Chautauqua Park is a great option for hikes of all skill levels with views of the Flatirons just a short drive from downtown Boulder.
Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour from Boulder, but worth the drive for beautiful mountain views, alpine lakes, wildlife, and tons of great of hiking trails. Be sure to check park conditions and timed entry requirements before you go and check out the town of Estes Park while you're there!
Located just 10 minutes south of Boulder, "Eldo" is a local favorite, offering scenic views of colorful sandstone walls along with opportunities to hike and climb for those inclined. Weekend reservations are required but can easily be made using the link below. After your visit, check out the Eldorado Springs Pool just across the street.
The best swimming pool around! Beautiful views of the canyon and complete with a diving board and awesome snack bar.
For a nice 2-mile hike with scenic views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, drive 40 minutes towards Nederland and hike to Lost Lake. If you bring your fishing rod, a size 18–22 Purple Haze should get the attention of the local brook trout.
For an enjoyable and easygoing hike, check out Button Rock Preserve near Lyons. Afterwards, head into town for lunch at St. Vrain Market and grab one of their delicious sandwiches—they’re easily some of our favorites!
The Boulder Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm! Pick up a coffee and stroll through the vendor stands with fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats, flowers, and lots of great food.
Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is a great place to walk around and explore local boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants.
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Dairy Arts Center, Velvet Elk Lounge
Restaurants: Blackbelly, Rosetta Hall, Corrida, Dushanbe Tea House, Wapos (great smothered burritos and margs with a cool antique/thrift shop next door, Littlehorse Warehouse), Audrey Jane's Pizza Garage, and so many more. Stop at the St. Vrain Market in Lyon's on your way back from hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or Button Rock Nature Preserve for our favorite sandwich spot! Breweries: Avery, Southern Sun (great place for lunch too, cash only), Upslope, Twisted Pine, and Vision Quest (nextdoor to Ethan's favorite climbing shop) Wine and cocktails: Bitter Bar, Gemini, Rayback Collective, and Foxglove (located in Lafayette, Lauren's favorite!) Coffee: Ozo, Trident, and The Laughing Goat Sweet Treats: Gelato Boy (the best ice cream in town) and Punch Buggy Shaved Ice (located in Lafayette, Ethan's favorite!)