day one | day two | day three | day four
Vail in bloom
Vail Valley in spring and summer is the savvy traveler’s dream find. The warming weather is inviting. The green-blanketed mountains are stunning. The crowds are sparse and the fantastic apres-ski-style food and libations continue long after closing day on the slopes. The charming European village vibes are in full effect. Open-air markets and wide-ranging festivals pop up along with the vivid wildflowers. And scenic gondola rides stand ready to whisk you up the mountain, where trails unfold in all directions. Attractive accommodations prices and the ease of going car-free in Vail make a getaway extra affordable this season, too.
Getting there is easy. Nonstop flights arrive at Eagle County Regional Airport—just 30 minutes outside Vail—from Dallas and Denver daily, with connecting flights available from across the U.S. If you’ve got four days to immerse in the famous ski town’s summer splendor, here’s what your getaway might look like.
a 4-day adventure
in collaboration with:
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Vail Village
Day 1: Find your feet at your new altitude with
strolling, shopping & creekside eats
Day 2: Sky-high hiking, mid-day markets
& mountainside music
Day 3: Lake break, Euro flavors & evening dance
Plan your trip
Accessible mountain hikes
Freedom to explore
Mountain biking on alpine trails
Open air brunch at Tavern On The Square
Avanti Food & Beverage
Concert at The Amp
Stand-up paddleboarding on Piney Lake
Pepi's Restaurant and Bar
Dance the night away at Chasing Rabbits
Dance into your last night
Continue your exploration of Vail's varied dining scene with a visit to La Tour in the early evening. Whether a half-dozen oysters, an artisanal cheese plate or a truffle-laced French onion soup, the restaurant has plenty of choices for a light dinner before you head out for the evening—though they serve a 14 oz. New York strip steak, too, when a heartier meal is in order.
Vail is home to a wide selection of nightlife venues, but for those who love to dance, there are two top choices in the heart of Vail Village. Bridge Street Bar, with its live D.J. sets, keeps the dance floor popping until 2 a.m., while live bands play until late-night at Shakedown Bar.
For another way to enjoy a night of dance, check out the Vail Dance Festival at The AMP (July 31–Aug. 10), featuring ballet, modern and street dance performances.
Start with a splash
In the valleys between the verdant peaks of the Gore Range, you'll find a variety of waterways, from calm lakes to winding rivers. Summertime is ideal for exploring them via stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and canoe rides. Just 12 miles outside Vail, Piney Lake at Piney River Ranch is an easy day-trip destination for a paddle. Or head to Nottingham Lake, 10 miles from Vail, which has a swimming area with a sandy beach in addition to SUP, pedal boat and kayak rentals.
If your visit happens to land June 4–7, you may want to check out the action at the GoPro Mountain Games instead. Catch athletes competing in events from trail running to slacklining to rafting (or register to participate in your favorite event), plus check out the Mountains of Music concert series with free shows around Vail Village during the day, plus ticketed events at The Amp at night.
Get "Amp-ed" at nightfall
Head into relax mode as evening sets in on your second day. Try one of Vail's upscale dining venues for an indulgent dinner—for example, contemporary fusion restaurant Sweet Basil. Begin with bites like Argentine shrimp toast followed by mains like Icelandic cod or lobster risotto. Temptations like "The Igloo"—melding flavors of white and dark chocolate, hazelnut and raspberry—will make it impossible to skip dessert.
After dinner, take a walk in the crisp mountain air to your evening entertainment at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (aka "The Amp"), an open-air stage set amid tall pines and boulders with a stunning mountain backdrop. The venue allows concert-goers to pack a picnic, and also offers beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) plus snacks for purchase on site. Make sure to book your tickets in advance for upcoming shows like O.A.R. (June 19) and the Bravo! Vail Music Festival (June 25–Aug. 6).
Fuel up, then glide up
The Little Diner in Lionshead Village serves breakfast all day, but we recommend stopping by early for your hearty breakfast burrito or delectable sugar, butter and lemon-filled crepe. Once digested, take the 4-minute walk to the Eagle Bahn Gondola for a scenic ride up the mountain, climbing 2,125 feet and providing views of thick forest and fields of vibrant wildflowers as you ascend.
If you're traveling June through September, you'll find a world of fun when you arrive at Eagle's Nest, the activities area at the top of the gondola line. Ride the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, a 3,400-foot-long attraction with exhilarating twists, turns and 360-degree loops. There's a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, a kids' zipline and a downhill tubing run to delight the littlest adventurers.
Evening relaxation
As the day winds down, refuel deliciously at one of Vail's casual restaurants. Garfinkel's—or "Garf's" to locals—has a classic mountain town grill atmosphere. Burgers, fish and chips and chicken wings are house favorites. Try them out on the sunny deck, along with a locally brewed pilsner from Eagle River Brewing Company.
Vendetta's is a prime spot for Italian food lovers; its menu covers everything from homemade meatballs to pesto- and grilled chicken-topped pizza to plates of creamy pappardelle Bolognese.
Not sure what kind of cuisine you're craving? Hit up the Avanti Food & Beverage food hall. The complex includes Mediterranean restaurant Boychik, American-European fusion spot Detoor and Japanese kitchen Glo, along with three other venues. (Note: Some restaurants reopen for the summer season in May.)
Morning acclimation
Free yourself up for a day of exploration by dropping your luggage off at your hotel. Sonnenalp Vail, for example, is a classic choice, characterized by the same European-style charm you'll feel throughout the village, while Gravity Haus Vail is beloved for its Nordic-style spa and hot tubs. Luxury lovers, meanwhile, should think about the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, where spacious rooms include stone fireplaces and everything from horseback riding to bicycle rentals can be booked for you in advance.
Wherever you hang your hat, remember that you've arrived in a high-altitude destination—8,000 feet above sea level, in fact—so bring your water bottle with you as you explore the winding cobblestone streets, alpine architecture, boutique shops and quaint cafes.
After a sporty morning, refuel with some satisfying Austrian-Hungarian fare at Pepi's Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant's covered patio is a lovely place for an alfresco meal in summer. Dig into a rich bowl of Hungarian goulash, some authentic Wiener Schnitzel with braised red cabbage or some vegetarian-friendly truffled gnocchi, all of which pair wonderfully with a pint of Paulaner or a Colorado-brewed IPA.
Austrian eats at lunchtime
Whether or not you indulge in these Eagle's Nest adventure opps, be sure to enjoy the pristine air with a mid-mountain hike. Cabin Trail is a relaxed trail that will take you to the top of Gondola One, where you can make your descent back to Vail Village. Or you can opt for a hike to the summit of Vail Mountain. The Northeast Rim Trail, for example, offers secluded, thick-forested trailway and sweeping views of the surrounding Gore Range.
Once you've made landing back in the Village, make a beeline for the Vail Farmers' Market & Art Show if it's on—it operates summer Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Browse over 150 stalls of fresh produce, locally made products and unique crafts. (There's a smaller Thursday Meadow Market from 4-7 p.m., too.) Or grab lunch in town—Gorsuch Ski Cafe is a chic spot for a warm Bavarian pretzel, an artisan panini or a soup in Vail Village. Or go for a plate of tasty Mexican Food at El Segundo.
Mid-mountain hike and
mid-day market stop
As you might imagine, the towering mountains surrounding Vail are a hiker's dream. That said, in the spirit of taking a laid-back approach to your first day in town, stretch your legs with an easy walk on the Gore Valley Trail. The path is accessible right from town; head east on it and you'll be treated to pretty views of Gore Creek, red sandstone cliffs, the mountains and the valley. The out-and-back, fully paved trail extends for 12 miles, so you can walk for a few minutes or a few hours, depending on your mood.
Afternoon exploration
Space to connect
Day 4: Cafe stop, gardens & souvenir shops
Last-minute memory making
Cap off the trip with a memorable meal at Osaki's, a Michelin-recommended sushi restaurant. The sushi-ya-style eatery has a no-frills appearance—as one buttery, sweet and silky bite will tell you, it's all about the fish here. The authentic restaurant features dishes not often found outside Japan.
For a family-friendly farewell, head to Bully Ranch at the Sonnenalp Hotel instead, where diners are greeted with laid-back vibes and cowboy-inspired decor. Brick-oven pizzas, burgers (including a house-made chickpea and quinoa patty), steaks and seafood are all on the menu. The restaurant has weekly food and drink specials, plus a kids menu for young ones to dig into.
Walk off your meal with a last-minute stroll through the Village's souvenir shops to pick up a cute memento that will remind you to come back to Vail very soon.
Bully Ranch
During the spring and summer seasons, a visit to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a must. At 8,200 feet, the organization holds the record for the highest-elevation botanical gardens in the world. On your visit, you'll get to wander through the Alpine House, where plants cling to a wall of tufa (a kind of limestone), the Aspen Woodland, dedicated to native plants, plus a meditation garden, a South African collection, a Himalayan garden and many more exhibits. Fridays June 13–September 26, you'll find a free family-friendly activity at the gardens, with themes ranging from the power of pollinators to edible plants.
Bask in botanical beauty
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Sip java in a cute cafe
Checking out on your last day of vacation is never fun, but a mug or iced cup of specialty coffee from Yeti's Grind cafe is practically guaranteed to perk you up. Try the Cocomel, for example, a latte that blends caramel, coconut and sea salt in one summer-ready cup. Pair it with a decadent cinnamon roll and a housemade scone for an extra-special farewell treat. Sit at a table outside to soak up a little morning sun with your caffeine.
Yeti's Grind
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Pro planning tip: Vail's summer events calendar is chock full of exciting happenings. There are festivals focused on comedy, adventure sports (for both adults and kids), music, wine, beer, dance and fine arts. Plus, you'll also find big-name acts like Trey Anastasio, O.A.R. and Alison Krauss & Union Station on the lineup for the Gerald Ford Amphitheater. Consider planning your summer getaway around one or more to make the most of your trip.
Eagle Bahn Gondola | credit: Jack Affleck
Palisade Peaches at the farmers' market, harvested in Palisade, Colorado
Vail Farmers' Market
Family-friendly hikes
