Look, we gotta be straight with you about Boulder—this city has no business being so freaking awesome. We know, we know...it sounds like another privileged, Kickstarter-yoga-mat-toting mountain town. But give it a chance and we promise you’ll fall hard for its quirks just like we did. After 15 years of living in this humble abode for tech geeks, granola hippies, and pioneering entrepreneurs (hey, no city is perfect), we’ve turned into bonafide Boulder travel experts.
And we’re here to convince you to book your tickets ASAP with this comprehensive insider’s guide. We’ve got rugged peaks for seasoned outdoor junkies, but also epic farmer’s markets for the timid vegans among us. Boutique shopping galore for the fashionistas, yet plenty of nerdy lectures at CU for the academics looking to geektastically stimulate their brains. Oh, and did we mention 300 days of sunshine? Even the weather here overachieves.
By the end of this Boulder travel guide chock full of local tips, your FOMO will transform into JOMO faster than you can down a cold-pressed kombucha. From the scenic Boulder Creek Path to the rebel indie spirit of the Pearl Street Mall, you'll soon plot ways to ditch your regular life to move here like the rest of us Boulder fanboys.
We aim to save you from lame tourist traps, lead you to hip hidden gems, shower you in restaurant recs, splash quality craft beer listings your way, and lift the veil on how we locals play here with such contagious joy. So kick back, relax those hiking-boot-clad feet, and let this comprehensive Boulder bible inspire your next big adventure in our beloved mountain playground. Come join us weirdos...we promise you won’t regret it!
About Boulder
In Boulder, you'll find a thriving outdoor culture and 300 days of sunshine each year. As a result, locals are happy and healthy. You can easily integrate yourself into this lifestyle as soon as you arrive. You can also indulge in the varied food and drink scene. Whether you're a foodie or just a drinker, you'll find a place to satisfy your cravings in Boulder.
One of the main attractions in Boulder is the Pearl Street Mall, which runs for four blocks through the city. This pedestrian-only street is home to a variety of eclectic shops, boutiques, and restaurants, including some of Boulder's finest eateries. Visiting this lively area is the perfect way to unwind after a day hiking or biking in the mountains.
Boulder is known for its scenic mountain ranges, including the iconic Flatirons. If you're a history buff, you can tour the historic Chautauqua Hall, which features a concert hall, and check out the historic dining hall and rental cottages with mountain views. Boulder's Pearl Street Mall is also an excellent place to indulge in gourmet food and beverages, and there's even a Boulder Craft Ale Trail that features over a thousand breweries.
Why Go to Boulder
Boulder is one of the best places in the country for a healthy outdoor lifestyle. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a diverse outdoor culture, it's no wonder that people love living here. The city is also a great place to sample the local food and beverage scene. Whether you're looking for a delicious vegetarian meal or a high-quality brew, Boulder has a lot to offer.
The students at CU Boulder are a diverse bunch. The campus is home to a large percentage of native Colorado residents. There's no racial or gender discrimination on campus, and everyone is welcome to participate in social groups. There are dozens of clubs, which are consistently active on campus. The campus is known for its tolerance and equality, and the chancellor recently emphasized this as a main value for the school.
The University of Colorado Boulder is the largest university in Colorado. The campus features a museum displaying a moon rock, mascots, and memorabilia from famous alumni. The city is also home to the Shakespeare Festival, a summer festival that attracts many college students, as well as Colorado football games in the fall.
Best Time to Go
Fall is an ideal time to visit Boulder, CO, US. The temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller. The aspen trees glow, and the crisp air entices visitors to spend hours outdoors. If you're looking for a more active vacation, this is the time to visit.
Although the weather in Boulder isn't very predictable, there are some factors you should consider. First of all, you should choose a time when it won't be too cold or too hot. Summer temperatures in Boulder are generally in the mid-80s. There's also a low chance of rain in Boulder during the summer. You can also plan your trip to Boulder in advance by booking a hotel at least a month in advance.
Winter - Boulder transforms into a winter wonderland around the holidays. You'll find festive events and strolls along Pearl Street in the evening.
How to Get Around
There are several ways to get around Boulder, Colorado, including public transportation, biking, walking, and driving. Boulder and Denver share a common mass transit system, RTD. This system is relatively inexpensive and offers a quick way to get around the city. There are also several bus routes throughout the city, including the popular Hop, Skip, and Jump.
Most residents of Boulder commute to their jobs by car, with about 50% of them driving alone. The average commute in Boulder is about 20 minutes, which is about six minutes faster than the national average. However, many people choose other forms of transportation, such as walking or biking. Boulder has more than 300 miles of bike paths and a pedestrian-only main street, making it a highly walkable city. It also features lots of fresh mountain air and warm Colorado sunshine.
There are also many bicycle rental facilities in Boulder. The city has been named one of the top bicycle-friendly cities in the country. Bike rental services offer a variety of bikes for rent, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and triathlon bikes. You can even test out one before you buy it.
Things to Do
One of the most popular annual events in Boulder is the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder, the festival attracts thousands of people every summer. Held on an open-air stage, the festival features some of Shakespeare's most famous plays. The festival is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Boulder, Colorado. You can also enjoy a tasty meal in the Shakespeare Garden afterwards. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy an evening out.
You can also browse the local shops and galleries in Boulder. There are many unique stores to browse and many restaurants to choose from. Boulder is home to world-renowned breweries, so you can sample some delicious local brews while you're here. You can also check out Boulder's vibrant downtown scene. Located between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures. It's also home to world-renowned breweries and a vibrant art scene.
If you're looking for something more hands-on, you can tour a local farm. The UCAR Center for Science Education has a variety of interactive exhibits and programs that promote the study and appreciation of science. Its mission is to create educational experiences that connect citizens with scientists and the public, and to foster the development of future leaders. Visitors can learn about local science and how it affects their everyday lives.
Neighborhoods to Know
The neighborhoods of Boulder don't quite have distinct personalities like New York or San Francisco, but each region has its own flavor. You can find hipster hangouts in North Boulder, a neighborhood filled with mid-century modern homes and urban farms in the East, or you can explore the foothills in West Boulder and discover hidden ethnic restaurants in South Boulder. The downtown area is centered around the historic Pearl Street pedestrian mall.
The Hill is one of Boulder's oldest neighborhoods, located south of downtown. Its residents are a mix of young professionals, retirees, and families. Despite its relatively quiet location, it is surrounded by parks and hiking trails. While this neighborhood is far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boulder, it is a great place to live if you're looking for a more relaxing neighborhood.
The Highlands is another neighborhood worth exploring. Its proximity to the mountains makes it a great choice for families and architecture buffs. There are many great restaurants in this neighborhood, including Linger, which offers great views.
Weather
The weather in Boulder, Colorado varies considerably from month to month. The number of days with precipitation is variable, but the average temperature hovers between 20-26°C. The hottest months are June, July and August. Boulder also experiences a dry season from January to February. The coldest month is December.
The length of the day in Boulder varies significantly throughout the year. The shortest day is December 21, and the longest day is June 21. In Boulder, there are fifteen hours and one minute of daylight per day. The average wind direction in Boulder is west. It is usually quite calm during the rest of the year.
Boulder receives an average of eighteen inches of precipitation per year. The wettest month is May, while the driest month is January. There are eighty-eight rainy days per year in Boulder, making it slightly wetter than most of the rest of Colorado. The driest month is January, with 2.8 days of rainfall per month.
