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.
Pause to watch the turtles in this campus lake.
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.