Finding it hard to connect when every day at home is pretty much the same ol' same ol'? You deserve some quality time together, a change of scenery, and a chance to relax. Reconnect with some fun — and safe — adventures in Boulder.
Where to Stay There are two dozen hotels in the city of Boulder where you can stay, and all of them are employing extraordinary safety and sanitizing precautions. On our hotels page, click to view the individual hotel listing you're interested in and you'll see a COVID-19 Safety Info tab to learn more.
There is just something romantic about holding hands, walking west between the historic buildings that flank Pearl Street, gazing at the Flatirons, and stopping to watch street performers or to duck into a shop. In the evening, Pearl Street takes on a European feel, with folks out strolling, stopping to chat with each other, sipping drinks on a patio, or making their way to dinner.
Pedego Bikes in Boulder is open and providing tours to small groups. They fully sanitize their bikes between uses, and their experienced guides wear face coverings. 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. This tour takes you through historic downtown, along the Boulder Creek Path and up to the foot of the Flatirons.
Four words: floor-to-ceiling chocolate. At Piece, Love and Chocolate (where, we might point out, "love" is even in the name), choose from every conceivable flavor and shape of truffle, plus cakes, candies or hot cocoa. Have a seat in the little booth to enjoy. Write a love note to one another, fold it up and tuck it into a nook in the shop's exposed brick wall, where you'll see that others have stashed their sentiments over the years. Outdoor seating is also available.
Wind your way up the hairpin turns on Flagstaff Road and pull over at Panorama Point for a breathtaking view of Boulder below: the red tile rooftops of the University of Colorado, tree-lined Pearl Street, the Boulder Reservoir and sprawling farmland beyond. After dusk, city lights twinkle and cars light up the highway from Denver.
Together, you’ll love delving into Boulder’s foodie philosophies while on Local Table Tours' Taste of Downtown Boulder tour (safe social distancing and face coverings required). The friendly and knowledgeable guides make it entertaining, plus the food and drinks are some of the most delish in Boulder.
At the summit of Flagstaff Mountain is the unique, east-facing stone Sunrise Amphitheater. It's a popular location for weddings because of its gorgeous views stretching across the Boulder Valley to the Eastern Plains. Drag yourselves up before sunrise (trust us on this one), take a seat and watch nature put on a magnificent show as a new day dawns.
Photo ©Aidan Grey/Flickr Creative Commons.
Positioned where the mountains meet the plains, and with plenty of water sources for deciduous trees, Boulder is a great spot for fall foliage viewing. In mid- to late September, your best bet for a spectacular drive is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Right now, access via Lefthand Canyon (in itself a gorgeous drive) is recommended since there may be construction delays on Hwy. 119. In October, there will typically be plenty of dazzling golden color right in Boulder, along the Boulder Creek Path or on hiking paths like the Bobolink Trail.
Take a stroll and see some of Boulder's thought-provoking murals and sculptures on this self-guided public art walking tour. It takes you through downtown and beside Boulder Creek for about an hour-long walk. There is also new street art popping up all over Boulder; here's a guide to Boulder's murals.
Boulder has closed some streets to traffic so that restaurants can expand their seating out into the street. You'll find a fun, open-air atmosphere on West Pearl Street and the Hill, with twinkling lights, live music and lots of outdoor picnic tables that are spaced for social distance. Learn more about dining safely in Boulder here.
Every Saturday, the Boulder International Film Festival is hosting a special drive-in screening at the Boulder Municipal Airport. Check the schedule and get tix in advance for this creative and fun opportunity to see some amazing films from your car.
Boulder has over 20 breweries, many of which are reopening with the use of their outdoor patios. Gunbarrel Brewing is one that has a large outdoor space, where you can raise a glass to you and your sweetie — and your resilience to make it through these hard times — while enjoying an Anytime Amber or Salt Lick Sour Gose out on the expansive patio.
