CU BOULDER
WRITTEN BY
Dylan Walsh, Student at University of Colorado Boulder, Freshman
CONTRIBUTIONS BY
Sabrina Eliasoph, Mom of Student & Interior Designer
I grew up skiing in Lake Tahoe, as I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, before moving to Westport, CT for high school years. I knew in picking a college I wanted a school that had easy access to mountains but I also wanted to feel close to a big city and be in a fun college town. My family had also skied a lot in Vail, Colorado and when I was in 8th grade, we stopped at the Boulder campus to visit it before flying back to California. From that point on, I had one dream only which was to attend Boulder as it checked so many of my boxes and the campus is absolutely beautiful. The fact that my time there coincides with Coach Prime and the awesome football team just happens to be lucky cherry on top. Also, for me, as a kid who moved cross country the summer before my freshman year of high school, I knew if I went to Boulder I'd be reunited with many of my best friends from life in California, as Boulder draws lots of kids from where I originally grew up in Marin County. Now that I'm there I can really say there are kids from all over the country, it's a total east meets west vibe! The other thing about Boulder is that while you do get cold weather and snow, it has some of the sunniest weather in the country. So even though it's winter, you don't get too much seasonal disorder blues because it's sunny most days.
WHERE TO STAY
MOXY BOULDER
1 minute walk to campus (adjacent)
1247 PLEASANT STREET
This hotel just opened last year and is very conveniently adjacent to campus on what we call "The Hill" where a lot of the college bars and restaurants and off-campus housing are. The hotel is truly the most convenient that you can stay at if you are looking for proximity to campus. The lobby is also super fun and alive and vibey. The indoor area opens up to fire pits and outdoor seating when the weather is nice. The rooms are a little small and the food is not that impressive but you can't beat the location. A Marriott Bonvoy property.
ST JULIEN HOTEL & SPA
10 minute walk to campus
900 WALNUT STREET
This is probably the other best hotel to stay at in Boulder as it's a luxury hotel with a lovely spa. The restaurant is really nice too. It's very close to Pearl Street and downtown Boulder but it a little bit farther from campus- like a 20 minute walk and maybe a 10 minute car ride. The rooms are nice and spacious and it is definitely a hot reservation to get over graduation and parents' weekend.
THE BOULDERADO
4 minute drive to campus
2115 13TH STREET
This is a historic hotel that was sort of the original "luxury" hotel of downtown Boulder. It feels like an Old West Victorian type of vibe meets elegance but truth be told, while the lobby is gorgeous the hotel is really dated. The rooms need to be refreshed. There is a fun speakeasy down in the basement for hotel guests that is really fun but better to have a friend you know stay there than actually stay there yourself as it is so dated. The restaurant inside is not that impressive either. Easy access though to Pearl Street mall and dining.
COURTYARD MARRIOTT BOULDER
30β40 minute walk to campus, 10 min drive
4710 PEARL EAST CIRCLE
This is a standard Courtyard but it is nice with big spacious rooms and feels clean and updated. When moving your child in to dorms, it's actually a nice hotel because the rooms can store all the dorm bags and luggage nicely. The hotel is a little farther out from downtown, on the other side of freeway but honestly it's really only 10 minutes drive to campus and it is very comfortable staying there.
WHAT TO DO
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Hiking Chautauqua Park - this park is walkable up the Hill from campus and it opens on to incredible hiking trails in the Flat Irons (foothills of the Rockies). It is truly gorgeous hiking and some trails can get rather steep so you can choose exercise level accordingly.
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University of Colorado Boulder Football game at Folsom Field - really one of the best ways to experience Boulder is to attend a Buffs football game. The stadium is in the heart of the campus and the tailgating scene is incredible. Once you're in the stadium you get primo views of the mountains. It is a great experience.
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Pearl Street Mall - walk the full downtown outdoor mall area where there are tons of great stores and shops and enjoy a lot of the street musicians, outdoor entertaining, and all of the awesome restaurants. Tons of places of great rooftop bars as well.
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Boulder Farmers Market - This is a great weekly market with wonderful organic food sourced from farms all over Colorado and gorgeous seasonal flowers.
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Foot Massages at Boulder's Relaxing Station - this place is a little plaza about 10 minutes from downtown and they offer incredible foot massages. It is clean and wonderful. Feels wonderful after a day of hiking or moving your kid into their dorms.
WHERE TO SHOP
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Pearl Street Mall - downtown mix of boutiques and national retail chain stores, plus bookstores, galleries, and cute mom & pop shops
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29th Street Mall - this has upscale stores like an Apple Store and everything in a regular mall like Lululemon, Urban Outfitters, Madewell, etc.
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University of Colorado Boulder's Campus Store in the University Memorial Building - you'll find everything in here swag wise to feel like a Buff
WHERE TO EAT
THE KITCHEN
American Bistro
1039 PEARL STREET
This is an amazing upscale restaurant with American fare that is great for dinner and brunch. Great indoor and outdoor seating as well.
RIVER & WOODS
Comfort Food
2328 PEARL STREET
This is great comfort food and just a great setting. A popular spot so would make reservations in advance.
PASTA JAYβS
Casual Italian
1001 PEARL STREET
This place is not necessarily high end gourmet Italian but it is a beloved place for large groups, especially one popular graduation weekends or family weekend. They will make a large party res for you and it's really yummy pastas and pizzas and salads. The food is reliable and it's a fun setting.
THE SINK
Bar & Pub
1165 13th STREET
This is just a beloved bar and pub on the hill. The food is standard pub fare but it's sort of a Boulder institution. Good burgers!
ROSETTA HALL
Food Hall
1109 WALNUT STREET
This is just a great high end food gallery of lots of different food vendors. Sort of like a food court but really high end and delicious options with a great rooftop deck. definitely recommend if you are looking for a casual option but something that is really fun!
CORRIDA BOULDER
Spanish
1023 WALNUT STREET #400
Delicious Spanish rooftop restaurant. Really nice and upscale. A great spot for a lovely meal.
