Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado
Boulder packs a full weekend of things to do into a walkable downtown and the foothills right behind it: hiking trails at the base of the Flatirons, Pearl Street's shops and street performers, breweries and restaurants, museums, and family-friendly parks. This guide organizes it all into eight categories, so you can jump straight to what you're in the mood for.
Boulder at a glance
| Category | Best for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors & trails | Getting outside | See the guide › |
| Food, restaurants & breweries | Eating and drinking well | See the guide › |
| Family / with kids | Families | See the guide › |
| Rainy day / indoor | Bad weather or smoky days | See the guide › |
| Free things to do | Budget-minded trips | See the guide › |
| This weekend / seasonal & events | What's on right now | See the guide › |
| Nightlife & breweries | Evenings out | See the guide › |
| Arts, museums & Pearl Street | Culture and shopping | See the guide › |
Browse by category
Every category below has its own full guide. Start with whatever fits your trip.
Free things to do in Boulder
A surprising amount of Boulder costs nothing but a parking spot: the Open Space and Mountain Parks trail system, the Pearl Street Mall's street performers and window shopping, and the Boulder Creek Path through the middle of town. See the full free things to do guide.
Things to do in Boulder with kids
Boulder is an easy family trip: flat paths, hands-on museums, and short foothill trails that work for younger legs. See the family guide for a full day-out plan.
Things to do in Boulder this weekend
What's worth doing changes with the season and the calendar. The this weekend guide covers seasonal picks and what's on right now.
Indoor things to do when it's cold or smoky
Wildfire smoke and winter storms both mean a day better spent indoors. See the rainy day and indoor guide for museums, galleries, and other backup plans.
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Things to do in Boulder: frequently asked questions
What is Boulder, Colorado known for?
Boulder is known for the Flatirons, the tilted rock formations that form a dramatic backdrop right at the edge of downtown, for the University of Colorado Boulder, for the Pearl Street Mall's shops and street performers, and for an outdoor-recreation culture that puts hiking, cycling, and climbing minutes from the city center.
How many days do you need in Boulder?
A weekend covers the highlights: a walk on Pearl Street, a foothills hike, and a meal or two. If you want to add a day trip up the canyon toward Nederland and the high country, or spend more time on the trails, plan for three days.
What are the best free things to do in Boulder?
Most of Boulder's best activities cost nothing but a parking spot or a walk from downtown: hiking the Open Space and Mountain Parks trails, wandering and people-watching on the Pearl Street Mall, and walking or biking the Boulder Creek Path. See the full free things to do guide for specifics.
Is Boulder good for a family trip?
Yes. Boulder has flat, stroller-friendly paths, hands-on museums, and easy foothill trails that work for kids, plus a walkable downtown where nobody needs a car for a few hours. See the family guide for a full day-out plan.
What's the best time of year to visit Boulder?
Summer brings the fullest calendar of outdoor activity and the busiest trailheads and parking. Fall brings cooler air, gold aspens up the canyons, and thinner crowds, which makes it a favorite for hiking. Winter still works for lower, sunnier trails and Pearl Street's shops; spring can be muddy on the trails but is quiet downtown.
Do you need a car to enjoy Boulder?
Not downtown. Pearl Street, many restaurants, and the Boulder Creek Path are all walkable or bikeable from a central hotel. But the higher trailheads, and day trips up the canyon toward Nederland, effectively need a car or a ride.