Boulder, CO

Travel Guide
Boulder showing boating, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
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 which includes 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
#LifeatExpedia

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
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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
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
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 Fiske Planetarium.

South Boulder
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
3 out of 5
2280 Junction Pl, Boulder, CO
The price is NT$4,127 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$4,127
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Friendly staff
"The gentleman who checked us in was wonderful. He gave us close by dinner suggestions that were spot on! The breakfast was really good."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Hotel Boulderado
Hotel Boulderado
3.5 out of 5
2115 13th St, Boulder, CO
The price is NT$5,073 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$5,073
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this historic hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,168 reviews)
"Our room was a very long walk from the lobby and required taking 2 elevators. For half the trip, only one elevator was working. So, if you can’t carry suitcases up and down the stairs and walk a substantial distance to your room, this hotel may not be for you. The hotel lobby has a lot of charm and ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hotel Boulderado
Basecamp Boulder
Basecamp Boulder
3.5 out of 5
2020 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO
The price is NT$4,287 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$4,287
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Shared spaces added to our stay - very welcoming"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Basecamp 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.
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 pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"It was a nice stay"

Reviewed on 2024/3/23

Sentral Union Station
The Gant
The Gant
4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this ski condo in Aspen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Aspen Mountain and Silver Queen Gondola are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (756 reviews)
"We loved this property. Friendly assistance at the desk and drivers. Shuttles take you to where you need to go and pick you up any anywhere in town. The restaurant was wonderful. Burgers were great and there was live music the night we ate there. Endless supply of logs for the fireplace. Walkable ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

The Gant
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 ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (916 reviews)
"Very nice property, it was spacious and in excellent condition. Manny at the front desk was very helpful and courteous. Lobby and rooms are gorgeous. Pool looked amazing, but didn't have time to use it. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
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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