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The Ultimate Guide to Vail Summer Edition
Vail is located in Eagle County, Colorado with 1.3 million tourists visiting each year. Summer and Winter are the peak seasons to visit this small mountain town. Vail is home to one of the top ski resorts in the United States making this a top spot to visit during the winter. Summer is also a popular time to visit because of the variety of hiking, golfing, and festivals.
1. Visit the Betty Ford Gardens
Taking a self-guided tour through Betty Ford Gardens is a free thing to do in Vail. Betty Ford Gardens is located near Vail Village inside Ford Park. There are tons of gorgeous flowers and plants that bloom throughout the season. There is a map at the front entrance of the park as well as a small nursery with flowers to purchase for planting. I visited the gardens in early Summer and the Columbines were in full bloom. Columbine’s are Colorado’s state flower.
2. Bike the Gore Creek Trail
Bring your own bikes or rent bikes from Venture Sports in Vail Village. The Gore Creek trail runs all the way from East Vail to Avon. Hop on your bike and ride the well-marked trail through the Village and along the creek.
3. Walk around Vail Town Center
Vail Town Center is separated into three areas; Golden Peak, Vail Village, Lionshead Village. Golden Peak hosts many tennis courts, resorts, and Ford Park. Vail Village and Lionshead are the most visited areas with European-style buildings, name-brand stores, and fine dining restaurants.
4. Vail’s Best Hikes
There are hiking trails all throughout the valley. Hike Booth Falls or East Vail Falls to see some gorgeous waterfalls and scenery. Booth Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Vail.
5. Kayak
Vail’s Summer season offers a great opportunity to kayak through the Colorado Rockies. Rent kayaking equipment at Sage Outdoor Adventures or purchase your own on Amazon. Park at the East Vail parking lot, grab your Kayak, and take a ride down to Vail Village. You can ride the bus back or park a second car in the FREE parking structure in the Village.
6. Gondola Scenic Ride
A gondola scenic ride is a must thing to do in the summertime during your visit to Vail, Colorado. The gondola runs throughout the day and costs $45 for adults, $29 for kids (5-12), and $38 for seniors/military. You can purchase tickets at the ticket offices located near each gondola. There are two gondolas to take a scenic ride on. Lionshead offers the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Vail Village offers Gondola One. Both gondolas offer breathtaking views of the valley and mountains. Eagle Bahn is my favorite with a large deck looking off into the distance of Colorado’s 14ers.
7. Mountain Brunch
Brunching in Vail is a great pastime activity with many brunch spots to chose from. My favorite restaurant for brunch is Vintage French Bassiery. I highly recommend making a reservation especially on the weekends, you can make a reservation with the app, OpenTable.
Read my Full Vintage Brunch Review Here
8. Free Yoga Class in Solaris
During the Summer months, Vail hosts a free morning yoga class in the middle of Vail Village. The yoga class is held at Solaris’s turf area on Saturdays, starting at 9:00 AM. Grab your yoga mat and get ready for some nice and relaxing stretches to start your weekend off right.
9. Vail Restaurants
Vail hosts some of the best restaurants in Colorado. Get dressed up and treat yourself to an upscale dinner in the Village or Lionshead. A few of my favorite restaurants are Sweet Basil and La Bottega. Sweet Basil offers unique contemporary American dishes. If you are craving some Northern Italian foods visit La Bottega!
Read my Full Sweet Basil Restaurant Review Here
10. Concerts & Events
Throughout the Summer season (June-September) Vail hosts many live concerts and events. Some of the most well-known and popular events are the GoPro Games, Taste of Vail, and the Bravo Music Festival. There is also a free concert every Tuesday night called Hot Summer Nights.
11. Vail Sunday Farmers Market
The Sunday Farmers Market is a great activity to do before or after your delicious brunch. There are vendors from the local area with fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, meats, and more. There are also small boutique stands with adorable home décor items and art. Vail Farmers Market runs every Sunday starting on June 20th and ending on October 3rd, 2021. The market is open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
12. Vail Summer Après
Vail’s après scene lives right up to their grand ski resort with a charming village filled with well-known restaurants. Après is a French word meaning after. In ski towns, après is a fancy way for saying Happy Hour. Restaurants and bars have drink and food specials for skiers and bikers wanting to celebrate a great day on the mountain. My favorite spots for après are at Moe’s BBQ and Blue Moose Restaurant and Bar in Lionshead Village.
Read my Full List of Vail Après deals
Top Colorado Hike – Crag Crest
