A Perfect 3-Day Boulder, Colorado Itinerary

I have lived in Boulder for 1.5 years and have had MANY visitors, so I’ve locked down the best places to see, do and eat. Below is a 3-day guide that will definitely make you fall in love with Boulder! 

Everything below can be found HERE on my Boulder Google Maps Guide! 

Day 1 – Coffee, Canyon Walks, and Rooftop Views

Breakfast & Coffee: Dry StorageA French/Japanese bakery beloved by locals for its artisanal pastries, earthy matcha, and perfectly balanced breakfast sandwiches. The airy interior and riverside location make it an inspiring start to your trip. Get the breakfast sando, pastry or the Japanese breakfast! 

Morning Hike: Choose based on your hiking level:

• Boulder Canyon – Easy & flat, following the gentle curves of the river. Great for stretching your legs and soaking in canyon views. Can be as long as you want, you can turn around whenever. Park here to start the trip and go left after you cross the bridge. 

• Sanitas Valley + Dakota Ridge Loop – Easy with a combination of paved and nature trails; sweeping valley views at the top. Will take about 40 minutes. 

• Red Rocks + Anemone Loop – 4.2 miles, steady uphill, and packed with diverse scenery. One of Boulder’s most rewarding hikes. Will take about 2-2.5 hours.

• Royal Arch (Chautauqua Park) – Steep and challenging but iconic. The arch frames the mountains in a postcard-worthy way. Will take 2-3 hours.

Lunch: Blackbelly MarketA butcher shop and café known for ultra-local meats, farm cheeses, and standout sandwiches. Don’t skip the cream pie or chocolate chip tahini cookie.

Afternoon: Pearl Street MallPark near Süti & Co to browse handmade ceramics with your coffee before strolling Pearl Street. Head left for a relaxed vibe or right for the bustling, tourist-friendly section.

Pre-Dinner Rooftop Drinks:

• Corrida – Rooftop with amazing views and a bar with Spanish wines and craft gin cocktails.

• Rosetta Hall – Trendy food hall with a fun rooftop. Only a block away from Corrida so it’s easy to do both.

Dinner Options:

• Cozobi Fonda Fina – Modern Mexican, reservations are a must! (walkable from drinks)

• River and Woods – Elevated comfort food.

• The Kitchen – Bistro with a great wine list! (walkable from drinks)

Day 2 – Pancakes, Canyon Adventures, and Brewery Hopping

Breakfast: Lucky’s Bakehouse CaféKnown for the fluffiest pancakes in Boulder. Diner-style classics meet fresh, local ingredients. EVERYTHING here is good, you can’t go wrong, but get the pancakes.

Grab Lunch To-Go: Le FrigoI know you’re not hungry after Lucky’s, but this sandwich is for later. Grab it to go! Le Frigo is a French-style sandwich and cheese shop perfect for a picnic. They also have a ton of cheeses, chips, and other goodies.

Morning + Lunch Spot: Eldorado Canyon State Park ($10/car)Once you get your lunch, head to Eldorado Canyon State Park. It is about 30 minutes away, but completely worth it. Note: in the summers, you need a pass. Get one here. A small but dramatic park with golden cliffs and the Continental Divide.

Choose one of the hikes below: 

• Rattlesnake Gulch Trail – Moderate climb with breathtaking views at the top.

• Fowler Trail – Gentle walk with plenty of photo ops. Connects with Rattlesnake Gulch if you want more.

Once you’re done with your hike, you may be getting hungry again, grab a table by the river (by the visitors center). Have a picnic by the river near the visitors center, they also have very clean restrooms!

Afternoon Breweries:

• Wild Provisions – Modern, minimalist, and known for tart, complex sours. My fav! 

• Sanitas Brewery – Great for sunny patio afternoons. Great views. 

• Rayback Collective – A beer garden meets food truck park. Cool vibes. 

Dinner:

• Basta – Michelin Guide wood-fired pizza. Make sure to have a res! 

Day 3 – Local Favorites 

Morning Coffee Spots:

• January Coffee – Airy space with impeccable brews. My favorite coffee in Boulder!

• Boxcar Coffee – Deep, rich roasts. I love the South Boulder location because the views, but there is also one on Pearl which may be more convenient! They also have amazing pastries.

• Wonder – Vibrant juices and nutrient-packed smoothies. I love the Peter Rabbit!

  
  

Late Morning Adventures:

• Drive Flagstaff Road to Lost Gulch Lookout for sweeping mountain panoramas.

• Explore Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, gifted from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan, with the most incredible oat milk chai latte you’ll ever have. Trust me. 

• Optional: Try the local sauna + cold plunge ($25 for an hour) and even cold plunge in the Boulder creek! 

Lunch:

• Zoe Ma Ma – Michelin Guide-approved Chinese street food, casual and comforting.

• CBurger - Next door to Zoe Ma Ma. Regenerative burgers, salads, and bites. They are very tasty! 

• Gelato Boy - head to get some Gelato after (walkable). It’s amazing Gelato! 

More Hikes:

• NCAR Trails – Easy access to open space views.

• Chautauqua Park – First & Second Flatiron Loop for a final Boulder classic.

Dinner: Blackbelly - Blackbelly is a farm to table restaurant serving beef from local farms. They have a great steak, amazing apps, wine list, dessert, you name it. 

Leave a comment with what you loved about Boulder and what else you tried that wasn’t on the list!