Boulder is one of those cool places where you can relax and also find adventure at the same time. With amazing mountain views, hiking trails only minutes from downtown, and tons of family-friendly stuff to do, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
We’ve spent days at a time here, and there’s so much to do that we barely scratched the surface! Before visiting, I made a list of the places to see, and even though we didn’t have time for it all, I’m sharing everything below in case you want to squeeze in a few more stops!
What to Do in Boulder
Explore the Pearl Street Mall
A trip to Boulder isn’t complete without a leisurely stroll down Pearl Street Mall. This pedestrian-only area in the heart of downtown is full of charm, featuring brick walkways, boutique shops, and bookstores. You’ll also find plenty of coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and restaurants.
This outdoor mall is very walkable, family-friendly, and safe for kids to run around. It has a small play area for younger visitors. My son enjoyed taking pictures with the large boulders along the street. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or simply exploring the area, spending an hour or two wandering through Pearl Street is worthwhile.
Play at Gateway Park Fun Center
My son is really into mini golf right now, so we’ve been checking out different courses wherever we go. Even though it often ends with him in a bad mood if he loses, we usually have a blast together! He always wants to go again, and he’s getting better!
The Gateway Park Fun Center has two 18-hole golf courses with nice views. If you’re looking for more fun, they also have an arcade, go-karts, batting cages, and a driving range.
And if you’re in the mood for more mini golf, definitely check out Holey Moley in Downtown Denver—especially when it’s cold outside! It’s indoors, so it’s a cozy spot to warm up, play some games, sip on drinks, and grab a bite to eat!
Hike to Eldorado Falls
If you’re looking for a scenic hike that won’t take up your whole day, the trail from the Ethel Harrold Trailhead at Walker Ranch to Eldorado Falls is nice. Depending on which route you take, it’s 2.4 to 3.8 miles roundtrip and moderately challenging, but it’s worth it. The trail leads to a rushing creek with waterfalls where you can explore the bridge and walk alongside the water on stairs built into the boulders.
There are two ways to reach the falls from the trailhead, and we actually did both. On the way down, we took the longer, more shaded route that zigzags through the woods with gentler elevation changes (approx. 1.9 miles). On the way back, we opted for the shorter path, which follows more of a rocky dirt road (approx. 1.2 miles). It’s steeper and more exposed, and even though the temps were only in the 60s in late March, it felt surprisingly hot on the way up due to the lack of shade. If you go, be sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen.
It’s kid-friendly—my son (8 at the time) charged the first half of the hike and was all about the creek and waterfalls, but he was not a fan of the uphill hike back in the sun. He made it, but it was a little challenging.
Bonus: The drive to and from the trailhead is a treat itself, offering panoramic views of Boulder as you wind through the Flatirons.
Museum of Natural History
Our son loves dinosaurs, so we’ve been to our fair share of Natural History Museums, but we didn’t have time to check this one out. It’s Located on the University of Colorado campus and has everything from dinosaur fossils to displays of Native American cultures and Colorado wildlife. It’s an easy stop if you’re looking for a slower-paced educational activity.
Fiske Planetarium
Also, on campus, the Fiske Planetarium is ideal for stargazers or anyone curious about space. Check their schedule for interactive shows, events, and planetarium experiences that are fun for both kids and adults.
Chautauqua Park, Flagstaff Mountain & Lost Gulch Overlook
If you’re looking to pack a bunch of fun into a half-day outing, consider visiting Chautauqua Park, Flagstaff Mountain, and Lost Gulch Overlook. All of them are dog-friendly (on a leash) and great for exploration. You can drive to each location and take a stroll, or if you’re feeling adventurous, there are numerous hiking trails available.
Start your day at Chautauqua Park, then you can hike or drive over to Flagstaff Mountain and make a stop at Lost Gulch Overlook for some stunning views. You can find the route for visiting all three locations here.
Chautauqua Park is right at the base of Boulder’s Flatirons and has some great hiking trails like the Chautauqua Trail and the Royal Arch Trail. There’s also a nice picnic meadow and the Chautauqua Dining Hall if you want to grab a bite.
After Chautauqua Park, Flagstaff Mountain is just a quick drive or hike away and has amazing panoramic views of Boulder and the mountain range. You’ll find trails and picnic spots, plus the upscale Flagstaff House Restaurant.
For the grand finale, stop by the Lost Gulch Overlook on Flagstaff Road for phenomenal views of the Indian Peaks and Boulder.
Where to Eat & Drink
Bohemian Biergarten
Bohemian Biergarten was our favorite restaurant on this trip! The food quality was so high that I recommend putting it at the top of your list of places to eat.
It features long communal tables, German beers, and hearty comfort food, including schnitzel, bratwurst, soft pretzels, and delicious deviled eggs. The sausage platter was amazing, and they also have the dry German Riesling wine that I love! Our son, who can be quite picky, especially enjoyed the chicken schnitzel from the kid’s menu.
Pedro’s Tacos and Tequila
Pedro’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is a vibrant, laid-back spot that serves up authentic Mexican cuisine alongside some fantastic margaritas. We’ve been there multiple times now and have thoroughly enjoyed their Mesquite Grill for two, featuring a delicious mix of steak, shrimp, sausage, and chicken—it’s so good! Of course, we couldn’t resist pairing it with a pitcher of margaritas. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
Avery Brewing
If you’re into beer, you’ve got to check out Avery Brewing Company. This brewery is a Boulder favorite, with a wide selection of taps and a tasty menu. The spacious indoor and outdoor areas are great for families, groups, and little ones. Our son was only fourteen months old the first time we went, and it was a fantastic place for him to run around outside.
Dark Horse
Dark Horse is a Boulder landmark packed with vintage signs, funky memorabilia, and character. It’s a cool place to explore and offers a very affordable menu. The back dining area has arcade games for kids.
Hotel Boulderado (Even Just for a Drink!)
Whether you’re staying here or not, the historic Hotel Boulderado is worth a visit. Pop into the lobby for some old-school elegance, or grab a cocktail at License No. 1, the speakeasy-style bar, or a bite to eat at Spruce or the Corner Bar.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA Mexican Eats is a good place to grab something quick and satisfying between activities. I took my son here since it was conveniently right next to the Boulder Marriott, and we were both impressed with the high-quality, flavorful food.
Wild Pastures Burger Company
We’ve been paying more attention to the ingredients in the foods we eat, and Wild Pastures Burger Company caught my eye. They serve 100% grass-fed beef burgers, pasture-raised chicken, veggie patties, and fries cooked in grass-fed beef tallow, all made with organic produce and homemade sauces.
To drink, you can choose from keto-friendly milkshakes sweetened by monk fruit, sodas and juices with no refined sugar, and beer or wine.
We definitely enjoyed our guilt-free meal there. The restaurant is quite popular, but they have plenty of seating both inside and on the patio.
Where to Stay
Boulder Marriott
The Boulder Marriott was a great place to stay during one of our Boulder trips. It’s modern, comfortable, and a short walk from Pearl Street Mall (despite some grumbling from our 8-year-old). Our room was quiet and had a fantastic view of the Flatirons. Our son loved the indoor swimming pool, and he was thrilled about the pool table in the sitting area. My husband and I loved unwinding in the club lounge and grabbing a drink at the bar while chatting with friendly bartenders, staff, and other guests.
Hotel Boulderado
We’ve walked through Hotel Boulderado a few times, and with its old-fashioned elegance and ornate decor, it feels like you stepped back into a more glamorous era. Fingers crossed, we can plan a kid-free getaway soon to stay there and experience the speakeasy, License No. 1, and The Underground Comedy Showcase.
Boulder Bound?
Boulder’s got outdoor fun, tasty food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Dive into these experiences, stay at the Boulder Marriott or Hotel Boulderado, and you’ll leave with a serious love for this mountain town.