Dreaming of mountain adventure with hot springs and Western charm? Head to Steamboat Springs! This vibrant resort town in the Rocky Mountains offers world-class skiing, year-round outdoor fun, and a laid-back cowboy spirit. Whether you're hitting the slopes or soaking in natural springs, Steamboat delivers an unforgettable getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Steamboat Springs depends on your plans. Winter (December to March) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer and early fall (June to September) offer hiking, biking, and festivals amid stunning alpine scenery.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), about 30 minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs. Seasonal direct flights are available from major U.S. cities.
- By Car: Steamboat is about 3.5 hours northwest of Denver via I-70 and US-40. Scenic mountain roads make for a beautiful drive.
- By Shuttle: Several shuttle services operate between Denver International Airport and Steamboat Springs year-round.
Where to Stay
- Steamboat Grand – Full-service resort with slopeside access, a spa, and family-friendly amenities.
- Rabbit Ears Motel – Iconic, budget-friendly lodging right downtown across from the hot springs.
- Moving Mountains Vacation Rentals – Luxury homes and condos ideal for larger groups or extended stays.
Recommended Activities for Families
1. Admire Fish Creek Falls
Rating: ★★★★★
Take a short walk from downtown Steamboat to reach Fish Creek Falls.
2. Ski or Hike at Steamboat Ski Resort
Go skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort.
2305 Mt Werner Cir, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, Phone: 970-879-8000
3. Explore the Steamboat Art Museum
Located in downtown Steamboat Springs on Lincoln Avenue near the Yampa River, the Steamboat Art Museum was established in 2005. Housed in the historic First National Bank building, the museum’s goal is to collect and show artwork to the public.
It's a great Steamboat Springs attraction for couples and families interested in the art and culture of Northwestern Colorado.
Museum exhibits include paintings, photographs, watercolors and quilts. Education programs like the children’s “Student Gallery,” classes, workshops and museum tours are also offered.
801 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-870-1755
Top Attractions
4. See a Performance by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra
A modest community ensemble became the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra started in 1991. Since then, it has been transformed into a thriving, well-respected orchestra by the members’ talent and enthusiasm. Made up of local professionals with plenty of talent and experience, SSO also includes a String Quartet and a Woodwind Quintet. Performances can be enjoyed at various events in Steamboat Springs and elsewhere. If you are looking for great things to do this weekend, check the performance schedule.
The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra has a well-organized music education program for both children and adults, and is well loved by the community. Programs include Youth Music Immersion Weekend and traditional string education programs which have scholarships available.
Art Depot, 1001 13th Street, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-879-9008
5. Browse Booksat Off the Beaten Path
Off the Beaten Path in downtown Steamboat Springs is a charming bookstore where you will find a good selection of books and excellent coffee. They stock all book genres: NY Times best sellers, fiction, memoirs, history, young adults, Indie books. There is a cute kids’ book corner for their youngest readers and a large selection of children literature.
You can also purchase greeting cards, puzzles, candles, chocolates, games, and other items which make great gifts. Off the Beaten Path brews some of the best coffee in town. You can also get pastries, soups, smoothies, quiches as well as beer from the local Butcherknife Brewery.
68 9th Street, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-879-6830
6. Go on a Scenic Gondola Ride
There is no better way to see Steamboat and its stunning scenery than from the Scenic Gondola.
7. Stroll Through Seasonal Blooms at Yampa River Botanic Park
The Yampa River Botanic Park is a six-acre botanical garden situated at an altitude of 6,800 feet on Pamela Lane just outside of Steamboat Springs. The park contains a number of unique gardens that thrive in the region, including the Butterfly Garden, the Culinary Herb Garden, the Children’s Garden, the Hummingbird Garden, and many more.
The Trillium House houses the park’s headquarters, including the Emerald Room and the patio which can be rented out for special events. Music events, children’s stories, and special classes are offered while the park is open from April 15 to October 30.
1000 Pamela Lane, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-846-5172
Attractions for Couples
8. Visit the Tread of Pioneers Museum
The Tread of Pioneers Museum on Oak Street is dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting the history of Steamboat Springs. It is housed in a Queen Anne style Victorian house that was built in 1908. Exhibits cover topics such as the local area’s history of pioneer life, agriculture , town development, Native Americans, and mining.
Children can enjoy hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts. There is a gift shop, a library, and a research center. Visitors can join one of the walking tours, bicycle tours and lecture.
800 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-879-2214
Attractions for Couples
9. Soak and Rejuvenate at Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a collection of natural hot springs where people can swim year-round. You will find the springs on County Road #36 along Hot Springs Creek just outside of Steamboat Springs. The mineral water is 104 degrees, and it is enjoyable after a long hike and in the winter when snow is falling.
Many people head to the hot springs after mountain hikes or a day of skiing.
Hot springs facilities include heated changing rooms, picnic areas, and a concession stand that sells beverages. If you want more cool stuff to do after, you can also get a relaxing massage after a soak. The park also offers a variety of unique lodgings such as the “Covered Wagon,” the “Train Caboose” and campsites.
44200 County Road #36, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-879-0342
10. Visit Mountain Tap Brewery
Check out Mountain Tap Brewery, a delightful Steamboat Springs brewpub.
Address: 910 Yampa St #103, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, Phone: 970-879-6646
Where to Eat:
Aurum Food & Wine in downtown Steamboat Springs is an elegant restaurant with spectacular views of the Yampa River.
Address: 811 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phone: 970-879-9500
Where to Exercise: Bike or Walk on the Yampa River Core Trail
Yampa River Core Trail is 7.5 miles long and located along the Yampa River and runs from one side of Steamboat Springs to the other. The trail is paved and appealing to people of all ages: you can either walk or ride a bicycle on the scenic trail.
Plan Your Trip