Whether you’re going to school at CU or traveling from another University, Boulder is a great place to spend spring break.
There’s no possible way to hit all of the hot spots in Boulder in one week, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorite must-see places.
Here is a sample itinerary for the perfect spring break in Boulder.
Saturday
On Saturday, you get to DIA. You’re exhausted and need a nap. We feel you. You’ve planned ahead and booked a great Airbnb on the Hill, since you want to be in the heart of college life. Head there and take it easy; recovering from travel is hard work.
But don’t nap too long.
The Boulder and Fox theaters almost always have Friday night shows. Whether you want to catch a movie like “The Big Lebowski” (at Boulder Theater, Friday, March 23) or a musical show like Boulder locals Flash Mountain Flood (March 30 at the Fox), these theaters with definitely keep you entertained.
Sunday
Sundays are made for hiking. Head to Chautauqua. Get an early start to avoid the crowds. The park is close enough you can walk, but there are plenty of Ubers in town if you want to save your energy for the trails. For a challenge, hike the Royal Arch Trail. Or stay on the less grueling paths if you want to avoid stairs. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen to protect yourself at this elevation.
After you get home, head to The Sink for dinner and drinks. You’ll be sure to enjoy the unique artwork on the walls, as well as the famous food.
Monday
Today is all about Pearl Street. Head to the pedestrian mall in the morning and spend the whole day there. Lazily explore the shops, stopping for a treat at Piece, Love and Chocolate or ice cream at one of the several ice cream shops and carts. Stop for lunch at Jax Fish House for sushi or take a sandwich from Cured to go for a quicker deli meal.
Find a seat on a bench and watch the street performers while you enjoy your lunch.
Tuesday
Take Tuesday to see some of the great views near Boulder. Drive up Flagstaff and if you’re feeling indulgent, stop at Flagstaff House Restaurant. (It has a strict dress code and reservations are recommended, so plan ahead.) Another option is to head up to Boulder Canyon. Go fishing or tubing and enjoy the great views. This is a great low effort way to see some of that beauty that Boulder has to offer.
Wednesday
We know you came here to ski. And midweek can be the best time to visit nearby ski resort Eldora. Avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy the slopes free of lift lines and crowded runs.
We’re sure you’ll be beat after a full day of skiing, so tonight, take it easy. Head to Half Fast Subs for a pitcher (yes, a pitcher) of Long Islands. Or if you feel like staying in, have Cosmo’s deliver your pizza. You won’t regret it; it’s the best pizza in Boulder.
Thursday
Unless you’re an avid skier, you’re probably sore from yesterday’s adventures. Today, treat yourself.
Visit one of Boulder’s best spas at the St. Julien, or for a less indulgent pampering, just get a facial or pedicure at any one of the other fabulous spas in Boulder.
Round out your day of relaxation with a show at the Dairy Arts Center. From ballet to film to music, it will have something that will soothe your senses.
Friday
Spend Friday evening in North Boulder. Start with dinner at Bacco Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar to get your cheese fill. Because cheese. Yum. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, don’t fret! There are plenty of other great restaurants to choose from.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Boulder on the first Friday of the month, you have to check out the First Friday Art Walk. Visit some of the best galleries in North Boulder and get a chance to meet the people who created and curated the displayed works.
Even if it’s not a First Friday, visit North Boulder anyway. Some galleries are always open and you wouldn’t want to come to Boulder and miss out on all the amazing art being made here.
Saturday
It would be a shame to come to Boulder and not experience at least some of the great breweries it has to offer. Saturday is for beer.
Start your beer adventure on Pearl Street at Mountain Sun. Fill up on nachos or a burger; you’re going to need that food to make it far. Then head down Pearl Street to Oskar Blues’s newest branch. Boulder Beer, the Post, and West Flanders all have locations on Pearl, as well.
East Boulder also offers breweries and distilleries. Hit up J&L, Upslope, Wild Woods and Sanitas. And that’s just the start of what East Boulder offers. There are plenty more breweries and distilleries in this part of town.
Sunday
Sadly, your week of exploring Boulder has come to an end. Sleep off yesterday’s hangover (lots of beer + altitude? We know you have one). Grab one last Boulder brunch and then head to DIA. Boulder will miss you, but not nearly as much as you’ll miss it.
