things to do in boulder colorado

Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado: A Guide to the City at the Foot of the Flatirons

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Boulder, Colorado offers visitors a vibrant city life, but without the hustle and bustle of a larger city, with incredible natural beauty just a stone’s throw away and a population of just over 100,000. Located near Denver, I highly recommend going there if you are visiting the state capital or traveling in these parts. It is perfect for a day trip from Denver or it can also be used as a base to explore nature in the surrounding area.

Boulder, Colorado: General Information

best things to do in boulder colorado

The city, originally used as a settlement by the Arapaho as well as Cheyenne, Comanche, and Sioux tribes, was founded as Boulder City in 1858, during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, when the territory was still part of Nebraska (Colorado was created only 3 years later). It is home to the state’s largest university (University of Colorado Boulder) and to the Flatirons, ironclad mountains that have become the city’s landmark.

Boulder in Brief...
  • Coordinates: 40°00′54″N 105°16′14″W
  • Altitude: 5,318 ft above sea level
  • Population: 108,250 (12th largest in Colorado)
  • Extent: 27,366 mi2
  • Time zone: Mountain Time Zone
    • Mountain Standard Time (MST): UTC-07:00, daylight saving time
    • Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): UTC-06:00, daylight saving time

Location and Directions

what to do in boulder colorado

Boulder, the capital of the county of the same name, is located in the Boulder Valley, and it is just north of Denver, Colorado’s capital and largest city. To get from one city to another, it only takes a half-hour drive along the Denver Boulder Turnpike. It is in the northern part of the state of Colorado, and is on the way between Denver and Wyoming.

Boulder can also be reached from Denver by taking public transportation. This is a good option for those who want to take a day trip without having to rent a car. The bus to take is the RTD’s (Regional Transportation District) FF1.

Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado

Pearl Street

boulder colorado things to do

Downtown Boulder is fairly small in size, so it is very easy to walk around. Life revolves around Pearl Street, the brick-paved street full of bars, restaurants, stores and businesses. Among the many stores, the antique stores draw even those who are not in town to shop. Getting lost among the objects displayed by the antique dealers, or popping into one of the art galleries, is like visiting a small free museum.

Anyone visiting Boulder should begin and end on Pearl Street, which also changes its face throughout the day. While in the morning it appears like a quiet pedestrian street with people walking up and down to run errands, in the evening you will see it coming to life and teaming with people. Street performances are also very common on Pearl Street, such as music students and small bands.

Boulder Farmers Market

Boulder County Farmers Market

If you love outdoor markets, make sure not to miss the Boulder Farmers Market, held every Wednesday afternoon from May through October and every Saturday morning from April through November. In the past, it received recognition as the best farmers’ market in the United States. The entrance is at the intersection of 13th Street and Canyon Boulevard, but you will have no trouble finding it if you happen to be in the area on the right day!

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Boulder colorado attractions

Among the most unique things you will find in this city is the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. The “tea house” is not just a place to sip the classic hot drink, but a small work of art with a symbolic meaning behind it. It was handcrafted by artisans in Dushanbe, the city in Tajikistan twinned with Boulder, shipped in segments overseas and assembled here to bring a piece of Central Asia to America. Enjoy one of the many types of tea on the menu while admiring the carvings and paintings that cover the entire interior of the room.

Boulder’s Museums

boulder museums
Fiske Planetarium

Although it is quite small, Boulder also offers a great assortment of museums, which provide great insight into local history.

  • A good place to start is, undoubtedly, the Museum of Boulder. It was opened in its current location in 2018 on the premises of a renovated former Masonic lodge downtown. However, the history of the museum goes back to 1944, and it has developed over time. It is the perfect place to understand how Boulder became the city it is today, through an immersive exhibit that combines technology with theater. From native Arapaho people to the study of planets, you’ll discover everything that characterizes this beautiful city.
  • Then there is the Museum of Natural History, operated by the University of Colorado Boulder. The biggest attraction, for 41 years, was the triceratops skull. However, in May 2022, the enormous skull was returned to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., which had loaned it to the museum in Boulder for four decades. To be honest, there are other similar museums in the United States that have more to offer.
  • Also connected to the university, but certainly more intriguing, is the Fiske Planetarium, which offers a full calendar of events for all ages, such as stargazing or educational activities for children.
  • If you like to look for contemporary art museums in every city to keep up with the evolution of art in the world, you should know that in Colorado there is the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. For more than 50 years, it has been the ultimate expression of the city’s art district.

Parks in Boulder, Colorado

Parks in Boulder, Colorado
Sunset Amphitheater

Boulder is nestled in the middle of nature, where there are many hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and gorgeous views. A nature walk is therefore almost mandatory during a visit to the city. Here are some suggestions.

  • Boulder Creek Path. Let’s start in the city. Along Boulder Creek, which crosses the city, there is a bike/pedestrian path. It can be used to go from one part of the city to another while walking in a shady environment, especially in summer when walking among the trees is certainly more pleasant than walking on the city streets. But it can also be a place to spend a quiet afternoon, lined by large gardens in some places.
  • Wonderland Lake. On the outskirts of the city, you will find Wonderland Lake, surrounded by beautiful hills. Here you can come and relax by the lake or hike on one of the trails. For example, the trail around the lake is less than 1.5 miles long, making it doable even if you do not have much time.
  • Chautauqua Park. This is one of the most popular parks. Located south of the city, this historic park beloved by locals offers both a well-equipped recreational area with sports fields, a playground and access to several hiking trails. It is located at the base of the famous Flatirons, which we will discuss in a moment.
  • Flagstaff Mountain. Another really interesting place to visit near the city is Flagstaff Mountain. For those looking for easily-accessible outlooks, there is the Sunrise Amphitheater, an open-air theater set in a truly striking location with a wide, elevated view of the landscape below (found here), Boulder’s version of Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater. Artist point (here), also close by, is a perfect place for a picnic!
  • Lions Lear and Sunshine Canyon. This park is located west of the city, and although it is only a 10-minute drive from downtown, it offers excellent trails and even opportunities for rock climbing. One of the most popular hikes is the one up to Mount Sanitas, where you can see the entire city from above.
  • Sunshine Canyon Viewpoint. If, on the other hand, you do not want to walk but still want to see beautiful views, head to this viewpoint on Sunshine Canyon. It is located here and can be reached by car in less than half an hour from downtown Boulder.

The Flatirons

boulder flatirons

Not far from Boulder, we find mountains that have flat surfaces that resemble irons-hence the name Flatirons-which are one of the area’s main nature attractions. They are Boulder’s natural backdrop, and many people come to Boulder specifically to visit these unusual mountains. While photographing them from afar is easy and you can take pictures from any angle you prefer, there is also an opportunity to see the mountains up close.

To get there, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and taking a nice hike. There are countless trails, and the main ones all start at the Chautauqua Trailhead. For example, you can try the Flatiron Loop Trail, just over two miles long, which runs through the forest at the foot of the Flatirons. Or walk to Woods Quarry to see the historic stone quarry and spend time relaxing on the stone benches at the beautiful viewpoints.

Where to Stay in Boulder

If you are visiting Denver, you can stay overnight there (here are our tips on that) and take a day trip to Boulder, but if you intend to immerse yourself in the spectacular nature in this area for a few days, or if you are looking for a smaller, quieter city to stay overnight on your road trip, then booking a hotel in Boulder is a great idea. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Hotel Boulderado. This 4-star hotel is one of the best hotels in town. Located downtown, just a short walk from Pearl Street, it is decorated in Victorian style and the lobby features antique furniture and stained glass ceilings. It also has a bar and two restaurants.
  • The Bradley Boulder Inn. Another good choice is this three-star, downtown hotel with all the amenities and the option of renting a bicycle, which is one of the best ways to explore the city.
  • Colorado Chautauqua Cottages. If you are looking for something unique, rent a cottage in the foothills of the mountains, but also within walking distance of town. You’ll have a small oasis of peace and quiet, with easy access to the essentials you may need.

All accommodations in Boulder

All accommodations in Denver


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

andrea cuminatto
Andrea Cuminatto

Journalist and traveler. I love seeing new places, but more than anything, I love to meet those who live there.

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