Location: Boulder
Top Things to do in Boulder
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10 Things to do in Boulder That You Shouldn't Miss
Fondly described as “the city nestled between the mountains and
reality,” Boulder delivers an urban twist on the outdoor fun you’d
expect from a town surrounded by wilderness. In a single day, you
can hike miles and miles of trails or bike alongside Boulder Creek
– then head back into town for some well-deserved shopping on
Pearl Street. And with many of Colorado’s top restaurants right
within reach, be sure to treat yourself to at least one great meal.
Restaurants in Boulder
1. Flatirons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,107 reviews
Reviewed By kelshutch - Baltimore, United States
Beautiful area, great for walking. It's a big far/steep for toddler legs, so be prepared to carry little ones. But even if you don't get very far before turning around, the trip to see the park is worthwhile. Great couple of hours of sunshine, fresh air, and hiking for our family.
2. Colorado Chautauqua: Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,315 reviews
Originally established in 1898 to bring culture to rural areas, this beautiful park hosts cultural events, features rock climbing sites, lovely gardens and picnic areas and is the starting point for many hiking trails.Year-round lodging, dining and events available.
Reviewed By 100janicem - Palm Harbor, United States
We stayed at one of the cottages and thoroughly enjoyed the accomodations and the proximity to great hiking for many levels and time constraints. The food at the dining hall is terrific also. The cottages are quaint and remind you of a slower pace. We enjoyed quiet evenings on the porch as well as all of the ammenities needed for a first class stay.
3. Flagstaff Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
Located close to downtown Boulder, this mountain offers climbing and hiking trails with sweeping views of the city.
Reviewed By AutumnLP - East Peoria, United States
My hubs insisted we drive up this mountain. All along stops and views forever. Watch out for bicycles. People were also walking crossing the road.
4. Pearl Street Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,741 reviews
Situated in the heart of an energetic city is beautiful, historic Downtown Boulder. At the heart of Downtown Boulder is the Pearl Street Mall, a wonderfully charismatic four-block-long pedestrian mall that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007. Colorful, bright flowers fill the mall almost the entire year and street performers, with a multitude of talents, make the Pearl Street Mall one of the best people-watching destinations anywhere.
Reviewed By malleree - Longmont, United States
Wonderful restaurants, great shopping for many unusual things, entertainment on the mall with various types of artists, beautiful place to walk, especially when the planters along the mall are in bloom. A fun day for all ages!
5. Boulder Creek Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 553 reviews
This paved 7.5-mile path for walkers, bikers and skaters leads from Boulder proper into the mountains, winding its way along Boulder Creek, a large park and a playground.
Reviewed By MsCanuck24
Driving near by won't do any justice to the experience you'll be missing. A beautiful stroll takes less than 40 minutes. Start at the east end, near the CU campus, wind through downtown, and end up at the park on the west end (which is perfect for dipping your toes in the water, sun bathing or having a picnic. Continue further, where the picturesque bridges and wild flora give way to increasingly steep rock croppings and Boulder Falls.
6. Eldorado Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By JSTrip_77 - Hanoi, Vietnam
Colorado has endless options for hiking but this one is quite remarkable. We went on a Saturday in the summer so we got there by 9:45am in order to get parking. There were still spots when we arrived but by the time we left, the lots were full. So, consider that when planning your trip. We parked at the first lot we came to but couldn't find the Fowler Trailhead which we'd intended to take. So, we walked up the road and joined Fowler at the top and then connected with Rattlesnake Gulch trail. Rattlesnake Gulch trail was absolutely spectacular. Near the top of the 650 foot elevation gain, you'll get to the (minimal) ruins of a hotel that was on the site from 1908-1912. Beyond that, there's an amazing overlook of the canyon and the continental divide (the big mountains!). We aren't climbers but there are ample options for that too. If I had one complaint about the park its that the main road through the park is the only access to the trails (by car) and so it gets busy.
7. National Center for Atmospheric Research - NCAR
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Explore hands-on exhibits about weather, climate, the Sun, the atmosphere, and art-science connections in this famous I.M. Pei-designed building. Other options: a wheelchair-accessible outdoor weather trail, guided tours for the public at noon on Monday/Wednesday/Friday except holidays, and a Guide-By-Cell audio tour (using your phone). Free admission, open 363 days a year. Hours: M-F 8am-5pm; Weekends & holidays 9am-4pm. Visit our website for information about your visit, including organized group tours and to find out about our two annual maintenance closure dates.
Reviewed By havin_fun321
Open 363 days of the year! Free admission! Guided tours are available M-W-F at noon, self-guided tours otherwise. Great interactive exhibits. Came here with a group of adults; we had the most engaging docent. We spent about 90 minutes and I could have stayed longer. Beautiful architecture and fabulous setting. Give yourself enough time to wander outside on the Weather Trail. If you get hungry, there's a cafeteria where you can enjoy a snack or meal. Or, pack a lunch and enjoy the views from their patios. Add this to your list!
8. University of Colorado at Boulder
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By suzieFortCollins
What is not to love about this university, one of the top 10 academic colleges, beautiful campus withe the iconic Flatirons view. Bike,ski,and hike right from your dorm. Top rated professors. And the best college mascot anywhere-Ralphie!
9. Royal Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By vickyl162
Great hike, My favorite work out trail, Steep uphill in forest, great view at the top. Heavy traffic in Weekends.
10. Boulder Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
Visitors get a chance to view the "Yosemite of Boulder Canyon," scenic waterfalls plunging more than 70 feet into Middle Boulder Creek, by walking on a short trail to a viewpoint area just below the falls.
Reviewed By MTB-Illinois
The drive on Boulder Canyon Drive was beautiful (despite road construction). I pulled over at several areas to take pictures. When I arrived at the falls, it was a short hike to the Falls and well worth the drive. The falls were beautiful. I only wish I had more time to enjoy the area.
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