Steamboat Hot-Spots

Whether it's rainy-day boredom or burning off energy, these kid-friendly attractions are proven crowd-pleasers.

• Old Town Hot Springs
Great for all ages — soaking pools, lap lanes, waterslides, and a kids’ climbing wall.
🔗 Old Town Hot Springs

• Howelsen Ice Arena
Indoor rink with public skating, bumper cars on ice, and rentals. Fun winter or summer.
🔗 Howelsen Ice Arena

• Amaze'n Steamboat Family Fun Park(Summer Only)
Mini golf, laser tag, ropes course, and more — packed fun for younger kids.
🔗 Amaze’n Steamboat

• Mountain Tap Brewery(Kid-friendly Dining)
Spacious patio, lawn games, and pizza — a local spot that’s easy with kids in tow.
🔗 Mountain Tap

• Bud Werner Memorial Library
Beautiful, modern space with a fantastic children’s area and regular kid events.
🔗 Library Info

Curious minds welcome! These indoor experiences are perfect for slower days, educational outings, or hands-on exploration.

• Tread of Pioneers Museum
Learn the story of Steamboat through exhibits, artifacts, and fun kids' scavenger hunts. Great for ages 6+.
🔗 Tread of Pioneers

• Bud Werner Memorial Library
One of the best small-town libraries in Colorado — cozy reading corners, storytelling events, and a kids-only zone.
🔗 Library Info

• Yampa Valley Botanic Park(May–Oct)
Peaceful gardens with walking paths, pond life, and summer kid workshops. Free to enter!
🔗 Botanic Park

• Steamboat Art Museum
Small but beautiful local art exhibits — quick stop for visually curious kids or a quiet break.
🔗 Art Museum

• Snow Bowl Steamboat
Technically a bowling alley, but with arcade games, live music, and an open-air lawn space. Great for all ages.
🔗 Snow Bowl

From easy hikes to tubing the river, these are the top ways to enjoy Steamboat’s great outdoors with kids of all ages.

• Spring Creek Trail
Flat, shady, and stroller-friendly — a perfect entry-level hike close to town.
🔗 Spring Creek Trail

• Yampa River Core Trail
Paved bike path that runs through town — rent bikes or just stroll along the river.
🔗 Trail Info

• Botanic Park + Yoga on the Green
Walk the gardens, see the koi pond, or join a free summer yoga class while the kids explore.
🔗 Botanic Park

• Float the Yampa River(Ages 5+)
Gentle tubing route with rental options that include life jackets and shuttle pickup.
🔗 Float Steamboat

• Haymaker Golf Course Driving Range
Surprisingly family-friendly — rent clubs and let kids hit balls at sunset with mountain views.
🔗 Haymaker Golf

• Howelsen Hill Alpine Slide(Seasonal)
Slide down the ski hill on a summer sled track — super fun and easy to do together.
🔗 Alpine Slide Info

📱 Recommended Apps

1. 🧭 AllTrails
   Great for finding family-friendly hikes with filters for distance, terrain, and accessibility.
   🔗 AllTrails

Looking to unwind and indulge? These local favorites offer the best of Steamboat’s high-end and peaceful experiences — from spa days to scenic soaks.

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Natural mineral pools surrounded by forest — a peaceful must-do. Note: 18+ only after dark (clothing optional).
🔗 Strawberry Hot Springs

• Old Town Hot Springs
Historic downtown facility with hot soaking pools, lap lanes, and a kids’ area — perfect for families or a casual soak.
🔗 Old Town Hot Springs

• Waterside Day Spa
Right by the river — massages, facials, and salon services in a relaxing downtown setting.
🔗 Waterside Day Spa

Looking to stretch, breathe, and reset? These wellness havens offer everything from hot power yoga to gentle breathwork and outdoor flows.

• Yoga Center of Steamboat
Offers a range of classes from gentle restorative to high-energy Vinyasa. Drop-ins welcome.
🔗 Yoga Center

• Out Here Yoga
Modern studio with power yoga, flow, and deep stretch classes. Great for travelers looking for a reset.
🔗 Out Here Yoga

• Storm Mountain Wellness
Local space offering massage, breathwork, and holistic health services.
🔗 Storm Mountain Wellness

Steamboat’s culinary scene is more than ski-town pizza joints. These upscale spots serve local ingredients, chef-driven menus, and cozy mountain ambiance perfect for date nights or special occasions.

• Table 79 Foodbar
Upscale yet welcoming — modern American menu with great cocktails and seasonal specials.
🔗 Table 79

• Aurum Food & Wine
Riverfront dining with an elevated new American menu and great wine list. Ideal for sunset dinners.
🔗 Aurum

• Primrose
Mountain-meets-modern with steak, seafood, and stylish cocktails. Great for groups or a luxe night out.
🔗 Primrose

• Yampa Valley Kitchen(Brunch Favorite)
Trendy daytime spot for organic eats, creative brunch, and great lattes. Patio seating in summer.
🔗 Yampa Valley Kitchen

📱 Recommended Apps

1. 🍽 OpenTable
   Make reservations ahead — many Steamboat spots book out on weekends.
   🔗 OpenTable

These are lesser-known gems that locals love — no frills, just great food, character, and value.

• Winona’s
Downtown breakfast café with cinnamon rolls the size of your head and strong diner coffee.
🔗 Winona’s

• Johnny B Good’s Diner
Retro ‘50s diner with burgers, shakes, and juke box booths — a hit with families and late risers.
🔗 Johnny B Good’s

• La Fiesta Grill & Cantina
Hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint with big portions, great enchiladas, and spicy green chile.
🔗 La Fiesta

• Mambo Italiano
Charming Italian spot with house-made pasta and warm, cozy vibes. Not touristy — just really good.
🔗 Mambo

Steamboat’s food scene is creative, casual, and locally driven. These are some of my favorite spots for flavor, vibe, and consistency.

• Yampa Valley Kitchen(Brunch & Lunch)
Trendy and organic — known for seasonal dishes, colorful plates, and great coffee. Beautiful patio in summer.
🔗 Yampa Valley Kitchen

• Creekside Café(Breakfast)
Local staple with hearty portions, homemade jams, and creekside seating. Often a short wait — worth it.
🔗 Creekside Café

• Back Door Grill(Burgers & Shakes)
Creative burgers, truffle fries, and fun energy. Great spot after a hike or float.
🔗 Back Door Grill

• Taco Cabo(Casual + Views)
Laid-back spot by the river with great tacos, margaritas, and a sunny deck.
🔗 Taco Cabo

• Aurum Food & Wine(Dinner)
Upscale but not stuffy — inventive menu, craft cocktails, and a gorgeous riverside setting.
🔗 Aurum

• Mountain Tap Brewery(Wood-Fired Pizza)
Family-friendly, open kitchen, and rotating taps. Order the pork belly appetizer!
🔗 Mountain Tap

📱 Recommended App

1. 🍽 OpenTable
   Use these to make reservations — weekends fill up fast at the top spots.
   🔗 OpenTable
   

2. ⭐ Yelp
   Reliable for checking hours, specials, and browsing photos of daily menus.
   🔗 Yelp - Steamboat

Early riser or late dessert hunter? These are my go-to spots for strong brews, flaky pastries, and sweet rewards.

• Big Iron Coffee
Downtown favorite with a modern, minimalist vibe and rich espresso. Try their seasonal latte specials.
🔗 Big Iron Coffee

• Dusky Grouse Coffee
Warm, cozy, and locally loved. Great place to bring a laptop or grab a chai and people-watch.
🔗 Dusky Grouse Coffee

• Smell That Bread Bakery
Fresh croissants, baguettes, and sourdough daily — go early for best selection.
🔗 Smell That Bread

• Mountain Brew
Tiny walk-up café with great coffee and smoothies. Quick stop before hitting the trails.
🔗 Mountain Brew

• Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain(Hidden Gem)
Not just a nostalgic pharmacy — their jewelry case features unique, high-quality Western and artisan pieces.
🔗 Lyon’s Corner

• Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory
Fun candy store with nostalgic favorites, fudge, and sweets for kids (and adults!).
🔗 Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory

• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Chocolates, caramel apples, and classic confections.
🔗 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

• Steamboat Toffee Company
Local toffee specialists — perfect gift or snack.
🔗 Steamboat Toffee Company

• Sweets From Heaven
Wide selection of candy from around the world.
🔗 Sweets From Heaven

• Bluml’s Chocolates
Small-batch handmade chocolates and truffles.
🔗 Bluml’s Chocolates

Looking to impress or celebrate? These upscale restaurants offer unforgettable meals, wine lists, and views.

• Primrose
Mountain-modern dining with beautiful plating, seasonal ingredients, and top-notch service.
🔗 Primrose

• Aurum Food & Wine
Sit riverside and enjoy new American dishes, craft cocktails, and a stylish but casual vibe.
🔗 Aurum

• E3 Chophouse
Elegant steakhouse with a Colorado ranch twist. Outdoor seating with Yampa River views.
🔗 E3 Chophouse

📱 Reservation Tip
Use OpenTable to reserve dinner spots in advance — many book out on weekends.
🔗 OpenTable

When the sun’s out, these laid-back food trucks and patios shine — perfect for casual bites with a view.

• Yampa Sandwich Company
Sandwiches and snacks with a riverside patio. Locally sourced, fresh, and fast.
🔗 Yampa Sandwich Co.

• Taco Cabo
Tacos and margaritas with a patio overlooking the river. Local favorite for lunch or sunset.
🔗 Taco Cabo

• Backdoor Grill(Outdoor tables)
Burgers with flair — get the “Twisted Sister.” Chill picnic bench vibe.
🔗 Backdoor Grill

• Snow Bowl Steamboat
Outdoor food truck park with bowling, lawn games, and casual eats. Live music on some nights.
🔗 Snow Bowl

Steamboat has expanded its wellness-forward dining scene. These spots cater to plant-based, GF, or allergy-sensitive diets — without compromising flavor.

• Seedz Café
100% organic and vegetarian café — known for bowls, juices, and smoothies.
🔗 Seedz

• Yampa Valley Kitchen
Lots of GF, vegetarian, and vegan options — clearly labeled, stylish, and flexible.
🔗 Yampa Valley Kitchen

• Freshies
Bright daytime café with GF pancakes, veg wraps, and smoothies. Great for brunch.
🔗 Freshies

• Mountain Tap Brewery
Surprisingly accommodating for special diets — GF crusts, veg toppings, and kombucha on tap.
🔗 Mountain Tap

Looking for something classy, cozy, or craft? These cocktail-forward spots deliver on vibe and quality.

• The Laundry
Chic space in a historic building with craft cocktails and small plates. Speakeasy vibe, upscale crowd.
🔗 The Laundry

• Table 79
High-end dinner spot with a standout cocktail list and chill bar seating. Great pre-dinner drink or nightcap.
🔗 Table 79

• Primrose Bar
Stylish and elevated — great wine, unique cocktails, and a sleek interior.
🔗 Primrose

• The Press(Live Music + Lounge)
Cozy bar known for creative drinks and regular live acoustic shows. Hidden gem.
🔗 The Press

From hoppy IPAs to easy-drinking lagers, Steamboat boasts a small but mighty brewery scene, perfect for laid-back evenings or post-adventure gatherings.

• Mountain Tap Brewery
Wood-fired pizza and rotating taps. Indoor/outdoor seating with lawn games. Super family-friendly too.
🔗 Mountain Tap

• Storm Peak Brewing Co.
Great locals’ hangout. Huge tap list, friendly staff, and rotating food trucks on site.
🔗 Storm Peak

• Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
Brewpub with solid food, house beers, and a cozy downtown location.
🔗 Mahogany Ridge

Want to catch a band, DJ, or dance floor after dark? These venues host everything from acoustic sets to high-energy nightlife.

• Schmiggity’s
Downtown dance club and live music venue. Think DJs, cover bands, and party vibes every weekend.
🔗 Schmiggity’s

• The Press
Chill lounge with a small stage — live jazz, acoustic, or piano nights. Relaxed and intimate.
🔗 The Press

• Snow Bowl Steamboat
Outdoor space with live bands in summer, food trucks, lawn games, and a family-friendly twist.
🔗 Snow Bowl

• Old Town Pub
Classic bar and live music spot. Expect everything from bluegrass to funk — a rowdy but fun crowd.
🔗 Old Town Pub

• Strings Music Pavilion(Seasonal)
Formal venue with a lineup of classical, jazz, and national acts. Great for a quieter music night.
🔗 Strings Music

Not every night needs a dress code — these laid-back joints are open late, full of character, and perfect for unwinding.

• Old Town Pub
Doubles as a music venue and classic bar. Open late, strong pours, good energy.
🔗 Old Town Pub

• Salt & Lime Rooftop
Not quite a dive, but a favorite late hangout with rooftop views and a casual taco menu.
🔗 Salt & Lime

• Yampa Sandwich Company(Late-Night Option)
Open late on weekends for grab-and-go eats if you’re headed back to the condo with a craving.
🔗 Yampa Sandwich Co.

• T-Bar Steamboat
Laid-back après-ski bar at the base of the mountain with comfort food, strong drinks, and a true ski-town vibe.
🔗 T-Bar Menu