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, Downtown Boulder Historic District and Dairy Center for the Arts 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
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North Boulder

While visiting North Boulder, you might make a stop by sights like Nomad Theater and Wonderland Trail.

North 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 ₩246,304 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩246,304
₩282,830 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,470 reviews)
Always a great experience!
"Hotel Boulderado is in the heart of downtown Boulder, one block from Pearl St. Mall. That's why I spend the few extra bucks to stay there. Everything is walking distance."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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 ₩209,241 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
₩209,241
₩240,283 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"Room was spacious, clean, and had nice amenities. Staff was friendly and very helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 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 ₩233,789 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
₩233,789
₩268,472 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice stay close to CU"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
4 out of 5
557 Stan Miller Dr, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,405 reviews)
"Loved the pool and fire pits! Perfect for families."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
The Gant
The Gant
4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this 4-star boutique condo in Aspen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (884 reviews)
"We enjoyed ourselves everything was clean an comfortable! Loved the proximity to the town! Great restaurants! Beautiful weather!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Gant
Sentral Union Station
Sentral Union Station
4 out of 5
1777 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (738 reviews)
"Right across street from train station."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Sentral Union Station
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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