Boulder: Come for Sundance, Stay for the Mountains

Sundance Film Festival

From January 21–31, 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will make its debut in Boulder after a long stint in Park City, Utah. Secure tickets and be part of the action as you rub elbows with visiting celebrities and enjoy the swanky vibe.

Skiing

Some of the best skiing/snowboarding in the world is in Colorado, and many resorts are within a 2-hour drive from Boulder. Start your day early with a breakfast burrito and head to the local mountain (Eldora) or make your way to Winter Park, Breckenridge, or Keystone (to name a few) to enjoy amazing views and snow-capped peaks.

Hiking

The Flatirons rise majestically over Boulder and offer ample opportunities for incredible hiking year-round. Stroll the iconic Chautauqua Park, get your heart racing on the short but steep Sanitas, take in the breathtaking views from Bear Peak, or marvel at the natural beauty of the Royal Arch. If you like bouldering/rock-climbing, we’ve also got you covered.

Visit Celestial Seasonings

Do you like tea? Schedule a tour (reservations required) and learn all about tea production and sample over 80 tea varieties. They also have a store, so you can stockpile your favorites to bring home.

Day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park / Estes Park

An easy 1.5-hour drive from Boulder, this is a perfect day trip. Stop in Estes Park first to check out the Stanley Hotel (which inspired the movie The Shining) and then enjoy a hike or two in the park while listening to bugling elk.

Day trip to Breckenridge

Two hours from Boulder is the ski town of Breckenridge: a beautiful mountain town that is fun to visit year-round. Stroll the downtown streets, do a little shopping, and grab some lunch.

Breweries

After a full day in the mountains, there’s nothing better than a cold beer and hearty food. So, it comes as no surprise that Boulder has a vibrant microbrewery scene. Head to Avery for spacious outdoor seating, Rayback Collective for a chill vibe, or Mountain Sun for a great burger downtown.

Frasca Food & Wine

Boulder’s Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning Italian restaurant. Their primary menu is the “Quattro Piatti” - Four Plates, and they have a seasonal special menu as well. Pair your food with award-winning wine from their cellar.

Flagstaff House

Situated on top of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, this restaurant is where you come for special occasions or to just celebrate life. The drive to the restaurant is beautiful and the attention to detail in both the food and service is notable. Pro tip: Book an early dinner reservation for a chance to be seated at a table next to the window to have sunset views of Boulder.

The Sink

A local institution on “the hill” (the epicenter of student life). Come here for great pizza and burgers, admire the historic wall doodles, and write your name on the ceiling. Fun fact: Robert Redford was a bus boy here when he was a CU Boulder student.

Rosetta Hall

Who doesn’t like a food hall? With a revolving line-up of restaurants and a rooftop seating area, this is a great place to come get a meal and a glass of wine to enjoy looking over Boulder.

Lucile’s Creole Cafe

Want wonderful Southern breakfast/brunch food after burning some calories on the trails? Lucile's has the best shrimp & grits and beignets this side of the Mississippi.

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

This teahouse, which was gifted to Boulder by its sister city Dushanbe in Tajikistan, serves breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner. Although all meals are good, the afternoon tea (served daily) is the one to aim for.

The Buff Restaurant

One of the top breakfast spots in Boulder, even though it is right outside the downtown area. Enjoy delicious huevos rancheros and pancakes. Portions are large (many are available in half portions if requested) and mimosas/bloody marys are plentiful. Just make sure you come on the earlier side since they don’t take reservations and can get crowded quickly.