25 things to do in Vail in summer
- Wander the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame
- Sample 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits
- Try new sports at Vail Ski Resort
- Sip some brews at Vail Brewing Company
- Explore Lionshead Village
- Enjoy outdoor concerts at The Amp
- Taste summer’s bounty at the Vail Farmers Market
- Play outside at Piney River Ranch
- Play a round of golf surrounded by mountains
- Have an adventure at Epic Discovery
- Get your blood pumping at Vail Nordic Center
- Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola
- Take a self-guided art walk at Vail Village
- Catch a sunrise or sunset at Bighorn Park
- Make friends with a llama
- Explore the Vail Nature Center
- Go whitewater rafting
- Sample wines from around the world
- Enjoy tubing in Vail
- Fly through the sky on a zip line
- Bike Vail’s trails
- See Vail on horseback
- Spend the day fly fishing
- See if all with a hot air balloon ride
1. Wander the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
2. Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame
The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The museum showcases the history and culture of snowsports in the state, from early pioneers to modern champions. You can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and videos that tell the stories of the people and places that shaped Colorado's snowsports scene.3. Sample 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Co. is a distillery that produces a variety of spirits, such as bourbon, rye, vodka and gin, using local ingredients and water from the Rocky Mountains. The distillery is named after the 10th Mountain Division, a group of ski soldiers who trained in Colorado during World War II and fought in the Alps and Apennines. In the summer, visitors can enjoy tours and tastings at the distillery, as well as live music and events.4. Try new sports at Vail Ski Resort
Vail Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in Colorado — and the entire country. In summer, Vail Ski Resort has a scenic gondola, mountaintop yoga, hiking, fly fishing, golf and bike hauls.5. Sip some brews at Vail Brewing Company
Vail Brewing Company is a craft brewery with two taprooms — one in Eagle-Vail and one in Vail Village. Customers can enjoy the beers on tap or take them home in cans and growlers. The brewery hosts live music, food trucks and other events throughout the year.6. Explore Lionshead Village
7. Enjoy outdoor concerts at The Amp
Fittingly located next door to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is home to all kinds of outdoor entertainment, from the popular Hot Summer Nights weekly concert series to chorale, theater and classical music performances. “The Amp,” as it’s affectionately known, offers both a covered seating area and grassy hillside, the latter providing beautiful views of the surrounding hills.8. Taste summer’s bounty at the Vail Farmers Market
If you are looking for a fun and delicious way to hang out in Vail in the summer, you should check out the Vail Farmers Market. For more than two decades, the Sunday market features dozens of tents full of local food and artisan products. You can taste delicious treats made in Colorado and browse through a variety of handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings and clothing.9. Play outside at Piney River Ranch
10. Play a round of golf surrounded by mountains
The award-winning Vail Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 71 course surrounded by incredible vistas of the Gore Range. With tree-lined fairways and challenging bunkers and ponds, this course will test your skill. The best part? Because of Vail’s high altitude, your ball will fly about 10% farther!11. Have an adventure at Epic Discovery
A true mountain playground for daredevils of all ages, Epic Discovery is home to the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster that weaves its way 3,400 feet down the mountain. You’ll also find zip lines for kids and adults, a climbing wall, a bungee trampoline and an aerial adventure course and summer inner tubing on a special course.12. Get your blood pumping at Vail Nordic Center
Vail Nordic Center is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and it offers a variety of activities in the summer. You can enjoy hiking, biking, disc golf and yoga on the scenic trails and fields of the center. The center has a pro shop that rents and sells equipment, clothing and accessories for your outdoor adventures.13. Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola
The Eagle Bahn Gondola is a scenic ride that takes you from Lionshead Village to the top of Eagle's Nest in Vail, Colorado. In the summer, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the valley below, as well as access to various activities such as hiking, biking and zip lining. The gondola operates daily from late June to early September and on weekends in May and October. The ride takes about 15 minutes each way and can accommodate up to 10 people per cabin.14. Take a self-guided art walk at Vail Village
Vail Village is a charming Bavarian-style ski village, making it a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Discover the incredible 55 works of public art that are spread throughout town. To see them all, you’ll want to stop by the welcome center to pick up a free map. Guided tours are also available during the summer.15. Catch a sunrise or sunset at Bighorn Park
Bighorn Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the summer, perfect for hiking, biking, fishing and camping. The park is home to a large herd of bighorn sheep, which can be seen grazing on the grassy slopes or climbing the rocky cliffs. The park also has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially at sunrise and sunset.16. Make friends with a llama
17. Explore the Vail Nature Center
The Vail Nature Center is located on a 7-acre 1940s homestead between a mountain meadow and the banks of Gore Creek. Explore the many trails on your own, or sign up for a birding tour, wildflower viewing, stargazing excursion or nature tour. The center also offers fun and educational programs for kids.18. Go whitewater rafting
Cool off on a hot summer day with an exhilarating ride down the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers. Local outfitters offer a range of rafting options, from kid-friendly introductory trips to technical rafting experiences with rapids up to Class IV. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Opt for a low-key float trip through Browns Canyon, where your guide will do all the paddling.19. Sample wines from around the world
Root & Flower is a chic wine bar that’s perfectly suited for a pre-dinner happy hour or a nightcap after a day of adventures. The menu features 50 wines by the glass, as well as a hand-picked selection of bottles from all over the world. And be sure to check out the bar’s wine tasting classes.20. Enjoy tubing in Vail
Relish in the thrill of tubing in Vail while being surrounded by the greenery and beauty of the Colorado mountains. Eagle's Nest Tubing is a 550-foot tubing hill that is accessed by the Adventure Bahn carpet at Adventure Ridge. It’s open from June to October, but it requires a scenic gondola lift ticket to access.21. Fly through the sky on a zip line
22. Bike Vail’s trails
23. See Vail on horseback
Horseback riding in Vail is a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of summer in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an expert rider, you can find a trail that suits your skill level and preferences. You can choose from half-day, full-day or overnight trips, and explore the alpine meadows, aspen forests and wildflower fields with your friendly steed.24. Spend the day fly fishing
Vail is a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of rivers and streams to explore. Some of the best spots for fly fishing in Vail are Eagle River, Gore Creek and the Colorado River. You will need a fishing license, which you can buy online or at local shops. Enjoy the scenic views and the fresh mountain air that make Vail a perfect place for fly fishing.25. See it all with a hot air balloon ride
If you’re looking for one of the most thrilling things to do in Vail in summer, consider taking a hot air balloon ride. A hot air balloon ride is a great way to experience the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains from a bird's-eye view. You can soar over the lush green valleys and sparkling rivers, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the clear blue sky.Vail, Colorado, is a nature lover's dream. Although the town is famous for its winter sports scene, there are plenty of things to do in Vail in summer as well. If you could see yourself in this year-round paradise, skip the vacation rentals and consider investing in a second home in Vail.FAQ: Things to do in Vail in summer
Is Vail worth visiting in summer?
Yes, Vail is a great destination for summer activities like hiking, fishing and camping.
How do you spend a summer day in Vail?
There are many activities to enjoy in the warm weather, such as hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, rafting and zip lining. You can also explore charming jVail Village with its shops, restaurants and art galleries.
What is the best summer month to visit Vail?
The best summer month to visit Vail depends on your preferences and activities. Some people prefer June, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are blooming. Others like July, when the town hosts many festivals and events. August is also a good option, as the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller.
What is Vail best known for?
Vail is a popular ski resort town in Colorado. It is best known for its vast terrain, diverse trails and scenic views. Vail attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities, as well as hikers, bikers and fly fishers.
