Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder, Colorado, is a unique place to visit. Its mild climate makes it a standout destination for outdoor recreation activities. While the city’s vibrant and progressive culture also creates an inviting home for the arts.
With its stunning natural beauty, lively culture, and active lifestyle, Boulder is a city that has something to offer everyone. Here are a few ideas for unique things to do during your visit to Boulder:
Go bouldering at the Boulder Rock Club.
Website: boulderrockclub.com
How many times can we say “Boulder” in one sentence? But seriously, bouldering is a style of rock climbing done on smaller rock formations or indoor climbing walls without ropes or harnesses. Instead, boulderers climb relatively short routes, known as “problems,” requiring strength, technique, and mental focus.
The Boulder Rock Club is one of the country’s first climbing gyms. The 10,000-square-foot facility includes three stories of climbing, over 200 high-quality routes, and boulder problems. All ages and experience levels – beginner to competitor – are welcome at Boulder Rock Club.
Explore the Boulder Farmer’s Market.
The Boulder Farmers’ Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It features local plants, produce, crafts, and food vendors. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or stock up on fresh ingredients.
Purchases at the farmer’s market go towards supporting the local community through agriculture and equitable food access. The market runs on Wednesdays from May to October and Saturdays from April to November.
Enjoy a concert at the Colorado Music Festival.
Image credit: Geremy Kornreich
The Colorado Music Festival presents a six-week concert series in Boulder every summer. The Festival Orchestra comprises musicians representing 44 orchestras from 23 states, four provinces, and three countries. Concerts are held at the Chautauqua Auditorium – a beautiful and historic venue built in 1898 with unbelievable acoustics.
The Colorado Music Festival includes events for families, classical music lovers, musicians, and novices alike. For more information on this summer’s concert schedule, visit coloradomusicfestival.org/calendar
Catch a game at Folsom Field.
Website: cubuffs.com/sports/football
Boulder is also home to the University of Colorado-Boulder and its Buffaloes football program. The CU Buffs play each fall at Folsom Field. The stadium seats over 50,000 and is probably one of the most scenic and beautiful places you will ever watch football. Tickets and schedules can be found at the link above.
Go shopping at Pearl Street Mall.
Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrian-only shopping and dining district with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. The mall contains local shops like Peppercorn and international chains such as Fjallraven and Lush.
The Pearl Street Mall is also great for people-watching and hanging out. There are street performers every weekend, and the city also hosts various events at the mall. For a list of things happening on Pearl Street, visit boulderdowntown.com/events
Have Afternoon Tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
Website: www.boulderteahouse.com/afternoon-tea
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a unique building gifted to Boulder by the city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The teahouse was built by hand in Dushanbe by more than 40 artisans. Many interior and exterior elements were created or painted by hand, including the ceiling, tables, stools, and columns.
An eclectic international menu is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but if you have the forethought to make a reservation 24 hours in advance, you can enjoy afternoon tea, complete with white linens, tea sandwiches, and a premium pot of tea.
Hike the Flatirons.
When you’re in Boulder, you can’t help but notice The Flatirons – the iconic rock formations that rise up from the plains. Many trails lead up to the Flatirons, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
For more information on how to hike the Flatirons, visit: www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/insider-guides/flatirons
Visit the Museum of Boulder.
Website: museumofboulder.org
The Museum of Boulder is housed in the historic Harbeck-Bergheim House, a Victorian-era mansion built in 1899. It offers a variety of educational programs, events, and exhibits for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s diverse collection includes artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the area’s natural history, geology, culture, and people. Exhibits cover topics such as the mining and railroad industries, Native American history, the hippie movement of the 1960s, and the development of the technology industry in Boulder.
Take the family to WOW! Childrens Museum.
Website: wowchildrensmuseum.org
Wow! Children’s Museum is a popular destination for families with young children in the Boulder area. It provides a fun and educational environment for children to explore and learn through play.
Located in Lafayette, Colorado, a 15-minute drive from Boulder, the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and programs for children aged 1-11. The museum hosts special events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and family festivals.
Don’t wait. Plan your summer of music, memories, and mountain magic today!
