If you’ve ever wanted to plan a trip to Vail, Colorado, I’d highly suggest going for it. I recently visited for the first time and I loved everything about it. It’s an incredibly charming place that has some of the best mountain views, great shopping, and a variety of top-notch restaurants and bars. There are also so many activities for travelers to enjoy here — skiing aside.
My trip was hosted by Lexus, and a handful of other influencers were also invited for the weekend. Getting to Vail from the Denver Airport was honestly a breeze, and the drive itself was stunning. Getting there in the winter would of course be an entirely different experience, but I was grateful to be visiting when the weather was more favorable.
After spending a long weekend in the mountain town, I was able to go to some of the most popular spots in the area. If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Vail, the best bars in Vail, or what to do in Vail, this travel guide is for you.
Where to Stay in Vail, Colorado
We stayed at The Hythe during our time in Vail and I couldn’t recommend it more. It was super cozy but also felt luxe. The rooms are spacious, modern, and I loved that I had a little balcony to enjoy my morning coffee on. Also, if you’re visiting in the summer, it’s an added perk that the hotel has a pool.
As far as location goes, the hotel is tucked right in the heart of Lionshead Village, which is just a short walk from Vail Village. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and stores within steps of the lobby so it’s a really convenient place to stay.
Regardless of what hotel you stay at, I would just suggest choosing one that’s located in either village — Lionshead Village or Vail Village. It’s just much easier to get to activities and the nightlife since most of it takes place in these two villages.
What to Do in Vail, Colorado
The weather during my trip was surprisingly crisp and cool for the end of August, but I know that the temperature is always lower in the mountains. We had some rainy days and it was definitely a bit more cloudy than what I was hoping for, but all that is to say that I still had a really great time.
Here are some must-do activities when visiting Vail — there really is something for everyone to do, which is why this destination is such a popular family spot.
Horseback Riding
To say my experience horseback riding was an adventure would be a total understatement. I know that this is a highly coveted activity for visitors, but my horseback ride was honestly quite wild. My horse had a mind of his own (his name was Donkey, which was very fitting) and it really was something I won’t ever forget.
We unfortunately got hit with some heavy rain during our ride, which made it quite chaotic. However, I will say that the staff at Beaver Creek Stables was excellent. They made the ride as enjoyable as possible despite the bad weather.
Also, the trail that we rode through was absolutely stunning. It was so lush and offered up some of the best mountain views.
Hiking and Biking
Hiking is huge in Vail, for both visitors and locals. The mountains obviously provide some of the best trails to adventure on, and the views you get at the end are well worth it. Meadows Loop is a popular trail that’s just under 3 miles — the perfect length in my opinion.
If hiking isn’t really your thing, there are a lot of bike trails around town that make checking out the area fast and enjoyable. You can also walk along the bike paths to get between Vail Village and Lionshead.
Shopping
No trip would be complete without a healthy dose of retail therapy. I was pleasantly surprised by how many shops there were in Vail Village. They had some Colorado staples, like the iconic Kemo Sabe hat store, as well as a handful of small boutiques and gift shops.
It was really fun to walk around with the other girls who were on the trip while checking out the shops. Some of the stores are definitely more pricey, but I felt like there was a good mix between luxury and attainable options.
Ride the Gondola
One easy way to see Vail from above is by taking a gondola ride to the top of the mountain. I wish I had taken the time to do this during my trip, but I know I’ll make it a priority the next time I come to visit.
Tickets can be a bit on the pricier side but you can purchase some that give you access to the gondola for the whole weekend. Plus, there are restaurants and places to sit and enjoy the view once you get up there.
Mountain Yoga
While I didn’t partake in a yoga class on this trip, I wanted to include it on my list since I know its a big draw. There are a lot of companies that offer mountain top yoga and goat yoga in the area.
I’d also suggest checking with your hotel to see if they offer any fitness classes or if they recommend any particular yoga companies.
The Best Restaurants in Vail, Colorado
To put it simply: the dining scene in Vail did not disappoint. There were so many places to eat, and just about every type of cuisine could be found in a one mile radius. Here are some of the best spots to go, whether you need a quick bite to eat for lunch or you’re looking for a fancy sit-down.
Tavern on the Square
Located inside the Arrabelle Hotel, this cute spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love that you can choose to sit inside or outside against the ski slopes.
The menu has plenty of options to satisfy a selection of cravings. They also offer a variety of tasty cocktails and have an extensive wine and beer list. I’d definitely dine here again, for any meal, the next time I’m in Colorado.
Margie’s Haas
Margie’s Haas was conveniently tucked inside of the Hythe hotel (where I stayed) which made grabbing breakfast each morning really easy.
They have all of the classics on their menu — benedicts, omelets, and breakfast burritos — as well as more specialty dishes, like stuffed French toast, a chicken and waffle sandwich, and banana fosters pancakes. Everything tasted so fresh and it hit the spot every time.
Matsuhisa
If sushi is your thing then you absolutely have to go here for dinner one night. There are a handful of locations around the world (Italy, Switzerland, Beverly Hills, etc.) and the food never disappoints. Going here is a total experience — offering much more than your average night out for dinner.
Mountain Standard
Known for their wood fired cuisine, Mountain Standard is a must-visit for dinner in Vail. They have a raw bar, salads, and unique grilled entrees. I also loved how creative their cocktails were and thought that everything we ordered was worth the hype.
Alpenrose
This German restaurant is a staple in Vail. It has a really fun atmosphere and a lot of people love to go for lunch. They have everything from fondue to bratwurst to pretzels, and the service is always on point.
Big Bear Bistro
If you’re looking for a quick place to find breakfast and lunch staples, like pancakes, sandwiches, and French toast, Big Bear Bistro is the best spot. It can get pretty crowded on the weekends but the line to order moves quickly, and you can always order ahead and take your food to go.
This is also the place to grab coffee if you need a little pick me up!
The Best Bars in Vail, Colorado
Revel Lounge
If you’re looking for a spot that makes a great craft cocktail, this is it. It’s the bar inside the Hythe Hotel (I am a sucker for a good hotel bar). Try the Huckleberry Smash, which is made with bourbon, huckleberries, mint, honey, and lemon, or opt for a classic Old Fashioned.
Fall Line Kitchen
A favorite amongst locals, Fall Line Kitchen has a super cute ambiance and a cozy, inviting bar. It definitely has a more upscale vibe than some of the other cocktail bars in the area, so it’s a good place to go to if you’re looking for a fancy night out.
It’s also a restaurant so you could certainly post up here for a few hours. They also are known to make an excellent margarita.
Shakedown Bar
This place gets wild. If you’re in the mood for live music and dancing, this late night spot is the place to be. Shakedown Bar offers the perfect example of the buzzy nightlife scene in Vail, so if you want to get a taste for that side of the city, head here.
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