Boulder

Travel Guide
Boulder showing boating, a sunset and a lake or waterhole
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(5 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

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
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
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
Hotel Boulderado
Hotel Boulderado
3.5 out of 5
2115 13th St, Boulder, CO
The price is CA $197 per night from Mar. 23 to Mar. 24
CA $197
CA $223 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,154 reviews)
Will stay again
"Very clean, super friendly staff. Beautiful historic hotel"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

Hotel Boulderado
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
3 out of 5
2280 Junction Pl, Boulder, CO
Fully refundable
The price is CA $166 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $166
CA $187 total
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,009 reviews)
"The walk to the parking garage was too far and should have been covered"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
A-Lodge Boulder
A-Lodge Boulder
3 out of 5
91 Four Mile Canyon Drive, Boulder, CO
The price is CA $192 per night from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22
CA $192
CA $202 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (869 reviews)
"Amazing location. Quiet place nestled in the Boulder canyons. Lots of hiking trails nearby. Amazing front desk :). Will ne coming back for sure!"

Reviewed on Mar. 11, 2024

A-Lodge 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.
Mapleton Hill - Artists Colorful Apartment in Welcoming Home
Mapleton Hill - Artists Colorful Apartment in Welcoming Home
Boulder
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions North Boulder Park and Carnegie ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
Boulder Visit
"We came out with our pups to visit our son at Boulder. We needed an affordable place that had a yard for our doggos. We also had pur teenage daughter with us. Super cute apartment with kitchen, bath, washer and dryer. Close to a park, walking distance t trails and Pearl Street. 💯 recommend. Host ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 1, 2024

Mapleton Hill - Artists Colorful Apartment in Welcoming Home
Luxury Homebase in Downtown Boulder
Luxury Homebase in Downtown Boulder
Boulder
Stay at this apartment in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and fenced yards. Popular attractions Boulder Theater and Pearl Street Mall are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Wonderful spot for a long weekend in Boulder
"We were very happy - walking distance to everything, well-stocked kitchen, and nice apartment. We wouldn’t have changed a thing! Felt very lucky to have found this place."

Reviewed on Mar. 1, 2024

Luxury Homebase in Downtown Boulder
Beautiful private 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom near campus
Beautiful private 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom near campus
Boulder
Stay at this apartment in Boulder. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions NIST Headquarters and NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory ...
10/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Great place, good host!
"This is a great place to stay. The host was great to us. Like others have said, legos are a fun time! We played alot of the games."

Reviewed on Mar. 1, 2024

Beautiful private 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom near campus
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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