On a Mission
Boulder’s striking natural setting fuels our community’s passion for the outdoors and our desire to help protect Mother Nature. Join us in our mission to keep Boulder an inclusive and sustainable source of health and rejuvenation for locals and visitors alike, now and in the years to come, by educating yourself on ethical conservation practices.
On a Mission
Boulder’s striking natural setting fuels our community’s passion for the outdoors and our desire to help protect Mother Nature. Join us in our mission to keep Boulder an inclusive and sustainable source of health and rejuvenation for locals and visitors alike, now and in the years to come, by educating yourself on ethical conservation practices.
48 Hours in Boulder
Two days, endless adventure
Urban Meets Nature
Two-Day Itinerary
Self-Care Weekend
Two days of pampering yourself
Lay of the Land
At the University of Colorado, you'll be surrounded by lots of options for dining, shopping and sightseeing. Across the street is The Hill district and just a few blocks north are downtown Boulder and Pearl Street. The city is surrounded by 45,000 acres of open space, with forest and foothills always minutes from your hotel door.
Things to See and Do
See the Famous Flatirons
Those slanting ochre sandstone formations you see all over CU’s marketing materials are Boulder’s pride and joy. An up-close look at the Flatirons for yourself is a must. Head to Chautauqua Trailhead, where you can take some pictures and go for a hike on an extensive trail network if you like.
Stroll Pearl Street
If the Flatirons are Boulder’s pride and joy, Pearl Street is its heart and soul. With four brick-paved blocks closed to traffic, this open-air promenade has the energy of a European plaza, lined with dining and shopping, great for people-watching and catching street performances.
Go for a Hike or Nature Walk
Put your feet to a trail for some nature therapy and adventure. Two gentle but spectacularly scenic trails are available at Wonderland Lake or Bobolink Trailhead. If you would like more of a workout, head to Realization Point (be prepared for a short but steep and winding drive up Flagstaff Road) and try Range View or Boy Scout trails.
Explore The Hill
University Hill — more commonly referred to as simply “The Hill” — is just across from the University of Colorado campus and just up the hill from downtown and Pearl Street. It is a hub of social activity for students and those who come to enjoy quick bites food, drinks and live music. Catch a concert at the Fox Theatre, indulge in a plate of paella at Cafe Aion, check out the wall art and killer burgers at The Sink, or settle into a booth at the sleekly styled Alpine Modern Café for a latte and avocado toast.
Museum of Boulder
The Museum of Boulder tells Boulder’s story with the most fascinating multimedia exhibits. The museum has spacious galleries, a maker's workshop and a rooftop that's perfect for photo ops in front of the Flatirons.
Taste Tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
How a hand-carved, hand-painted and hand-assembled Persian teahouse ended up in Boulder is quite the story. You can visit Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and enjoy a cup of tea — one of dozens of varieties they serve, sourced with care from around the globe.
Try an Electric Bike Tour
If you’ve never tried an e-bike, you’re in for a treat. You'll feel like a superhero zooming up hills with the greatest of ease. Several tours are available to take you through historic downtown and up to the foot of the Flatirons. Find more tours and e-bike rental info.
Where to Shop
- Pearl Street and Twenty Ninth Street are Boulder's main shopping districts.
- The Boulder Book Store and Trident Booksellers and Café will keep you browsing the shelves for hours.
- For outdoor gear, the sky’s the limit. There’s an outdoor store on nearly every corner. Some local faves: Neptune Mountaineering, Prana and Black Diamond. Here’s a guide.
- Barbara & Co, Cedar & Hyde Mercantile, Island Farm and Evereve are some of the top fashion shops, with tons more to choose from.
