Getaway Guide: Spend the Perfect Summer Weekend in Boulder, Colorado

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Ready for a weekend escape? From adventures in the great outdoors and craft beers on casual patios, from award-winning restaurants and theatrical performances, there’s truly something for everyone in this special Front Range city. In partnership with the Boulder Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, we’ve put together an awesome two-day itinerary so that you can experience the perfect summer weekend in Boulder, Colorado.

Day 1: Great Outdoors & Local Flavor

Morning

Start your day with a quick, casual breakfast before heading out to explore the natural landscape surrounding Boulder. Stop by the cozy Ozo Coffee Company on Pearl Street, Boulder’s pedestrian shopping district, for a cup of freshly roasted organic coffee, or pull up a chair in the airy, contemporary space at  Alpine Modern Café, where wholesome choices like avocado tartine and quinoa porridge provide the perfect fuel for an active day.

Just a few minutes away, you’ll find  Chautauqua Park, a peaceful green space that abuts the dramatic rock formations of the Flatirons, slanting slabs of sandstone named by early pioneer women for their resemblance to the flat metal irons they used to press their clothing. Hike one of the trails that leave from Chautauqua Trailhead, such as Woods Quarry (easy), Second-Third Flatiron Trail (moderate), or Royal Arch (difficult).

For mountain bikers looking to shred some singletrack, explore the mild-grade trails at  Marshall Mesa, where wide-open skies and views promise an iconic Boulder experience.

Lunchtime

After an active morning, kick back with a healthy, hearty lunch. Fill up on hearty vegan and vegetarian entrees at  Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, or grab a gourmet sandwich piled high with locally sourced, organic ingredients at  Naked Lunch or  Organic Sandwich Company.

Afternoon

After lunch, drive just north of Boulder to take the free, guided tour at nearby  Celestial Seasonings Tea Company, one of the largest tea factories in North America. Also in the neighborhood is  Avery Brewing Co., where you can sample an impressive lineup of craft beers and take a free, self-guided tour of the brewery.

Evening

For a casual dinner, revive with a cold beer and fall-off-the-bone barbecue at  West End Tavern, or order flavorful Mexican specialties and salty margs on the rooftop patio at  Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.

Mingle with local college students and music fanatics at a live concert at  Fox Theatre or catch a show downtown at the revered  Boulder Theater, and then keep the party going with late-night dancing at  Tahona Tequila Bistro (Fridays and Saturdays, 10pm-close).

Day 2: Indulgences & Performing Arts

After a day of casual dining and outdoor fun, Day Two is all about treating yourself.

Morning

Take your pick from relaxing ways to start your day. Unwind in the tranquil steam rooms and saunas at the  Spa at St. Julien before a therapeutic massage or sumptuous body treatment. Feel invigorated with a yoga class at one of the many yoga studios in Boulder, such as Yoga Loft (which boasts om-inspiring views of the Flatirons),  Yoga Pod (more views in a beautiful space) or CorePower  Yoga (with invigorating options like Hot Power Fusion and Yoga Sculpt). Or to take your day to new heights with a sunrise  hot air balloon ride overlooking the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s Front Range, and the Boulder Valley.

Lunchtime, Brunchtime

Continue your relaxing day with a leisurely brunch at  Brasserie Ten Ten, a bustling French bistro serving up delicate crepes, house-made pastries, fresh seafood dishes, and ice-cold oysters. Or, linger over a cup of tea and unique global cuisine at the  Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, a cultural escape featuring hand-carved wooden accents and colorful paintings. Another great option is  Chautauqua Dining Hall, where wholesome Colorado bistro fare and locally brewed craft beers are served in a historic setting at the foot of the Flatirons.

Afternoon

Let brunch settle by strolling around the shops of downtown’s  Pearl Street, a brick-paved, pedestrian stretch of quaint boutiques and specialty shops. Savor outrageously decadent sweets at Piece, Love & Chocolate, stock up on everyday and exotic spices at Savory Spice Shop, browse natural body products at Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary & Supply, find your next great read at Boulder Book Store, or pick out the perfect outfit at Weekends. Another great option for those excited about shopping is  Twenty Ninth Street, an open-air retail district offering well-known brand names such as Anthropologie, Apple, The North Face, Lululemon, and J Jill. Be sure to stop in the West Elm store, featuring products from local makers.

Ready to take a break from shopping? There’s a new outdoor beer garden at Twenty Ninth Street called The Barrel, perfect for sampling Boulder beers. Or head to North Boulder’s warehouse district for a little wine tasting at Boulder Wine Studios, featuring three local wineries: Bookcliff Vineyards, Settembre Cellars, and Decadent Saint.

Evening

For dinner, take your pick of celebrated chefs and elegant restaurants in Boulder’s fine dining scene. Indulge in exquisite Northern Italian fare and expertly paired wines with the tasting menu at  Frasca Food and Wine, or revel in fresh sushi and seasonal Japanese dishes at  Izakaya Amu. At  Arcana, creative American fare is reinterpreted with global influences, and its cocktail menu boasts craft spirits and unexpected ingredients. Or take in incredible mountain views at the historic  Flagstaff House Restaurant, a longtime special occasion restaurant poised on a perch above the city.

Finally, immerse yourself in Boulder’s arts and culture scene by enjoying an evening of classical music by the  Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra or  Boulder Symphony. For dance, theater, art cinema and more, check the events schedule at  The Dairy Arts Center.

One weekend in Boulder definitely isn’t enough. For more information and adventure ideas, visit  bouldercoloradousa.com.