Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail is a dreamy, four-season destination that’s well-suited for just about any type of vacation — whether you’re traveling with family, taking a friends trip, or looking to enjoy a romantic couples getaway.
Because Vail offers something for everyone, we’ve come up with three perfect ways to enjoy three different types of vacations in this popular Colorado town.
Way #1 – Family Vacation: Fun for All Ages
Things to Do:
Vail is the perfect playground for family adventures, no matter the season. In winter, start with lessons at Vail Resort’s Ski & Snowboard School, where kids and adults alike can brush up on their skills together. Or drop right into the action on trails perfectly suited to your skill level.
You also won’t want to miss the Nature Discovery Center at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. It’s free for all ages and offers fun exhibits and guided snowshoe walks through the forests on top of Vail Mountain.
In warmer months, families can enjoy gondola rides, hiking, and rafting. But do plan to spend at least a full day exploring the resort’s Epic Discovery Park where you’ll have a blast on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, bouncing and soaring on the bungee trampoline, ziplining, and tubing down a 550-foot hill. After the thrills, play a round or two of mini-golf at the Gore Creek course in Lionshead Village.
Places to Go:
Take a family stroll along the picturesque Gore Creek Path or head to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in the world, where kids can explore the Children’s Garden and interact with nature. Check out the architecturally interesting Sunbird Park in Lionshead Village. Let the kids have fun at the hands-on Imagination Station. And in winter, lace up your skates and take a turn around the beautiful outdoor Vail Square Ice Rink. The Vail Public Library also hosts story times and kid-friendly events throughout the year.
Restaurants to Try:
Enjoy a hearty family breakfast at Vail’s legendary The Little Diner, famous for its made-from-scratch pancakes and omelets. For mid-day meals, check out Blue Moose Pizza, where the whole family can dig into a variety of fresh, kid-approved pies. Or for a special family-friendly dinner, don’t miss DECA+BOL, a stylish yet relaxed restaurant and bowling alley located in the heart of Vail Village. Their diverse menu features options to suit all ages and tastes. After-dinner bowling is sure to be a hit for the entire family.
Way #2 – Friends Trip: Adventure and Nightlife
Things to Do:
If you’re traveling in winter, round up your friends and hit the slopes at Vail Mountain for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Or, for bigger adventure, your Destination Manager can arrange an incredible half-day snowcat outing or guided backcountry ski tour. For the ultimate bonding experience, consider taking a guided snowshoe tour, where you’ll find yourself immersed in frosty, tree-lined landscapes.
In summer months, go whitewater rafting on the Class III rapids of the Eagle River. Take an early morning hot air balloon ride for a birds-eye view of the landscape below. Or try a truly unique, guided backcountry half-day hike (and lunch) with llamas.
Be sure to keep an eye on Ford Ampitheater’s concert lineup. It’s the perfect place for live music in the mountains. Of course, endless unguided trails with miles of scenic trails in and around the town range from easy and moderate to mixed-use, and all offer spectacular views.
Places to Go:
When you’re ready to unwind from big adventures, head to Vail Brewing Company for locally crafted brews and tasty snacks. Or set your sights on the après-ski scene at The Red Lion, where live music and fun vibes are guaranteed.
For a bit of pampering and relaxation, treat yourselves to a spa afternoon at The Sonnenalp, a European-style spa featuring indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, and luxurious massage treatments.
Restaurants to Try:
For cozy evening drinks and delicious bites, choose a spot at the bar at Mountain Standard and sample their incredible margarita or other crafted cocktails. Try the only two staples on the menu since opening – pork shank and pimento cheese with pickled celery.
Craving sushi? Then Matsuhisa Vail is quite the scene, with a modern menu designed by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. And don’t miss a chance to dine at Vintage, a French-inspired brasserie known for its champagne brunch, great food, and joie de vivre vibe.
For after-dinner fun, check out the live music scene to see who’s playing around town or end the day with cocktails in the cozy lounge-style tasting room at 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits, a local distillery known for its signature whiskey flights and vibrant atmosphere. Chasing Rabbits also provides a dynamic entertainment experience with a restaurant, library lounge, arcade, and a speakeasy.
Way #3 – Romantic Getaway: Love in the Mountains
Things to Do:
Vail’s breathtaking beauty and quaint, Bavarian-style villages are the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape during any season.
In snowy months, take a scenic snowshoe hike across the six miles of trails at the Vail Nordic Center or enjoy a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride and dinner in a winter wonderland at nearby 4 Eagle Ranch. Your Destination Manager will be happy to make all of the arrangements for you.
If warm weather beckons, consider a special half-day hike at Piney River Ranch 12-miles north of town. With fields of flowers, shady pine forests, and views of Piney Lake and surrounding mountains, it’s a lovely way to spend a day. For fun on the water, try tandem kayaking. Or go traditional romantic with an incredible mountain or lakeside picnic experience through Picnic Vail.
Whatever the season, be sure to make time for a decadent couples massage at The Hythe Vail Spa or enjoy a glass of wine or private wine tasting class at Root and Flower.
Places to Go:
Stroll hand-in-hand through Vail Village or Lionshead, where you’ll discover charming boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. The villages are connected by heated cobblestone streets that are closed off to vehicles, making them perfect for year-round walking. While exploring, keep an eye out for Vail’s many works of art. There are over 60 public installations, including paintings, murals, and sculptures throughout the area.
A stop at the Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame will inspire you with the rich history of skiing. For an enchanting experience, take a sleigh ride to Beano’s Cabin in nearby Beaver Creek. During winter months, guests are transported to the restaurant by an open-air sleigh pulled by a snowcat.
Restaurants to Try:
For something cozy, head to La Nonna for their handmade pasta and daily Scallopine special. Or opt for a private, candlelit evening with Alpenrose Vail’s Gondola Experience. There, you’ll share a grill and fondue meal in the comfort of a luxuriously renovated gondola car located on the restaurant’s back patio.
At Home with Equity Estates:
We have two wonderful homes in Vail that are perfect for any type of vacation.
Our top-floor, Vail I corner unit home is located in Lionshead and boasts ample windows with expansive southern views. With three bedrooms, three full baths, and a spacious layout, it’s the perfect place to host family or friends. The prime location puts you within easy walking distance to ski slopes, hiking trails, restaurants, shops, and more. And you also have access to the building’s many amenities, such as a fitness room, steam room with sauna, an indoor/outdoor heated pool, and hot tub.
Our luxurious three-bedroom Vail II residence offers breathtaking views of Vail Mountain as well as the beauty and sounds of Gore Creek just outside your door. The deck is great for outdoor dining or relaxing, while the recently renovated interior provides a modern, cozy space to unwind at the end of the day. Vaulted ceilings, a gorgeous high-end kitchen, and spa-like bathrooms add to the sleek feel of the home. 
A stone’s throw from the Ford Amphitheatre, this gem is also walking distance to ski-lifts, dining, shopping, and outdoor adventures.
Your travel concierge will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless by arranging reservations for activities, transportation, and dining. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice from the local market. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or schedule a call. Your personalized Vail vacation awaits!
