10 Best Things To Do In Boulder, Colorado
Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder, Colorado is overflowing with extraordinary things to do. With endless activities for the outdoor enthusiast as well as a plethora of unique experiences, Boulder is one amazing city to discover and enjoy. If your time is limited, or if you are just looking for the ten best things to do in Boulder, Colorado, you’re at the right place.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Boulder, Colorado!
Boulder Falls
One of the best waterfalls you will see in Boulder! Just minutes outside of town on Boulder Canyon Road, this beautiful waterfall is just a short, easy walk from the highway. The quick hike is about five hundred feet in length and consists mostly of stairs with pretty views of the roaring waters.
The waterfall is about 70 feet high and is absolutely breathtaking with plenty of large boulders to sit on and enjoy the mesmerizing views and feel the mist of the falls. Once you are here, you’ll agree that Boulder Falls is without a doubt one of the 10 best things to do in Boulder, Colorado.
Please note that the falls are located on a very busy highway with limited parking. I highly recommend getting here early or coming mid week.
Flatirons
The Flatirons are the symbol of Boulder. These beautiful and majestic mountains are home to some of the best rock climbing and hiking, as well being the iconic background to some of the most amazing photos.
If you want to see a spectacular view of the Flatirons in the evening, grab some chairs and head southwest on Route 93, a bit before sunset. Travel just outside of Boulder, and you’ll see a large gravel parking area. Once parked, grab your chairs and have a seat. You’ll be treated to some great views of the mountains and be transformed by the beauty of the ever changing colors in the sky.
Pearl Street
No trip to Boulder is complete without going to Pearl Street. It’s local is in the center of historic downtown, and this brick paved pedestrian street has the perfect combination of art, restaurants, breweries, local boutiques, and live entertainment. There are four long blocks that are closed off to traffic. Here you can stroll among the prettiest of flowers, sit on one of many benches and people watch, or shop to your heart is content.
Some of my favorite shops on Pearl Street are Into The Wind, Liberty Puzzles, and Boulder Book Store. Into The Wind is Boulder’s kite store and carries unique toys as well as hundred of fun and colorful kites. Liberty Puzzle are beautiful works of art made into classic wooden jigsaw puzzles. They are beautiful to look at and fun to put together. They have puzzles in the center of the store that you can work on while you are there.
I love supporting local bookstores, and Boulder Book Store is one of my faves. They have a great selection of books and carry unique paper goods and gifts as well. If you are a book lover like me, you will not be disappointed.
If you’re looking for some great food and historic charm, head on over to the Boulderado Hotel on Spruce Street. Have lunch on the patio and be sure to go inside this magnificent historical landmark that embraces timeless elegance.
Chautauqua Park
It’s easy to see why this is one of the ten best things to do in Boulder. My absolute most favorite part of Boulder, Chautauqua is a gem of a place to visit and perhaps the most beautiful as well.
The view of the flatirons with the most colorful wildflowers is delightful to look at and is the perfect picture taking spot any time of day.
There are many trails to hike that range in difficulty levels and distance. All the trails are clearly marked and the area is just beautiful to explore. Across from the trails is a park-like setting where you can sit and take in the beauty that surrounds you. You’ll notice adorable and quaint small houses that are available for rent. How fortunate that you are able to stay and submerge yourself in this exquisite area.
There is a great restaurant called The Dining Room, and behind that is the Community House that is home to year-round concerts, workshops and classes. I highly recommend checking out both!
Boulder Farmers Market
This is truly one of the best farmers markets that I have ever been to! Located on 13th Street between Arapahoe Ave. and Canyon Boulevard, Boulder Farmers Market is a must do on Saturday mornings. There are over 60 vendors there that sell mouthwatering fruits, fresh veggies, artisan breads, fresh flowers, and handmade crafts all right from the farm.
Some of my favorite things to get include Palisade Peaches, homemade pasta and everything from Izzio’s Artisan bakery. Their breads are so good, and their pastries are just incredible.
Boulder Farmers Market is open from 8am – 2pm on Saturdays from April through November.
Dushanbe Tea House
The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House is a popular tourist attraction in Boulder. The Tea House was a gift from Dushanbe,Tajikistan and signifies global friendship and cultural exchange.
It is a magnificent and beautiful establishment with intricate detail and colors that are just amazing. Plan to spend some time here admiring the complexity and brilliance that is throughout.
Located on 13th Street, Dushanbe Tea House is a great place to get lost in and have tea and appetizers.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
This park has to be one of the best kept secrets in Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park is truly a hidden gem and one of the most amazing places to go while you are in Boulder. It’s no wonder it made my list of the ten best things to do in Boulder.
Come here in the afternoon during the week and be pleasantly surprised how few people there are here. As soon as you drove in, you will be treated to some breathtaking views.
This small but mighty park offers rock climbing and rappelling, trails with beautiful vistas, and scenic stream side picnic areas. There are some great fishing spots along South Boulder Creek as well.
Rattlesnake Gulch is one of the more popular hiking trails, and offers fabulous views of the Continental Divide.
Click here for up to date park information and hours of operation.
Hike
Hiking in Boulder is so fun because in addition to getting a good workout, you will be treated to some beautiful views along the way. It’s no wonder that hiking in Boulder easily falls into one of the 10 best things to do in Boulder, Colorado because the people who live in Boulder just love to be outdoors and it is easy to see why.
Many of the trails intersect with each other so you can spend as little or as much time hiking as you would like.
Some of my favorite trails include the Chautauqua Trail, which is a short moderate hike of 1.2 miles and serves as an “in-trail” that leads to many other trails, such as the Royal Arch.
I love this trail because you get to see beautiful vistas the entire hike, and just because, I love Chautauqua.
I also enjoy hiking the Mount Sanitas Valley Loop Trail. The loop ios 3.2 miles long and takes about two hours to complete. It may take you more if you stop every five minutes to take pictures and soak it all in, like I do.
Boulder does a great job of maintaining their trails and that means sometimes trails are closed. Check here to get current closures and trail information before you go.
Viele Lake
Viele Lake is within Harlow Platts Park. It’s an easy and enjoyable loop of three quarters of a mile with great views of the lake and the Boulder Flatirons. This flat paved path is a popular spot for nearby residents and has fitness stations throughout, as well as a flock or two of geese.
If you park in the lot at the South Boulder Recreation Center you’ll have easy access to the loop going in either direction.
Dark Horse Restaurant
There is nothing fancy about the Dark Horse Restaurant. It’s been around for nearly 5o years and the collection of various items hung throughout the restaurant, proves it. The outside is very unassuming and you’ll probably think twice about going inside, but don’t let that stop you. Upon entering, you will be greeted with unparalleled charm and ambiance. Walk around and check out the unique and fun stuff that is sprinkled throughout and find yourself a table. Once you do, head on over to the counter and place your order. They have amazing burgers, chicken tenders and onion rings.
Must Bring Items
Boulder is a great city and the weather seems to be always sunny. Here are a few things I always have on hand to make my trip more enjoyable and fun while you are doing the 10 best things to do in Boulder, Colorado.
Hat
The sun is very hot in Boulder. Wearing a hat will keep the sun off your face and help to keep you cool.
Good trail shoes
The main thing is to have shoes with bottoms that are going to give you traction. There’s a lot of loose gravel on the trails.
Sunscreen
The sun is a lot stronger at high elevations. Be sure to lather up before you hit the trails or wear a protective hat or clothing.
Water
Stay hydrated and make sure you have plenty of water, especially on the trails.
Fully charged phone and extra battery pack
While cell phone service can be spotty in the mountains, I used all of my battery taking pictures and videos. I was so glad I brought a battery pack to recharge.Final Thoughts
Boulder, Colorado is one of my favorite places to visit in the United States because of its beauty and endless amount of fun things to do. You’ll never find yourself bored in this epic outdoor mecca.
These are my favorite 10 best things to do in Boulder, Colorado. I am always looking for new things to discover and enjoy, and it’s so easy to do that in Boulder because the possibilities are endless!
If you love Boulder, consider going to Moab,Utah as well. It’s a great place to discover, hike and enjoy. The incredible breathtaking places here in the United States are endless!
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