The primary reason that visitors travel to Steamboat Springs is for the world class skiing at Steamboat Resort, or to enjoy the wonderful Yampa River in the summer. But part of what makes Steamboat Springs such a special place that brings people back year after year is the charming downtown area. With its wide variety of restaurants, shops, and activities, downtown Steamboat has something for everyone. The rustic brick buildings that line main street and Mt. Werner to the south as a perfectly placed backdrop, all add up to make downtown Steamboat the epitome of a Colorado mountain town. Find out how to make the most of your time in downtown with the information below.
Start With Brunch
A day spent downtown wouldn’t be complete without starting at one of the famous breakfast and lunch restaurants. Locals and tourists alike flock to Winona’s for the decadent cinnamon rolls or Creekside Cafe for outdoor dining with huge breakfast burritos and out-of-this-world omelets. If you wait til 11:00 a.m., Yampa Street comes alive with restaurants such as Taco Cabo, Sunpie’s Bistro, Carl’s Tavern, Otto Pint and more. Summer or winter, Steamboat specializes in breakfast & lunch at a plethora of downtown eateries.
Go Shopping
There is a place to shop for every member of your group in downtown Steamboat. The kids will love Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, an authentic candy shop sure to please even the adults or Lyons Corner Drug Store for an authentic ice cream parlor experience. The ladies in the group may want to check out one of the several boutique shops like Urbane or Fringe Boutique for the perfect summer date night outfit. The guys may be interested in shops like Allen’s Clothing or F.M. Light & Sons for authentic western wear. Outdoor enthusiasts may want to check out Straightline Sports, BAP, the North Face, Backdoor Sports or one of the several bike shops around downtown. Those looking for something small to take home that will remind them of their time in Steamboat should check out Ohana, All That, or the Steamboat Art Company.
Hot Springs
Don’t forget to take an hour or two to visit the Old Town Hot Springs located on the south end of downtown Steamboat. With hot springs, a lap pool, climbing wall, and full workout center, the Old Town Hot Springs is a must for those looking for a relaxing soak and/or a quick workout without having to leave the central downtown area. Plus there are two twisting water slides leading to a hot pool that kiddos and adults will love. You can rent towels at the front desk and grab lunch at the on-site café. We recommend the smoothies on a hot summer day.
Other Activities
If you want to step your time in downtown up to the next level, there are other options besides just eating, drinking and shopping. If it’s summertime (June-September) make sure to check out the Mainstreet Farmers Market for fresh produce and local goods. Any time of year, take a visit to the Tread of Pioneers Museum to learn about Steamboat’s local skiing & ranching history. Make an appointment at a spa such as the Waterside Day Spa or Life Essentials Day Spa to take your relaxation and pampering above and beyond. Test your wit with a session at The Crooked Key escape room. Kids will love the play area & storytime at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. Or simply cruise down to the Yampa River to enjoy a walk along the Core Trail where you can watch a fly fisherman make a cast or a tuber float by.
Happy Hour and Dinner
It wouldn’t be a true downtown Steamboat experience without a night of dining and drinks. Local favorites for happy hour include outside dining at Mahogany Ridge Brewery, Aurum, Mambo Italiano, and Carl’s Tavern. In the summertime, the restaurants along Yampa Street are favorites because people can sit out on one of the riverside patios. So many restaurants in downtown offer top notch dining experiences so it can sometimes be difficult to choose but some of our guest favorites include Harwig’s, E3 Chophouse, The Laundry, and Besame. Making reservations is highly recommended, especially during busy seasons. And don’t be late for happy hour, seats fill up quickly!
