Location: Vail
Top Things to do in Vail
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10 Free Things to do in Vail That You Shouldn't Miss
North America's biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favorite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area's vast splendor is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.
Restaurants in Vail
1. Missouri Lake Trail
2. Vail Recreation Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
This seven-mile, paved path meanders through alpine fields, aspen groves and Vail's picturesque villages.
Reviewed By 15deannah
We had a great ride meandering through Vail and riding along the creek. We were able to hop off for a cup of coffee at Yeti's in the Village.
3. Vail Interfaith Chapel
4. J. Cotter Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
The J. Cotter Gallery is an internationally recognized gallery of contemporary designer jewelry, featuring designs by leading artists from the United States and Europe. Opening in 1970, the J. Cotter Gallery has proved to be a mainstay in the Vail art community with a second location in Beaver Creek as well.
5. Fuzzywigs Candy Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Cubs - Houston, United States
We love this place. It has a great location in the center of Vail village. We pop in winter and summer. Has all of your favorite candies to stock up for a hike or grab an ice cream cone and head down to the nearby rushing Gore Creek to enjoy it. It has a large selection of all of your favorite standby candies! During the summer of 2020 they required everyone to mask up and facilitated social distancing which I greatly appreciated!
6. American Ski Exchange
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Established in 1986. One of the few family owned and operated ski shop in the heart of Vail Village. American Ski Exchange has been renting skis, boards, and gear since 1986! We also offer tuning, clothing rental, ski wear, overnight and seasonal storage. Skip the big chains and enjoy a true local experience when you rent from American Ski Exchange. New for the Summer of 2020: River Tube Rentals! American Ski Exchange now offers river tube rentals. Float down Gore Creek or try a trip to the Colorado River. This activity is great for both kids and adults.
Reviewed By 1Savvytravelerr21 - Atlanta, United States
We spent a week in January skiing in Vail. The service we received while renting equipment at American Ski Exchange was terrific!!! Nolen helped fit our kids for boots and was very patient and informative. 10/10 Coming back!
7. Piney River Trail (Upper)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By abradrichardson - Beaver Creek, United States
As others have said, the drive from the VAIL area takes about forty-five minutes to an hour on a bumpy road. Recommend driving in a SUV. Signage is not great, so pay attention to the few road signs you see to Piney Lake. Once there, try to go to the second parking place, as it gets you slightly closer. We primarily went for the hike, so we didn't spend much time at the restaurant or gift shop. Restrooms are available. We found the hike to be moderate, certainly not easy as some have suggested. The 6 mile round-trip hike starts at 9,400 feet and goes up to over 10,000 at the waterfalls. We saw several people that were struggling to get up and down. If you are not in good shape, then I would not recommend it. I also recommend wearing hiking shoes over tennis shoes as there lots of rocks, roots, small creeks, etc. If you are in good shape, then this is a great hike. The hike takes about an hour and a half to get to the top, starting relatively flat and in the sun. About a mile into the hike, you begin an incline, then the last half mile you descend to the falls (which is an incline on the way back and is where we saw most people struggling). Once you get to the falls, I suggest first going to the left which is a nice area in the trees. Next go to the right, which is more of the intense falls. For the best view, carefully climb down the falls about 50 feet to look back up at the drop off. Some people we talked to went further down the falls, but we decided it was not worth the effort to go any further. Take sun screen, water, and an energy bar, and enjoy the hike.
8. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
This beautiful alpine botanical garden, located at the foot of Vail Mountain, is open to the public.
Reviewed By J2500FMmindyh
This is a lovely and calm place to visit. Highly recommend especially with Covid because they require masks in the indoor areas and plenty of space to social distance in the outside areas. Great playground also for kids and educational displays. Something for everyone!
9. Booth Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Six-mile hiking trail climbs 3,000 feet in elevation as it passes varied scenery including lakes, waterfalls and aspen forests.
Reviewed By IsinaA - Miami Beach, United States
It was my second trail experience in my like, and I liked it very much. The view is amazing right from the beginning, even though is summer it was not too crowded. All hikers wore masks and were very respectful trying to do social distancing where the trail was narrow. You should take water, sunscreen and if you are a beginner hiker like me, be ready to stop and catch your breath more than once or twice. The road is very steep near the waterfall, but it is worth it. Enjoy the hiking!
10. Vail Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
The heart of the city of Vail where most of the area's restaurants, shops and attractions are located.
Reviewed By Drzanger - Woodmere, United States
Vail never disappoints . Great snow terrain and variety matched with sky blue warm temps Stayed in vail village Must say lift tickets are very pricey try to buy esrly onnepic pass
