This vibrant, walkable four-block pedestrian street in downtown Boulder is lined with eclectic shops, local boutiques, lively cafés, and delicious restaurants — perfect for everything from a casual coffee to a memorable dinner outing.
A one-of-a-kind cultural gem in downtown Boulder. This stunning teahouse was handcrafted by artisans in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and gifted to the city, then shipped piece by piece and beautifully reassembled here as a symbol of international friendship.
Inside, you’ll discover an enchanting world of hand-carved and hand-painted ceilings, intricate columns, colorful tiles, fountains, and lush rose gardens — a feast for the eyes and a peaceful place to slow down. Enjoy a cup of specialty tea, a light brunch or lunch, or simply wander through and soak up the artistry and global charm.
Perched against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this striking scientific campus is both an architectural landmark and a fun, educational outing for curious visitors. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the Mesa Lab houses a public Visitor Center full of hands-on exhibits about weather, climate, the Earth and Sun, and atmospheric science — and admission is free!
CHECK IF VISITOR CENTER IS OPEN BEFORE YOU GO SINCE NCAR'S FATE IS UNCERTAIN RIGHT NOW.
NCAR is also the starting point of many different hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. The parking lot offers amazing views of Boulder!
One of Boulder’s most beloved outdoor destinations, Chautauqua sits at the base of the iconic Flatirons and blends stunning natural beauty with relaxed Colorado charm. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the views — whether you’re picnicking on the lush lawn, wandering the paths, or heading out on one of the many hiking trails that radiate up into the foothills.
A quirky and sensory-rich stop in Boulder that’s perfect for tea lovers and curious travelers alike! Join a guided behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s most famous herbal tea makers and discover how Celestial’s blends are crafted, mixed, packaged, and shipped right here in Colorado. Tickets are $6 per person.
ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: https://celestialseasonings.com/pages/tea-tour
This bright, walkable, outdoor mall features a mix of local favorites and popular brands, a movie theater, plus plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. With stores ranging from fashion and accessories to tech and beauty, it’s a great place to wander and shop.
Boulder and the surrounding areas are full of hiking/walking trails, with options for both easy and challenging hikes. Here's just a few to look up:
Easier
NCAR - Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail
Chautauqua (different levels of challenge)
Sanitas Valley
Coot Lake
Wonderland Lake
Bobolink Trail
Flatirons Vista
Davidson Mesa (in Louisville)
More challenging
Mount Sanitas
Lion's Lair
Shanahan Ridge
Chautauqua (different levels of challenge)
Flagstaff Mountain
Green Mountain
Bear Peak
Walker Ranch Loop
Keep in mind that trailheads fill up quickly, and you may need parking permits for some of them. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, plus be mindful of potential altitude sickness! Make sure to research the trails before deciding where to hike and what to bring.