A weekend guide packed with outdoor adventures, local dining favorites, hidden gems, and memorable family activities that showcase the very best of Steamboat Springs, CO.
Steamboat Springs may be known for its epic skiing, but the adventure goes way beyond the slopes. This Yampa Valley gem is packed with year-round outdoor fun: from national parks with great hikes and lakes perfect for paddling to scenic drives that showcase Colorado at its best. Each season brings something new to enjoy.
And when you head back into town? You'll find a surprisingly lively mix of restaurants, cafés, bars, and entertainment spots. There's so much to do that first-timers often don't know where to start, in the best way possible.
In this guide, I've put together a weekend itinerary that blends the best of what Steamboat Springs has to offer, helping you make the most of your time in this Colorado treasure.
TL;DR
- Friday Afternoon: Downtown Stroll: Cafés, boutiques, mountain views, and Steamboat's charming main streets.
- Friday Evening: The Press: Live music in a historic venue with great atmosphere.
- Friday Evening (Alt): Snow Bowl: Family-friendly bowling, food, drinks, and weekly entertainment.
- Saturday Morning: Creekside Café: A beloved breakfast spot with hearty dishes and a cozy creekside vibe.
- Saturday Afternoon: Fish Creek Falls: Easy trails, wildlife sightings, and a spectacular waterfall.
- Saturday Afternoon (Winter): Snowy Adventures: Skiing, tubing, skating, and more at Steamboat Ski Resort.
- Saturday Evening: Yampa Valley Kitchen: A stylish farm-to-table dinner with standout desserts.
- Sunday Morning: Stagecoach State Park: Hiking, biking, water sports, swimming, and picnic spots.
- Sunday Afternoon: Steamboat Lake State Park: Boating, water sports, beaches, wildlife viewing, and hiking
- Sunday Evening: Table 79 Foodbar: A refined dinner with modern American dishes and craft cocktails.
At Retreatia, we have extensive local expertise in luxury rental properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodging. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, and all are perfect for any time of the year!
We also consider ourselves local experts, and in our destination blog, we cover everything from hidden gems and indoor attractions to wonderful coffee shops around town. You'll find plenty of tips that will help make your stay in Steamboat Springs a memorable one, no matter the season. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to make memories in this unforgettable corner of the American West!
Ready? Let's jump into the details for a perfect weekend in Steamboat Springs, one that may very well enter the hall of your best vacations.
Friday afternoon
Immerse yourself in Steamboat Springs' Downtown Charm
Immersing yourself in Downtown Steamboat is one of the best things you can do when you arrive. That's where you'll find most restaurants, bars, cafes, entertainment venues, and boutiques, not to mention the delightful mountain city charm.
Walk along the iconic Lincoln Avenue, a postcard-worthy street surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and the stage for the legendary Winter Carnival. Soak in the charming atmosphere, take lovely photos, and explore the great cafes and boutiques.
Feeling peckish? You'll be spoiled for choice, especially along Lincoln Avenue and Yampa Street. The latter is home to many spots that specialize in on-farm-to-table culinary experiences. If you need help picking a place, check out our top picks for restaurants in Steamboat Springs.
Friday evening
Kick off your weekend with live music at The Press
After dinner, how about listening to a top-notch music performance and grabbing some drinks?
Situated in downtown Steamboat Springs within a historic building that housed Northwest Colorado's first newspaper, The Press is a must-visit live music venue for a delightful and fun evening.
Since its opening, the venue has hosted over 300 artists, ranging from amazing local bands to Grammy award-winning performers. The inviting ambiance, paired with superb music, is on point.
Check their events calendar for upcoming performances.
Friday evening (alternative plan)
Strike up some friendly competition at Snow Bowl Steamboat
If you're traveling with kids and prefer a family-friendly experience, a visit to Snow Bowl Steamboat is a brilliant choice. Drawing crowds since 1977, their beautifully designed 12 bowling lanes are sure to make everyone's night out a memorable one. Pair this with a fantastic drink and food menu, along with weekly live music, and you've got a winning combination
Saturday morning
Power up with breakfast at Creekside Cafe
Start your Saturday fueled by a delicious breakfast at Creekside Cafe. This charming spot blends excellent food with a delightful setting. Their famous Eggs Benedict is a must-try, but the real star might be the patio overlooking a babbling creek.
On chilly mornings, the cozy, bright indoor space creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Creekside Cafe utilizes locally sourced ingredients to craft classic breakfast dishes, including Bacon Fried Rice and Breakfast Burritos. Don't forget to save room for one of their delightful sweet treats, like the toasted croissant with caramelized banana and chocolate hazelnut spread.
Vegetarians and vegans will also find delicious options here!
Saturday afternoon
Discover the best of nature at Fish Creek Falls
A short drive from downtown, discover the captivating Fish Creek Falls. Cascading 280 feet through a lush forest, this waterfall beckons visitors year-round for a fun family adventure amidst pristine nature. Each season offers a unique charm: in summer, relish the cool mist and explore the rocky formations around the tranquil pool. Fall paints the surroundings in warm hues, while winter transforms the scene into a breathtaking wonderland.
Several trails lead to the falls, catering to all levels. You can opt for the easier paths marked with informative signs to learn about the vibrant local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for fragrant pine trees, and maybe even spot deer, elk, foxes, magnificent birds, or even a rare black bear!
Saturday afternoon (alternative winter plan)
Embrace the winter wonderland
Every winter, Steamboat Springs transforms into a winter wonderland, a haven for families seeking snowy adventures. Famed for its "Champagne Powder Snow," this resort town offers some of the country's best opportunities to embrace winter fun amidst breathtaking scenery. If your winter escape coincides with the snowy months, indulging in these activities is a must.
Steamboat Ski Resort, a top contender for family-friendly resorts in North America, reigns supreme. You'll find world-class skiing, including the unforgettable night skiing experience, alongside a bounty of winter activities: snow tubing, ice skating rinks, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, and exhilarating snowmobile or snow buggy tours.
Good to know: The ski season typically runs from late November to early April.
Saturday evening
Treat yourself to a soul-warming feast at Yampa Valley Kitchen
Indulge in style at Yampa Valley Kitchen (YVK), a local fave in a charming, renovated farmhouse downtown. White walls, tropical plants, and natural light create an elegant backdrop for memorable meals - from breakfast to dinner.
YVK champions fresh, local ingredients, offering something for everyone, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Lunchtime faves include Truffle Fries and Smoked Salmon Salad, while dinner boasts delights like Truffle & Herb Frites and Duck a L'Orange. Don't miss their unbeatable desserts!
Sunday morning
Unleash your inner explorer at Stagecoach State Park
Start your day with some fresh air at Stagecoach State Park, a beautiful spot packed with outdoor fun for families, kids of all ages, and even furry companions.
Centered on the wide-open Stagecoach Reservoir, the park offers scenic hikes, biking trails, and plenty of wildlife sightings. Out on the water, you can go boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or enjoy a summer swim in designated areas. Fishing is excellent here, too, and you can rent gear on-site.
In winter, the park turns into a snowy playground perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Whenever you need a breather, grab a picnic table or fire up a barbecue and enjoy the views while you refuel.
Sunday afternoon
Seek even more thrills at Steamboat Lake State Park
Craving more adventure? Steamboat Lake State Park is just a short drive from downtown and packed with outdoor fun. The sparkling lake, pine forests, and wildflower meadows set the stage for a full day out. You can rent a motorboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and enjoy the mountain views, or kick things up a notch with water skiing. Sandy beaches offer a great spot to cool off and relax.
Family-friendly trails wind through open meadows, with chances to spot deer, elk, bald eagles, and sometimes even a mountain lion. Horseback-friendly routes add another layer of fun. Once winter arrives, the park becomes a snowy playground perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Sunday evening
Top off your Steamboat adventure with a stylish farewell at Table 79 Foodbar
Table 79 Foodbar offers a unique and upscale space where you can indulge in contemporary American fare and signature cocktails while getting a glimpse of the food being prepared. This is a fantastic place to celebrate the end of a weekend in Steamboat!
The restaurant's eclectic menu features stellar dishes like Potato-Wrapped Salmon, Korean Short Rib served with kimchi fried rice, Tuna Poke, Grilled Oysters, Portabella Fries, Short Rib Bao Buns, and Rocky Mountain Trout. While you dine in their modern-chic, softly lit space, you can catch glimpses of the action in the open kitchen. Complementing the dining experience is a list of amazing craft cocktails. Don't miss their happy hour offering food and drink specials.
Enjoy every moment of your Steamboat Springs escape
While in town, why not stay in style with the great backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in one of the most iconic rental properties and complexes that Steamboat Springs offers?
Retreatia offers luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, many of which are pet-friendly. Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience, something that will definitely enhance your Steamboat Springs vacation.