Places to Visit in Boulder

The three most popular places to visit in Boulder are the Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park, and the University of Colorado campus. However, there are some other gems as well.

Pearl Street Mall Area

The Pearl Street Mall is considered the heart of Boulder. Most visitors begin their exploration of the town with a stroll down the mall. You'll pass dozens of cafes and boutiques as you walk — as well as the independent Boulder Bookstore. You'll probably also come across an impromptu performance from a local street performer or musician.

The walking mall runs from 11th Street to 15th Street (map). However, since 2021, a section between 9th and 11th has also been closed to vehicle traffic — and dining tables have been extended beyond the previously small patios. Most of us hope that this arrangement continues!

The fun extends several blocks east and west of the no-car zone (roughly 6th street to 19th in all.) There are also some sights to see north and south of Pearl.

Dushanbe Teahouse, located a few blocks south of the Pearl Street Mall on 13th Street (map), was a gift to Boulder from its sister-city Dushanbe in Tajikistan. Crafted by artisans and shipped around the world to Boulder, the tea house is a colorful display of Persian-inspired art. Next door is the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA). You'll find the adjacent Boulder Farmers' Market on Saturdays between April and November, as well as Wednesday afternoons between May and October.

Just north of Pearl on Broadway at Pine is The Museum of Boulder (map), which features historical and interactive exhibits about Boulder history.

Chautauqua Park Area

If the mall is the heart of Boulder, then Chautauqua Park is the town's crown jewel. Located at the base of the Boulder flatirons, Chautauqua is a beautiful site for a hike or a picnic. The park was developed as part of the 19th century cultural "chautauqua movement," which involved summer gatherings of people for purposes of learning. Today Boulder's Chautauqua is one of the finest urban parks in the nation.

Chautauqua is located at the western edge of Baseline Road (map). There is no entrance fee, although parking spots fill up in the summer.

The driveable summit of Flagstaff mountain provides a wonderful view of Boulder and lands to the east. To get there, take Baseline past Chautauqua Park, and follow the winding Flagstaff Road to Realization Point. Take a right on Summit Road to the Sunrise Amphitheater parking lot (map). At the top is the Flagstaff Nature Center, open on weekends from May until September.

The University of Colorado Campus

The campus of the University of Colorado is a fun place to explore. Highlights include the Fiske Planetarium — which features star shows, laser light shows, and science exhibits — as well as the CU Museum of Natural History, located in the Henderson building. CU football games and other sporting events are also huge draws. Music and arts events take place at various sites on campus as well. See our music and arts page for more info.

Other Spots

Boulder Falls, located in Boulder Canyon mid-way between Boulder and Nederland, is another fun spot for visitors. The brief walk to the falls is easy — and for those who haven't seen a mountain waterfall, the destination is a treat. Take caution if the rocks on the path are wet and slippery. One little-known fact: on extremely cold days in the winter, Boulder Falls freezes and becomes a challenging ice climbing line.

The Celestial Seasonings tea company is headquartered in Boulder, and offers tours to the public. The experience is akin to a winery tour — though instead of chardonnay and merlot, you'll sample peppermint and lemon zinger. A gallery of tea box art gives a cultural flair to the experience. The Celestial Seasonings Tea company is located on aptly-named Sleepytime Drive (map) in northeast Boulder. Call (303) 581-1202 for information.

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