.
Quench Your Thirst at Avery Brewing Company
Avery Brewing Company has become a local favorite craft brewery with a vibrant outdoor patio, upbeat atmosphere, and exceptional brewpub menu. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to tour the on-site taproom, where they can learn about the brewing process while sampling various beers. This spot is perfect for a delightful and interactive happy hour to kick off your evening plans!
Spend a Day Outside at Eldorado Canyon State Park
Many visitors to Boulder often explore nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, located only 45 minutes north of the city. However, due to the park’s rising popularity, reservations are now required for summer visits. Fortunately, a fantastic alternative awaits just 20 minutes south of downtown Boulder: Eldorado Canyon State Park. This scenic jewel is perfect for hiking, biking, climbing, and trail running. Trails such as Doudy Draw, Marshall Mesa, or the Continental Divide Overlook offer incredible views of the Flatirons and the Continental Divide in any season.
See Local Art at NoBo First Fridays
The North Boulder neighborhood has recently been revitalized and rebranded into NoBo, a trendy area featuring modern apartment complexes and artists’ galleries. On the first Friday of every month, NoBo hosts its First Fridays art walk from 6-9 PM, allowing visitors to explore the studios, galleries, and creative businesses on a self-guided tour. The event features live music, demos, food trucks, and special activities, making it ideal for art lovers seeking to experience the vibrant local creative scene.
Beat the Summer Heat by Tubing Down Boulder Creek
Another fun way to enjoy Boulder Creek during the summer is to go tubing with friends while enjoying a refreshing drink. With summer temperatures sometimes exceeding 100°F (38°C), the absence of humidity may help, but the high-altitude sun can be intense in the afternoons. The creek offers a perfect place to cool off, shaded by trees lining the path. You can enter the creek at various points along the Boulder Creek Path, but locals often recommend starting near the grassy park areas close to the Boulder Public Library.
Enjoy Winter Fun at Nearby Eldora Mountain Ski Resort
One of the highlights of winter in Boulder is the opportunity to head to Eldora Mountain Ski Resort for an exhilarating day of skiing and snow activities. Situated just a 35-minute drive from downtown Boulder, it’s easy to spend half a day at the resort and still have time to explore the town or engage in other activities later in the day. Eldora primarily caters to downhill skiing, but also offers cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing at Eldora’s Nordic Center.
Visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a climate research center and science museum offering a variety of interactive exhibits, lectures, and programs accessible to all visitors for free. This venue is ideal for families with children to learn about the galaxy, atmosphere, weather, and local ecosystems. Situated atop a scenic mesa, NCAR provides breathtaking views of Boulder and the surrounding mountains, and serves as a trailhead for popular hikes like Bear Peak and Mesa Trail. Stop by the museum after your hike, or prior to starting, to learn more about the environment you’re about to explore.
Experience the Excellent Local Food Scene
Boulder’s food scene is renowned for its restaurants that prioritize local and organic ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Dining out is essential during your visit, especially along Pearl Street, where you’ll find award-winning eateries. Consider trying Pizzeria Locale for artisanal wood-fired pizzas, The Kitchen for farm-to-table dishes, Bartaco for upscale street tacos, or Leaf Vegetarian for delicious vegetarian options. Additionally, off Pearl Street, Zoe Ma Ma Chinese restaurant and Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage have both gained attention on the Food Network, making them great spots for takeout.
Join Backyard Happy Hour at The Rayback Collective
The Rayback Collective serves as the go-to local hangout spot throughout the year. Combining a beer garden, food truck lot, live music venue, and café, it is the ideal place to unwind with friends and kick off an enjoyable evening. The food truck offerings change regularly, and the Rayback even holds a Vegan Night each month. Check the website or social media for details on forthcoming events. With outstanding brews and cocktails, plus a selection of non-alcoholic options, this venue is a must-visit for an authentic Boulder experience.
Watch a Shakespeare Performance Under the Stars
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a prominent annual event hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder, attracting thousands of attendees each summer. Set against the backdrop of the mountains, actors perform several of Shakespeare’s classics on an open-air stage. This experience ranks as one of the best and most unique activities in town during the summer months. Guests can also enjoy a delightful dinner at the Shakespeare Garden or bring a picnic basket for the event.
