5 Reasons to Visit Boulder, Colorado

Whether you choose to hop on a flight or opt for a road trip, Boulder, which is just a 30-mile drive northwest of Denver, is nationally recognized for its foodie, artistic and outdoor endeavors. You might be initially drawn to Colorado for its natural wonders, but there’s more to this mountain town than scenic splendor. Here are five reasons to visit Boulder this year.

Boulder Has a Plethora of Hiking Trails

Boulder is an outdoorsy person’s dream vacation spot. Noted by Outdoor magazine as the No. 1 Sports Town in America, Boulder’s Rocky Mountain landscape makes for the perfect terrain for all sorts of outdoor recreation including running, cycling, rock climbing and hiking.

With Boulder’s 300 miles of hiking and biking trails, you’ll have no trouble finding the exact experience you’re looking for. Try the South Boulder Creek Trail at Bobolink Trailhead for an easy, family-friendly hike or, for breathtaking views of the Flatirons, try the Flatirons Vista trail located to the south of Boulder.

More experienced hikers can tackle Mount Sanitas, one of the most popular hikes in Boulder. Challenge yourself by ascending the staircase side of the loop first then come back down via the Sanitas Valley Trail.

A Lively Culinary Scene

Named by Bon Appétit as America’s Foodiest Town, restaurateurs in Boulder are constantly changing the game with innovative restaurant concepts and even more impressive menus. Stay classic at Frasca Food and Wine, a popular James Beard award-winning restaurant that offers an impressive list of 200 wine varieties plus Italian cuisine. Vegan or gluten-free visitors can find an extensive lunch and breakfast menu at Shine Restaurant, owned by triplet sisters.

If you’re not quite sure what kind of cuisine you’re looking for, try heading to historic downtown Boulder for Pearl Street. With over 120 restaurants, Pearl Street is lined with sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, fine dining establishments and almost any kind of cuisine your taste buds could desire. Plus, Pearl Street was named by Food & Wine magazine as one of the best foodie streets in America. Translation? You’re sure to find something you’ll praise long after your visit ends.

Award-winning Breweries in Boulder

No trip to Colorado is complete without at least one stop at a brewery—and with over 340 to choose from, you have plenty of options. In fact, Boulder itself has more breweries per capita than any other city in the country. Pair this with the breweries in neighboring Fort Collins and Denver, and you can see why this area is affectionately called the Napa Valley of Beer.

Visit Boulder Beer Co., the first craft brewery in the state of Colorado; Upslope Brewing Co. in North Boulder for its selection of award-winning brews; or Asher Brewing Co., the state’s first all-organic brewery. (Plus, it completely operates on wind power—can it get any better?)

Best Places to Shop in the City

Whether you’re looking to pick out a souvenir for a certain someone or are hoping to spend an afternoon window shopping, Pearl Street has something for everyone. Besides being home to some of the best restaurants in the city, it’s also known as the best shopping destination in Boulder, with boutiques offering everything from quirky little treasures to high end fashion items and everything in between. For more of a traditional mall experience, stop by Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder’s outdoor shopping center with national brands and retailers.

Museums and Art Galleries in Boulder

With the splendor of the Rockies all around, it’s easy to appreciate Boulder’s natural beauty, but don’t forget about the gems that exist in Boulder’s museums and galleries and on its theater stages. Stop by the Museum of Boulder at the Tebo Center to learn more about the area’s Native American history, or, if you’re looking for a taste of Boulder’s art scene, try the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

History buffs may also want to visit the University of Colorado campus for the CU Art Museum, University of Colorado Natural History Museum and the University of Colorado Heritage Center. For dance, theater and music productions, Boulder visitors can rely on stunning performances at the Dairy Arts Center among many other theater and performing arts stages.

Before you plan your visit, make sure you peruse the performing arts calendar—chances are you’ll find an event that very well may become the best part of your visit.

For more information about Boulder, visit bouldercoloradousa.com