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Boulder, Colorado, is a university city with a vibrant downtown, located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Overview of Boulder, Colorado
Boulder was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, notably the Ute in the 16th century and Arapaho in the early 19th century. Non-Native settlers arrived in the 19th century, and Boulder City was founded by prospectors led by Thomas Aikins in 1858. The Arapaho were forced to relocate to the Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation under the Treaty of Fort Wise in 1861.
Boulder City was incorporated on November 4, 1871, and the University of Colorado opened on September 5, 1877. Soon after, it shortened its name to Boulder. The city became dry in 1907, ending with the nationwide repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
Today, Boulder is a vibrant mountain city known for its striking natural setting and active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle. It blends the energy of a major university town with the progressive culture, cafés, and boutiques of a thriving small city, while miles of nearby trails make hiking and cycling part of everyday life. Boulder is also a hub for technology startups, environmental innovation, and wellness-focused living, all framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
My Experience in Boulder
Boulder, a short drive from Denver, is a great place that appealed to me the second I arrived. It’s got just about everything — a nice downtown, friendly people, great food, entertainment, sports, and nature. I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s very easy to get around the downtown on foot and there’s a lot to see.
Pearl Street
A good place to start exploring is Pearl Street and the pedestrianized Pearl Street Mall, a popular destination for locals, students, and tourists. It’s four blocks lined with colorful historic buildings, and there are all kinds of shops and restaurants to choose from, both locally owned and national chains.
A couple of popular features are the Pop-Jet Fountain in front of the County Courthouse, and the cobblestone map of Boulder on the east end. You’ll often find street performers and musicians during the summer, and sculptures along the way. The official website for downtown Boulder has plenty of information on what to do.
The idea for the Pearl Street Mall dates back to 1966, when Planning Board member Carl A. Worthington began working on a revitalization project for the downtown area. His plan was approved in 1973, and the Boulder City Council unanimously approved the creation of the mall on January 28, 1975. Construction began in June 1976, and it opened to the public on August 6, 1977.
Boulder County Courthouse
The Boulder County Courthouse stands along the Pearl Street Mall in the heart of downtown. Built in 1933, the five-story building was designed by architect Glen H. Huntington in the WPA Moderne style. It replaced an earlier courthouse built in 1882 that burned down in 1932.
In 1975, Boulder County clerk Clela Rorex (1943–2022) issued marriage licenses to six same-sex couples at the courthouse — the first place in the nation to do so. Because of this event, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 13, 2024.
The courthouse, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, is surrounded by a nicely manicured green area with a few benches and there are some statues out front. One is the Arapaho Tribute, featuring a bust of Arapaho leader Chief Niwot (c. 1825–1864), created by Steve Weitzman and Tara Brice and installed in December 1980. The Miner Memorial, honoring the workers who helped build the city’s early economy, was made by W.R. Vielehr, C.K. Vielehr, & J. Holmes.
Boulder Theater
Just off Pearl Street is the Boulder Theater, which opened on October 2, 1906, as the Curran Opera House. It later presented ballet, orchestra concerts, church festivals, and silent films. Vice-presidential candidate Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke there in 1920, and it screened its first talkie, Mother Knows Best, in 1929.
The theatre got its present name and Art Deco appearance in 1936, when it was renovated and converted strictly into a movie theatre, and became a nightclub in 1981. After changing ownership many times, it was threatened with demolition, but saved by Historic Boulder, who worked to get the building landmarked. Boulder Theater has been open permanently as a concert venue since 1995, presenting music concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.
Hotel Boulderado
Hotel Boulderado, located across the street to the north of the courthouse, opened with a Gala Ball on New Year’s Eve in 1908 and received its first guests the next day. It was designed by local architects William Redding, Floyd Redding, and James Cowie, who blended the Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival styles.
The beautiful interior is worth checking out — it features a stained glass ceiling in the lobby and an original 1908 Otis elevator still in operation. The hotel also continues to hold an annual New Year’s Eve Gala Ball and is considered one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Boulder. Hotel Boulderado was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 3, 1994.
First United Methodist Church
At 14th and Spruce, we noticed the First United Methodist Church. It was founded as a mission by Rev. Jacob Adriance after preaching on November 27, 1859. The congregation met for 10 years in the Central School and the Congregational Church, and had nine members and their first resident minister in 1870. The first building was constructed in 1872, followed by the current building in the Romanesque Revival style, dedicated in September 1892. A parsonage was added in 1906, and the parlor wing in 1914.
Museum of Boulder
To learn more about the city, visit the Museum of Boulder. This private museum features artifacts and displays about the history of the city and area. We couldn’t visit because it was preparing to move into the new building. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, and kids age 5–17; and free for kids under 5 (as of February 2026).
University of Colorado
One of the most attractive university campuses in the country can be found at the University of Colorado, founded in 1876. It’s worth walking around to see its signature red brick buildings. The campus also offers great view of the Flatirons.
The university features two museums: the Museum of Natural History and Art Museum. The Museum of Natural History is open daily except Mondays while the Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. Both have free admission with donations welcome (as of February 2026).
Folsom Field
Folsom Field is the university’s historic football stadium that opened as Colorado Stadium in 1924. It was renamed in 1944 following the death of former football coach Fred Folsom (1873–1944). With a capacity of over 50,000 and an incredible backdrop, it’s a great place to watch the Colorado Buffaloes play on a Saturday. Concerts are also occasionally held there. In addition to football, you can take in several other men’s and women’s sports while visiting town. Check the official athletic site for schedules and info.
The Hill
The Hill is a neighborhood just west of the University of Colorado campus. It’s full of businesses, restaurants, shops, and more, and a center of student life.
The Colorado Chautauqua
One of the best things about Boulder is the nature surrounding the city. The Colorado Chautauqua, located at the base of the Flatirons, was founded on April 5, 1898, when the City of Boulder purchased the 75-acre Batchelder Ranch.
The city built a dining hall, auditorium, and water system in time for opening on July 4 of that year, while cottages were added in 1899 followed by the Academic Hall (now the Administration Building) in 1900. The Mission House was built in 1911, the Community House in 1918, and the Columbine Lodge in 1919. The last cottage was constructed in 1954.
Originally known as Texado Park, the land is open free to the public and offers lodging, dining, and special events. You’ll find interpretive exhibits at the Ranger Cottage as well as free maps and information on trails.
The Colorado Chautauqua was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 21, 1978, and designated a National Historic Landmark on February 10, 2006. It’s the only property of the Chautauqua movement west of the Mississippi still in continuous operation as well as one of the only one open year-round.
The Flatirons
The Chautauqua is the main access point to the Flatirons — a great place to go hiking and rock climbing. These five rock formations, a symbol of Boulder, were named by early settlers for their resemblance to clothes irons. They were also called the Chautauqua Slabs around 1900 and the Crags around 1906.
Flagstaff Mountain
High above the city is Flagstaff Mountain, with a summit at 6,983 feet (2,128 meters). Visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top, where you’ll find a restaurant, the Flagstaff Nature Center, and several trailheads along the way. You can pay the parking fees, which are $5 (as of February 2026), at cashless payment stations at each trailhead or in advance using ParkMobile.
The Flagstaff Trail, which leads up the mountain, is 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers) long with an elevation gain of 1,494 feet (455 meters). It starts at the bottom of Flagstaff Road. For breathtaking views of Boulder and the plains to the east, stop at Panorama Point, the first viewpoint along the road. From Artist Point, you can look to the north and west.
At the Flagstaff Nature Center, you can learn about the mountain’s flora and fauna. It’s open Memorial Day through September and admission is free (as of February 2026). The Sunrise Amphitheater is nearby.
Where to Stay in Boulder, Colorado
We spent two nights in town.
Boulder Broker Inn
For accommodation, the Boulder Broker Inn was a great place to stay. Along with Western charm, it has good rates, good WiFi, friendly service, a clean pool, and a big variety for breakfast.
Where to Eat in Boulder, Colorado
The city has many excellent choices for food. In fact, it has become a foodie destination. There are so many interesting places that we wanted to try. Unfortunately, we were limited on time so we had to narrow down our choices carefully.
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a unique building gifted from Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It was constructed in Dushanbe, disassembled, and reconstructed in Boulder by workers from Tajikistan. More amazingly, it was built by hand and without any power tools. The restaurant itself has an eclectic menu and an endless list of teas to choose from.
Falafel King
We had a quick lunch at Falafel King, across the street from the courthouse. It has excellent Middle Eastern cuisine and dips. Everything was very fresh and tasty.
