Vail, Colorado is one of the best places to visit in the US! While it is well-known for its ski resort and a popular winter destination, Vail in summer is an absolute dream. If you’ve never visited Vail in summer, then you’re seriously missing out! There is so much to do in Vail in the summer from hiking and horseback riding to fine dining and shopping. Check out the best of Vail, Colorado in summer and the many things to do here!

Things to Do in Vail, Colorado in Summer

1. Explore Vail Village and Lionshead Village

Vail Village and Lionshead Village are two villages at the base of Vail Mountain and they are straight out of a fairytale! You’ll feel like you were transported into a storybook. The architecture here is so charming and it is fun to just walk around town. One of the best parts about Vail is that it is very walkable and car-free. There are unique shops and great dining options in both of these towns.

2. Take a stroll along the river

There is a beautiful river that runs through Vail and the walk between Vail Village and Lionshead Village is beautiful. Walk along Gore Creek to get between the two villages. It is a very scenic trail that takes you away from the bustle of town.

3. Visit the world’s highest botanical garden

Located at an altitude of 8,200 feet, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the world’s highest botanical garden. It is free to visit and just a short walk from Vail Village. Come explore this beautiful botanic garden and see unique alpine plants. Be sure to check their calendar before your visit to see if there is a special event going on!

4. See Vail from the scenic gondola

Take the scenic gondola up to Vail Mountain to see Vail from new heights! You can take the Eagle Bahn gondola from Lionshead Village to Vail Mountain. The gondola is open from mid-June to October and provides you access to the various hiking trails atop Vail Mountain. The views from Vail Mountain are spectacular!

5. Experience Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery

Although you can’t ski in Vail in the summer, there are still plenty of fun activities atop Vail Mountain. Get an Epic Discovery Adventure Pass to experience the many attractions on Vail Mountain from the mountain coaster to mini-golf. The Adventure Pass includes a scenic gondola ride as well so you don’t have to purchase a separate gondola ticket if you’re planning to go up!

6. Have a romantic picnic

There is nothing more romantic and magical than having a private picnic in beautiful scenery. Picnic Vail takes care of everything: the setup, the food, and the cleaning up. Enjoy delicious food and wine while enjoying each other’s company!

This luxurious picnic experience is also a part of Vail’s 10th Mountain Package, a Vail Dream Trip, that you can win! Enter here to win a Vail Dream Trip.

7. Go horseback riding

Going horseback riding through the beautiful Aspen trees in Vail is an unforgettable experience! Vail Stables offers horseback riding tours good for all ages. The tours range from 1.5 hours to half-day and private tours are also available. The stables are only a mile from Vail so it is easy to get to. It is a lot of fun for the whole family or with friends!

8. Play a round…or two of golf

There are several golf courses in Vail Valley and you’re met with a fantastic backdrop! Here are some of the top-rated courses in the area:

• Vail Golf Club
• Eagle-Vail Golf Club
• Beaver Creek Golf Club
• Eagle Ranch Golf Club

If you’re a golf enthusiast, you can win a golf getaway where you can golf and dine with a PGA Pro! Enter here to win a Vail Dream Trip.

9. Experience the outdoors at Piney River Ranch

Piney River Ranch is a private mountain retreat that is set on the edge of Piney Lake and nestled at the foot of the majestic Gore Range. It is only open part of the year, typically from June through September, and it’s only 12 miles from Vail.

It offers both cabins and glamping tents plus a variety of outdoor activities. Even if you are not staying at Piney River Ranch, you can still go horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, fly fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding. It is open to the public and the Piney Lake Trail is a beautiful hike.

10. Go flyfishing

Flyfishing is a very popular activity in Vail! With incredible rivers and creeks in the area, it is no wonder Vail is a flyfishing destination. There are multiple tour operators in Vail offering guided fly fishing trips and tours in Colorado’s Vail Valley.

If you enjoy flyfishing, you should check out the Elevated Angling in Vail package, one of the specially curated Vail Dream Trips!

Where to Stay in Vail

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Vail, I highly recommend staying at Four Seasons Resort in Vail! I stayed at Four Seasons Vail during my trip to Vail and had an incredible stay. This five-star resort is just steps away from Vail Village. You are in the heart of Vail.

The resort itself is beautiful and the amenities are endless. Some amenities include a fitness center and spa. I loved the pool and hot tub in the center of their property! They also have a Mercedes Benz SUV that is complimentary for guests to use. I took the car to Piney Lake and it was perfect for off-roading.

There are also great dining options at Four Seasons Vail. You wouldn’t even have to leave the property if you didn’t want to! They have in-room dining services and restaurants on property including the Remedy Bar, which is a great spot for cocktails, and Flame, an upscale steakhouse with an extensive menu.

The resort staff were so welcoming and went above and beyond to make sure I had a great stay!

Where to Eat in Vail

There are so many great dining options in Vail and it features some of the best restaurants in Colorado! I am listing some of my favorite places to eat below:

• Vintage: Charming French brasserie serving a menu of classic fare and specialty cocktails; a great spot for brunch!
• Alpenrose: Bavarian-style restaurant that serves German and Austria food and homemade pastries; a great spot for a romantic dinner.
• Flame Restaurant: Stylish steakhouse in Four Seasons Vail for premium steaks, mountain fare & cocktails; offers an extensive menu from lobster mac & cheese and vegetarian quinoa risotto to premium cuts!
• Le Bottega: High-end restaurant featuring Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list!
• Tavern on the Square: Chic, contemporary New American restaurant & bar featuring creative selections and craft cocktails.
• Rimini Gelato and Chocolate: Cute gelato shop serving a wide variety of sweets! Their hot chocolate is delicious!

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