Pearl Street Mall

Pearl Street Mall dates back to 1976—it was a project designed to revitalize Boulder’s aging downtown. Indeed, many of the buildings on Pearl Street are some of the city’s oldest, and downtown Boulder is one of Colorado’s most picturesque historic districts. Today, Pearl Street Mall is a city centerpiece, where locals and visitors shop, dine, and people-watch. Tree-lined and scenic, it’s also a spot to get some fresh air and simply take in Boulder’s curb appeal.

• It may only be four blocks long, but you’ll still find 200+ stores here—exploring may take longer than you think.

• Several parking garages are around the 16th Street Mall.

• Though there are public restrooms here, they’re often closed. Patronize a local business instead.

Pearl Street Mall stretches between 11th and 15th streets. To get there, you can drive, bike, take a taxi or rideshare, or walk from your Boulder lodging. Parking garages can be found on 16th Street—note that garages owned by the City of Boulder are free on weekends.

The best time to visit Boulder's Pearl Street Mall is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and shopping outdoors is especially pleasant. Summer can be great, too, but weekend afternoons can get quite crowded—if you are visiting in summer, try to visit during the week for a quieter ambiance and more leisurely exploration.

Pearl Street Mall isn’t all about shopping and dining, though it can look like it at first glance. Public art, from fountains to sculptures, line these four blocks; along with several small gardens and seriously talented street performers, this spot is a great place to simply wander and enjoy Boulder.