Old North Boulder

Hardly half a mile outside of downtown, Old North Boulder is a charming, community-oriented neighborhood known for its laid-back and local vibes. Although it’s a more residential area of Boulder, you’ll find a couple of lively pockets filled with local coffee shops and bakeries, peaceful city parks and award-winning restaurants that make a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Things to Do

• Get some fresh air. North Boulder Park is one of the city's most beloved, scenic public parks. South-facing views and an expansive lawn supply a plethora of spots to sunbathe, picnic and play sports. Pick up provisions from the nearby Ideal Market and relax in the sunshine. When it snows, the outer loop around the park opens up for Nordic skiing, and on sunny winter days you'll see numerous Boulderites doing laps in t-shirts.

• Kick off your morning with Colorado-roasted coffee at Beleza Coffee Bar and pastries straight from the oven of Breadworks Cafe. Take your treats onto the west-facing community patio area, where you'll be accompanied by locals reading the paper and communing after morning hikes.

• Burn some energy at the North Boulder Recreation Center's gym and pool. You'll also have access to basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts, along with a hot tub and sauna in the pool facilities.

• Get your hands dirty at two urban gardens within just a few blocks of each other. Stop by Growing Gardens, a regenerative farm that offers various educational workshops and events for all ages, or dig your own irises at Long’s Gardens.

• Catch a football game (of the European variety) at Hungry Toad, where you can watch English Premier League games while enjoying a pint and pub grub.

More Things to Do

An afternoon in Old North Boulder is time well spent. Check out the arts scene, hiking, coffee shops, dining and more things to do below.

Where to Eat

Here you'll find established and much-loved international eateries tucked into inconspicuous plazas. Like Santo, a Northern-New-Mexican-style restaurant started by Top Chef winner Josea Rosenberg, which calls Old North Boulder home.

Where to Stay

Old North Boulder is a small residential area without lodging options, so your best bets are downtown or North Boulder, less than half a mile in either direction and directly accessible by public transport. You'll find nearby lodging options below.