Boulder Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Boulder featuring night scenes and signage
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Boulder showing street scenes, a small town or village and night scenes
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Boulder showing a small town or village, street scenes 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 a sunset and kayaking or canoeing as well as a large group of people

Central Boulder

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Boulder, Boulder Theater and Pearl Street Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Central Boulder
Default Image

Downtown Boulder

While visiting Downtown Boulder, you might make a stop by sights like Downtown Boulder Historic District and Pearl Street Mall.

Downtown Boulder
Default Image

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
Default Image

East Boulder

While visiting East Boulder, you might make a stop by sights like Boulder Creek and Rolando Campos.

East Boulder
Default Image

North Boulder

If you're spending some time in North Boulder, Wonderland Trail and Nomad Theater are top sights worth seeing.

North Boulder
Boulder featuring a sunset and kayaking or canoeing as well as a large group of people

Goss - Grove

If you're spending some time in Goss - Grove, Boulder Creek and Downtown Boulder Historic District are top sights worth seeing.

Goss - Grove
Hotel Boulderado

Hotel Boulderado

3.5 out of 5
2115 13th St, Boulder, CO
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! (1,494 reviews)
Would recommend
"Quick and easy check-in. Historic hotel that is Nice, clean and near everything. Friday night Jazz was very nice. Unfortunately breakfast is not included. Walking to the north tower where the room was located was a bit of a walk. The hotel restaurant was unfortunately closed the evening we had planned ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 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 AU$238 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$238
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Bery nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Moxy Boulder

Moxy Boulder

3.5 out of 5
1247 Pleasant Street, Boulder, CO
The price is AU$240 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$240
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Folsom Field and Pearl Street Mall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (233 reviews)
"Loved the decor, indoor/outdoor open space, check-in at the bar, tasty food, walk to campus, stunning Mountain View’s and super friendly staff. Parking is the only downside if you don’t choose the $40 nightly valet."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Moxy 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.
Charming Historic Home located on the Hill

Charming Historic Home located on the Hill

Boulder
Stay at this vacation home in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pearl Street Mall and Folsom Field are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
Charming
"Great stay. Very clean, stocked with everything we needed."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Charming Historic Home located on the Hill
Serene Mountain Retreat Room with Stunning Continental Divide Views

Serene Mountain Retreat Room with Stunning Continental Divide Views

Boulder
Stay at this vacation home in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Boulder Falls and James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"Lovely, quiet place. Exactly what I needed and wanted!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Serene Mountain Retreat Room with Stunning Continental Divide Views
Cozy Cabin Near Boulder with Wildlife and WiFi

Cozy Cabin Near Boulder with Wildlife and WiFi

2.5 out of 5
Boulder
Stay at this cabin in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Pearl Street Mall and Folsom Field are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Amazing Place!
"We had a great time staying here. The cabin is cozy and tucked away in a beautiful setting. The hosts are excellent!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Cozy Cabin Near Boulder with Wildlife and WiFi
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Boulder