Boulder · Boulder County, CO

Cheap things to do in Boulder

Scout analyzed 99 Boulder places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$50

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Best neighborhoods for cheap day out

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Downtown

14 matching spots

Central Boulder

7 matching spots

Whittier

5 matching spots

Glenwood Grove - North Iris

2 matching spots

Boulder Junction

2 matching spots

Chautauqua

2 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Downtown

West End Tavern

Visit West End Tavern for a casual meal of burgers and drinks, possibly on their roof lounge for mountain views. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-75 per person.

CocktailsFoodViews

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Goss - Grove

Rincon Argentino

Rincon Argentino is a good spot for a quick, casual meal of empanadas or sandwiches. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour and around $10-$25 per person for food.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

University Hill

The Sink

The Sink is a classic Boulder spot for a casual, affordable meal like burgers or pizza, easily paired with exploring the nearby campus or Pearl Street. Expect a lively atmosphere, and plan for about an hour for your visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Whittier

Boxcar Coffee | Pearl Cafe and Bakery

Visit Boxcar Coffee for a quick coffee and pastry, ideal for a solo start to the day or a casual meet-up. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Oak at Fourteenth

Oak at Fourteenth is suitable for an upscale dinner, often pairing well with pre-dinner drinks elsewhere on Pearl Street. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $75-150 per person.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Gemini

Gemini is a tapas restaurant good for a dinner outing, offering shared plates and drinks. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person, fitting well after a walk on Pearl Street.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Chatfield Bluffs

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

Plan for a half-day outing at Chatfield Farms to explore gardens and trails, especially good for families or a relaxed solo walk. Expect to spend about $10-15 per person for admission.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$10–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Baseline Sub

Scott Carpenter Park

This park is suitable for a family outing, a casual solo visit, or to combine with other outdoor activities. Plan for 1-2 hours of free play, with potential costs for pool entry.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Table Mesa

Southern Sun Pub & Brewery

Southern Sun is a casual brewpub for an easy meal and drinks, suitable for groups or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Glenwood Grove - North Iris

The Luxe Room

The Luxe Room is suitable for a solo pampering session or as part of a special occasion. Expect a visit of 1-2 hours and costs typically range from $150-$500 per person for treatments.

ShoppingWellnessRelaxed

$150–$500 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Boulder Junction

Vasu Skin Solutions

Vasu Skin Solutions is suitable for a solo pampering session or a special occasion treat. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours for a service, with costs typically ranging from $100 to $300 per person.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$100–$300 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Glenwood Grove - North Iris

Rayback Collective

The Rayback Collective is a casual spot for an afternoon or evening with food trucks, a beer garden, and live music, often paired with views. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for food and drinks over 1-3 hours.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$15–$35 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

The Peoples’ Crossing

The Peoples' Crossing serves as a starting point for scenic trails, making it ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor adventure. It costs nothing to enter and pairs well with a picnic or post-hike meal nearby.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

OZO Coffee | West Pearl

OZO Coffee is suitable for a quick solo coffee or a casual meet-up with light bites. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Sundown Saloon

This basement bar is good for a casual, late-night outing with friends, featuring pool tables and budget-friendly drinks. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a 1-2 hour visit, often as a lively stop on a Pearl Street bar crawl.

CocktailsSportsSocial

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Central Boulder

Jlounge

Jlounge is a nail salon suitable for a pampering solo or small group outing, typically lasting about an hour and costing $50-100 per person. It can be paired with a nearby lunch or coffee, offering a relaxed and upscale experience.

WellnessRelaxedUpscale

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Central Boulder

Yoga Pod Boulder

Yoga Pod Boulder is a good spot for a solo wellness activity, lasting about 1.5 hours and costing around $20-30 per class. It can fit into a weekend adventure or a cheap day out for self-care.

SportsWellnessRelaxed

$20–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Boulder Junction

The NOW Massage Boulder

This massage spa is suitable for a solo wellness break or a calming start to a weekend, lasting about an hour. Expect to spend $100-$200 for a typical session.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$100–$200 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Wonderland Hills

Wonderland Lake Park

Wonderland Lake Park is good for a low-cost outdoor activity, like a morning walk or afternoon with kids. It can be paired with a picnic lunch or a coffee from a nearby cafe. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

University of Colorado Museum of Natural History

This museum is good for a free 1-2 hour educational outing, particularly for families with kids interested in natural history. It's best combined with a walk around the CU Boulder campus or a meal nearby.

ArtsHistoryAnimals

$0 typical2 hr visithard parking

Chautauqua

Chautauqua Park

Chautauqua Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion with family or for solo hiking, offering scenic trails and historical elements. Expect to spend $0-$30 for activities like hiking and a potential meal, and plan for parking challenges.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$30 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Flagstaff

Panorama Point

Panorama Point is a free scenic overlook perfect for a quick stop to enjoy Boulder's views. It's great for family photos or a moment of reflection, often paired with a drive up Flagstaff Road or a nearby hike.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Stella's Cucina

Stella's Cucina is ideal for a upscale dinner date or anniversary, likely costing $75-$150 per person for an hour and a half meal. It could be a standalone evening event or part of a Boulder night out.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Whittier

Woodhouse Spa - Boulder

This spa is suitable for a relaxing solo escape or a special occasion with a partner. Plan for 2-4 hours and a spend of $150-$400 per person for treatments and services.

ShoppingWellnessRelaxed

$150–$400 typical1 hr visitmoderate parking