Things To Do
If You’re Flying Into Denver International Airport
If You’re Flying into Denver (DEN) Flying into Denver International Airport often means lower fares and more flight options. Vail is a 2–2.5 hour drive west on I-70, with gorgeous mountain views along the way. Ways to Get There Rent a Car: Enjoy the scenic mountain drive at your own pace. Shuttle Service: Epic Mountain Express and Blue Sky Limo offer direct service to Vail Village and the Grand Hyatt. Make It a Mini Adventure: Stop in Georgetown for coffee, Idaho Springs for Beau Jo’s Pizza, or Frisco for mountain views and boutique shopping. Pro Tip: Spend a night in Denver or Golden (where we live!) to acclimate to the altitude before heading up.
Exploring Denver + The Drive Up To Vail
Exploring Denver (1.5–2 hrs from Vail) Fine Dining • Tavernetta – Italian near Union Station • Guard and Grace – modern steakhouse ($$$$) • Cholon – Asian fusion • Matsuhisa Denver – sushi ($$$$) Casual Eats • Grateful Gnome – sandwiches & local beer • Illegal Pete’s – burritos & margaritas • Brider – salads & sandwiches • Cart-Driver, Famous J’s, or Walter’s – pizza favorites • Fire on the Mountain or King of Wings – for wing lovers Scenic Stops on the Way • Golden (1.5 hrs from Vail): charming downtown, Clear Creek Trail, local breweries • Boulder: shops and Flatiron views • Morrison: visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre – museum or concerts • Rocky Mountain National Park: hike Emerald Lake Trail • Lake Dillon: boating & summer concerts • Breckenridge: shops + free gondola rides • Beaver Creek / Avon: cozy village 15 min past Vail
Our Hometown: Golden, CO
Our Hometown – Golden • Pizza: Woody’s • Wings: King of Wings • American: Old Capitol Grill or Miner’s Saloon • Indian: Sherpa House • Casual Bar: Buffalo Rose • Coffee & Breakfast: Windy Saddle Café, Café 13, Bonfire Burritos • Shops: Rewind (Thrift finds – Carly’s favorite) • Path: Clear Creek Trail runs through town
If You’re Flying Into Eagle County Regional Airport
If You’re Flying into Eagle (EGE) Eagle County Regional Airport is just 30–40 minutes from Vail, making it the most convenient option if your airline offers seasonal flights. Take a rental car, shuttle, or Uber straight to the Grand Hyatt Vail. While you’re there, check out Beaver Creek Mountain for hiking, shops, and restaurants.
Once You’re In Vail - Restaurants & Bars
Everything is within minutes of the Grand Hyatt Vail, which sits along Gore Creek between Lionshead Village and Vail Village. Free Hyatt Shuttle: Guests staying at the Grand Hyatt can take the complimentary shuttle anywhere within Vail and Lionshead Village – no car needed. It runs regularly throughout the day and evening. Where to Eat (5–10 min from Grand Hyatt) • Sweet Basil– upscale American • Mountain Standard– cozy riverside grill • Vendetta’s– casual Italian & pizza • Bart & Yeti’s – local après spot • The Red Lion– iconic live music bar • Lancelot - Upscale American Breakfast & Coffee • Big Bear Bistro-favorite breakfast spot • Yeti’s Grind-local coffee vibe • Two Arrows Coffee & Bar – espresso by day, cocktails by night Bars & Nightlife • Bart & Yeti’s • Garfinkel’s • The Red Lion • Pepi’s Bar • Root & Flower-wine and cocktails • Shakedown Bar-live music • Chasing Rabbits-upscale club • Bridge Street Bar and The George-late-night favorites
Once You’re In Vail - Activities
Outdoor Adventures • Hiking: Booth Falls (10 min), Lost Lake (15 min), Piney River Trail (40 min drive but worth it) • Mountain Biking: Rent in Lionshead or hotel and try the Berrypicker Trail. • Road Biking: Gore Creek & Vail Pass Bike Paths start near the hotel. Can rent at hotel - say you’re with wedding for a discount • Fly Fishing: Gore Creek or Eagle River. EMAIL: dave@eagleriveroutfitter.com or rent from hotel - say you're with wedding • Horseback Riding: Bair Ranch (25 min) • Tubing: Rent gear in Vail Village for a lazy float on the river • Gondola Rides: Eagle Bahn Gondola or Gondola One for mountaintop views and dining Indoor Fun: • Deca + Bol – chic bowling and restaurant • Shopping: Vail Village boutiques and art galleries • Heated outdoor pool and three mountain-view hot tubs • Full-service Exhale Spa offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments (say you’re with wedding for a discount) • Fitness center with Peloton bikes and daily wellness classes
Grand Hyatt Vail Resort and Spa
The Grand Hyatt Vail has everything you’ll need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. • Pool & Hot Tubs: Heated outdoor pool and three mountain-view hot tubs along Gore Creek. • Exhale Spa: Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments. • Fitness Center: Modern gym with Peloton bikes and daily classes. • Dining: • Gessner Restaurant & Bar – Colorado-inspired dishes and cocktails with mountain views. • Makoto Vail – upscale Japanese cuisine from world-renowned chef Makoto Okuwa. • Gore Creek Market & Café – coffee, breakfast, snacks for hikes, sunscreen, and grab-and-go drinks. • Sports Shop: On-site rental shop for bikes, skis, and other mountain gear. • Free Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle to Vail Village and Lionshead Village throughout the day.