Central Boulder

Smack dab in the geographic middle of Boulder, this neighborhood is close to just about everything while also being its own hub of cultural activity, including art galleries, casual eateries, coffee shops and several great hotels. Just east of bustling downtown, Central Boulder is convenient for accessing Pearl Street by foot, bike and bus and is also adjacent to the Twenty Ninth Street shopping center.

Things to Do

• Visit the Dairy Arts Center to explore the latest gallery exhibitions, catch a dance or theater performance or watch an arthouse film at Boedecker Cinema.

• Stop in the locally beloved McGuckin Hardware and find the gadget, cute outdoor outfit or Boulder keepsake you didn’t know you needed. 

• Try your hand at indoor rock climbing in one of Boulder’s climbing gyms, which can all be found in Central Boulder: Movement Climbing and Fitness, The Spot (bouldering only), ABC Kids Climbing and Boulder Rock Club.

• Enjoy an expertly crafted espresso drink at one of Boulder’s most treasured coffee shops like Verb, January, Brewing Market and Red Rock Coffeehouse, or indulge in freshly baked goods made with locally milled flour at Dry Storage.

• Embrace your inner child with some swimming or a picnic on the lawn at Scott Carpenter Park. If it’s a snow day, rent a sled and head to this park to take advantage of one of Boulder’s best sledding hills.

More Things to Do

Play pickleball at Boulder Pickleball, take the kids to play at Junkyard Social (or attend one of their awesome adult dance nights), do some cold and hot plunges at Portal Thermaculture, plan a spa day at Woodhouse or browse the listings below for more adventures.

Where to Eat

In Central Boulder, you can nosh on pretty much any food you can think of, from fast-casual eateries at Twenty Ninth Street to homey diners and international cafes.

Where to Stay

Central Boulder is home to some of Boulder's most raved-about hotels that maximize comfort and make it convenient and easy to park while still being close to everything.