Letting go of those busy to-do lists in life, leaving stress far in your wake, and focusing your time on a hard-earned vacation for a while is something everyone needs to enjoy from time to time. An amazing place to do exactly that in any season is Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Visitors from around the country and globe head this way year-round to make the most of this gem of a vacation that’s affectionately referred to as “Ski Town USA.” It’s a true haven of opportunity for travelers with interests and passions of all types.
If you’re someone who finds it easiest to access your vacation state of mind when you can spend your days on the slopes of a gorgeous ski resort, relish amazing views from gondolas, and make the most of a robust après-ski scene too, Steamboat Springs activities are perfect for you. Travelers who love warm weather adventures find reasons to linger here as well thanks to the area’s reputation for excellence around hiking, mountain biking, climbing, wildlife watching, and on-the-water fun. In any season you happen to drop by, you’ll find Steamboat Springs is a prime place to be for world-class shopping and dining options and a trip this way might not feel entirely right without time set aside to check out the local hot springs for yourself. You’ll find that Steamboat Springs is a great place to travel with young kids thanks to the easy access to outdoor fun as well as the educational and historic stops you can easily build into an itinerary. It’s just as suitable a place for couples looking to enjoy a romantic getaway together, or groups of friends who can’t wait to enjoy vibrant nights out exploring all the local hot spots after a day on the slopes.
No matter what you enjoy doing most, Steamboat Springs is a vacation destination made just for you and when you want to ensure you experience it like the locals who love it, the following guide is a great place to start your journey!
Must-Enjoy Steamboat Springs Activities in Every Season
Those who call Steamboat Springs home year-round are often here for the diverse lineup of activities and attractions they can enjoy right at their fingertips in every season. If you want to truly enjoy Steamboat Springs like locals do, it means investing time in experiencing as much of this stunning area as possible while you’re in town. One of the most iconic destinations to add to your must-visit list when you’re in town is, of course, the Old Town Hot Springs. When you visit this outlet of spring-fed thermal waters, you’ll be taking a dip in pools that have long been believed to provide healing and restorative effects. The Old Town Hot Springs downtown is a place where locals and visitors alike connect with history while reaping the revitalizing benefits of these incredible springs. The setup at Old Town Hot Springs also provides guests with access to multiple soaking pools, an on-site gym, fitness classes, a climbing wall, and options to book a massage after a soak, further elevating the wellness factor at every turn. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll likely look forward to trying out the hot springs waterslides as well.
While Old Town Hot Springs is well worth your while to experience, there’s a second stop to make sure you check out that locals love too known as Strawberry Park Hot Springs. This destination appeals to many locals for its more off-the-beaten-path location and overall serene experience to be enjoyed. When you soak in the waters here, you have to drive a bit further out of town to reach your destination, but you’re rewarded with a relaxing moment in nature surrounded by lush pine trees. It’s something you simply won’t want to miss. And the good news is, you don’t have to. Enjoying time in either of these hot springs locations during your stay is something that can be integrated into your lineup in any season as they stay open year-round.
Winter Wonders to Check Out
A can’t miss activity for those traveling to Steamboat Springs in the wintertime is a day or two (or many more) on the world-class ski slopes. The Steamboat Ski Resort is adored by ski enthusiasts from near and far and while the tantalizing trails fit for skill levels of all types are sure to satisfy, it’s often the trademarked Champagne Powder that makes skiing here a one-of-a-kind experience. When you enjoy time at the Steamboat Ski Resort during your winter getaway, you can enjoy the resort’s nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain alongside locals. It’s a convenient place to rent gear when you don’t want to have to pack up everything you own, and you can also book lessons on-site when you’re new to the sport and looking to get the basics in place alongside an expert. If you prefer to settle into a lodge and enjoy a tasty moment while everyone else focuses on downhill thrills, you’re more than welcome to that here too!
After you’ve had your fill of time on the slopes, don’t leave local wintertime things to do in Steamboat Springs, like snowshoeing the mountain trails, wintertime landscape photography, or cross-country skiing off the to-do list. Winter in Steamboat Springs is also a great time of year to book your place on a guided snowmobiling outing when you’re excited to get up close to backcountry destinations you might otherwise overlook or not have access to.
Warmer Weather Options for Adventure
Locals in Steamboat Springs know best that just because the snow begins to melt away doesn’t mean outdoor adventures slow down. In fact, the options for exploring the great outdoors only expand with the arrival of spring. As the new snow melts gives the Yampa River seasonal energy, it’s a great time to rent a kayak and get out on the water with a fishing line in hand.
Eat like a Local
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Steamboat Springs, the one thing you can count on in any season is eventually working up an appetite. Fortunately, this is a vacation destination brimming over with exciting restaurants to check out where palate-pleasing moments are readily available.
Aurum Food & Wine is a top-rated stop by locals that’s loved for its elegant setting and a decidedly creative menu filled with dishes that showcase locally sourced ingredients. As the name suggests, this is also a wonderful place to pair any dish with just the right red, white, or sparkling wine option depending on your preference.
If it’s sensational Southwestern and authentic Mexican flavors you’re after, the team over at Salt & Lime on Lincoln Avenue is happy to provide the solution. While their menu is robust and worth exploring, you won’t want to leave without at least trying a sip of one of their famous house margaritas.
Travelers who are always looking for the best burger place in town no matter where they roam will be delighted with the tasty options they find on the menu at Back Door Grill in Steamboat Springs. This casual and inviting eatery is a fun place to enjoy a meal with the family and you won’t want to miss out on their hand-cut fries when you drop by.
Small plates and Happy Hour delights are the specialty over at The Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, while you can’t go wrong with a pasta dish served up in authentic Italian style at Mambo Italiano, which is also loved for its award-winning wine list. The Ore House is a must-visit when you’re in the mood for an elegant evening of dining out in a steakhouse that promises to be as tasty as it is inviting.
Hidden Gems to Add to Your List
Inevitably, there are a lot of great places to explore when you make your way to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. That said, if you’re fully committed to experiencing this destination like a local, you’ll want to set aside time to find the hidden gems too. Saddleback Ranch is one such place to check out when you’re looking for an insider view on local ranch life and are interested in pairing that experience with a guided trail ride too. Saddleback Ranch is proudly family-owned and operated, with more than four generations taking over this working cattle ranch over time. When you stop by, you can learn more about what it takes to keep a Colorado-based cattle ranch up and running and their guided horseback rides are a wonderful way to enjoy the surrounding scenery while learning more about the area’s rich history.
A unique activity and experience to enjoy in Steamboat Springs in the wintertime that takes you off the beaten path is one that you can set up with Grizzle T Dog & Sled Works in town. This family-owned dog sledding tour business invites guests to mush their own team of sled dogs while exploring Steamboat Spring’s scenic backcountry terrain. You’ll learn about the role of sled dogs in many communities, and how these impressive animals are cared for on-site when you enjoy this experience during your next getaway.
If you’re someone who enjoys learning a new skill on vacation, you can head over to Three Quarter Circles Sporting in Steamboat Springs and enjoy an afternoon of clay course shooting while you’re in town. This is a place where locals and visitors alike convene to put their sharpshooting skills to the test as clay pigeons are launched toward the horizon.
Support the Local Community While You’re Here
Experiencing Steamboat Springs like a local means participating in events that support the local community when you come by to visit in the name of vacation. A great place to do exactly that is the Farmer’s Market in town. The Main Street Farmers Market is found on Yampa Street between 5th and 8th Streets in Steamboat Springs and is presented by FM Light & Sons. It’s hosted every Saturday between early June and late September each year and runs from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. When you swing by, you’ll be treated to setups by over 150 local vendors. It’s an amazing and inspiring place to shop for homemade goods, local produce, pastries, skincare products, and much more. Visiting this event is a terrific way to pick up items that you can’t find anywhere else while investing in the community you’ve come to enjoy as well.
Another great event to check out that’s adored by locals is the annual Strings Music Festival in town. Hosted at 950 Strings Road, this festival is one that’s been delighting local audiences for more than three decades. The festival has featured more than 60 Grammy winners over the course of its time in Steamboat Springs as well as showcasing musicians from nearly 30 of the country’s top orchestras. The Strings Music Festival is hosted throughout the year, but typically has more than 60 performances included on its summer lineup alone.
Book Your Stay in Steamboat Springs Today
No matter what season brings you to Steamboat Springs, infusing luxury, comfort, and personalized style into your stay begins with booking your one-of-a-kind accommodations through Elevated Properties. Let us help you get settled into a gorgeous vacation rental featuring stunning mountain views, easy access to the slopes, and an amazing lineup of amenities designed to inspire at every turn. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our many exciting Steamboat Springs vacation homes and Steamboat condo rentals available as well as the on-site extras that make all the difference in the guest experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Steamboat Springs soon!
