Pearl Street Mall
Pearl Street Mall
4.5
About
Situated in the heart of an energetic city is beautiful, historic Downtown Boulder. At the heart of Downtown Boulder is the Pearl Street Mall, a wonderfully charismatic four-block-long pedestrian mall that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007. Colorful, bright flowers fill the mall almost the entire year and street performers, with a multitude of talents, make the Pearl Street Mall one of the best people-watching destinations anywhere.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,809 reviews
Excellent
1,646
Very good
896
Average
225
Poor
32
Terrible
10
Henry’s Take
San Diego, CA1,460 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
“When in Boulder, do as the Boulderians do!”
While I can’t say that I’ve heard that expression while here, I like the sound of it (fact) and have initiated the trademark process to incorporate it under the “Henry’s Take” corporate umbrella (not true). 😉
While chatting it up with some of the locals we were encouraged to pay a visit to “The Mall” during our visit. While that recommendation initially lacked any appeal whatsoever, we discovered that the local definition of “mall” is totally different than how it is traditionally defined. Also known here as “The Bricks”, it offers much more than shopping opportunities including scenic views and quality street performers (including live music).
The people here exude an eccentric vibe as evidenced by the comment of someone who asked a passing Postal Carrier,
“Do you remember the plan? You were supposed to mail me to New Orleans!” 🤣
The locals also recommended that we walk through the historic “Boulderado Hotel” which is in the area (and worth the few extra steps to get there).
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#bouldermall
#boulderbricks
#bouldervibe
While I can’t say that I’ve heard that expression while here, I like the sound of it (fact) and have initiated the trademark process to incorporate it under the “Henry’s Take” corporate umbrella (not true). 😉
While chatting it up with some of the locals we were encouraged to pay a visit to “The Mall” during our visit. While that recommendation initially lacked any appeal whatsoever, we discovered that the local definition of “mall” is totally different than how it is traditionally defined. Also known here as “The Bricks”, it offers much more than shopping opportunities including scenic views and quality street performers (including live music).
The people here exude an eccentric vibe as evidenced by the comment of someone who asked a passing Postal Carrier,
“Do you remember the plan? You were supposed to mail me to New Orleans!” 🤣
The locals also recommended that we walk through the historic “Boulderado Hotel” which is in the area (and worth the few extra steps to get there).
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#bouldermall
#boulderbricks
#bouldervibe
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael G
Troy, NY3 contributions
Sep 2020
Great walk able shopping and dining area really enjoyed people watching and browsing the shops. The big draw back is you have to pay to park.One would think the city of Boulder would have free parking to build this area and not be so money hungry. Would have stayed longer but had to watch the parking meter.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoey30043
Lawrenceville, GA65 contributions
Jun 2022
The Pearl Street Mall was a really great experience for us. There are lots of shops and restaurants and when the local street performers are added to the experience, it is well worth the visit. Local folks are very friendly, helpful, and easy to have a casual conversation with. We learned a lot about the area from a local standpoint.
Consider going on a Sunday afternoon, when parking is free and activities are at a peak.
Consider going on a Sunday afternoon, when parking is free and activities are at a peak.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermes O
39 contributions
Feb 2023
Wonderful dining options, night life, great people watching, excellent buskers and live street entertainment not to mention food trucks and loads of events throughout the year.
The only downside, the City could do much more to assist the homeless population, enforce rules, and provide greater security. The homeless encampments are a sad commentary on Boulder's ability to care for people and it undermines the businesses and tourism as a driver of the economy.
The only downside, the City could do much more to assist the homeless population, enforce rules, and provide greater security. The homeless encampments are a sad commentary on Boulder's ability to care for people and it undermines the businesses and tourism as a driver of the economy.
Written February 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lotsagoldens
Surprise, AZ940 contributions
Jul 2022
We stopped here this time because there was an art show. There is always something to see -- great place for people watching, a little shopping, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes. There are usually street performers who range from local kids playing their violins to carney magicians. Depending on your mood this can be festive or annoying. (Just sayin')
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose C
Dayton, OH102 contributions
Aug 2021
Fun atmosphere. We ate here at night then returned the next day to go in the many shops and people watch. We saw several street performers: guitar, violin and bongo players and a high rise unicycle juggler. Would return repeatedly if we lived in the area due to the huge variety of quality restaurants and all have some outdoor seating, best for enjoying Boulder’s awesome weather and for the people watching. It’d be a great place for a date.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
967ModernArt
Philadelphia, PA165 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
As someone else said, this is a pedestrian mall with stores, restaurants, and street performers. You get all of the good and bad that comes with that. To me, the best parts were good/really good food, good people watching, and generally just being among humans again. The retail stores were just ok, and many of them did not have Pre-Covid selection (or if they did, just not good selection). The street performers were also just ok (we’ve seen much better in other cities, but if it is your first time seeing street performers you’ll enjoy it just fine).
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RMc179
Fort Worth, TX40 contributions
Jul 2021
It's a cute shopping area with unique businesses and kitschy photo ops. Parking can be a struggle, but read the signs - some lots are free after certain times in the day. We avoided the eating establishments because it can be very pricey in such a touristy area.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ovolacto
Lakewood, CO426 contributions
Dec 2022
The Mall is loaded with good value shopping of all kind, but especially dining. You can anything from cheap eats, to more expensive fair. There are lots of good dining choices, especially for vegetarians and vegans. I loved the record store. We went in December when many of the college students were home for the holidays, so the crowds were smaller, and the experience better. It's a really nice mall. Yeah, we saw some homeless people, but they stayed to themselves, and didn't bother anyone.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmsyoung
Littleton, CO41 contributions
Mar 2020
The Pearl Street Mall is a must see destination. There are shops and restaurants to suit any taste. We were there on a Wed early afternoon, and there was a duo on the mall - there are almost always buskers present, usually several at any given time on the weekends. There are climbing features for the kids, plenty of seating, and it's always interesting to visit.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you park an RV near by when visiting in the daytime ( not looking for overnight campground
Thanks
Written June 17, 2019
I don’t think so unless you find a parking lot where you could park it. Parking is at a premium in Boulder.
Written June 17, 2019
When is the best time (Day and Time of Day) to experience the best of Pearl Street?
Written October 5, 2018
I think as long as the shops are open and the weather is good that anytime should be fine.
Written October 5, 2018
When is the best time (Day and Time of Day) to experience the best of Pearl Street?
Written October 5, 2018
I think lunch time since there are several really nice places to eat. But anytime is great. Store hours vary. There is always something going on. Have fun.
Written October 6, 2018
About how long could a tourist expect to spend at the Pearl Street Mall? We have a family of 7 with the youngest being 2 and a half years old.
Written July 7, 2018
if the weather is nice. Bring a change of clothes for the little one, and let all the kids play in the dancing waters. It is fun shopping and dining for all ages. IF you use the dancing waters, two hours should be fine. If you are also having a meal, add an hour. There is also going to be street entertainers that the family will enjoy.
Written July 8, 2018
Planning our vacation in April 2018. Anything anyone can recommend to see do would be greatly appreciated
Written February 27, 2018
The 16th Street Mall has a free trolley. Take a ride and check things out. Union Station is not too far away, as is the Tattered Cover Bookstore. You can walk to the Denver Art Museum, visit the Capitol Building. People are easy to talk to in Denver. Everyone you ask will have great suggestions!
Written February 28, 2018
Where's the best place to buy walking shoes? 🚶🏽♀️
Written January 9, 2018
If you are talking about in the Pearl Street Mall, I’m not sure - I don’t live on the West Coast, so I have very limited knowledge about the mall, other than it’s enjoyable-ness!
Written February 12, 2018
Where's the best place to buy walking shoes? 🚶🏽♀️
Written January 9, 2018
Hi, I would have to say the Pedestrian Shop!
Written January 10, 2018
There are several. Between 10th & 11th on Pearl.
Written July 6, 2017
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