I have been going to Vail for quite a few years now. We go both in the Summer and the Winter and I honestly can’t tell you which one I love more because I love them both so much. I actually worked and lived in Vail, CO for one summer during college at Cordillera Golf Course and that is where my love for summers in Colorado started. But if you love to ski, you are obviously going to love the winters.

We have now started traveling to Vail with our kids which adds a whole new dynamic to the trip. I wanted to share with you guy some of our favorite places or things to do whether you are with or without kids! I know lots of people love to travel here for Spring Break, so hopefully this will help anyone planning a trip to the mountains.

HOW TO GET TO VAIL, CO

There are two options for getting out to Vail Valley: flying into Denver International Airport and driving (approx 2 hours) or taking a shuttle to Vail or flying into the Vail Eagle Regional Airport. I have done both ways and I always prefer flying into Vail, but it’s usually cheaper to go to Denver. If you fly into Denver, I recommend either renting a car or taking the Epic Mountain Express to get out to the Vail Valley from Denver… but remember during the winter that there’s always a chance that the Vail Pass will be closed if there’s been a ton of snow!

WHERE TO STAY IN VAIL, CO

V A I L

The Four Seasons – The best of the best.
Sonnenalp Hotel (Childrens Club too!) – Great location in Vail.
Condo & House Rentals available on VRBO or Air BnB

L I O N S H E A D

The Marriott– Nice hotel, pool, good location.
Arrabelle a Rock Resort – In the heart of Lionshead Village.
The Ritz Carlton – Condominiums

WHERE TO EAT IN VAIL, CO

R E S T U A R A N T S

Matsuhisa Vail – Matsuhisa is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in the Vail Valley… so obviously no guide to Vail would be complete without it! This restaurant is a Nobu property, so expect amazing sushi! $$$$$
Sweet Basil – one of Vail’s most iconic restaurants (hence why it’s included in this guide to Vail!). For lunch, I really love their halibut tacos and the ahi ceviche. For dinner, get the ahi tuna! $$$$
Mountain Standard – I love popping in here for lunch when I’m in Vail Village. They are owned by the same people as Sweet Basil’s (a little more casual) and have awesome food! They are open for dinner too! $$$
Terra Bistro – This is a great dinner spot and they run a fun evening special called “Appy Hour” each night that you can get discounted apps from 4-6pm I think. $$$$
Elways – Love this for a great steak. They do sides a la cart and its always a great spot to go with adults or older children. $$$$
Bol – this is so much fun because it is a fancy bowling alley with really good food! So much fun to do with adults or kids. $$$$
Vintage – this spot is so Instagram-worthy… and they have a fantastic brunch!!

Here is a great selection of casual/less expensive spots that would be great for kids and families in both Vail and Lionshead Village:

Red Lion – Apres Ski spot in Vail Village
Los Amigos – Great Mexican/Apres Ski directly at the bottom of Vail Mountain.
Vendetta’s – Great Pizza and Italian food.
Blue Moose Pizza (Lionshead) – Great for kids in Lionshead Village
Bart & Yeti’s (Lionshead)
Montauk (Lionshead) – Good Seafood spot in Lionshead Village
Garfinkle’s (Lionshead)
Tavern on the Square (Lionshead) – Great sports bar at the bottom of Lionshead Mountain.

WHAT TO DO IN VAIL, CO

P L A C E S F O R K I D S

Vail Ski School
Vail Mountain Childcare and Nursery
Adventure Ridge (top of Vail Mountain) – Ski Biking, Tubing, Roller Coaster
Summer Adventures (top of Vail Mountain) – Ziplining, Tubing, Ropes Coarse, Roller Coaster
Ice Skating
The Vail Library – They have story times during the week as well as a little play area for kids to enjoy.

Parks – There are several parks throughout Vail. You can find a large ship park behind Los Amigos restaurant and another large park by the Ford Amphitheater.

A C T I V I T I E S

Rafting, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing are all so much fun to do in the summer too.
Vail Calendar – tons of Festivals throughout the Summer and events throughout the year.
The Ford Amphitheater has tons of shows throughout the Summer.
Explore Beaver Creek – it is about 25 minutes from Vail.
The Spa