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
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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
The price is ₩312,319 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
₩312,319
₩358,658 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
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! (1,542 reviews)
"My room was 507. The shower control was broken and I couldn’t take a shower. Everything else was in good quality condition."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Hotel Boulderado
Hilton Garden Inn Boulder

Hilton Garden Inn Boulder

3 out of 5
2701 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder, CO
The price is ₩193,133 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
₩193,133
₩221,784 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Safe, clean, convenient.
"This was a terrific hotel. It was conveniently located, felt safe, and very clean. What more could you ask for?"

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Boulder
Comfort Inn & Suites Boulder

Comfort Inn & Suites Boulder

3 out of 5
4777 North Broadway, Boulder, CO
The price is ₩200,185 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
₩200,185
₩229,884 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (842 reviews)
"Safe, clean, easy access, lots to do in the area"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites 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! (1,497 reviews)
This hotel sets the bar high!
"This was a beautiful resort. I am planing to make this my "go to" hotel anytime im in the Breckenridge area."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Marriott Bonvoy Sonder Bryant Apartments LoHi

Marriott Bonvoy Sonder Bryant Apartments LoHi

3 out of 5
2600 Bryant Street, Denver, CO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Ball Arena and Empower Field ...
9/10 Wonderful! (348 reviews)
"Loved staying here! Location was perfect for us with our son’s apartment next door. We walked to dinner and to the grocery store. Parking was a cinch. All was good!"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

Marriott Bonvoy Sonder Bryant Apartments LoHi
River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality

River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality

3 out of 5
100 South Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy a free ski shuttle, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,578 reviews)
"The room was very clean, but very small. Good for 1 person, but would have been a tight fit for two. The coffee maker didn't work well, but that was the only issue."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality
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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