What to do and see in Boulder, Colorado (CO): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

August 19, 2021 Hana Mouser

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

Boulder Mountain Park, Boulder, CO 80302
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,107 reviews

Flatirons

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

Intersection of Valmont and Airport Roads, Boulder, CO http://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/valmont-bike-park
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 59 reviews

Valmont Bike Park

3. Front Range Ride Guides Ltd. - Day Tours

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 433 reviews

Front Range Ride Guides Ltd. - Day Tours

Front Range Ride Guides is a small, independent, family-owned business that specializes in custom-tailored mountain biking and winter fat biking experiences for all ages and ability levels. Founded and grown locally, along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains; we love using our intimate knowledge of the areas in and around Boulder, Denver, Golden, Fort Collins, & beyond to create one of a kind experiences for visitors and locals alike; that highlight the natural beauty and unique culture of Colorado. Our professional guides have unrivaled experience, deep roots in the area and local mountain biking, and strive to make each custom-tailored ride an experience you'll never forget! Join us for a custom tailored Mountain Biking, Winter Fat Biking, Local Craft Brewery, MTB Skills Clinic, or Corporate/Group/Family Adventure and experience what makes the Colorado Front Range so special!

4. Shelby American Collection

5020 Chaparral Ct, Boulder, CO 80301-3351 +1 303-516-9565 [email protected] http://www.shelbyamericancollection.org
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Shelby American Collection

UPDATE 3/17/20: The Shelby American Collection museum in Colorado is temporarily closed to the public until further notice due to CDC health recommendations. The Shelby American Collection celebrates the rich heritage of the Cobra, Shelby Mustang and Ford GT 40 cars that changed the face of auto racing in the 1960s. Thanks to the generosity of owners and collectors, we have some of the most important American cars ever made on display at our Boulder museum, along with an extensive collection of race records, period photographs, memorabilia and tributes to the pioneer drivers and visionaries of the era including Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Bob Bondurant, Phil Hill, Phil Remington and other Shelby American Team members. The museum is dedicated to serve as a resource for all enthusiasts, and to memorialize & preserve one of the most important eras in American automotive history for all generations.

Reviewed By johnvR2768NI - Westminster, United States

This is a must see Museum for fans of Shelby, Ford vs Ferrari or racing in general. They have some rare cars and for the price you can't beat it.

5. Colorado Chautauqua: Park

900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302-7547 +1 303-442-3282 [email protected] http://www.chautauqua.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,315 reviews

Colorado Chautauqua: Park

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.

6. Flagstaff Mountain

Boulder, CO +1 303-441-3440 http://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/flagstaff-trailhead
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

Flagstaff Mountain

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. Pearl Street Mall

Pearl St from 11th to 15th Sts, Boulder, CO 80302 +1 303-449-3774 [email protected] http://www.boulderdowntown.com/visit/history-of-pearl-street
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,741 reviews

Pearl Street Mall

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!

8. Boulder Creek Path

parallels Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 +1 303-441-3200 [email protected] http://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/boulder-creek-path
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 553 reviews

Boulder Creek Path

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.

9. Eldorado Canyon

9 Kneale Rd, Boulder, CO +1 303-494-3943 http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/eldorado-springs
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Eldorado Canyon

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.

10. Mesa Trail

Boulder, CO +1 303-441-3440 http://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/south-mesa-trailhead
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Mesa Trail

Extending six miles with a 440-foot gain in elevation, this trail from Boulder to Eldorado Springs is for ambitious hikers only.

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