Vail is far more than a ski mountain. Between the two walkable villages sit a world-class botanical garden, a free museum of snowsports history, and an outdoor amphitheater backed by the Gore Range. The best Vail, Colorado, attractions are open year-round, and most are within a mile of one another. For guests at Antlers at Vail, nearly all of them are an easy walk or a short bus ride away.
The Vail, Colorado, Attractions You Should Not Miss
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- Colorado Snowsports Museum: A free museum in Vail Village tracing the rise of skiing and snowboarding. Six galleries of exhibits cover the 10th Mountain Division troops of World War II and Hall of Fame athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin.
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: One of the most beloved Vail, Colorado, attractions, and the highest botanical garden in North America. The Passport to the Peaks exhibit carries you from the Rockies to the Himalayas. See our full guide to exploring the Gardens.
- Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater: An open-air venue tucked into Ford Park, hosting concerts, dance festivals, and family performances beneath the peaks. View our blog post for more info!
- Eagle Bahn Gondola: Board at the base, only 150 yards from our front door, for a scenic ride to the summit. Summer unlocks Epic Discovery with ziplines, a mountain coaster, and ropes courses, while winter turns the summit into Adventure Ridge.
- Seasonal Adventures: Visit in summer to hike to a nearby waterfall, or come in winter to plan an unforgettable ski trip and experience the legendary Back Bowls.
Free Vail Attractions You Can Explore on Foot
Some of the best things to do in Vail, Colorado, cost nothing at all. Both villages are pedestrian-only, which means many Vail, Colorado, attractions are yours to explore on foot, no car required.
- The Gore Creek Path: A paved, level trail tracing the water between Lionshead and Vail Village. It is the prettiest way to travel between the two, and it passes benches and picnic spots along the way.
- Galleries and Public Art: Sculptures, murals, and independent galleries are scattered throughout both villages.
- The Free Town Bus: Vail runs a complimentary shuttle between the villages all day long, which makes hopping between Vail, Colorado, attractions simple for families and tired legs.
Explore All Day, Unwind All Night at Our Lionshead Lodging
Antlers at Vail offers spacious Vail condos in a location that is hard to beat. Set on Gore Creek facing Vail Mountain, we put you within a short stroll of most of the attractions above. Every residence has a full kitchen, a private balcony, and a gas fireplace, plus room to spread out after a long day of exploring.
Our resort-style amenities include outdoor pools and hot tubs beside the creek, a sauna, and a guest shuttle. Because pet-friendly hotels in Vail are hard to come by, we are delighted to welcome well-behaved dogs in about 20 percent of our residences, so no one has to stay behind!
