Surrounded by wildflower-filled landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery, this vibrant city feels like it exists within a vast natural playground. With a strong emphasis on outdoor living and a high quality of life, it has become an increasingly popular destination.
Boulder sits at the base of the Front Range, offering easy access to hiking, biking, and backcountry adventures year-round. Its scenic setting is matched by a lively downtown and university area, where arts, culture, and local events thrive.
Whether exploring the outdoors or enjoying the city’s creative energy, Boulder’s active lifestyle shapes every aspect of the experience, making it a unique and rewarding place to visit.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
It should come as no surprise that Boulder is home to an abundance of jaw-dropping outdoor areas. One of the more renowned, however, is the Eldorado Canyon State Park.
This park has something for everyone with hiking trails for all abilities. The park is known for its spectacular sandstone cliffs, home to some of the best rock climbing in the USA. Those who love to climb will find more than a thousand technical routes through the park.
For something more relaxing, you can go fishing in South Boulder Creek, or simply swim in the cool waters. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic surrounded by storybook scenery.
Pearl Street Mall
For a little bit of everything, shopping, dining and the arts, then you must head to the Pearl Street Mall. This iconic attraction has enough to keep you busy for hours on end as you jump from gallery to gallery and between the abundance of boutique stores.
As you walk through the mall, the beat from street performers echoes beautifully through the walkways. But there is more to the mall than just shopping. Here you will find happening nightlife and some of the best restaurants in Boulder to try.
If you are someone that has to pick up a souvenir wherever they go, then make sure to stop by The Wind. Here you will find local gifts, arts and crafts that will help you remember your time in Boulder.
Chautauqua Park
Technically a part of Boulder Mountain Park, Chautauqua Park is one of the most photogenic locations within the city’s boundaries. Since the park was founded in the 19th century, it has wowed visitors with stunning views, wildlife and leafy vegetation.
It has since become a National Historic Landmark, but because of lower promotion, the park is never as busy as others in Boulder. That means more space for you to roam and more peace when soaking in the views.
The Flatirons
The best thing to do in Boulder is to spend time exploring the iconic Flatirons. The Flatirons are a collection of dramatic rock walls that are found to the side of intimidating Green Mountain.
There are several trails through the area that take you right up to the spectacular rock walls. Allowing you to stare up and admire the sheer size. There are also basic trails that give you the chance to leisurely make your way through the park.
If you are ready for a true heart-in-mouth adventure, then you can rock climb the Flatirons, a popular activity since the 1940s.
County Farmers Market
Comprising two popular farmers’ markets, Boulder and Longmont, the Country Farmers Market is the place to go for fresh local produce. Originally established to cut out the middleman, it has grown in popularity to become a top attraction in Boulder, Colorado.
The ability to get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and interact with local farmers is what makes any farmer’s market great, and these two are no exception. You will also find vendors selling handicrafts, homemade food, and artwork.
The Boulder Farmers Market is held on Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year on 13th Street. While you can find the Longmont Market on 5th Avenue on Wednesdays and at the Boulder Country Fairgrounds on Saturdays.
Leanin’ Tree
When in Boulder, Colorado, you will have the opportunity to visit and experience one of America’s largest privately owned collections of Western Art. This spectacular museum houses over 250 paintings that explore Western landscapes, wildlife and the culture of the pioneers.
Inside the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art you will find work by renowned artists such as Frank McCarthy, Allan Houser and the impressive Bill Hughes. Beyond paintings, there are also more than a hundred bronze sculptures on display.
Once you have completed walking through the museum, make sure to explore the Leanin’ Tree Gift Shop. Not just any old gift shop, you will find a comprehensive collection of unique greeting cards, both humorous and heartfelt.
For those interested, there is also a series of free greeting card manufacturing tours from Monday to Friday, for fascinating information you didn’t know you needed.
University of Colorado at Boulder
In the heart of Boulder, the University of Colorado’s campus is a center for research and culture. But even for those not in class, there is much to see and do on campus.
The campus is a beautiful one with wide open spaces, classic academic buildings and the impressive football stadium. You can take a step back in time and explore the university’s history at the CU Heritage Center. Highlights include a campus replica made of LEGO and moon rock collected by astronauts on Apollo 15.
Other fun activities include taking a photo of the picture-perfect Varsity Bridge while you can also watch Shakespeare plays under the stars at the beautiful Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater. One of the biggest planetariums west of Chicago is also found on campus. Full of interactive exhibits, live talks and performances, the Fiske Planetarium is one to check out.
Flagstaff Mountain
Just fifteen minutes out of town, Flagstaff Mountain is a popular hiking destination for locals. If you’ve brought along your hiking boots, why not add a bit of trekking to your time in Boulder, Colorado?
Within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Flagstaff Mountain is 6,983 feet (2,128 meters) tall. A popular hiking trail to the summit is a five mile (eight kilometer) trek that ends with stunning views of Boulder and the surrounding mountains.
If you feel like saving the effort for another one of the listed activities, then jump in the car and drive to the top of Flagstaff Mountain. Not only will you see amazing views, but you will also be in the right shape to enjoy one of America’s most romantic restaurants, Flagstaff House.
Within a historic building built in 1929, dine above the clouds for an unforgettable experience.