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Lonely PlanetJul 24
8 things to do in Boulder, Colorado, and the best way to do them
From outdoor adventures to top dining options, these ideas will help you have an authentic local experience in Boulder, Colorado.
25 things in this story
- Pearl StreetNeighborhoodFour-block pedestrian promenade, Boulder's living room.
- Boulder County CourthouseSightAdmire the Moderne architecture of this historic building.
- FrascaRestaurantBoulder's only Michelin-starred restaurant, northern Italian cuisine.
- Colorado Glass WorksPlaceHosts hands-on classes to make stained glass masterpieces.
- Center for CommunityRestaurantCU Boulder dining hall with fresh, global cuisine options.
- University of Colorado BoulderSightCampus offers beautiful strolls and college-town culture.
- Norlin QuadParkStroll through campus and see historic buildings.
- Old MainSightFirst and oldest building on the CU Boulder campus.
- Varsity LakeSightPause to watch the turtles in this campus lake.
- Colorado Shakespeare FestivalFestivalHeld under the stars in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.
- Mary Rippon Outdoor TheatreTheatreRenovated outdoor venue for performances.
- McGuckin HardwareMarketFamily-owned Boulder icon for over 70 years.
- Brewing Market CoffeeCaféFind your nearest Brewing Market Coffee shop- serving expertly roasted coffee and tea at convenient locations across…
- Le French CaféRestaurantBright, casual spot making French cuisine approachable.
- Mike’s Bikes of BoulderPlaceRentals available for family cycling adventures.
- Valmont Bike ParkSight42 acres of trails with banks, ramps, and dips.
- Flatirons VistaTrailFamily-friendly ride with scenic views.
- Marshall MesaTrailAnother family-friendly ride option.
- Boulder Creek PathTrailBeginner-friendly, mostly flat paved path through town.
- Junkyard Social ClubPlaceCoffee, drinks, and playground for kids.
- ChautauquaTheatreHistoric park at the base of the Flatirons.
- Royal ArchTrailClassic 3.5-mile round-trip hike, all uphill.
- Enchanted Mesa and McClintock loopTrailShady, mellower route with about 400ft elevation gain.
- Colorado ChautauquaSightHistoric park with cottages, concert venue, and film screenings.
- The BarnSightAll-wood, open-air venue built in 1898.
OutsideJun 16
Adventure Everywhere in Boulder, Colorado
With the right perspective, and the right vehicle, you can find Adventure Everywhere
19 things in this story
- Eldorado Canyon State ParkNature reserveWorld-class rock climbing with over 500 routes
- South Boulder CreekSightSteep sandstone canyon rising from its banks
- FlatironsPlace of worshipThere are five large, numbered Flatirons ranging from north to south along the east slope of Green Mountain, and the…
- Chautauqua ParkParkMeadow providing access to 40 miles of singletrack
- Chautauqua TrailTrail1.5-mile out-and-back trail
- Gold Hill InnRestaurantGrab a cookie here
- Pearl Street MallNeighborhoodHeartbeat of downtown Boulder with shops and restaurants
- Boulder TheaterTheatreHistoric venue for live shows
- Switzerland TrailTrail14-mile trail popular with off-road enthusiasts
- Flagstaff MountainSightOffers hiking and climbing with city views
- Flagstaff TrailTrail2.1-mile trail to the summit
- Rocky Mountain National ParkNature reservePark with above-tree-line views at 12,183 feet
- Trail Ridge RoadTrail48-mile scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
- Ute TrailTrailEight-mile trail through alpine terrain
- Boulder CreekSightRuns through town, offering access to small brown trout
- Boulder CanyonNeighborhoodOffers miles of fishable water upstream
- River and WoodsRestaurantLocally grown comfort food in a historic miner's cabin
- Gold HillNeighborhoodHistoric gold rush town at 8,300 feet
- Pearl StreetNeighborhood