An extended stay somewhere endlessly beautiful, wonderfully relaxing, and brimming over with access to options for high-energy fun as well is always a journey worth taking. However, when travelers choose a trip to Steamboat Springs, CO, even a few days of adventure here can do wonders for how you feel. Steamboat Springs is a place on the map that never fails to impress its guests in every season, and it has a unique way of turning first-time visitors into those who inevitably book their getaway in this direction year after year. It’s a beloved hot spot for skiing on Champagne Powder in the winter and an oasis for hiking and biking adventures in the summertime. On top of all that, there are inviting opportunities to sprinkle in pampered moments of flavor, relaxation, and rest along the way here as well.
Getting Here Is Bound to Be a Breeze
Steamboat Springs’ idyllic location in the heart of Colorado’s lush Yampa Valley makes it an alluring weekend getaway destination among travelers from near and far. Fortunately, getting to Steamboat Springs is a breeze no matter what time of year you happen to arrive. When you’re excited to get your weekend adventure underway, you’ll have options to fly into the Yampa Valley Regional Airport, but if you plan ahead with a little time to spare, we highly recommend landing at Denver International Airport. Here, you’ll enjoy access to a wide variety of car rental options right on-site, and once you’re behind the wheel, it’s just 3.5 hours to reach the heart of Steamboat Springs. The road into town is scenic and impressive, and makes for a wonderfully motivating vibe to get your weekend in the mountains underway.
When you know you want to leave yourself as much time as possible to explore Steamboat Springs on day one of your journey, it’s always a good idea to get your road trip underway as soon as you can. Planning to head out from the airport in Denver in the early morning hours means you can pair your scenic drive with a stunning sunrise view too. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful way to start your weekend trip in Colorado.
Focus Day One Fun on Time Enjoyed Downtown, Starting with Breakfast
As soon as you’ve arrived in Steamboat Springs, parked your car, and had a moment to freshen up, it’s time to head downtown, where the majority of your activities for the day will be focused. Above all, you’ll want to begin by treating yourself to a delicious breakfast over at Creekside Café. Located at 131 11th Street, Creekside Café is open daily from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm and is a popular stop among locals and visitors alike. The service here is often praised for its level of friendliness, and the menu is equally inviting! Whether you drop by for the eggs benedict, the hot coffee, or the stack of pancakes topped in strawberries, your taste buds will thank you for the experience. Don’t be surprised when you end up lingering a little longer than you might have originally planned.
Explore the Area at Your Own Preferred Pace
Once you’ve had your fill of breakfast fare, it’s time to gather your fellow travelers and get a sense of just how charming downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado, really is. Focus your initial walk-through on Lincoln Avenue, which is considered the heart of this historic district in town, and is packed with beautiful murals and unique sculptures to admire along the way. Spending your morning in this area means you’ll have the opportunity to drop by local hot spots like F.M. Light & Sons at 830 Lincoln Avenue. This is a fantastic family-run Western Outfitter in Steamboat Springs that’s been providing locals and visitors alike with an impressive collection of Western apparel to enjoy for well over a century. Here, you can have a cowboy hat personalized upon request, or pick up just the right pair of quality boots to commemorate your weekend in Steamboat Springs.
Relax in Style
After you’ve had time to indulge in some much-needed retail therapy downtown, it’s time to visit Old Town Hot Springs. You’ll find this iconic local landmark at 136 Lincoln Avenue and it’s another destination on your lineup that’s been delighting visitors for more than 100 years. Upon arrival, you’ll have access to eight mineral-rich pools as well as water slides and lap pools that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. While some come to simply experience this historic place for themselves, others head here because they very much lean into the belief that these naturally fed waters can offer some healing relief. Either way, it’s a stop you don’t want to leave off your weekend list.
Take a Scenic Stroll
As soon as you’ve effectively soaked away every care in the world at Old Town Hot Springs, you’ll want to once again gather your traveling crew and make your way to the Yampa River Core Trail. This riverside route runs right through town, and is paved and easy to navigate. This makes it a wonderful choice for families, couples, and solo weekend adventurers alike looking for more to explore. A stroll along the Yampa River Core Trail is a great way to take in your surroundings, and enjoy beautiful river views too whether you take time to check out all seven miles, or simply explore a portion of this beloved local trail.
Make It a Dinner to Remember
The first evening of your weekend away in Steamboat Springs should definitely include a meal at Salt & Lime. Easily accessible at 628 Lincoln Avenue, this high-energy eatery serves up authentic Mexican fare at its finest. Take your place on the rooftop patio and be sure to order up a house margarita before browsing the menu, which features everything from tasty street tacos to enchiladas, specialty burritos, and quesadillas too.
Start The Second Day of Your Stay with One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Adventures
In every season of the year, Steamboat Springs has a way with beautiful scenery that’s hard to top. That’s why you’re going to want to be sure to focus your efforts on spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors on the morning of day two of your weekend travels. After a delicious breakfast enjoyed in the comfort of your luxurious vacation rental, you’ll lace up your boots and head out to explore the exciting Fish Creek Falls Trail. This route isn’t exceptionally challenging, so it’s a good option when you’re spending the weekend away with a group of others. While you’ll want to have your water, sunscreen, and bug spray handy, your camera might be the most important item to have available. That’s because by the time you reach this 280-foot cascade, there’s a good chance you’re going to be focused on wanting to capture the incredible moment on film! For even more panoramic views of the falls, give yourself time to explore the Upper Fish Creek Falls area too.
Slow Things Down at a Great Local Museum
Your high-energy fun in the outdoors on the mountain trails can be easily balanced out when you slow things down next at the Tread of Pioneers Museum. You’ll find this insightful stop located at 800 Oak Street, and they’re open from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Time here is a great opportunity to browse impressive and educational exhibits at your own preferred pace. The museum is set up to showcase Steamboat Springs’ rich history, spanning information about the Ute indigenous tribes that originally called the area home through to early settlers. There are even exhibits that speak to Olympic skiing legends who have found their success through the years on Steamboat Springs’ world-class slopes. Artifacts on display here are beautifully curated and the Queen Anne-style home that hosts the museum only adds to the appeal of this stop further.
Enjoy a Delicious Dish
End the second day of your weekend getaway on a tasty note over at Café Diva. Located at 1855 Ski Time Square Drive, Café Diva opens for dinner every night of the week at 5:00 pm. Mountain views are showcased from the dining room here while the menu features chef-inspired dishes that combine American classics with creative twists. Whether you opt for the beef tenderloin, the surf & turf, the seared scallops, or the venison short loin, you’ll want to make sure to pair it with just the right red, white, or sparkling selection from their impressive global wine listing. After dinner, don’t hesitate to peruse the dessert menu here, which features the likes of key lime pie ice cream sandwiches and crème brûlée, to name a few of many options.
Find Time to Unwind and Relax on Day Three
While the final day of your stay in Steamboat Springs will inevitably include some drive time to the airport, you can make the most of your remaining hours in town by starting things early at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and Café. You’ll find this charming stop at 68 9th Street, and they open at 8:00 am. When you arrive, take time to order up a strong coffee to fuel up for your day ahead. This cozy bookstore is a great place to browse titles of all types, but it might just be their selection of homemade croissants and tantalizing lattes that keeps you lingering for a while.
Stroll Through the Beautiful Yampa River Botanic Park
After breakfast, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a walk through the Yampa River Botanic Park in Steamboat Springs. This stunning sanctuary in the heart of town is found at 1000 Pamela Lane, and spans six acres of lush terrain. As you walk through, you’ll want to take time to admire the gorgeous gardens on-site, and keep your eyes open for the many birds that flutter through near the river as well. There are benches for relaxing, and plenty of pathways to explore when you’re looking to enjoy your day to the fullest.
Explore on Two Wheels
If you’re feeling like the weekend simply went too fast and you want to make sure you’ve seen as much as you possibly can, this afternoon into early evening is a good time to rent a bike and hit the local trails in good company. Over at Steamboat Ski and Bike at 442 Lincoln Avenue, you’ll find a helpful team of experts who can assist you in finding a quality bike to enjoy for the rest of the day in style.
Book Your Weekend Accommodations Through Elevated Properties
No matter when you find time in a busy schedule to enjoy a weekend away in Steamboat Springs, the team at Elevated Properties can help you find exactly the right accommodations to match. From our cozy 2-bedroom condos with mountain views to our 5-bedroom luxury rentals in Steamboat Springs, you’ll find you have plenty of space to enjoy your downtime, and world-class amenities to add to your lineup too. When you book your stay with us, you can spend time in our heated pools, enjoy complimentary shuttle service in the winter, spend time in the sauna, try out the fitness center, or let our concierge team handle all the details that matter most. Reach out today to learn more about our many exciting options available that are great for weekend journeys and longer stays as well.
