As a proud Coloradan, I feel like it's my unofficial duty to share the best mountain towns in the state - and Steamboat Springs definitely makes the list. My two girlfriends and I recently spent a weekend there for a bachelorette party, and it was the perfect combo of relaxation, adventure, great food and drinks, and all the fun you could want for a bach weekend!

Accommodations:

Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas: There are tons of great hotels and condo rentals around Steamboat, but we chose to stay right at the base of the mountain, and it was such a good call. The Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas were clean, quiet, and very conveniently located just 10-15 minutes from downtown. Plus, we were steps away from cute shops and restaurants in the mountain base area, which made it super easy to explore without going far. I’d definitely stay here again the next time I’m in Steamboat!

Food & Drink:

Yampa Valley Kitchen: We loved our breakfast at Yampa Valley Kitchen. The sunny patio is surrounded by lush gardens, buzzing with hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees - it felt like something out of a fairytale. And the food was just as magical! We shared the bumbleberry pancakes, breakfast sammy, ham, gruyere and mushroom crepe, and a few of their fun, inventive matcha and coffee drinks. Everything was delicious, and our server was incredibly kind and attentive. This place is a must if you're looking for a memorable breakfast with amazing ambiance.
Creekside Cafe & Grill: This charming little spot sits right next to a creek and is the perfect place to start a sunny mountain morning. The food was tasty with generous portions (we all had leftovers!), and the service was great. One tip: make a reservation ahead of time. There was a massive line when we arrived, and we were so glad we had booked in advance.
Salt & Lime: We had some of the best margaritas and Mexican food at Salt & Lime! I went for the spicy marg (to die for) and the chips and guac, tacos, and shrimp bomba quesadilla were all amazing. It was the perfect spot to kick off a night out!
Bésame: This was hands down our favorite meal of the weekend. Bésame serves up incredible Latin fusion tapas - some of the best we’ve had outside of Spain! Meal highlights included the aji amarillo ceviche, croquetas, and camarones a la plancha, and the cocktails were beautifully crafted. The service was also top-notch. We had a reservation but probably could’ve walked in without one, depending on the time. Be sure to try Bésame for a beautifully memorable meal during your time in Steamboat!
O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill: We stopped here for a few drinks and ended up having the best time dancing and belting out songs with other bachelorette crews. Bonus: it was one of the only places we found that didn’t charge a cover - definitely something to keep in mind when planning a night out!

Things to Do & See:

Yampa River Tubing: This was hands-down the highlight of our weekend! The Yampa River flows right through downtown Steamboat, and during summertime, the water level slowly drops - making it perfect for a relaxed float. We each rented a tube, brought a waterproof speaker, and spent the afternoon laughing (and occasionally getting stuck!) as we gently floated along. There are several local tubing companies to choose from - including Bucking Rainbow Outfitters, Backdoor Sports and Tube Shack Blue Sky West. Just make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and closed-toe water shoes or strappy sandals like Tevas (these types of shoes are required for tubing)!
Steamboat Pro Rodeo: If you're visiting in the summer, the Steamboat Pro Rodeo is a must. Just a few blocks from downtown, it has everything you'd want in a small-town rodeo - bull riding, barrel racing, BBQ, cold drinks, friendly locals and gorgeous mountain views. It only runs Friday and Saturday nights, and it does sell out, so be sure to grab tickets in advance!
Strawberry Hot Springs: Just a few miles outside of town, Strawberry Hot Springs feels like stepping back in time. There’s no cell service, no food or alcohol allowed, and the setup is rustic - with a single bathroom and a small changing hut with curtained stalls. But the setting is absolutely magical. The natural pools range from cold to very hot, surrounded by trees and rock formations. It’s cash only, and you’ll need a reservation. Bonus (or warning, depending on your vibe): after dark, it becomes clothing optional!
FM Light & Sons: While Steamboat’s Main Street has plenty of charming shops, none are quite as iconic as FM Light & Sons. This family-owned western wear store has been around for over 100 years, and you’ll spot their yellow billboards from miles away if you're driving in from Denver! Inside, you’ll find everything from cowboy boots and hats to fringed jackets, jewelry, and western-themed toys for kids. Best of all, there's a wide range of price points, so it’s easy to find something for everyone.
Fish Creek Falls: Looking for a scenic hike? Fish Creek Falls is a great spot. If you’re short on time or want an easy walk, there’s a very short 0.5-mile round-trip trail that takes you to a beautiful bridge with a view of the falls - perfect for photo opps! For something more adventurous, keep going toward Upper Fish Creek Falls or even all the way to Long Lake.