Visit the Historic Pearl Street Mall
Downtown Boulder is home to the historic Pearl Street Mall. The four-block pedestrian walkway features restaurants, businesses, the Boulder County Courthouse, and, in the summertime, a vibrant cast of street performers. Public art decorates the sprawl, along with fountains, sculptures, and colorful tulip gardens, enlivening the atmosphere that’s set against a stunning view of the Flatirons. No trip to Boulder is complete without a stroll down Pearl Street.
The red ribbon was cut on August 6, 1977, officially recognizing Pearl Street as a historic hub of activity for the Boulder community. No automobiles sour its lanes, giving pedestrians reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Boulder traffic. It’s a place for families, couples, and anyone looking to stretch their legs to decompress and soak in the sights while possibly grabbing a bite or shopping for a kite.
Regular events spice up the thoroughfare, with plenty of activities for kids as well. That includes a sandbox for families with young children so that parents can take a much-needed break from the seemingly endless arrays of windows to shop and people to watch. After all, there are more than 1,000 businesses that call Pearl Street home.
Pearl Street captures the spirit of Boulder, the mixture of exploration and relaxation. Boutiques, restaurants, shops, bars, both local and known brands offering an excellent selection that caters to all interest. We’ve listed some of our favorites below:
Shopping:
Into The Winds Kites
Lighthouse Bookstore
Boulder Arts and Craft’s Cooperative
Common Era
Restaurants
Luciles
Jax Fish House
The Mediterranean Restaurant
Oak at Fourteenth
Bars:
Bohemian Biergarden:
West Flanders Brewery
The Walnut Brewery
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
If you plan to visit Boulder, live in the surrounding area, or just want to find something to do on a purposeless day, then head to Pearl Street. Even if you don’t want to spend money, simply strolling along the closed-off street is enough to entertain and energize.