4-Day Summer Itinerary for Beaver Creek, Colorado

If you’ve only ever thought of Beaver Creek as a ski destination, let me let you in on a little secret—it’s just as incredible in the summer (and the fall!). Tucked in Colorado’s Vail Valley, this mountain town turns into a playground of wildflower trails, horseback rides, creekside picnics, and music shows at the world-class Vilar Performing Arts Center. 

I spent four perfect days here soaking it all in, and I put together the exact itinerary I followed—where to stay, what to eat, and the best activities—so you don’t have to spend hours planning. 

All you need to do is grab your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable long weekend.

Want Quick Details? Here’s a snapshot of a perfect weekend itinerary:

Day 1

• Check into The Charter at Beaver Creek
• Shop & Stroll Through Beaver Creek Village 
• Dinner at Alpine + Antlers

Day 2

• Coffee & Pastry at Vail Mountain Coffee
• Take a 4X4 Mountain Tour
• Lunch at Blue Moose Pizza
• Hike the Village Loop
• Massage at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa
• Dinner at Citrea

Day 3

• Brunch at Hovey & Harrison
• Horseback Ride and Picnic Lunch with Beaver Creek Stables
• Relax at the Pool at The Charter Beaver Creek 
• Dinner at Charter Steakhouse
• Show at Vilar Performing Arts Center 

Day 4

• Breakfast at R Farmers Market & Kitchen 
• Check out of Hotel
• Picnic Lunch at Creekside Park

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Before You Go

A little prep makes your trip to Beaver Creek so much smoother, and downloading these two free apps ahead of time will save you a lot of guesswork once you’re there.

Village Connect App: Think of this as your free Uber around Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead. You can see real-time arrival info and request rides on-demand. Sure, some spots have free parking in the summer, but I found the shuttle is often the easier option.

Beaver Creek Village App: This is like having a 24/7 concierge in your pocket. It’s loaded with maps, dining options, activity guides, transportation info, weather updates, and even special deals. Basically, if you want to know what’s happening in the village (or where to find it), this app has you covered.

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4-Day Beaver Creek Itinerary

Day 1 (Arrival)

Check into The Charter at Beaver Creek

There are plenty of good lodging options in Beaver Creek, but The Charter at Beaver Creek is something special. European-inspired and one of Colorado’s most celebrated mountain properties, it offers that hard-to-nail combination of comfort and sophistication.

The highlight for me? The pools. Plural. Three outdoor saltwater hot tubs and an outdoor saltwater pool with panoramic sundeck views, plus an indoor lap pool and hot tub that became my favorite hangout spot after long days outside. Add in a steam room, dry sauna, fitness center, and even a game room (we may or may not have gotten a little too competitive at the foosball table), and you’ve got a stay that blends wellness with play.

Dinner here is its own event: The Charter Steakhouse. The restaurant’s “Colorado Kitchen” philosophy highlights local ingredients, from ranch beef to seasonal produce, all paired with sweeping mountain views. It’s the kind of place where the setting rivals the food, but the food more than holds its own.

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Shop & Stroll at Beaver Creek Village 

Just a short walk from The Charter is Beaver Creek Village, the heart of the resort community and a spot that feels straight out of a European alpine town. Imagine cobblestone-style walkways, cascading waterfalls, little bridges, and boutique shops that tempt you with everything from high-end outdoor gear to locally made art.

We wandered past fire pits with cushioned seating, escalators (yes, escalators at a ski resort village—genius), and even a shuffleboard court set up on the central green. Ping pong and cornhole were happening nearby, giving the whole place a playful summer energy.

➞ Parking in the summer is free, so even if you’re not staying near the village, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

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Dinner at Alpine + Antlers

For dinner, we wandered over to Alpine + Antlers, tucked inside the Beaver Creek Lodge. The vibe is modern alpine casual—American classics with seasonal flair.

The standout for me was the tuna tataki, plated with Moroccan spices, cucumber, and cantaloupe. But honestly, everything we ordered delivered: beet-pickled deviled eggs, a baby iceberg wedge with crispy pork rinds, a perfectly pan-roasted halibut with rock shrimp fritters, and a smoked pork chop dressed up with blueberry-chipotle BBQ sauce.

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Day 2 (Mountain Adventure Day)

Pop By Vail Mountain Coffee

Day two started at Vail Mountain Coffee in the village. Quick, unfussy, and exactly what you want before heading into the mountains. A chocolate twist pastry and a protein bar made a surprisingly good combo with my English Breakfast tea..

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Take a 4X4 Mountain Tour

This adventure was one of the absolute highlights of the trip. We signed up for a  4×4 Mountain Tour that winds its way up Beaver Creek Mountain and into the White River National Forest. Our guide, Jennifer, was equal parts driver, storyteller, and wildlife expert.

The tour tops out at 11,440 feet, with stops at ski runs that look almost surreal without their winter coats. We paused at Beano’s Cabin, listened to stories about local wildlife, and took in sweeping views that, at one point, included a fresh dusting of snow. The ride itself isn’t fast or wild—more bumpy and scenic than adrenaline-pumping—but that worked for me.

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Lunch at Blue Moose Pizza

Back in the village, Blue Moose Pizza was calling. This local staple has been serving New York-style pies since 1995, and it’s casual, family-friendly, and exactly what you want after a morning on the mountain.

We split a half-and-half pizza: one side Super Pepperoni (three types of pepperoni and a spicy ranch drizzle), the other Spring Pizza (artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, pesto). Add in a summer salad of arugula, fruit, pecans, and gorgonzola, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate post-adventure lunch.

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Hike the Village Loop

For the afternoon, we kept things light with the Village Loop Trail—a little over a mile with just enough incline to get your heart rate up without feeling like a workout. It starts just to the left of the Centennial Express and circles around the east side of the mountain, serving up alpine views that make the short walk totally worth it.

If you want more of a challenge, there’s always the Overlook Trail. This one is a six-mile out-and-back climb with more than 2,100 feet of elevation gain, starting at the base of the same lift and winding all the way to the top. It’s definitely a moderate-to-difficult trek, but you don’t have to commit to the full thing—you can always turn back when you’ve had your fill. (I’ll admit, I saved this one for next time!).

Note: See the Summer Trail Map for many more hiking options.

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Relax at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa

No trip to Beaver Creek is complete without a little spa time, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Spa is the place to do it. Tucked right into the mountains, it feels like a retreat within a retreat. Arrive early so you can take full advantage of the complimentary amenities—the grotto, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and (if you’re brave) the cold plunge.

Picture lounging in robes, sipping citrus-infused water, and soaking up the quiet mountain atmosphere—it’s pure relaxation from the moment you walk in!

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Dinner at Citrea

Dinner was at Citrea, set alongside the Beaver Creek Village center turf (a summer fun and game zone that transforms into an ice-skating rink come winter). The menu blends Mediterranean flavors with Colorado-sourced ingredients.

We sampled a little bit of everything (as per usual!), but a few dishes stood out: the Moroccan-spiced tuna tataki with a refreshing cantaloupe cucumber salad (my favorite of the night), sweet potato ravioli drizzled with sage brown butter and topped with figs, and a BBQ lamb gyro that put a playful twist on a classic.

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Day 3  (Mountain Tour & Show Day)

Brunch at Hovey & Harrison. 

A quick 10-minute drive took us to Hovey & Harrison, a bakery, café, and market that manages to feel both trendy and home. Everything is made fresh daily, which made choosing nearly impossible. I went with a cheddar-chive biscuit, a lemon-ginger donut, and a tuna melt tartine, and each one was as good as it sounds. Confession: I had my eye on the homemade Twix bar but passed… and yes, I totally regret it.

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Take Horseback Ride With Picnic Lunch

Next up: a horseback ride with Beaver Creek Stables—my favorite experience of the trip. I rode JR, a steady and patient horse, while Pete had Geronimo, who came with a little extra personality. The ride up Beaver Creek Mountain takes about an hour, winding single-file through aspen groves and open trails, then opens up to stunning alpine views. At the top, we enjoyed a picnic lunch with the mountains as our backdrop before riding back down.

No experience? No problem. Just let them know if you’re a newbie—they’ll match you with the right horse (mine was even used for kids—perfect for me!). The whole trip takes about three hours and is a truly serene way to experience the Colorado Rockies.

Note: Using the Village Connect App, it’s an easy ride over to the stables (give yourself about 15 minutes). Dress comfortably, wear closed-toe shoes, and pants are recommended.

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Relax at the Pool at The Charter at Beaver Creek 

After our horseback ride, the pools at The Charter were calling our names. There are three outdoor saltwater hot tubs and a large outdoor saltwater pool with views that go on forever, plus an indoor lap pool and another hot tub that quickly became my favorite post-adventure spot.

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Dinner at Charter Steakhouse

For dinner we headed to the hotels signature restaurant,  Charter Steakhouse, where Colorado ranching and fresh local ingredients take center stage. The menu is elegant, creative, and seriously delicious.

We started with the grilled shrimp cocktail served with a chipotle-yuzu sauce and charred lemon—definitely not your 1970s shrimp cocktail, but elevated and addictive. 

Next up was a grilled red beet saled with baby arugula, goat cheese mousse, crisped onions, and bacon vinaigrette, followed by the show-stopping pan-seared 8oz tenderloin with green chili grits, roasted broccolini and brown butter lobster.

Dessert was a blueberry pretzel bread pudding with butter pecan ice cream and brown butter caramel. I told myself I didn’t have room, but of course…I finished almost every bite. 

Note: ask for a table by the window—the mountain views make the meal even more memorable.

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See a Show at Vilar Performing Arts Center 

We wrapped up our last evening at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, a 535-seat underground theater tucked just below the village ice rink. With VIP tickets in hand, we started the night at the May Gallery, a cozy, art-filled lounge inside the venue where you can enjoy a pre-show cocktail in comfy seating.

The show? Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass, a bluegrass spin on Grateful Dead favorites. The energy was electric, the music contagious, and the front-row balcony seats gave us the perfect view (though we did sneak down into “the pit” for a closer look at the stage).

The Vilar hosts year-round performances—think Broadway musicals, comedy, dance, family shows, and concerts—and many offer perks like complimentary drinks and pre-show music in the lobby. 

The Vilar is operated by the nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation, whose mission is to provide life-enriching experiences in arts, athletics, and education while supporting the local community. 

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Day 4 (Departure Day)

Breakfast at R Farmers Market & Kitchen 

On our final morning, we made the short drive to R Farmers Market & Kitchen in Avon. Part butcher shop, part café, the focus here is on locally sourced, top-quality ingredients.

We went for the quiche and avocado toast, both absolutely delicious, though I was eyeing the pastries with some serious regret. Everything here is about transparency and quality, so whether you’re grabbing breakfast or picking up ingredients for later, you know you’re getting the good stuff.

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Check out of The Charter at Beaver Creek

Checking out of The Charter is bittersweet—after four incredible days of hiking, horseback riding, spa indulgence, and mountain views, it’s hard to leave. The staff makes it easy, though: you can leave your bags at the hotel and spend a few last hours wandering Beaver Creek Village or grabbing lunch before officially saying goodbye.

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Picnic Lunch at Creekside Park

Before heading out, we picked up a picnic basket from Citrea and strolled over to Creekside Park, just a five minute walk from the restaurant. This newly redesigned alpine space is full of quiet paths, a playground and cute little picnic table coves.

The picnic basket was a feast: hummus, labneh, fig mustarda, seasonal crudités, quinoa tabbouleh, prosciutto di Parma, and herbed focaccia. There was more than enough to share, but my perfect bite? A piece of focaccia layered with labneh, fig mustarda, and prosciutto.

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Depart Beaver Creek

While the area has a local airport, flying into Denver and renting a car made more sense—and saved a bit on the budget. We gave ourselves extra time for the drive, rental return, and flight, but even with logistics on our minds, I couldn’t help wishing we had just one more day to soak it all in.

Beaver Creek in summer has a way of slowing you down, reminding you to savor views, meals, and moments. Four days felt just right—but also left me wanting more.

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Other Lunch/Dinner Recommendations

• Beaver Creek Chophouse:  A lively steakhouse with slopeside views and hearty mountain classics.
• Hooked: A seafood-forward spot famous for its fish sandwiches (yes, pricey—but worth it).
• Golden Eagle Inn:  A cozy, classic option for a hearty lunch in the village.
• Coyote Cafe: Tex-Mex, margaritas, and an easygoing après vibe.
• Dusty Boot Roadhouse:  Family-friendly, with a sprawling menu (try the blackened cod tacos).

More Things to Do in Beaver Creek:

• Cycling: E-bike Rides: Rent from Venture Sports in nearby Avon and explore local trails with ease.
• Golf  Beaver Creek Golf Club: it  is stunning—I had major FOMO every time we drove past.
• Zip Adventures: Rated one of the top 10 zipline experiences in the world.
• Fly Fishing Gore Creek Fly Fishermen: Guided trips with a company who has  been at it for 40+ years.
• whitewater rafting and kayaking Timberline Tours and Lakota Guides:Options from calm family floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids,

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