Boulder, Colorado, is a vibrant university town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With its stunning natural scenery, thriving arts scene, and abundance of outdoor activities, Boulder offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. If you’re planning a trip to Boulder in May 2024, here are nine of the best things you can do:
Boulder is a city that truly embraces its natural surroundings. The city is home to numerous parks and open spaces, including the iconic Flatirons, a series of dramatic rock formations that provide a stunning backdrop to the city. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or simply enjoy a picnic, Boulder’s parks offer something for everyone. One of the most popular hiking trails in Boulder is the Chautauqua Trail, which leads to the summit of Chautauqua Mountain and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Boulder is also home to a number of excellent museums, including the CU Art Museum, which houses a collection of over 8,000 works of art from around the world; the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art; and the Fiske Planetarium, which offers a variety of shows and programs about astronomy and space exploration. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Boulder, be sure to visit the Boulder History Museum, which tells the story of the city from its founding in 1858 to the present day.
No visit to Boulder would be complete without spending some time exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene. Boulder is home to a number of theaters, music venues, and art galleries, offering a wide variety of performances and exhibitions. The Boulder Theater is a historic venue that hosts a variety of musical acts, from local bands to national touring acts. The Dairy Center for the Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts center that offers a variety of classes, workshops, and performances. And the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place to see cutting-edge contemporary art from local, national, and international artists.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable way to experience Boulder, be sure to check out one of the city’s many festivals. Boulder hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Boulder International Film Festival, the Colorado Music Festival, and the Boulder Fringe Festival. These festivals offer a great opportunity to experience Boulder’s vibrant culture and to see some of the city’s best artists and performers.
1. Hike the Flatirons
The Flatirons are a series of iconic rock formations that are located just west of Boulder. These formations are a popular hiking destination, and there are several trails that lead to the summit of the Flatirons. The most popular trail is the Chautauqua Trail, which is a 4.5-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the Flatirons and the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, you can try the Royal Arch Trail, which is a 5.5-mile loop trail that includes a section of steep, rocky terrain.
2. Visit the Pearl Street Mall
The Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrian mall that is located in the heart of Boulder. This mall is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, and it’s a popular place to go for a stroll, do some shopping, or have a bite to eat. The Pearl Street Mall is also home to several public art installations, including the “Boulder Boulder,” a large bronze sculpture of a boulder that is located at the intersection of Pearl Street and 13th Street.
3. Explore the University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university that is located in Boulder. CU Boulder is a major research institution, and it’s home to several museums and cultural attractions, including the CU Art Museum, the Fiske Planetarium, and the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. CU Boulder is also home to a variety of performing arts venues, including the Macky Auditorium and the University Theatre.
4. Visit the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is a non-profit art museum that is located in Boulder. This museum is dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting contemporary art. The museum’s collection includes works by a variety of artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and classes.
5. Attend a concert at the Boulder Theater
The Boulder Theater is a historic venue that is located in Boulder. This venue has been hosting concerts since 1906, and it’s one of the most popular live music venues in Boulder. The Boulder Theater has hosted a variety of acts, including Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and Pearl Jam. The Boulder Theater also offers a variety of other events, including film screenings, comedy shows, and dance performances.
6. Visit the Celestial Seasonings Factory
Celestial Seasonings is a tea company that is headquartered in Boulder. The company offers a variety of tours of its factory, which is located in Boulder. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at how Celestial Seasonings tea is made. The tours also include a tasting of Celestial Seasonings tea. Celestial Seasonings also offers a variety of other products, including herbal supplements, spices, and gifts.
7. Go for a hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park is a state park that is located just south of Boulder. This park is home to a variety of hiking trails, including the Eldorado Canyon Trail, which is a 6.7-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the canyon. Eldorado Canyon State Park is also home to a variety of other recreational activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and fishing.
8. Visit the Boulder Farmers Market
The Boulder Farmers Market is a farmers market that is held every Saturday from April to October. This market features a variety of local vendors selling a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other products. The Boulder Farmers Market is a great place to buy local food and to support local farmers.
9. Attend a festival in Boulder
Boulder is home to a variety of festivals throughout the year. These festivals offer a great opportunity to experience Boulder’s vibrant culture and to see some of the city’s best artists and performers. Some of the most popular festivals in Boulder include the Boulder International Film Festival, the Colorado Music Festival, and the Boulder Fringe Festival.
Culture
Boulder is a city with a rich and vibrant culture. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and music venues, and it hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Boulder is also home to a number of public art installations, including the “Boulder Boulder,” a large bronze sculpture of a boulder that is located at the intersection of Pearl Street and 13th Street.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Boulder is during the shoulder seasons, which are April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than they are during the summer months. However, Boulder is a great place to visit year-round, and each season offers its own unique charms.
Nearby Transportation
Boulder is located just 25 miles northwest of Denver, and it is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides bus and light rail service to Boulder from Denver and other surrounding areas. Boulder is also home to a number of bike paths and trails, making it easy to get around the city by bike.
Local Food
Boulder is home to a variety of restaurants, serving everything from local cuisine to international fare. Some of the most popular local restaurants include The Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves American cuisine; Mateo, a Mexican restaurant that serves traditional Mexican dishes; and Frasca Food and Wine, an Italian restaurant that serves modern Italian cuisine.
Best Hotels
Boulder is home to a number of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Some of the most popular hotels in Boulder include the Hotel Boulderado, a historic hotel that is located in the heart of downtown Boulder; the St. Julien Hotel & Spa, a luxury hotel that is located in downtown Boulder; and the Boulder Marriott, a modern hotel that is located near the University of Colorado Boulder.
Conclusion
Boulder is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, explore the arts, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, Boulder has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
