Boulder

The city's hub... a four-block pedestrian mall between 11th and 15th streets. — Fodor's

The school boasts 17 alumni astronauts who have flown in space and four Nobel laureates on the faculty. — Frommer's

Site of the Colorado Music Festival and a favorite hiking and picnic spot for locals on weekends. — Fodor's

This 5.5-mile urban trail is packed with walkers, runners, bikers and skaters on the weekends. Along the way, you'll see the University of Colorado campus and city parks. — Where

History buffs will want to breeze through this simple but informative museum. — Lonely Planet

The natural history and anthropology of the Rocky Mountains and Southwest are the focus of this campus museum, founded in 1902 and one of the best of its kind. — Frommer's

Visitors observe the processes involved in producing mead, aka “honey wine,” during a free 30-minute tour (1 & 3 pm weekdays; 12:30 pm Sa). — Where

This dome puts on planetarium shows and star talks, as well as laser shows choreographed to music like Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, and Queen. — Fodor's

Local beers, eats, tours & doggie patio. — Zagat

This trailhead and parking area is just below the summit of Flagstaff Mountain (7283ft) and a short drive from downtown Boulder. — Lonely Planet