7 Amazing Activities to Experience in Boulder, Colorado

Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and approximately 45,000 acres of open space, Boulder boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails, ensuring outdoor adventures are always within reach.

Combine this with a vibrant mix of art and music venues, pedestrian-friendly shopping districts, and top-notch dining options, and you have a city that welcomes athletes, students (home to the University of Colorado), artists, farmers, beer enthusiasts, hippies, professionals, and more.

It's a city that's easy to fall in love with, even if your visit is brief. Here are some of the top things to do in Boulder.

Hike at Chautauqua Park

Arguably, one of the quintessential Boulder experiences is spending time at Chautauqua Park—on a clear day, it feels like half the city has gathered here. This National Historic Landmark features a network of hiking trails, including the Ski Jump Trail and Bear Peak Canyon Loop, many of which provide stunning views of the Flatirons, five striking sandstone formations perfect for photos. However, Chautauqua is more than just a place for a vigorous workout; it's a vibrant community hub. The park includes a historic dining hall, an auditorium, and rental cottages, hosting concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Visiting Tips

The park is free and open year-round, although finding a parking spot can be quite a challenge due to its popularity.

Explore, dine, and enjoy drinks along Pearl Street Mall

Stretching from 8th to 20th streets, Pearl Street Mall is a bustling pedestrian shopping district located in the heart of downtown Boulder. Here, you can find all the popular outdoor brands like Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Fjällräven, and The North Face, alongside a unique array of local shops offering handmade shoes, plants, home goods, records, and more.

Pearl Street Mall boasts some of the finest dining spots in town, including Frasca Food and Wine, a renowned Northern Italian restaurant with multiple James Beard awards; River and Woods, which serves elevated comfort food in a warm, inviting setting; and Salt, a bistro inspired by seasonal ingredients. Don't miss Avanti F&B, a vibrant food hall featuring global culinary concepts (including Taiwanese and Costa Rican dishes), a coffee shop, two bars, and a rooftop deck. For both teetotalers and enthusiasts, Boxcar Coffee Roasters shares a space with a wine and cheese shop, while Mountain Sun Brewery offers refreshing outdoor brews.

Enjoy craft beer at one of the many local breweries

It’s only fitting that Boulder, home to the Brewers Association, the organization promoting craft beer, also boasts a selection of outstanding breweries.

Explore Finkel & Garf, where the taproom boasts classic games and numerous Great American Beer Festival gold medals. If their Cream Oatmeal Milk Stout is available, make sure to treat yourself! Then there's Vision Quest Brewing, known for its inventive IPAs and decadent pastry stouts. Don't miss Wild Provisions, the sibling brewery of the beloved 4 Noses Brewing Company, specializing in exquisite spontaneously fermented sours. Lastly, Avery Brewing Co. stands as a cornerstone of Boulder’s craft beer landscape.

For a chance to taste brews from various breweries, check out the beer hall Rayback Collective or the unique dog park and tap house combo, Romero’s.

Experience the Dushanbe Teahouse

In 1990, the city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, gifted Boulder with an extraordinary, though hefty, present: a 1,700-square-foot teahouse, intricately carved and painted by a team of 40 Tajik artists. After being disassembled and transported to Colorado in 200 shipping containers, the teahouse was finally installed in its new home eight years later, with the artisans returning to assist in its assembly.

Visitors can enjoy the Dushanbe Teahouse from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch, dinner, or teatime. Even if you're not in the mood for chai, feel free to come in and explore the beautifully unique space.

Hop on a bike

Boulder offers a cyclist's paradise with 96 miles of dedicated bike lanes, 84 miles of multiuse paths, and about 50 miles of marked bike routes, making it easy and safe for biking enthusiasts to explore the area.

A favored route is the Boulder Creek Path, a relaxed 7.5-mile trail that runs alongside the creek, traversing the town from east to west. For those up for a challenge, Flagstaff Road provides a picturesque climb starting at Chautauqua Park, leading you steeply upward. There are several scenic viewpoints along the way, like Realization Point and Lost Gulch Overlook, perfect for resting and soaking in the views. The entire route stretches 10 miles one way.

For those interested in mountain biking, Betasso Preserve is an excellent choice for novices. The park features various trails, allowing for a personalized biking experience (just be mindful that it’s a shared space, so hikers and horseback riders may be present).

Where to find bike rentals

For those without their own bikes, several tour companies, such as Electric Cruiser Bike Tour and Boulder Bike Tours, offer guided excursions around the city. Additionally, Boulder has a bike-sharing program called Boulder BCycle, allowing users to rent bikes from various kiosks throughout town on an hourly basis.

A friendly tip: Watch out for what locals refer to as “mamils” (middle-aged men in Lycra). These speedsters are known for racing around town, often timing their rides with stopwatches.

Enjoy a live music performance

If you're a fan of live music, Boulder has an exciting scene for you. Experience everything from opera to disco at the beautifully renovated art deco Boulder Theater; enjoy acoustic performances at the cozy Chautauqua Auditorium; rock out with craft cocktails at the Velvet Elk Lounge; catch national acts at the Fox Theater; or discover local talent at various bars, restaurants, and street corners on Pearl Street.

Experience a historic hotel stay

In the early 1900s, Boulder locals recognized the need for a luxury hotel to enhance the city's tourism. Instead of seeking private investors, a group of residents sold shares to friends and family at $100 each until they raised enough to construct the five-story brick hotel. The Boulderado boasts a spacious lobby adorned with a stained glass skylight and a magnificent staircase, with rooms featuring antique furnishings and original details.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a drink at License No. 1 (previously known as Catacombs Bar) located in the hotel’s basement. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar earned its name by being the first establishment to receive a legal liquor license in Boulder, granted in 1969.