Things to Do in Breckenridge Colorado

Although Breckenridge, CO, was founded as a mining camp, it’s now known primarily as a winter sports wonderland. That said, there’s more to do in this beautiful mountain town than skiing and snowboarding. Breckenridge also boasts a vibrant art scene, fantastic dining and shopping opportunities, plus plenty of local character. No matter when you’re planning to visit, you can find plenty of things to keep you pleasantly occupied.

Winter Activities

If you love winter sports and other opportunities to get outside and get moving during the colder months, you’ll never run out of things to do in Breckenridge. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the town boasts miles of cross-country and downhill ski trails, plus two Nordic Centers offering Nordic ski and snowshoe rentals and lessons.

Try out the Breckenridge Nordic Center for an introduction or the Breckenridge Golf Club’s Gold Run Nordic Center for backcountry touring, skating, and miles of classic trails. Some of the organization’s trails are even open to dogs for those who vacation with furry friends.

If these popular winter sports aren’t for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the pristine snow and the great outdoors, including:

• Snow tubing
• Sledding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice skating
• Sleigh rides
• Snowcat tours
• Fat biking
• Dog sledding
• Gondola rides
• And so much more

Just don’t forget to leave some time to relax and enjoy the views. The winter brings not just seasonal beauty but also a sense of calm to the Rocky Mountains that anyone can appreciate after a raucous day out on the ice or snow.

Spring & Summer Activities

Spring and summer in Breckenridge, CO, bring their own unique views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you’re looking for a chance to get out in the woods, the Boreas Pass is suitable for hikers of all skill levels and offers breathtaking views. Of course, some people want more adventure from their summer vacations. If that’s the case, you can try:

• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Horseback riding
• Whitewater rafting
• Biking
• Ziplining
• Summer dog sledding

Prefer to relax while taking in the views? There’s good news for you, too. Breckenridge is also the only town in America that maintains three Jack Nicklaus signature courses. The Bear Course, Beaver Course, and Elk Course at the Breckenridge Golf Club offer opportunities to perfect technique in high elevations with low air resistance for straighter- and farther-flying balls, plus regular encounters with the area’s friendly native critters.

In the summer, the Breckenridge area welcomes anglers from across the globe since it is also home to some of Colorado’s best fly fishing waters. Shops like Mountain Angler and Breckenridge Outfitters offer not just rods and reels but also fishing licenses and access to some of the most knowledgeable guides around.

Indoor Activities

Not all of this ski town’s top activities involve being out in nature. On a cold, windy, or otherwise inhospitable day, you’ll still have plenty to do. There are over 200 shops in historic downtown Breckenridge, plus spas, restaurants, and spots to stop in and get to know the area’s unique history and culture.

If you’re a museum-lover, don’t skip the Edwin Carter Discovery Center, dedicated to the miner-turned-naturalist’s conservation work, or the Barney Ford Victorian House, built to celebrate the life of one of the area’s most famous African-American pioneers. For some added fun, trek out to the restored Country Boy Mine two miles outside of town. You’ll get to explore history hands-on through exhibits, exploration, and even panning for gold.

For those who prefer modern art to history lessons, there are shows at the Riverwalk Center, and a lively Arts District. Breck Create is the area’s most comprehensive cultural organization and hosts a wide variety of events and is committed to fostering the community’s vibrant arts scene.

Of course, there are dozens of shops, restaurants, and local breweries to check out should you need a day off from exploring the great outdoors. The nightlife in this small town is surprisingly active, so whether you’re looking for international cuisine, live music, or a welcoming seat at a local bar, you’ll have plenty of options.

Family Activities

Breckenridge, CO, is as family-friendly as it gets. Parents shouldn’t be afraid to enroll older kiddos in ski courses or take them ice skating, but there are also plenty of activities suitable for even the youngest kids. If you’ve got little ones, check out the High Line Railroad park and playground. The park combines education with good old-fashioned fun by incorporating the historical Engine No. 9 and one of only five restored narrow-gauge rotary snowplows in the world with a colorful new playground.

The Breckenridge Recreation Center also has the kiddos covered. There you’ll find toddler-friendly activities and child-focused classes for the youngest kids, plus an indoor pool and water park for those who meet the height requirements. First Fridays at the Rec Center are kids’ nights from November to May.

No matter what time of the year it is, families also love the BreckConnect Gondola. In the winter, you can take it from downtown to the base of Peak 8 in the Breckenridge Ski Area, but the free gondola continues to operate during the summer months. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall, you can take it up the mountain to Epic Discovery, where the whole family can play mini-golf, ride the Alpine Coaster, and try some ziplines.

Places to Stay in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a popular destination, so make sure you’ve got plans in place for where to stay well in advance. In the winter, a ski chalet is a convenient and cozy option for anyone excited to hit the slopes. However, there are vacation home rentals available year-round. Vacation rentals are affordable and offer couples, families, and individual travelers a range of amenities not available at traditional hotels.

Start Planning Today

Are you ready to check out everything Breckenridge, Colorado, has to offer? There’s no wrong time to join in on the fun. Start planning now to find the perfect place to stay and have enough time to fit in all your favorite activities.