Boulder

Travel Guide

Boulder featuring night scenes and signage
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Boulder showing a statue or sculpture, a small town or village and night scenes
Photo provided by Colorado Tourism Office/Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
Boulder which includes street scenes, night scenes and a small town or village

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

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

Central Boulder
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Downtown Boulder

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

Downtown Boulder
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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
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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 Wonderland Trail and Nomad Theater.

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

Goss - Grove

While visiting Goss - Grove, you might make a stop by sights like Boulder Creek and Downtown Boulder Historic District.

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 Jul 31, 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 P7,794 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,794
P8,950 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street
Moxy Boulder

Moxy Boulder

3 out of 5
1247 Pleasant Street, Boulder, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,852 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,852
P9,017 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Boulder. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Folsom Field and Pearl Street Mall are ...
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 Aug 1, 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.
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 eco-certified aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,438 reviews)
"Outdoor pool area nice room"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
The Gant

The Gant

4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this 4-star boutique condo in Aspen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (892 reviews)
Relaxing stay in the heart of Aspen
"My three daughters and I stayed here for a girls' trip. Our experience couldn't have been better. The condo was nicely decorated, well equipped with a full kitchen, and very spacious and comfortable. The pool and hot tub were beautiful, and so peaceful and night when we used them. The Origin restaurant ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Gant
Village at Breckenridge Resort

Village at Breckenridge Resort

3 out of 5
535 S Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy 4 hot tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,807 reviews)
"Receptionist was not friendly. But all good there was construction around pool area. Arcade room isn’t what I expected nonetheless it was fine (3 Machines). I love coffee all day long couldn’t get that, everything closed after 730ish and no coffee in lobby. Shower has blinds (great perk) but haven’t ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Village at Breckenridge Resort
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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