Boulder sits at the foot of the Flatirons in Colorado. It is a friendly city for walkers and climbers. It is also a good city for food lovers and families. This guide covers the top things to do in Boulder Colorado. It starts with the campus and the city centre. It then moves to parks and trails. It ends with food and drink.
CU Boulder University of Colorado Campus
CU Boulder is the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Visitors can walk around the campus. They can enjoy the buildings and the views. Start here if you like science and the arts.
Fiske Planetarium is on the campus. It hosts shows in its dome. The shows cover stars and space. Staff can help you spot planets and constellations.
The Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater is also on the campus. It was built in 1939. It hosts plays in the open air. Its summer Shakespeare festival is popular. You can bring a picnic before a show.
The CU Heritage Center is in Old Main. It tells the story of the university. It shows objects from university history. It is a quiet stop on a campus walk.
Dining Haven in Sink Restaurant & Bar
Sink Restaurant & Bar is a popular place to eat in Boulder. It has colourful decor and a varied menu. It has a long history in Boulder. It mixes old charm with a modern feel.
At Sink Restaurant & Bar you can try inventive cocktails. You can also try the signature Sink Burger. The lively room suits a relaxed dinner with friends.
Enjoy a Brewery Tour
A brewery tour is a good choice if you enjoy beer. Each brewery in Boulder has its own menu. A tour lets you taste beer and learn how it is made.
Avery Brewery: Avery Brewing is known for hoppy beer. Its motto is Hop Freaks Unite. The tour leads to the taproom. You can choose beer and snacks there. You can also see the brewing area from the catwalk.
Upslope Brewing: Upslope Brewing focuses on craft beer. A flight lets you try several beers at once. You can sit in the spacious garden. Food trucks outside offer food if you get hungry.
Boulder Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park sits near the Flatirons. It has many hiking routes. The routes start near a large meadow. It is a lovely place for an afternoon outdoors.
The park has a picnic area. It also has tennis courts. It has a demonstration garden and a playground. The Chautauqua Dining Hall serves food. There are paths for different levels of walkers.
In summer musicians perform at the nearby Chautauqua Auditorium. The Colorado Music Festival also takes place here. It features weeks of classical music concerts.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park is popular for rock climbing. It is near Boulder. Some routes lead to high cliffs. Other routes lead to views of the surrounding land.
Rattlesnake Gulch is a popular trail in the park. It offers views of the Continental Divide. You can also fish along South Boulder Creek. There are picnic areas with wide views.
Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool
The Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool opened in 1905. It is a popular Boulder hangout. Artesian spring water fills the pool. The water has a clear blue tint.
The pool stays at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. It is ideal for cooling down in summer. It is a good place for family and friends. Kids can enjoy a tall slide into the pool. A snack bar serves food.
Skiing at Eldora Mountain
Eldora Mountain Ski Resort is near Boulder. It is a good place for a snowy day out. It has runs for beginners and experts. The atmosphere is relaxed.
You can ski through varied landscapes at Eldora. You will find bumps and tree skiing. You will also find long and comfortable runs.
You can rent skis and snowboards at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. There are places to eat at the resort. The base lodge has a spacious cafe. The Lookout Cafe sits on the Corona lift.
Hiking in Boulder
Boulder is a good base for hiking. You can choose an easy walk or a hard climb. The trails offer wide views. Take water and wear good shoes.
Royal Arch Trail: The Royal Arch Trail starts at the ranger station along the Chautauqua Trail. It is a strenuous trail. It is 4 miles long with 1492 feet of elevation gain. It offers stunning views from the top.
Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop Trail: This loop trail is 3.2 miles long. It takes about two hours to complete. You will see wildflowers and rock formations. The landscape feels dry and open.
Lions Lair Trail: This trail is 4.4 miles long with 839 feet of elevation gain. It suits runners and families. The well kept path has many good viewpoints.
Pearl Street Mall
Pearl Street Mall is a four block pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder. Cars do not use the main mall area. You can walk at your own pace. Shops line both sides of the street.
You can shop for local goods on Pearl Street. You can also eat at restaurants and cafes. Street performers entertain visitors through the year. It is a good first stop in Boulder. It is also a good place to rest after a hike.
Boulder Creek Path
Boulder Creek Path follows Boulder Creek through town. You can walk or cycle on the paved path. It passes parks and open spaces. It is an easy way to see the city without a car.
Start near downtown and follow the creek at your own pace. You can stop for a picnic by the water. You can also link the path to other trails in Boulder. For more day trip ideas, read our guide to mountain towns near Denver.
Boulder Museum Delights
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History shows nature. It holds collections on nature and human history. The exhibits cover animals and plants. They also cover art and culture.
The museum offers lectures and workshops. It is a good place for the whole family. Self guided visits are available. Exploration kits add fun for children.
Conclusion
Boulder is easy to enjoy at a slow pace. Start in downtown Boulder. Then visit a park or a trail. End the day with good food and a brewery stop. If you want a longer Colorado trip, read our guide to hotels in Estes Park. You can also plan a scenic drive with our Trail Ridge Road guide. For a city day, see our Sunken Gardens Denver guide. For free ideas near Estes Park, see our guide to free things to do in Estes Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Boulder Colorado for first time visitors?
Start at Pearl Street Mall for shops and food. Then visit Chautauqua Park for views of the Flatirons. These two stops give you a good first taste of Boulder.
Where can I see the Flatirons in Boulder?
You can see the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park. Trails there lead to the base of the rock formations. You can also see them from many spots around town.
Is Boulder Colorado good for families?
Yes. Boulder has parks and playgrounds for children. Families can enjoy Chautauqua Park and the museum. The swimming pool at Eldorado Springs is also popular in summer.
What is the best time to visit Boulder Colorado?
Summer is good for hiking and outdoor events. Winter is good for skiing at Eldora Mountain. Spring and autumn are good for quieter walks.
How many days do I need in Boulder Colorado?
One day is enough for Pearl Street Mall and Chautauqua Park. Two days let you add Eldorado Canyon and a brewery tour. Three days let you add Eldora and more trails.
Do I need a car in Boulder Colorado?
You can walk in downtown Boulder. You can also cycle on Boulder Creek Path. A car helps for Eldorado Canyon State Park and Eldora Mountain.
