Jane always knew she wasn't destined for a desk job... She has travelled all over the world and is passionate about noodles, sloths and her hiking boots! When she isn't busy adventuring around the world, you can find her reviewing travel gear and dishing out travel tips to all the places she's visited.
Breckenridge is a charming ski town located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. In addition to skiing, there are tons of things to do in Breckenridge for all kinds of travelers and interests.
Breckenridge and the surrounding Colorado areas have the most gorgeous landscapes. The best way to explore is by hiking, biking, taking a stroll through town or a long drive amidst the scenery.
One of the many reasons people flock to this destination is because of how easy it is to get away from everything and just relax. While winter is the shining star in Breckenridge, fall brings some incredible foliage that will make your heart soar, and summer is epic for fishing, kayaking and rafting. This truly is a year round destination with plenty to keep you and your travel companions entertained.
Here are 20 things to do in Breckenridge (aside from skiing) that are sure to make your trip unforgettable!
20 Incredible Things to Do in Breckenridge All Year Long
While skiing is definitely the star of the show in Breckenridge, here are 20 things to do even when there’s no snow on the ground.Â
Enjoy Views From Atop Peak 8
Peak 8 is Breckenridge’s iconic mountaintop. From just about anywhere in the quaint town, you can look towards the sky and see the soaring peak poking up above the clouds.
In winter, ride North America’s highest ski lift to the top and soak in the insane scenery before zooming down the mountain, while in summer months you can trek to the summit, which sits at 12,987 feet.
This is certainly one of the top things to do in Breckenridge as Peak 8 is where the entire resort started! There’s a variety of terrain, making it suitable for all kinds of skiers. Though be warned, if you want to reach the tippy top on foot, you’re in for a bit of a hike.
Go Fly Fishing on Blue River
Happen to be visiting Breckenridge between June and November? This is when fly fishing is at its best.
Head to the Blue River to try your hand at catching local fare. Even if you’re visiting outside of the peak months, fly fishing is still pretty decent year round.
Beginners can take a guided tour to this epic fly fishing spot, but more advanced fishers are able to head out on their own. Just be sure to abide by all regulations!
Visit Breckenridge Breweries
Breckenridge is well known for its world class breweries, which is why a tour should be at the top of your list of things to do.
Learn all about how beer is made and then enjoy a flight to taste test all of the local specialties!
Some awesome breweries to check out include:
Breckenridge Brewery & Pub
Broken Compass
CB and Potts
Even if you aren’t huge into beer, breweries can be a whole lot of fun… And if all else fails, you can count on some super pub snacks.
While it should come as no surprise that Breckenridge is pretty pricey, one of the best things to do in the town is 100% free!
Take a gondola ride over town to soak in the incredible sights of the Ten Mile Range. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife wandering between the trees, and if one go isn’t enough, feel free to hop on and ride the gondola again and again.
The ride is open every day, year round and is one of the best ways to enjoy Breckenridge vistas, whether you’re a skier or not.
Spend Time in the Massive Frisco Nordic Center
Less than a 20 minute drive from Breckenridge, you’ll find the sweet town of Frisco, which is home to a huge Nordic Center.
A visit here is particularly interesting as there are a variety of snowy trails to enjoy for all levels.
At Frisco Nordic Center, you’re able to cross-country ski, skate ski, and even snowshoe with astounding mountain views in every direction.
The Nordic Center offers lessons of all kinds and rentals as well. Definitely a top thing to do on a visit to Breckenridge!
Glide Downhill at Frisco Adventure Park
Just next to the Nordic Center is the Frisco Adventure Park, a prime time spot for tubing and beginner skiers.
There’s a small ski hill that’s perfect for learning the ropes or getting reacquainted if you haven’t skied in a few years.
Fun for families or anyone looking to hit the slopes in a new way, pop by the Frisco Adventure Park while in the area!
P.S. Tubing is also available at Breckenridge’s Peak 8.
Insider Tip: Since things are pretty spread out in Breckenridge, having a car is essential to make the most of your trip Click Here to check out rental car options… You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is.
Wine and Dine You Way Through Breck
All the physical activity in Breckenridge will definitely help you work up an appetite. After a long day on the slopes or a big hike in the summer sun, there’s nothing as pleasing as hitting Main Street for a bite to eat.
The restaurants in Breckenridge are out of this world and definitely have something for everyone.
If you’re looking for suggestions, here are a few of our favorites:
Relish
Blue River Bistro
Healthstone
Blue Moose (best breakfast!)
Duggan’s Deli
Briar Rose Chophouse & Saloon
Hike Among Wildflowers at Boreas Pass
Another incredible outdoor adventure in Breckenridge is Boreas Pass, an impressive scenic road that was once a railroad pass during the Colorado Gold Rush.
Today, Boreas Pass treats travelers to plenty of open air activities, like visiting ghost towns and former mines, mountain biking, lots of hiking, and even cross-country skiing.
Though this spot is super close to Breckenridge, there are campsites if you feel like spending a night away from the village.
Test Your Strength with Rock Climbing
If you feel like getting your hands dirty, rock climbing is definitely an awesome thing to do in Breckenridge.
There are indoor walls at the rec center and climbing gym, but also a plethora of outdoor spots to scale rocks in style.
Beginners will do well at Prospector Campground, where there are easy routes and bouldering spots.
For more advanced climbers, try out Peru Creek area in Montezuma or Independence Pass, which is a little further out.
Get to Know Breck with a Guided Tour
The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance goes above and beyond to provide visitors with informative and entertaining tours of the town and surroundings.
There are heaps of tours to choose from like a walk through history, haunted tour, tombstone tales, gold panning, gold mining and more!
Tours typically cost between$15 and $30 per adult, with special rates for kids, making this the perfect year round thing to do in Breckenridge.
Spend the Day at Epic Discovery Peak 8 Fun Park
In the summer, Peak 8 transforms into a family fun land with entertainment for people of all ages.
It’s pretty much a mountain amusement park with mazes, mini golf, alpine slides and an alpine roller coaster – a must-do if you’ve never ridden one before!
While day passes are a bit pricey, Epic Discovery offers different packages to create an affordable experience, with add ons available for additional attractions.
Shop Downtown on Main Street
If you’d rather don flip flops than hiking boots while in Breckenridge, perhaps a gander down Main Street is in your future.
This central downtown drag is full of so many cute boutiques and shops it’ll make your head spin.
Even if you’re not keen on burning a hole in your wallet, wandering down Main Street and admiring the window displays is definitely a top thing to do in Breckenridge.
Hike to Sawmill Reservoir
If you’re hunting for beautiful views in Breckenridge this is the hike for you.
With just under 2 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 230 feet, Sawmill Reservoir offers panoramic views of Breckenridge and the surrounding peaks.Â
It’s also open to dogs so everyone gets some exercise here!
Make sure to arrive early to secure a good parking spot.Â
Take a Distillery Tour and Sip Some Spirits
Some of the best drinks in Colorado are made at The Breckenridge Distillery and they offer both paid and free tours for those who want to learn more about the distilling process.Â
Your tour will come with complimentary spirit tastings (yes, even on the free tour), and there are super reasonably priced flights so you can continue sipping on your own time.
The Distillery also offers private group tours, which is a super fun activity if you’re in Breckenridge with family or friends.
Traverse Your Way Through Peaks Trail
An excellent choice for hikers or mountain bikers, Peaks Trail is an easy nine miles and runs from Breckenridge to Frisco via an old mining trail.
You’ll weave in and out of the forest and be treated to epic views of the Ten Mile Range and bubbling streams along the way.
Challenging at some points, you’ll likely need snowshoes if you want to hit this trail in the winter, but come summer time, this track is an awesome option for walkers and runners alike! Just be sure to pack extra water because days can get hot, hot, hot.
Walk the McCullough Gulch Trail
A stunning track for hiking enthusiasts, the McCullough Gulch Trail is well loved by locals and visitors alike.
The track is labeled as difficult, but is awesome for a challenging walk or snowshoeing. It even passes by a picturesque lake!
This trail is pet friendly, so bring your furry friends along for the trek.
Hit the Water for Warm Weather Adventures
The warmer months in Breckenridge are the best for water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and rafting.
You can rent kayaks or canoes to explore Lake Dillon or take a full blown whitewater rafting tour with:
Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting
Kodi Rafting
Colorado Rafting
Rafting is particularly popular in Breckenridge and the season runs from May – September, when the snow runoff is at its best.
Explore the Country Boy Mine
Take a guided tour of the Country Boy Mine to learn about coal mining history and feast your eyes on a plethora of mining artifacts.Â
The tour takes you 1,000 feet deep into one of the most historic mines in Colorado, and offers tons of exciting activities like a treasure hunt, gold panning and snowshoeing.Â
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try your hand at exploring this Breckenridge ghost town on your own!
Explore Breckenridge’s Art DistrictÂ
There are tons of options for experiencing art in Breckenridge.Â
Not only are there some stellar Museums (Barney Ford House, Edwin Carter Discovery Center, and the Summit Ski Museum to name a few), but there’s an entire art district, as well!
While it may only stretch for a block, the art district is an enchanting place to discover new galleries, artist’s studios and small craft shops.Â
Relive Your Childhood with a Sledding Adventure
Is sledding just for little ones? No way!Â
Breckenridge has some epic sledding spots that are exhilarating no matter what age you are.Â
There are free options at the Runway Sledding Hill and Cater Park…. Runway even has a sled shed where you can borrow or donate sleds to use.
If you’re looking to take this experience to the next level, opt for dog sledding, rather than downhill, and fulfill your husky fantasies! Good Times runs the most popular tours in Breckenridge.
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If you’re looking for things to do in Breckenridge off the beaten path, check out these Airbnb experiences for some unique, local fun.
Adventure Ice Fishing – Set off for the Dilon Reservoir and try your hand at catching a variety of local fish through a hole in the ice. The host, Adam will even package up fish for you to take home and engage little ones tagging along.
Hiking with Stunning Views & Photographer – Beautifully commemorate your time in Breckenridge with this gorgeous hike coupled with a professional photographer who will document it for you.
Crazy For Copper Mountain Scavenger Hunt – This insanely fun scavenger hunt will take you all over Copper Mountain and is great fun for families or groups of friends.
Learn Astrophotography in the Mountains – Dreaming of taking those starry night sky flicks? This experience will teach you exactly how it’s done! Either bring your own DSLR or the host will provide one for you.
Where to Stay in Breckenridge
Any amazing trip starts with a great place to stay. If you’re headed to Breckenridge, we definitely recommend using Airbnb to find the best vacation pad. Check out our article featuring the top Airbnbs in Breckenridge, or use the map below to explore nearby stays.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Breckenridge. Whether you’re headed to this Colorado mountain town to ski, hike, or simply kick back and relax, you’ll find plenty to fit your fancy here.
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