Boulder, CO

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Outdoor adventures, wild mountain scenery, vast open spaces and a lively downtown area are the big draws of this attractive Colorado town.

Boulder is a university town tucked into the Flatirons foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Students are a quarter of the population, giving the town a young, lively atmosphere. With access to more than 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of open spaces, Boulder residents enjoy nature and active pursuits. Between hiking, skiing, downtown shopping and rich cultural experiences, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in this exciting city.

Boulder has more than 200 miles (321 kilometers) of hiking and bike trails with routes for all abilities, from gentle countryside paths to challenging uphill treks. In Chautauqua Park, the heart of Boulder’s trail network, take the scenic hike up to the Royal Arch, a large, rocky sandstone formation. The park also has picnic areas, a children’s playground and tennis courts. Try tubing along Boulder Creek and swimming and sailing in the Boulder Reservoir. During winter, head to the Eldora Mountain Resort for skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

One of the city’s prettiest walks is the 5.5-mile-long (9-kilometer) Boulder Creek Path. The route passes along the banks of the creek, past shady patches and swimming spots and through parks and the downtown area. 

Away from nature, spend a few hours at Pearl Street Mall. This large pedestrian-only precinct encompasses independent stores, nationwide chains and cafés. As you stroll through the four-block mall, you’ll be entertained by a lively array of street performers. The bars, microbreweries and restaurants make Pearl Street a popular nighttime destination as well.

To experience the city’s culture, visit museums, art galleries and theaters. Appreciate the artwork of local, national and international artists at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ken Bernstein Art Studio. View fossil and geology exhibits at the University of Colorado Natural History Museum. Catch a jazz performance at the Boulder Theater.

Boulder is less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Denver and is within easy reach of many wineries and breweries. The city is an ideal base for exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Where to stay in Boulder

Boulder featuring kayaking or canoeing and a sunset as well as a large group of people

Central Boulder

4.5/5(433 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Boulder, Boulder Theater and Pearl Street Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Central Boulder
Pearl Street Mall which includes a fountain

Downtown Boulder

While visiting Downtown Boulder, you might make a stop by sights like Downtown Boulder Historic District and Pearl Street Mall.

Downtown Boulder
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East Boulder

3.5/5(27 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in East Boulder, Boulder Creek and Rolando Campos are top sights worth seeing.

East Boulder
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North Boulder

While visiting North Boulder, you might make a stop by sights like Nomad Theater and Wonderland Trail.

North Boulder
Ouzel Falls spills over a cliffside and enormous boulders, making it arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Before reaching this 40-foot falls, the trail traces the course of several creeks and leads hikers past three other cascade waterfalls. A moderate 5.4 miles round trip hike

South Boulder

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in South Boulder and surrounding area, you can visit NIST Headquarters and CU Events Center.

South Boulder
Sunflower Alley
Boulder, CO
August 2013

Whittier

If you're spending some time in Whittier, Downtown Boulder Historic District and Dairy Center for the Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Whittier
A-Lodge Boulder
A-Lodge Boulder
3 out of 5
91 Four Mile Canyon Drive, Boulder, CO
The price is ¥14,831 per night from May 2 to May 3
¥14,831
per night
May 2 - May 3
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (891 reviews)
"Very cool place to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

A-Lodge Boulder
Hotel Boulderado
Hotel Boulderado
3.5 out of 5
2115 13th St, Boulder, CO
The price is ¥24,710 per night from May 5 to May 6
¥24,710
per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this historic hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,167 reviews)
"Historical yet modern. Nice combination of both."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Hotel Boulderado
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
3 out of 5
2280 Junction Pl, Boulder, CO
The price is ¥26,177 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥26,177
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great dog-friendly place to stay
"Loved how welcoming everyone was to my dog. Thanks for being dog-friendly."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
➡️ See our video: Walk to Pearl St;  2 blocks; Fireplace; Luxurious & Private...
➡️ See our video: Walk to Pearl St; 2 blocks; Fireplace; Luxurious & Private...
Boulder
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Pearl Street Mall and Folsom Field ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
Perfect location in Boulder
"The place was spotless and very comfortable. Location is absolutely perfect. Easy walk to Pearl street restaurants and bars. We hope to stay here again."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

➡️ See our video: Walk to Pearl St; 2 blocks; Fireplace; Luxurious & Private...
Modern SoBo 3-Bd with Office, Views;  Near trails, dining, CU and Chautauqua
Modern SoBo 3-Bd with Office, Views; Near trails, dining, CU and Chautauqua
boulder
Stay at this vacation home in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Folsom Field and Pearl Street Mall are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Great home!
"We are a family of four and visited UC Boulder. This home was perfect for my husband and I, and our two teenagers. My son is a runner and this house was close to trails. We loved being walking distance to get breakfast and groceries. The host was responsive. Great stay!"

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Modern SoBo 3-Bd with Office, Views; Near trails, dining, CU and Chautauqua
Beautiful 2 Bedroom Garden-Lvl Unit-Amazing Views!
Beautiful 2 Bedroom Garden-Lvl Unit-Amazing Views!
Boulder
Stay at this apartment in Boulder. Enjoy WiFi, 2 bedrooms, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Folsom Field and Pearl Street Mall are located nearby. ...
5/10 (4 reviews)
Great location, stylish apartment, NO STOVE OR MICROWAVE
"This small but stylish basement apartment is in a very nice neighborhood and a very short drive to most local attractions. The property listing (and prior review) did indicate that there was no stove which was acceptable to me since it was a short stay. However, the listing said that there was a ..."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Beautiful 2 Bedroom Garden-Lvl Unit-Amazing Views!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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