The 35 Essential Things to Do in Breckenridge

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Things to Do in Winter | Food & Drink | Things to Do with Kids | Museums & Culture | Things to Do in Summer

I’m a Colorado local and in this guide, I overview the absolute best things to do in Breckenridge!

Many consider this destination as a ski town — and it is, no doubt. But Breckenridge activities are available year-round and span many interests. This round-up spotlights other forms of outdoor recreation, historical and cultural attractions, and several hidden gems.

With so much to do, I recommend spending at least a couple of days in the mountain town. Be sure to bookmark our guide on where to stay in Breckenridge for more insights!

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Best Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Experience one of the United States’ most popular ski resorts.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-5000 | Website | Lift Tickets: $118+ adults, $61+ youth ages 5-12 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

When most people think of things to do in Breckenridge, skiing is the first thing that springs to mind. Breckenridge Ski Resort is part of the Ten Mile Range and features a variety of terrain. Lessons are available for every skill level.

It’s one of the more expensive ski resorts in Colorado, but it offers on-site food and lodging, excellent customer service, and lots of amenities.

Isak Heartstone

See a quirky attraction in this quaint mountain town.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

One of the most fun walks to take with kids (or anyone delighted by trolls) is to Isak Heartstone. The wood sculpture resembling a troll was created as part of the annual Breckenridge Festival of the Arts, and he now sits at the end of a short trail. You can visit year-round, but the trail isn’t maintained in winter so be ready for plenty of snow.

Isak Heartstone is one of the town’s most popular attractions. So, during peak season in Breckenridge, you may need to wait a few minutes to get your selfie.

Main Street 

Wander historic downtown, full of charming shops and eateries.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 864-0868 | Website | 👉 Book a Breckenridge Day Trip from Denver

Start at the Breckenridge tourism office in the center of town to learn more about the history of this Colorado mining town. Then, explore Historic Main Street, full of shops, bars, and restaurants in Victorian-era buildings.

So many attractions are within walking distance, making downtown one of the best places to stay in Breckenridge. Visitors have several top-rated hotel options in this area.

Quandary Peak

Hike one of Colorado’s most popular 14er trails.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: $30 – $55 parking; $7 non-local shuttle fare

Quandary Peak is just six miles from downtown Breckenridge and is one of the most popular 14er hikes in Colorado (14ers are mountain peaks higher than 14,000 feet). The East Ridge route is the most used, and is a 6 ¾-mile roundtrip hike.

Be sure to book parking reservations or a shuttle ride in advance.

👉 Pro Tip: Hikers are required to reserve parking or take

Breckenridge Stables

Try horseback riding or experience a sleigh ride through the surrounding mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-4438 | Website 

You can’t go wrong with a visit to Breckenridge Stables! It’s the ideal place to go out on a horseback trail ride in summer. Tours leave from the base of Peak 9 at Breckenridge Ski Resort. In winter, Breckenridge Stables offers sleigh rides at both Peak 9 and at the Gold Run Nordic Center.

Breckenridge Distillery

Try some local whiskey samples.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 547-9759 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon & Tues, 11 am – 9 pm Wed – Sun

Cap off a day of outdoor exercise with a beautiful bourbon… or several! Breckenridge Distillery claims to be the world’s highest distillery, and you can tour where it makes its award-winning bourbon whiskey and other craft spirits. The distillery, restaurant, and bar are located on Airport Road. There’s also a Breckenridge Distillery tasting room on Main Street.

Breckenridge Gondola

Take a ride up the mountain for views of the Continental Divide.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-5000 | Website | Entrance: free

The Breckenridge Gondola runs throughout the winter and summer, with breaks in spring and fall. It’s free for anyone to ride; although, there is a fee if you want to bring a bike.

Ride the gondola for winter skiing, visit summertime’s Epic Discovery at Peak 8, or just hop on for a little trip. Kids love it, and it’s one of the most iconic Breckenridge activities!

Frisco, Colorado

Check out a nearby mountain town next to Lake Dillon.

📍 Google Maps | Website

The town of Frisco is just nine miles north of Breckenridge. It’s a smaller destination with a whole different vibe and many amazing things to do. 

Walk or bike between the two mountain towns via the Blue River Rec Path, or simply drive in for a day trip. I especially recommend boating on Dillon Reservoir, wandering Frisco’s quaint downtown, or hitting up the kayak park for some rapids.

Things to Do in Winter

Nordic Center

Glide over groomed ski trails at one of two area Nordic centers.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-6855 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Trail Pass: $30 adults, $25 seniors 65+, free under 13

You can cross-country ski at either the Gold Run Nordic Center, which is on the outskirts of town, or the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Both centers rent skis and snowshoes and offer lessons as well. The Breckenridge Nordic Center also has a lodge and restaurant.

👉 Pro Tip: There’s nothing quite like soaking in hot springs on a freezing winter day. Check out our list of the top Colorado hot springs! 

Dog Sledding

Get pulled along by some furry friends!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-7604 | Website | Office Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday, until 5 pm on Sundays, Closed Mondays | Tours: $194 all ages, children under 5 & pregnant women not allowed

Try a unique experience you can only get in a few select places! At Good Times Adventures, you and a team of other passengers will switch between running the team of Siberian Huskies, riding on the sled, and riding in a passenger sleigh with the guide. 

Snowmobiling

Zoom across the frozen tundra on an exciting tour!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-7604 | Website | Tour Prices: $248+

Get an adrenaline rush with a snowmobile tour from Good Times Adventure Tours! It offers guided tours over a variety of terrain , including rides up and over the scenic Continental Divide.

Fat Biking

Bike in the snow at the Gold Run Nordic Center, to a local distillery, or all the way to Frisco.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 547-7889 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily (Dec – March) | Fat Bike Season Pass: $160 | 👉 Book a Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour

Fat bikes are off-road bikes with fat tires made for winter conditions. You can go for a ride on any of the snowshoe trails at the Gold Run Nordic Center. The center also offers lessons, day tours, and a full moon tour.

Alternatively, book a fat bike tour with stops at Breckenridge Distillery and Broken Compass Brewing. You can even ride all the way to Frisco via the Blue River Rec Path. 

Monster Truck Sleigh Ride

Take a one-of-a-kind snowy ride.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 458-5387 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily during winter | Entrance: $48 adults, $38 youth ages 4-12, free under 4 | 👉 Book a Monster Truck Sleigh Ride

This ain’t your typical horse-drawn sleigh ride! Visit parts of Country Boy Mine on a sleigh pulled by a vintage truck (with snow tracks, of course). You can roast s’mores after the ride. These rides book fast, so be sure to make reservations ahead of time!

Food & Drink

Hearthstone Restaurant

Celebrate special occasions at this New American eatery featuring mountain views, a romantic ambiance, and a thoughtful menu. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-1148 | Website | Hours: 4 – 9:30 pm daily

Hearthstone Restaurant was the perfect place to celebrate my and my husband’s anniversary. Few places in Breckenridge are better suited for special occasions. This New American eatery checks all the boxes. Expect stunning mountain views, a sunny patio, and a romantic interior, plus an incredible menu. 

To start, order a craft cocktail from its bar. Personally, I recommend the ginger pear martini. It was so good, I had to order two. Colorado meats are Hearthstone’s specialty — lamb, bison short ribs, and blackberry-glazed elk appear on the menu. But this upscale restaurant accommodates all preferences with delicious vegan and gluten-free options. 

Robbie’s Tavern

Start your day or après-ski at this slopeside eatery with an unbeatable view of Breckenridge Ski Resort. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 547-8785 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon–Fri, 7:30 am – 10 pm Sat & Sun

Breckenridge Ski Resort has several slopeside restaurants, but Robbie’s Tavern is a personal favorite. Find it at the base of Peak 8 to the right of the Rocky Mountain Superchair. Its menu may be a bit pricey, but this second-level American pub offers killer views of the resort. 

Sit on its heated patio and sip a bevvy while watching skiers glide down into the base area. The bar offers craft beer, wine, and cocktails — including a potent bloody Mary that hits the spot early and après-ski. Shareable starters and handhelds like burgers, sammies, and flatbreads make up the food menu. 

Piante Pizzeria

Be amazed by this plant-based restaurant’s indulgent pies and classic appetizers, served to-go or within a rustic, Colorado-inspired setting. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 423-6693 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm Sun-Thu, 11:30 am – 9 pm Fri, 11 am – 9 pm Sat

I’m obsessed with Piante Pizzeria and have been for years. This downtown Breckenridge mainstay specializes in wood-fired, plant-based pizzas. But trust me, this isn’t the plastic-tasting vegan cheese you’ve had before. Piante proves that dairy isn’t necessary to make a mouth-watering pie — nor meat, for that matter.

Yet, its pizzas are plenty indulgent. I highly recommend the Buffalo Soldier made with your choice of cauliflower or plant-based “chicken.” There are several other red sauce pies, plus a white pizza with mushrooms and a pesto option with artichokes and sundried tomatoes. Pair these with delicious appetizers, including vegan garlic knots and jalapeño poppers. 

Things to Do with Kids

Stephen C. West Ice Arena

Ice skate year-round at an indoor rink.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 547-9974 | Website | Entrance: $13 adults, $10 youth under 17 and seniors 60+, $7 skate rentals

Skate year-round at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. Though you can stop in for some freestyle skating, the arena also hosts classes, drop-in hockey and curling, and hockey leagues. Be sure to check its website for the schedule.

High Line Railroad Park

Let the kids burn off some steam!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-9767 | Website 

The High Line Railroad Park is a great little stop to let kids run around and chill out a bit after a day of activity. There are several historic trains on display (along with photos of them in their heyday), as well as a great playground for kids. In summer, a docent is on hand to share more information.

The park isn’t far from Isak Heartstone, the Breckenridge troll, so it’s easy to hit those two stops in a row. The park is also outside downtown Breckenridge, perfect if you’re craving a calmer space to relax.

Breckenridge Recreation Center

Go for a swim in this premier fitness space.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-1734 | Website | Entrance: $20 adults, $10 youth ages 3-17 and seniors 60+, free under 3 | Hours: varies seasonally, see website

The Breckenridge Recreation Center has a fitness space with workout gear, a climbing wall, an indoor playground, several pools (one with a water slide!), and both an indoor and outdoor hot tub. It’s open to both residents and visitors.

Sawmill Reservoir Trail

Get out in nature on a family-friendly hiking trail.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

This is an easy 1.5-mile loop with not much elevation gain, so it’s perfect for families. It begins at the Snowflake trailhead and wanders next to a stream until you end up at Sawmill Reservoir.

Breckenridge Museums & Culture

Edwin Carter Museum

Learn about a colorful Colorado preservationist.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-9767 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free, but a $5 donation is suggested

Edwin Carter was one of the many men who traveled to Breckenridge to try and make a fortune by mining for gold. But unlike most miners, he worried about the negative impact the industry was having on the plants and animals in the area.

He decided to preserve Rocky Mountain wildlife through taxidermy and you can see his work in his cabin, along with other exhibits about his life.

👉 Pro Tip: Renting a car is the best way to get around when visiting Breckenridge. We recommend Discover Cars for comparing the best options!

Breckenridge Backstage Theatre

Catch a great show at an intimate venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-0199 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary 

The Breckenridge Backstage Theatre is a fun place to see a show after a day of outdoor activities. The theater has a bar that serves up show-themed cocktails and has just 137 seats, so the shows you see will be intimate.

Breckenridge History Tours

Take a unique tour to discover this mountain town’s history.

🌐 Website | Phone: (970) 453-9767 | Cost: $20 – $25 adults, $10 youth ages 12 and under

The Heritage Alliance offers several tours, each with a different focus. The “Walk Through History Tour” gives you a great overview of the town. Meanwhile, the “Darker History Tour” teaches about the town’s scandalous past and is for those aged 21 and up. There are also Breckenridge tours for students, mine tours, and more.

Barney Ford Victorian House

Learn about civil rights in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-9767 | Website | Entrance: free but a $5 donation is suggested

Learn all about the life and work of Barney Ford at this fabulous museum. Barney Ford escaped slavery to become an entrepreneur. Then, he built a gorgeous Victorian home in Breckenridge for his wife and family. He was one of the earliest advocates for civil rights in Colorado.

Arts District

See a variety of mediums from talented local artists.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 547-3100 | Website | Entrance: free 

The Arts District in Breckenridge features one acre of historic cabins, stables, and other buildings that now house studios for working artists. You can wander through the area and see what artists are working on painting, textiles, glasswork, and more. There are children’s workshops as well.

Valley Brook Cemetery

Learn the history of Breckenridge.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-2251 | Website | Tours: $25, adults, $15, under 13

Valley Brook Cemetery is the final resting place of many unique characters from Breckenridge. It was built in 1882, and people are still buried there today. Breckenridge History offers a “Tombstone Tales Tour” where you can learn more about who’s buried here.

Things to Do in Summer

McCullough Gulch

Park at the Quandary Peak trailhead and catch a shuttle to this lesser-known gem featuring a waterfall and two stunning alpine lakes. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: $10 – $20 parking; $7 non-local shuttle fare 

The McCullough Gulch parking area is shared with Quandary Peak. Most hikers will head directly to the on-site trailhead, unaware of the shuttle service to this lesser-known gem. 

Note that you likely won’t have cellular service here. Before arriving, book parking and shuttle reservations if visiting from June through September. I recommend hiking McCullough Gulch between these dates. During the off-season, your 6.4-mile hike will be an extra 5 miles without the shuttle. Additionally, the snowy road will likely be packed. But the trail? Not so much.

Regardless, this hike is challenging but well worth the breathtaking views. Expect rocky terrain and a couple of exposed sections to reach the waterfall and both alpine lakes.

Country Boy Mine

Pan for gold on this interesting mine tour.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 458-5387 | Website | Entrance: $48.95 adults, $38.95 youth ages 4-12, free under 4 | 👉 Book a Country Boy Mine Tour on Viator

Tour the Country Boy Mine and learn about the perils of being a miner in Summit County during the gold rush. Kids can pan for gold, slide down an ore chute, and pet burros.

Boreas Pass Road

Take a scenic drive, which is especially beautiful in autumn.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Boreas Pass Road is a beautiful drive year-round! You’ll get gorgeous views of the White River National Forest while you drive from Breckenridge to Como on a dirt road (2WD drive cars can handle it).

The pass closes when the weather makes it hard to drive, but many people will also hike it in the winter. There are plenty of trails and roads for mountain bikers as well.

📚 Related Reading: 15 Best Hikes in Colorado (By a Local)

Blue River Rec Path

Cycle or walk along the river, admiring vibrant art along the way.

📍 Google Maps | Website

The Blue River Rec Path runs from Frisco to downtown Breckenridge. Park at the Breckenridge Recreation Center to start or enter the path near the visitor’s center. You can bike or walk the route, and there is public art to view along with the scenery of Breckenridge and the Blue River.

Whitewater Rafting

Spend a wild day on the river!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 970-236-9402 | Website | 👉 Book a Half-Day Rafting Tour

Breckenridge Whitewater is a fabulous adventure company. It offers rafting trips on five different rivers within an hour of Breckenridge. Trips last for a third, half or full day — and some even take rafters out overnight. The company also has packages that include ziplining, rock climbing, fishing, and more.

👉 Packing Tips: Check out our list of things to bring to Colorado so you don’t forget any essentials!

Epic Discovery at Peak 8

Play on the ski slopes in summer!

📍 Google Maps | Website | Open June – Sept

Breckenridge Ski Resort is more than just a winter destination. It has plenty of fun activities in summer, too. There are scenic lift rides, mountain biking, an alpine slide, a ropes course for kids, and more.

📚 Related Reading: Denver, Colorado – The Ultimate Guide (By a Local)

Lomax Placer Mine

Pan for gold and learn how to mine with water.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-9767 | Website | Open June – Sept | Entrance: $20 adults, $10 youth ages 4-12, free under 4

The Lomax Placer Mine is an awesome place to take a Colorado mining tour. You’ll learn all about how the mining at Lomax used high-pressure water to collect gold and other precious metals. Visitors can also wander through the 1860s buildings, cabin, and mine area, and you can even pan for gold at the end.

Breckenridge Golf Club

Practice your golf swing with views of the Tenmile Range.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 453-9104 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $48+

The rumors are true — golf balls travel further at altitudes high above sea level! Take advantage of this and get in a round of golf at the Breckenridge Golf Club. There are three championship nines that are all Jack Nicklaus Signature courses. 

Outdoor Yoga

Find your moment of zen.

📍 Google Map | Phone: (970) 547-9642 | Website | Class Hours Vary By Season | Cost: $25 single class pass

Meta Yoga offers indoor yoga classes year-round. But in summer, you can also do yoga on the outdoor lawn and SUP yoga on the water. It’s a great way to appreciate the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Breckenridge!

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Thanks for reading! For more local insights, check out our guides on the top things to do in Colorado, along with the best places to visit in Colorado. Also, leave me a comment if you have any questions — I’m happy to help. 

– Abigail Bliss contributed to this article.