A One Day Summertime Trip to Breckenridge
A One-Day Summer Itinerary for Breckenridge
Taking a vacation to Breckenridge is a magical adventure–not only do you get to escape the heightened sights and sounds of the city, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful mountains in all Colorado. But what if you can only make it to the mountains for a single day? There’s plenty of ways to make the most of it, and we’ve got just the guide for you on how to do so.
Join us today as we explore the perfect one-day trip to the beautiful mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado.
A Summertime Visit to Breck
Make the Most of Your Morning
Wake up bright and early on your first (and only) day in Breck–there’s plenty of exploring to do! Whether you’ve stayed the night at a local vacation rental or you’re driving into town from somewhere nearby like Denver, it’s a good idea to arrive as early as you can to beat the traffic and find a good parking spot in town.
Before your morning gets going, fuel yourself for the long summer day ahead with a tasty Breckenridge breakfast. La Francaise Bakery is a great spot for a drop-in breakfast, and if you grab your food to go, you’ll be in just the right place to enjoy it–the Blue River is just a few steps away for a shoreside dining experience. Take your food to the shore and stick your feet in while you enjoy some of the tastiest pastries in all of Breckenridge. Or, if you’d rather have a sit-down breakfast to relax and wake up a bit more, stop by Columbine Cafe, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Breck.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, it’s time to dive right into some popular Breckenridge on-mountain fun, such as a trip up the gondola to Epic Discovery on Peak 8. This incredible action-packed park is perfect for adults and kids alike, and features panoramic chairlift rides, an incredible alpine slide, a suspended ropes challenge course, and mini golf. While you’re exploring Peak 8, be sure to visit the Observation Tower as well, which features informative plaques that detail some of Breck’s earliest days as a town.
If Epic Discovery isn’t for you and you’d rather spend some time in nature while you’re in Breckenridge, take a quick jaunt down the Trollstigen Trail, located near the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, to visit Thomas Dambo’s infamous wooden troll, Isak Heartstone. This one-mile trail also connects to a few other trailheads in the area, such as the Little Mountain Trail or the Illinois Creek Trail, so you can extend your hiking experience even further if you like
An Afternoon Walking the Town and Exploring Art
After all the adrenaline-fueled activities of the morning, afternoon is the time to slow down and enjoy some of the outdoor and indoor art that Breckenridge has to offer. But first, stop for a bite to eat at a local favorite: Soupz On. Try out some of Breck’s best soup, sandwiches, and salads at this beloved eatery, which frequently is named as one of Breck’s best lunch spots.
Now that your belly is full, have a blast exploring some of Breck’s myriad of outdoor art and sculptures as the sun wends its way across the horizon. Along the Riverwalk, for instance, you can visit Toro, a futuristic robot made entirely of recycled materials. At the Riverwalk Center Plaza, you’ll find the Syncline, a daunting 24-foot contemporary sculpture that’s perfect for some introspection. Finally, head over to the Breckenridge Arts District Campus to see Throne, a sculpture that was commissioned by the town of Breckenridge. This gorgeous kinetic sculpture is a serene sight during the summertime, when the sunshine reflects off of its many facets.
Once you’ve seen your fill of the outside art and the afternoon storm clouds are coming rolling in across the mountains, stop in at some of Breck’s best art galleries. If you’re pressed for time, we recommend stopping by one of the Raitman Art Galleries for some fine art as well as taking a trip over to the Gary Soles Gallery to peruse a variety of landscape photography that will blow your mind.
A Fine Dining Evening in Breck
As evening begins to fall over the mountains of Breckenridge, it’s time to finally slow down from your long day of adventuring. We recommend heading over to your accommodations for a change of clothing, because where we’ll go next is worth a nice outfit: Aurum Food & Wine. This restaurant is located inside of an old Breckenridge home, and its ambiance and menu are out of this world. While you’re there, be sure to try out some of their more popular menu items, such as the Balsamic Braised Short Rib or the Rocky Mountain Trout.
After dinner, you’ll probably be exhausted, but if dessert is on your menu, stop by Higgles Ice Cream for a sweet treat to end your day on the best note ever.
Breckenridge is Perfect for a One-Day Trip
While there are endless options for summertime activities in Breckenridge, if you only have one day in town, our guide might just be the best way to spend it. Whether you’ll find your fun zooming down the alpine coaster or stalking through the woods to find Isak Heartstone, you won’t be disappointed to visit Breck for just one day.
Looking for somewhere to stay while you’re in town? Check out some of LocalVR’s nearby vacation rentals to get your next Breck vacation started today.