Boulder, CO

Travel Guide

Boulder featuring signage and night scenes
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Boulder featuring night scenes, a statue or sculpture and a small town or village
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Boulder showing street scenes, a small town or village and night scenes
Outdoor adventures, wild mountain scenery, vast open spaces and a lively downtown area are the big draws of this attractive Colorado town.

Boulder is a university town tucked into the Flatirons foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Students are a quarter of the population, giving the town a young, lively atmosphere. With access to more than 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of open spaces, Boulder residents enjoy nature and active pursuits. Between hiking, skiing, downtown shopping and rich cultural experiences, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in this exciting city.

Boulder has more than 200 miles (321 kilometers) of hiking and bike trails with routes for all abilities, from gentle countryside paths to challenging uphill treks. In Chautauqua Park, the heart of Boulder’s trail network, take the scenic hike up to the Royal Arch, a large, rocky sandstone formation. The park also has picnic areas, a children’s playground and tennis courts. Try tubing along Boulder Creek and swimming and sailing in the Boulder Reservoir. During winter, head to the Eldora Mountain Resort for skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

One of the city’s prettiest walks is the 5.5-mile-long (9-kilometer) Boulder Creek Path. The route passes along the banks of the creek, past shady patches and swimming spots and through parks and the downtown area. 

Away from nature, spend a few hours at Pearl Street Mall. This large pedestrian-only precinct encompasses independent stores, nationwide chains and cafés. As you stroll through the four-block mall, you’ll be entertained by a lively array of street performers. The bars, microbreweries and restaurants make Pearl Street a popular nighttime destination as well.

To experience the city’s culture, visit museums, art galleries and theaters. Appreciate the artwork of local, national and international artists at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ken Bernstein Art Studio. View fossil and geology exhibits at the University of Colorado Natural History Museum. Catch a jazz performance at the Boulder Theater.

Boulder is less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Denver and is within easy reach of many wineries and breweries. The city is an ideal base for exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Where to stay in Boulder

Boulder featuring kayaking or canoeing and a sunset as well as a large group of people

Central Boulder

4.5/5(433 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Boulder, Boulder Theater and Pearl Street Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Central Boulder
Pearl Street Mall featuring a fountain

Downtown Boulder

While visiting Downtown Boulder, you might make a stop by sights like Downtown Boulder Historic District and Pearl Street Mall.

Downtown Boulder
Sunflower Alley
Boulder, CO
August 2013

Whittier

If you're spending some time in Whittier, Dairy Center for the Arts and Downtown Boulder Historic District are top sights worth seeing.

Whittier
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East Boulder

3.5/5(27 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in East Boulder, Boulder Creek and Rolando Campos are top sights worth seeing.

East Boulder
Boulder featuring kayaking or canoeing and a sunset as well as a large group of people

Goss - Grove

While visiting Goss - Grove, you might make a stop by sights like Boulder Creek and Downtown Boulder Historic District.

Goss - Grove
Ouzel Falls spills over a cliffside and enormous boulders, making it arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Before reaching this 40-foot falls, the trail traces the course of several creeks and leads hikers past three other cascade waterfalls. A moderate 5.4 miles round trip hike

South Boulder

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in South Boulder and surrounding area, you can visit NIST Headquarters and NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory.

South Boulder
Hotel Boulderado
Hotel Boulderado
3.5 out of 5
2115 13th St, Boulder, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,252 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥20,252
¥23,256 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,434 reviews)
"This is a beautiful historic hotel and in easy walking distance to downtown Boulder. Staff is very friendly."

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Hotel Boulderado
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
3 out of 5
2280 Junction Pl, Boulder, CO
The price is ¥13,696 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
¥13,696
¥15,435 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent customer service"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Courtyard by Marriott Boulder
Courtyard by Marriott Boulder
3 out of 5
4710 Pearl East Cir, Boulder, CO
The price is ¥16,760 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
¥16,760
¥18,886 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"This hotel is one of the best hotels I ever visited. First, they upgrade their hotel furnishings frequently. The staff, a very nice and accommodating, if you have a problem. The pool and the jacuzzi are always operable, and they have a good range of hours, 6 a m to 11 p m."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Boulder
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
⬆️ See our video: Walk to Pearl St - 2.5 blocks; Fireplace; Luxurious & Private.
⬆️ See our video: Walk to Pearl St - 2.5 blocks; Fireplace; Luxurious & Private.
Boulder
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Pearl Street Mall and Folsom Field ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
So fantastic
"Amazing hosts and amazing location.We will definitely be back."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

⬆️ See our video: Walk to Pearl St - 2.5 blocks; Fireplace; Luxurious & Private.
Downtown Boulder Guest House for 2 guests
Downtown Boulder Guest House for 2 guests
Boulder
Stay at this cottage in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a pool table. Popular attractions Folsom Field and Pearl Street Mall are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
"Quiet neighbourhood with charming properties nearby, and conveniently located for University of Colorado. The guest house had everything I needed for a self-catering stay, and the owners even made a bicycle available which was handy for getting around. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Downtown Boulder Guest House for 2 guests
Cozy Cabin Near Boulder with Wildlife and WiFi
Cozy Cabin Near Boulder with Wildlife and WiFi
2.5 out of 5
Boulder
Stay at this cabin in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Pearl Street Mall and Folsom Field are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Lovely and secluded property.
"This was a lovely get-away and Ashley was very accommodating of our stay. We hope to stay here again in the future!"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Cozy Cabin Near Boulder with Wildlife and WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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