Ah, Boulder — where more people are on foot or bike rather than behind the wheel — this city is better seen at a slower pace.
When you fly into Denver International Airport and ask for directions to Boulder, you’ll be greeted one of two ways: with enthusiasm or an eye roll. Boulder is chock full of granola-lovin’, drum circle-sittin’, yoga-practicin’, outdoor enthusiasts. You either love ‘em or… well, envious of ‘em.
But seriously, who wouldn’t be at the base of the famed Flatirons eating your way through award-winning restaurants or shopping to your heart’s content at the many quirky stores? With a range of character and personality, Boulder’s airbnbs are some of the most unique ones in the country including secluded, cliffside retreats, quaint homes right in town close to shops, and luxurious cottages. Check ‘em out below.
Related Read: 12 Extraordinary Cabin Rentals in Colorado
1. Farmhouse-Style House
Why you should stay: you can recharge your electric vehicle, ya know, if that’s how you roll.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $500/night
There won’t be any reason to leave this 1906 fully-renovated historic home, though you’re only steps from the restaurants and nightlife on the famed Pearl Street Mall.
No need to bring any baby gear for those wanting to have a vacation with their newborns — this house is fully-equipped with a portable crib, high chair, changing table, and even kid’s dining ware. Plus, you’re teenagers will have their private bedrooms and very own Jack and Jill bathroom. Pure bliss for the whole family.
Check Availability2. Midcentury Cliffside Home
Why you should stay: did you not see the title? It’s on a literal cliff. Cliff!!!
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 4 nights
- Rates from: $570/night
This phenomenal mid-century home is a STUNNER. Built on an actual boulder — the same stone as the famed Flatirons, in fact — the house is filled with geological wonder.
A massive stone cuts through the home splitting the living room and making its way down to the bathroom acting as a shower wall. A real architectural feat. And if the awe of the interior isn’t enough, step outside to the massive balcony to watch the iconic “fire in the sky” sunsets.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 8 Beautiful Cabin Rentals in Buena Vista, Colorado
3. Downtown Bungalow
Why you should stay: designed by an architect but made for the practical-minded.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $234/night
Take the host’s advice (seen on their bookshelf) and “Go everywhere, see everyone, and eat everything” in this quaint bungalow steps from historic downtown Boulder. The house itself is incredibly-designed but the real winner here is its location.
Blocks away from Pearl Street, this home is an easy stroll to restaurants like Mateo (a Michelin-star chef), Frasca Food and Wine, and Oak. Don’t worry about those extra cocktails since you won’t need a designated driver to head home after dining at any of those establishments.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin’ in the Mountains
4. Modern Downtown Home
Why you should stay: there’s a rooftop deck, need we say more.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $407/night
Light and airy with a hint of color is the best way to describe the interior of this thoughtfully-decorated home. You’ll feel as if time is just passing by as you sit at the breakfast bar with your homemade skinny-latte — that’s right, there’s a gourmet espresso machine.
Take your time to wash away the stress of the day under a beautiful rain shower. Then head on up the winding staircase to your rooftop deck with a cocktail in hand to view the beautiful sunsets over the Flatirons. Stay until the moon rises and your mind rests.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Colorado Cabin Rentals
5. Nature-Inspired Getaway
Why you should stay: you don’t need to be a botanist to have an appreciation for all the plants in this home.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $249/night
Seriously, there is a huge abundance of plants in every nook and cranny of this lovely modern bungalow.
Although the air on the inside has been filtered tenfold by those plants, if you need a bit of fresh air, feel free to head out to Parkside Park (we know, redundant). Bring the kids to get their energy out on the playground or simply take a walk around the serene landscape.
Check Availability6. A Tiny Home
Why you should stay: for the budget-minded Boulder traveler.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $67/night
Although considered a tiny house, the hosts leave nothing off their list of what one might need when away from home.
Located just off one of the major bus routes, this quaint home on wheels has more room than you might think. In its small space you’ll find a fully-functioning bathroom with roomy shower, queen bed in the loft, washer and dryer, and an office nook!
Check Availability“We were beyond comfortable the entire stay. (Especially through the wild weather. It was 95 degrees one day and snowed the next!) You can definitely feel Jim’s passion in the craftsmanship of this home.”
Related Read: 11 Perfect Romantic Getaways in Colorado
7. The Earthhouse
Why you should stay: who needs one indoor tropical garden when you can have two!
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $360/night
Boasting incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain, this handcrafted cob house is an awe-inspiring design. The south-facing windows are just one of the reasons this house really brings the outdoors in. Away from the city lights of Boulder, you’ll clearly see the Milky Way while soaking in the hot tub but close enough to downtown for a quick dinner out.
Other eco-friendly amenities include a rainwater catchment system, greywater recycling system, solar water heaters, and even earthen walls. Plus, there’s a guest straw-bale barn with a wood stove perfect for anyone needing a little more space and seclusion.
Check AvailabilityPlan your trip to Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream but there’s so much more than the surrounding hiking trails. Check out our recommendations below.
- If it’s summer time, there’s no better place than the Boulder Farmer’s Market. You’ll find everything you need: whether it be gifts or food, it’s all there.
- Are you a music fanatic? Make sure to catch a show at the Boulder Theatre or catch a glimpse of lesser-known acts at the Rayback Collective.
- Avoid the busier Estes Park and, instead, head to the quirky and artsy town of Nederland and ride the Carousel of Happiness.
- Want to adventure right in town? Check out any of these iconic trails.
- Check out number four on this article for a great road trip from Boulder.
- Get out of the city and adventure in Colorado’s most visited National Park: Rocky Mountain. Make sure to check out these hikes.
- Hop on one of the many Boulder B-cycle bikes to truly live the Boulder experience.
More Incredible Getaways in Colorado
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