Biking, beauty, brews, and more: The best of Boulder

With stunning rock formations, world-class dining, and a renowned biking culture, Boulder boasts an impressive list of accolades.

Boulder, Colorado, known for its laid-back vibe, dedicated athletes, and direct access to outdoor adventures, is a high-altitude destination that beckons visitors to stay awhile.

Take it from filmmaker Ryan Van Duzer, a 38-year resident: 'We have a close-knit community, awe-inspiring mountains, a lively downtown, a university spirit, and a health-conscious, eco-friendly, quirky vibe. I absolutely love it here,' he says.

Spend some time in Boulder, and you might agree: life just feels better here. Check out our top picks for year-round fun in this unique city.

Winter fun awaits

Explore Eldorado Canyon State Park: A stunning park offering scenic picnic areas, abundant wildlife, and towering sandstone cliffs for outdoor enthusiasts to tackle. With over 500 incredible climbing routes, you'll see climbers of all levels scaling the dramatic rock faces.

If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, enjoy a variety of hiking trails or vast open spaces perfect for cross-country skiing.

Two popular local trails include the beginner-friendly 4-mile Fowler Trail, and the more demanding -mile Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, which rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the Continental Divide from the summit.

Be ready to capture some amazing shots: You might encounter bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, red foxes, elk, and mule deer. The striking burgundy rock formations provide a stunning backdrop for your photos.

Eldorado Canyon State Park, 9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs, Colorado, 80025; +1 303-494-3943

Master your triple Salchow: From November to February, tie up your skates and glide across the outdoor rink in downtown Boulder. Afterward, indulge in hot chocolate and head to the Dushanbe Teahouse for afternoon tea and delicious pastries. Then, take a leisurely stroll down the pedestrian mall on Pearl Street for some shopping. Don’t miss the beautiful holiday lights in nearby Central Park during the winter.

WinterSkate, 1780 13th Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80302; +1 (303) 442-2826

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, 1236 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, Colorado, 80302. +1 303-442-4993

Grab a coffee and get a tune-up: As Boulder’s oldest bike shop, Full Cycle Bikes carries a lot of weight in the local cycling community.

In addition to its expert bike services, they also run a café with 16 taps, a full espresso menu, and tasty treats like homemade zucchini bread, paninis, burritos, and empanadas, making it a perfect spot to hang out.

In the mornings, cyclists gather to sip on mango mate lattes and enjoy a light breakfast. From 4 to 6 p.m., the space transitions into a lively happy hour, and come Friday, there’s live music to enjoy along with your drink.

Cyclists are passionate about their coffee and beer, which is why we decided to feature both an espresso bar and taproom in our downtown location,” says Full Cycle owner Russ Chandler. “We proudly serve offerings from over 50 craft breweries and numerous boutique coffee roasters.”

Full Cycle Espresso and Taproom, 1795 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80302; +1 303-440-1002

Farm-to-table goodness: Next Door Eatery, co-founded by Kimbal Musk (Elon’s brother), is a community-driven restaurant in downtown Boulder. Everything on the menu is made from scratch using responsibly sourced ingredients.

Standout dishes include the Next Door 50/50 burger, a savory blend of cremini mushrooms and American beef, topped with Swiss cheese and balsamic onions; the Next Door Veggie bowl, packed with roasted mushrooms, cauliflower, quinoa, and a cilantro tahini dressing; and the colorful Next Door Beet Burger, featuring a beet patty with arugula, balsamic onions, and feta.

Next Door American Eatery, 1039 Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80302; +1 720-542-8159

As the snow begins to melt,

Embrace some goat cuddles: If you love animals and are a fan of yoga, head over to Mountain Flower Goat Dairy at Long’s Gardens, a historic working farm that's over 100 years old. Upon arrival, you're likely to be greeted by Schadenfreude, a gentle and friendly Alpine goat with a heart of gold.

“She always finds her way to someone’s mat during class,” says Tricia Nudelman, board president of Mountain Flower Goat Dairy. “As one of our original does, she loves making the rounds, greeting students. Georgia, on the other hand, is a ball of energy, hopping onto stumps and picnic tables during class. Daisy Boots is the queen of the class. She’s often the teacher’s pet and makes sure the other goats know it.”

“During class, the goats wander around, nibbling on hair, poking at water bottles, and even lounging on the mats.”

And to make it even better, you'll also enjoy a tour of the farm, including the barn, milk room, historic buildings, and pastures. Stick around for a milk or cheese tasting and take a few photos with Hawthorne Hazel, the lovable llama. Plus, if you get a special ticket, you can come early to bottle-feed a baby goat before class starts.

Classes run from the end of April to mid-October.

Mountain Flower Goat Dairy, 3240 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80304; +1 518-605-8382. The schedule for this year's classes will be posted on the website in February or March.

Chef demonstrations, live music, and drinks: In the heart of downtown Boulder, there’s a bustling market that both locals and visitors flock to. Not only does it feature chef demonstrations, a beer garden, and fresh produce, but it also hosts live music, artisan events, and festive celebrations throughout the year.

The market operates from the first Saturday in April through the Thursday before Thanksgiving, and on Wednesday evenings from the first Wednesday in May through the first Wednesday in October.

Boulder County Farmers Market, Central Park (13th Street between Arapahoe and Canyon), Boulder, Colorado, 80302; +1 303-910-2236

Join the cycling adventure: Pedal through picturesque farmlands, tranquil streams, and enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains on a relaxed bike tour. Along the way, you might catch sight of bison, cattle, llamas, horses, eagles, hawks, and other wildlife. After the ride, indulge in a satisfying meal as a reward.

“Arriving at the farm, you’ll be greeted by the delightful aroma of fresh meals being prepared for our guests, along with the peaceful sounds of farm life,” shares Herschel Goldberg, the founder of Boulder Bike Tours. “One of the farms we visit grows produce and raises chickens, pigs, and turkeys for the 330 families who pick up their weekly harvest shares. The other farm specializes in beautiful flowers sold at local markets, florists, and restaurants.”

Tours run from June 1st through Thanksgiving.

Boulder Bike Tours. Group meetups are at central locations. +1 303-747-6191

Where to stay

Hotel Boulderado has been a cherished landmark since 1909. This historic hotel features 160 rooms, each uniquely styled in either a modern mountain or classic Victorian aesthetic. The lobby is particularly striking with its original stained glass ceiling and grand staircase.

Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th Street Boulder, Colorado, 80302; +1 303-442-4344

The luxurious St. Julien Hotel & Spa boasts breathtaking views of the iconic Flatirons, the foothills of the Rockies. As the region's only four-star, four-diamond independent hotel, it features a cocktail bar, a fine-dining restaurant, and a rejuvenating spa.

St. Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80302; +1 720-406-9696