2 Best Sights in Boulder and North Central Colorado, Colorado

Chautauqua Park

Fodor's choice

For some of Boulder's prettiest views, follow Baseline Road west from Broadway to Chautauqua Park, nestled at the base of the Flatirons. Grab a picnic or ice cream cone at the General Store and relax on the lawn, or use the park as a launching point to 40 miles of hiking trails. Historic Chautauqua is also home to a tasty restaurant, the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall, open year-round for brunch and dinner. Or attend a lecture, silent film, or concert at the auditorium, which hosts the Colorado Music Festival and internationally renowned concerts every year. For a bird's-eye view of Boulder, keep going west on Baseline (which turns into Flagstaff Road) 1 mile to Panorama Point, and then 3½ miles to Realization Point.

LaVern M. Johnson Park

Located along the banks of the St. Vrain River, this lovely park has something for everyone, from picnic areas and a playground to a winter-season ice-skating rink. Bird-watchers come from all over to see eagles nesting in the sandstone cliffs here. There's also a white-water park for kayakers and tubers, a splash pad, tubing on the river, and camping.