Location: Boulder
Top Things to do in Boulder
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Boulder, Colorado (CO)
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. Valmont Bike Park
3. Vapor Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Tours and craft cocktails! Roundhouse Spirits is a micro-distillery making spirits of uncommon character. In addition to our distilling and bottling operations for which we offer tours and tastes, the location features an eye-catching speakeasy bar. Come visit for tours and/or craft-cocktails!
4. 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.
5. Switzerland Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
A popular and easy mountain bike trail following the route of an old narrow-gauge railway line.
Reviewed By hopb2020 - Boulder, United States
Once a narrow gauge railroad, this liner park offers fantastic views of the Continental Divide from the back side of the Foothills to the west of Boulder. Take in the rustic history of the transportation system during the precious metals heyday of the past turn of the century and explore the mining history of Boulder's past.
6. 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.
7. Mary Williams Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. Mesa Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Extending six miles with a 440-foot gain in elevation, this trail from Boulder to Eldorado Springs is for ambitious hikers only.
