How to Spend a Day in Boulder
Royal Arch Trail
Boulder, Colorado is a vibrant college town that is a blend of outdoor adventure, a thriving arts scene, and a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. Just a short drive from Denver, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip, whether you’re a local looking for a quick escape or a visitor eager to experience one of Colorado’s most unique towns. From stunning hiking trails and charming historic streets to world-class dining and a strong sense of community, Boulder offers something for everyone.
Stop 1: Trident Booksellers and Cafe
Boulder has so much to offer tourists and residents alike. Pearl St. is dotted with little shops, boutiques, outdoor stores, and of course cafes. Although there is a handful of coffee shops to choose from, I’d recommend checking out Trident Cafe, where you can sip your favorite caffeinated beverage while reading a book from their wide selection of used books as well. It’s a particularly a good option for solo travelers in town.
Parking Info: We found convenient paid parking at 11th & Spruce Parking Garage.
Stop 2: Pearl Steet
Once you’ve been fully caffeinated, take an hour or two and explore the sites of Pearl St. which runs through the heart of downtown Boulder. My favorite store was Peppercorn, a kitchen and supply store that has just about every home related thing you could possibly think of. I also enjoyed getting lost in the Boulder Book Store which is practically a multiple level labyrinth of books new and used. There’s also a number of clothing boutiques, gift shops and outdoor gear stores, among other things.
Stop 3: Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua park is the ultimate hub for outdoors enthusiasts. There are multiple trailheads that begin at the park, with varying degrees of difficulty, including the Royal Arch Trail and the Flatirons Trail, both with spectacular views. Be sure to check the trail conditions prior to planning your day. Parts of the Royal arch trail were very icy and I used my spikes for portions of the trail. This trail was also much harder than expected, so please do your AllTrails research prior to showing up. I actually attempted this the first time in November and turned around because we were running out of daylight (we got a late start), but gave it another go around in December and made it. Totally worth the struggle.
Parking Info: Parking at Chautauqua is free during the winter, but the lot fills up quickly. There is additional parking on the side streets surrounding the park.
Stop 4: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Before you leave town, I would recommend stopping at the Dushanbe Teahouse. This ornate, hand-carved teahouse was a gift from Boulder's sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and every inch of it is absolutely exquisite. From the intricately painted ceiling to the hand-crafted ceramic tiles, the teahouse is a work of art. Beyond its stunning decor, the teahouse offers an incredible selection of teas from around the world, along with a globally inspired menu.
Use this Boulder directory to find other restaurants you may like: https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/food-and-drink/restaurants/ .
