Convention & Visitors Bureau
2440 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303.442.2911
Click on a trip item for more information or click the 'X' to remove, or go directly to the Trip Planner
See Your TripWelcome to Boulder, CU parents and guardians! Maybe you’re dropping off your freshman (gulp…you got this!) or you’re here for a visit on Family Weekend (Oct. 15-18, 2020). You'll likely be looking for things to do near the University of Colorado while you’re here, and we've got your guide to Boulder’s chill vibe, amazing food, great shopping and even better views.
It’s a long-running joke that Boulder is “25 square miles surrounded by reality.” Curious about how it got to be such a unique place? Read our Boulder Myths and Truths page, or check out this guide to all the Things Boulder Is Known For.
Hotels Near CU |
Need a hot plate, a broom or some extra hand sanitizer for your student’s dorm room or apartment? Here’s where to go.
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. (On summer weekends, you can ride the free Park-to-Park Shuttle from the CU Regent Lot or downtown to avoid parking hassles.)
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.
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.
If your student’s going to be here for a few years, wouldn’t it be nice to know more about the city they’ll call home? The Museum of Boulder tells Boulder’s story with the most fascinating multimedia exhibits. The museum has spacious galleries that are now open and observing additional safety guidelines.
How a hand-carved, hand-painted and hand-assembled Persian teahouse ended up in Boulder is quite the story (read it here). You can visit Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and enjoy a cup of tea — one of dozens of varieties they serve, sourced with care from across the globe. A nice, big, shady patio beside Central Park makes it doable and delightful, even in COVID times.
This easy, scenic walking tour will take you on a leisurely stroll down Pearl Street, along Boulder Creek, and back to Pearl in a pleasant loop that should take about an hour, depending on how long you stop to admire the artwork. Boulder’s collection of murals is also constantly expanding, no surprise in America's eighth most vibrant arts community.
A nice mountain drive will give you the broader lay of the land and give you time to chat as a family. We’ve compiled several easy scenic drives here, just be aware there is construction happening on Hwy. 119. Our recommendation would be to do the Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Drive. If you are going to drive into Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to reserve a two-hour timed-entry spot in advance, a step required due to COVID-19. The cost of entry is $27.
Pedego Bikes in Boulder is open and providing tours to small groups. 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. Their Best of Boulder E-Bike Tour takes you through historic downtown, along the Boulder Creek Path and up to the foot of the Flatirons.
Need a great place to treat your student while you’re in town, or a nice place to dine while they are occupied? Try one of these.
Boulder is compact and easy to get around, and downtown Boulder is especially walkable. The area next to the University of Colorado is called “The Hill”; you’ll find quick-bite eateries, coffee shops, yoga studios and more here, catering to students. The city is surrounded by 45,000 acres of open space, with forest and foothills always minutes from your hotel door. More Neighborhood Info
Get the inside scoop on our Boulder's attractions.