Boulder is a vibrant and eclectic city full of premier restaurants, diverse venues, and easy access to a multitude of outdoor activities. The Boulder lifestyle is one in which you can be on the mountain bike trails in the morning and in foodie heaven by lunchtime. Whether you’ve been a long time resident or are visiting for the first time, there’s always something new to see and do. But if you’ve only got one day in Boulder, don’t fret! Here are my recommendations for an absolutely perfect day in Boulder, Colorado.
Get an Early Morning Coffee at Boxcar
Start off your morning with a coffee at Boxcar. Located on Pearl Street in the heart of downtown Boulder, Boxcar inhabits a beautiful space that blends modern and rustic. They offer fresh-baked pastries, a variety of house-roasted javas, and some of the best espresso in town.
Hike the Dakota Ridge Trail
Coffee in hand, head to the western edge of downtown and you’ll find a hike loved by locals. The Dakota Ridge Trail meanders up the Sanitas Valley, offering wildflowers in the spring, and a quick, beautiful escape year-round. After one mile, you can either turn back around, or take the slightly longer loop back along the Sanitas Valley Trail. At just over two miles, this is an energizing hike perfect for the morning.
Go Camping With Your Dog
Camping and hiking trips are made even better with our furry friends bounding along on the adventure. If you’re looking for the perfect guide for camping and hiking with your pet, check out this article from GoAllOutdoors.
Grab a Breakfast Burrito at Santo
After the hike, head to Santo and grab one of their delicious breakfast burritos. They offer vegetarian and meat options, with sides of red or green chile. If you happen to be in town during the weekend, Santo offers a full-service brunch from 9:30am – 2:30pm, showcasing the best of modern New Mexican style cuisine.
Enjoy a Few Mountain Bike Loops at the Betasso Preserve
Once you’ve refueled at Santo, grab a mountain bike and head up Boulder Canyon to the Betasso Preserve. This beautiful part of the foothills offers a few great loops for mountain bikers of every skill level. Betasso is also a destination for horseback riders, hikers, and their dogs, so be sure to share the trail.
Sit Down for Lunch at The Kitchen
After a few loops at Betasso, drop back into town for a casual lunch at The Kitchen. This bistro serves up American style cuisine using quality meat and produce sourced only from local, American farmers. From salads to oysters to pasta Bolognese, the Kitchen is sure to appeal to every taste.
Experience Boulder’s History with Banjo Billy’s Bus Tours
If you spend any time in Boulder, chances are that you’ll see one of Banjo Billy’s iconic buses cruising around. Banjo Billy’s offers the best history tours of Boulder, along with ghost tours in autumn, and private brewery tours. Learning about Boulder’s fascinating history is a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
Relax with Happy Hour at Corrida
As the afternoon eases into evening, head downtown and enjoy happy hour at Corrida. This Spanish restaurant serves mouth watering tapas, wines, and gin cocktails in a gorgeous space complete with a deck looking out at the mountains.
Stroll to Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar for a King Crab Leg Dinner
Once you’ve whet your appetite, head to Jax for some of the very best seafood in Boulder. This Pearl Street gem sources with an eye toward sustainably sourced seafood of the freshest quality. From caviar to tuna to amazing king crab legs, Jax is a foodie’s paradise.
Enjoy an Evening of Music and Entertainment at the Chautauqua Auditorium, Gold Hill Inn, or ETown Hall
To cap off the day, mosey over to one of Boulder’s many music and entertainment venues, including local favorites like the Chautauqua Auditorium, Gold Hill Inn, and ETown Hall. All three of these landmark venues are long-standing pieces of our community, and offer everything from documentary screenings to folk songwriter series to comedy shows. No matter your inclination, one of these venues is sure to fit the bill.
Boulder offers so many options to fill your perfect day. These are some of my favorites, but there truly are too many stunning landscapes and extraordinary restaurants to enjoy in just one day. Our city’s blend of outdoor vistas, art culture, and premier cuisine mean that you’ll never be bored. Every day can be a new adventure in Boulder, Colorado.