The Riverside Colorado Town That Feels Straight Out of Europe

The quaint town of Vail, Colorado, is situated in the Rocky Mountains, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes West of Denver. It’s an excellent alternative to a European vacation, as this mountain village sits right on the water of Gore Creek, a tributary of the Eagle River, which is in turn a tributary of the Colorado River. It feels like a picturesque destination in Switzerland or Bavaria. The shops and restaurants feature a charming old-world architecture with an air of sophistication and merriment. 

Vail is more commonly known as a winter destination, boasting some of the world's best skiing and snowboarding trails. But it’s a beautiful place to spend time in the summer. The alpine wildflowers blossom on the hiking trails that serve as the ski runs on the mountain in the winter, and the temperatures are much cooler and more temperate than in Denver, since it’s up at a higher elevation, upwards of 8,000 feet.

As soon as you arrive in town, you’ll feel a welcoming sense of community in the streets of the walkable downtown village area. There’s also a free public bus running throughout the Vail Valley for those who want to explore further. You don’t even need to use a car during your visit—just like Europe. 

As a Coloradan, Vail is one of my favorite destinations to visit during any season...

I live in Denver, and Vail is one of my favorite destinations in Colorado, because it feels like an escape into another realm without requiring a long drive from where I live. I appreciate the sense of peace the mountains bring me, and the fresh air of the outdoor hiking and mountain biking trails is unparalleled. I understand how there are a plethora of summer activities to enjoy in Vail beyond just hiking—there’s something for every age and interest to enjoy. 

The town is also very dog-friendly and kid-friendly. This means you can take your whole family with you for the adventure. From the selection of restaurants featuring outdoor patios to hotels that are pet-friendly and the dog-friendly walking paths around the area, you won’t have to leave anyone behind.  

Things to Do in Town on a Vail Summer Trip

One of my favorite things to do in Vail in the summer is to go hiking. I love exploring the Berrypicker Trail, a moderately strenuous route, but I think it’s well worth the views. This trail goes from the Lionshead Village base area up to Eagle’s Nest, where one of the gondolas unloads. You can even hike it “one way” up, and take the gondola back down during the summertime (so you won’t have to hike back down, too).

Visit the Epic Discovery adventure park at the top of Vail Mountain, featuring a thrilling mountain coaster, tubing, ziplining, ropes courses, a climbing wall, and more. It’s for children and adults alike. The seasonal adventure park will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from June to September 1, and then on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 5 to 28.  

Other fun summertime activities in the Vail Valley include horseback riding, white water rafting, fly fishing, and golfing. Or, check out a beautiful, blooming local outdoor attraction, such as the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. And the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, nicknamed “The Amp,” is where you can enjoy live music and entertainment in a stunningly scenic open-air setting. 

Mountain biking is another popular pastime in Vail in the warmer months. I’m personally not a huge mountain biking enthusiast (I’d rather explore on my own two feet!). But there are plenty of trails to explore on two wheels, too. Or, if you’d prefer biking on flat ground, the cycling paths around town are a scenic way to get around the valley quickly and without a car. 

Or, buy tickets for a “scenic gondola ride” up and down the mountain and let the gondola do all the hard work. Tickets cost money if you’re taking the ride up and down from the village. However, from my experience, if you’re hiking up and want to take the gondola down, you won’t have to pay the cost of a one-way ticket.  

If you’re looking to relax, indulge in a spa treatment at one of the dozen decadent local spas in Vail. One of my favorites based on personal experience is the Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Vail, which recently underwent a major renovation, revamping and enhancing the existing beauty of the space. I could spend all day in their relaxation lounge reading a book and gazing out the large picture window. There’s also The Spa at Gravity Haus Vail, which focuses on recovery treatments for high-altitude adventures, such as oxygen inhalation therapy.

Or, if you’d like to explore a bit off the beaten path in the Vail Valley, take a trip over to Beaver Creek. This spot is approximately 20 minutes west of downtown Vail Village and feels like a small European town. There, you can explore the plethora of summer activities at their Adventure Center, trek one of the local hiking trails, embark on a scenic chair lift ride, or go on an ATV tour. 

Where to Eat in the Summer in Vail

Alpenrose Vail is one of the most popular restaurants in town, serving delicious German/Austrian/Swiss mountain cuisine in a cozy setting. For a cup of coffee or a cocktail, be sure to check out Two Arrows, a local favorite that balances “apres” with “avant” on their extensive menu. And my favorite place to grab a specialty espresso beverage in the Vail Village is Yeti’s Grind. Their seasonal drinks make any trip to grab a cup of coffee feel extra exciting. 

Where to Spend the Night on a Summer Trip to Vail

A few of my favorite spots to spend the night in town include The Hythe, a chic and trendy pet-friendly hotel that’s walkable to Lionshead Village and has a Vail shuttle bus right in front of the building. There’s also The Lodge at Vail, which feels like more traditional accommodations in the heart of Vail Village. This place offers excellent opportunities to walk anywhere your heart desires in the town, along with upscale accommodations. Grand Hyatt Vail is nestled at the foot of Vail Mountain, at the helm of the serene Gore Creek, and is a pet-friendly, family property as well.

My pup (and I) loved staying at this hotel because it felt like an unpretentious paradise with easy access to everything we wanted.  Over in Beaver Creek, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is a great place to set as a home base (also a pet-friendly and family-friendly property) with walkable access to the local trails and attractions. And finally, for those who prefer vacation rentals to hotels, Moving Mountains cabins, which have properties in Beaver Creek and Vail, offer an excellent, pre-vetted alternative to spend the night somewhere that feels like a (slightly nicer) version of home. 

Vail Is an Excellent Alternative to Europe

Whether you’re dining at an internationally inspired restaurant, exploring the alpine trails in the great outdoors, or relaxing for a self-care spa day, Vail is a great place for a getaway in the mountains of Colorado. Visit the charming shops in the villages, or explore the beautiful architecture of the town, and learn more about the history of this mountain village. It’s a cooler alternative to the warm temps of urban Denver and a fun escape to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of the Rocky Mountains.