With over 300 days of sunshine, the Rocky Mountains within arm’s reach, the “Napa Valley of craft beer”, and a lively food and coffee scene… Boulder, Colorado is an American city staple. 1.8 million visitors come every year to the Boulder Mountain Parks, and even more flock to the diverse city core. So, what should visitors to Boulder do? How do you prioritize between outdoors, food, and nightlife? 

We asked our resident experts, brokers Drew Weiman, Nate Litsey, and Chad Henry, What are must see activities for out-of-town visitors?. They break it down for us: 

According to Drew Weiman 

Sanitas for Hiking

Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Trail is a 3.2 mile loop that has a 1,281 foot ascent and panoramic views of the Greater Boulder area. Rated “intermediate/difficult”, Mount Sanitas has heavy traffic and and an easy-to-follow trail that allows off-leashed dogs. It’s accessible year round, so visitors can embark on the approximately 1 hour hike during all seasons and get the views from above in the winter, spring, summer, and fall! 

Dushanbe Tea House for Chai Tea

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains foothills and is considered to be a local delicacy for tea, food, and ambiance. It was built by hand without the use of modern power tools and was constructed in Tajikistan as a gift to their sister city, Boulder! According to Drew, Dushanbe has the best chai in town – and the spiciest! Pro tip: if you bring in your own mug, you get a discount on refills!   

According to Nate Litsey 

Full Cycle for Beer and Coffee

Head to Boulder’s #1 bike shop for elite and casual bikes, outdoors gear, repairs, and Nate’s favorite, beers and coffee. This local favorite spot has been a long time bike shop, and includes a cafe and bar with over 16 beers on top that rotate each week, local draft wine, and cold coffee brews. The food ranges from empanadas, to burritos, quiche and panini’s. Full Cycle has a bit of everything for everyone. 

Chautauqua for Hiking and Views

This vast, historic district is a must see and do in Boulder. Chautauqua (pronounced shuh-TAW-kwuh) has hiking from the trailhead right up to the Flatirons. Visitors can chat with the friendly helpers at the Ranger Cottage who can help pick out a suitable hike and provide literature on the flora and fauna that one will see. There’s also plenty of entertainment, with live music, picnic opportunities, and a self-guided history tour to keep everyone busy. 

According to Chad Henry

Pearl Street Mall for Shopping and People Watching

This Boulder classic is located in the heart of the city with plenty of pedestrian areas and even more shopping and food to choose from. Stretching between 11th Street to 15th Street, the pedestrian mall is picturesque during the day and turns into hot spot for live music, dancing, and good eats at night (especially during the summer)! 

Brasserie Ten Ten for Dining

Or “Ten Ten” as the locals like to call it, Brasserie is one of Boulder’s best and favorite restaurants and for good reason – it’s French cuisine is amplified by the welcoming ambiance and sunny patio. Catch lunch, brunch, dinner, or happy hour drinks there. 

Somewhere Undisclosed for Mountain Biking

Chad knows all the best places but they are top secret and “unpublishable”. You’ll have to give him a call if you want to know!