Things to Do — Boulder, Golden & Beyond

Welcome to Colorado! Our wedding is on Friday, May 8th, so whether you're arriving early or sticking around for the weekend, here are our favorite picks to make the most of your trip. May in Boulder means highs in the mid-60s to 70s, cool mornings in the upper 30s–40s, and occasional afternoon rain showers. Layers are your best friend — bring a light jacket, sunscreen (the altitude is no joke), and comfortable shoes.

🥾 Get Outside

Boulder is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and May is peak time to enjoy it.

Chautauqua Park & The Flatirons 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder The crown jewel of Boulder hiking. Multiple trail options from easy meadow walks to challenging climbs with jaw-dropping views of the iconic Flatiron rock formations. Great for groups of any fitness level — the meadow trail at the base is flat and gorgeous, while the Royal Arch or Flatiron trails will challenge you. Open 5 AM – 11 PM.

Mount Sanitas Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder A more intense option for anyone who wants a real workout. Expect scrambling, steep switchbacks, and incredible panoramic views of Boulder from the summit. Budget about 2–3 hours for the loop. Best for the adventurous crowd.

Boulder Creek Path Runs through the heart of Boulder along Boulder Creek. Perfect for a casual morning walk, jog, or bike ride. Flat, paved, and beautiful — great for all ages and fitness levels. Connects to multiple parks and downtown.

NCAR Trail 1850 Table Mesa Dr, Boulder Beautiful Flatiron views with less crowds than Chautauqua. Multiple trail options and a cool free science museum (National Center for Atmospheric Research) at the trailhead. Easy to moderate.

Red Rocks Park (Morrison) 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison (~45 min from Boulder) Even without a concert, Red Rocks is a must-see. Walk the amphitheatre, hike the surrounding trails, and take in views you won't find anywhere else on earth. Free to visit during the day. Pro tip: there are concerts that whole weekend (see below).

Lookout Mountain Park (Golden) 987 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden Stunning overlook of Denver and the Front Range. Easy drive up with short trails and picnic spots. Buffalo Bill's grave and museum is at the top.

🍺 Breweries & Tastings

Colorado is beer country. Here are the standouts.

Avery Brewing Company 4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder Full restaurant + massive beer selection. Self-guided brewery tours, dog-friendly patio, great food (the brisket is legit). Closed Mondays. This is the group hangout spot.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery 1535 Pearl St, Boulder (Pearl Street Mall) Boulder institution right on Pearl Street. Amazing burgers (try the bison), great house beers, and zero pretension. Cash only — heads up. Open daily from noon.

Upslope Brewing Company 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder Laid-back taproom with excellent craft beers and solid food. The Mighty Burger is a hidden gem. Great outdoor space.

Wild Provisions by 4 Noses 2209 Central Ave, Boulder If you're into sours and farmhouse ales, this is world-class. Dog-friendly patio, Detroit-style pizza from their food truck. More of a craft beer connoisseur spot.

Twisted Pine Brewing Co 3201 Walnut St, Boulder Solid beer, great pizza and wings, good for watching sports. Opens at 11 AM on weekends, 3 PM weekdays.

Coors Brewery Tour (Golden) 502 14th St, Golden (~30 min from Boulder) The world's largest single-site brewery. Hour-long tours with three beer samples included. Book in advance — they sell out. Open Thursday–Sunday (closed Tues/Wed). Great group activity.

Vapor Distillery / Boulder Spirits 5311 Western Ave, Boulder (distillery) | 1428 Pearl St, Boulder (tasting room) If spirits are more your thing, this is a must. Award-winning bourbon and single malts. Tastings and tours available. The cask strength bourbon has won national awards.

Vinnie Fera Winery 3012 Sterling Cir, Boulder Small-batch, excellent wines — especially their Pinot Noirs. Super welcoming staff. Open Thurs–Sun only.

🍽️ Where to Eat

Pearl Street Mall is the main drag in downtown Boulder — a pedestrian-only stretch packed with restaurants, shops, and street performers. Most of these are right on or near Pearl Street.

Postino Boulder 1468 Pearl St — Wine bar with incredible bruschetta boards, paninis, and a great happy hour. Perfect for a group share-style meal.

VINCA on Pearl 1043 Pearl St — European-inspired, cozy and upscale. Amazing happy hour ($9 meals), great wine list. The French onion soup and duck are standouts.

Gemini 1115 Pearl St — Tapas and small plates, Mediterranean-influenced. Great for sharing with a group. The baked goat cheese and bacon-wrapped dates are musts.

River and Woods 2328 Pearl St — Creative American cuisine, one of the best dinner spots in Boulder. The s'mores dessert experience is legendary. Make reservations.

SALT 1047 Pearl St — Upscale seafood and American fare. Nice cocktail program. Good for a nicer dinner out.

🎶 Live Music & Events That Weekend

Red Rocks Amphitheatre has shows all weekend:

Saturday, May 9: Cloonee with KETTAMA, Omar+, Cole Knight — 7 PM

Sunday, May 10: Hippie Sabotage with Danny Brown — 7 PM

Tickets at redrocksonline.com. Even if you skip the concert, visit the park during the day for free — it's unforgettable.

Boulder Farmers Market 13th St between Arapahoe & Canyon, downtown Boulder Open Saturday, May 9th: 8 AM – 2 PM. Live music, incredible local food, fresh produce, and Colorado vibes. One of the best farmers markets in the country. Right next to Boulder Creek — grab food and picnic by the water.

🏔️ Day Trip: Golden, CO

~30 minutes south of Boulder. A charming mountain town worth a half-day.

Downtown Golden — Cute main street with shops, restaurants, and mountain views. Very walkable.

Coors Brewery Tour — See above. Book ahead.

Lookout Mountain Park — Panoramic views, short hikes, Buffalo Bill's grave.

Golden History Park — Free park along Clear Creek with trails, historic buildings, and river access.

Clear Creek — Runs right through downtown Golden. In May, the water is running and it's gorgeous for walking along.

☀️ Weather & What to Pack

Early May in Boulder averages:

Daytime highs: 65–75°F

Morning/evening lows: 38–45°F

Afternoon showers: Common — rain can pop up fast

Altitude: Boulder sits at 5,430 ft. You'll feel it. Drink water.

Pack: Layers (mornings are chilly, afternoons can be warm), a light rain jacket, sunscreen + sunglasses (UV is stronger at altitude), comfortable walking shoes, and something nice for the wedding.

🚗 Getting Around

Boulder to Golden: ~30 min drive

Boulder to Red Rocks (Morrison): ~45 min drive

Boulder to Denver (DIA): ~45–60 min depending on traffic

Uber/Lyft: Available in Boulder but can be spotty late night. Plan ahead if you're going to Red Rocks.

We're so excited to have you here! If you need restaurant recs, hiking partners, or brewery buddies — reach out. Let's make it a weekend. 🖤

— Nathan & Nikki