The College Town That’s Eclipsing Denver as the Best City in Colorado
Buffs, beer, and great outdoors await in Boulder.
There’s no other place like Boulder, Colorado. Located just northwest of Denver, this lively, earth-and-health-conscious community is made up of active adults and lovers of food, art, and unique things to do. It’s also home to the University of Colorado’s flagship campus, where vibrant university students fill the streets most of the year and where some of the most exciting Denver Metro sports entertainment is found. The city has long been loved for its sprawling beauty and plentiful recreation, but now that classes are back in session, visitors should do their homework for how to properly spend a long weekend in Boulder; that is, making sure to root for its beloved Buffaloes. Here’s our take to get you started.
Travel Time
35 minutes from Denver
If you only do one thing: Catch a Buffs game at CU Boulder
Colorado may be Broncos country, but some would argue the fervor for Colorado’s black and gold Buffaloes far surpasses that of the orange, white, and navy NFL team. The season opener is virtually a major holiday, with students, alumni, families, and superfans packing Folsom Field and any open areas outside the stadium to set up shop for tailgating, well in advance of kickoff.
The Buffs remain one of the most watched college teams in the country, amplified by Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders taking the helm in 2023 and especially with predicted 2025 NFL draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in the mix.
But football isn’t the only high-octane sport to spectate at CU. Women’s volleyball and soccer teams are slated for promising seasons, so you should budget for tickets to those home games, too. Buffs volleyball capped off 2024 winning 16 matches and finishing seventh in the Pac-12 standings, and will play 17 of its 30 regular season matches at the CU Events Center.
Additionally, the regular season for CU women’s soccer is already underway, with several wins already tucked under the belt against North Texas, Marquette, and Wyoming, to name a few, with games lasting through the end of October. All in all, the future is bright for fall sports at CU Boulder.
Fill the Weekend With
Hiking and Outdoor Recreation
You could spend a whole year trying to experience all of Boulder’s outdoor offerings—from hiking and biking to climbing, camping, and more—and still not scratch the surface. In addition to Chautauqua Park, favorite local hikes include Royal Arch Trail, Mount Sanitas, and Flagstaff Loop/Flagstaff Mountain. Because there are so many hikes to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your skill level, no matter what that is.
It’s important to point out that Boulder is close to Rocky Mountain National Park, but while the popularity of the national park has exploded in recent years, Eldorado Canyon State Park—located just 20 minutes south of Boulder—is an often overlooked Boulder County gem ideal for rock climbing, trail running, and canyon gawking.
And for a little less hike and a little more float, visitors still have time to experience tubing down Boulder Creek—a very Boulder summertime activity. In the cooler months, the 5.5 mile path that runs along the creek is a treat for walkers, joggers, and cyclists who don’t mind the added ambience of rushing water.
Art and Music
Art lovers need not trek Highway 36 into Denver for their art fix, with the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) offering big-city culture along Boulder Creek. But if you know Boulder, you know the residents are either outdoorsy, artsy, or both; there are many artists living and working in the city, meaning there are dozens of galleries to explore, whether along Pearl Street or in less-touristy parts of town.
Boulder also shares its love of music with Denver, boasting impressive venues of its own. The Fox Theatre on University Hill (aka “The Hill”) brings in a bevy of live rock and hip-hop acts plus plenty of other genres, and the historic Boulder Theatre can be counted on to class up any Boulder evening with renowned music and comedy acts. There’s also the Central Park Bandshell, which often hosts local bands and live entertainment during festivals and events.
Totally Unique Things to Do in Boulder
While outdoor recreation, art and music, and good food can be the hallmarks of any cool city, there are a few attractions in Boulder that you won’t find anywhere else. For starters, there is the planetarium at CU Boulder, where visitors can stargaze and learn about constellations in the hours after a Buffs win.
There is also the draw of Pearl Street, which does see the majority of tourists, but is an appealing way to kill time regardless. Visitors don’t even need to spend out of their budget while strolling; the public art, street performances, and people-watching are both captivating and completely free.
Where to Eat and Drink
Fine dining: Synonymous with fine dining in Boulder is Frasca Food and Wine, which earned one such Michelin star in 2023. Also recognized by the guide is Blackbelly Market, a favorite among both Boulder and Denver residents, and those beyond city limits as well.
Casual bites: Easier on the wallet but lacking nothing in quality is Zoe Ma Ma, with its pork belly bao and pot stickers that rival every other Chinese spot in the Greater Metro area.
Breweries: Boulder also (unsurprisingly) hosts a solid craft beer scene, with standouts like Avery and Upslope among the most well known. But visitors can find non-brewery bars and pubs aplenty, and should try not to miss West End Tavern and Pearl Street Pub and Cellar.