Location: Boulder
Top Things to do in Boulder
What to do and see in Boulder, Colorado (CO): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Front Range Ride Guides Ltd. - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 433 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
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
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.
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. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
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.
