36 Things to Do in Breckenridge: Summer Activities
Lush, green hiking trails. Adorable, charming downtown scene. Clear, rushing river. Scenic gondola rides up the mountain. Adventurous alpine slides back. Crisp, fresh, cool air. Wildflower covered hills. The number of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer are many!
When most people think of Breckenridge, they imagine it in all its winter glory covered in sparkling snow with ski bunnies zipping down the slopes and sipping hot chocolate, but while Breckenridge is incredible in the winter, Breckenridge in the summer is quite amazing too!
We spent the most magical summer in Breckenridge and surrounding mountain towns in 2022 and are so excited to share our favorite places with you! We are returning as quickly as we can and I expect that you will too – it is really THAT amazing.
Loosely plan your Breckenridge summer adventures with our helpful list of things to do. From hiking to museums to tasty treats, and scenic views, you’ll find it here. Whether your trip starts with a few days in Denver or you are heading straight for the mountains, we are here to help you plan your summer in Breckenridge, Colorado!
Best Things to Do in Breckenridge in Summer: Hiking
1. Learn About Mining History on the Iowa Hill Trail
2. Watch the Sunset from Sawmill Reservoir
3. Take in the View from Sapphire Point
Breckenridge Summer Activities for the Adventurous
4. Speed Down the Alpine Slide
5. Rent a Bike and Coast Down Vail Pass
6. Go White Water Rafting on the Colorado River
7. Bike Ride from Breckenridge to Frisco on the Blue River Rec Path
8. Climb in the Saddle with Breckenridge Stables
Things to Eat in Breckenridge Colorado in the Summer
9. Munch on a Cookie from Mountain Top Cookie Shop
10. Pick up Fresh Juice from Lolo’s
11. Happy Hour with a View at Ollie’s Pub & Grub
This tasty spot is on the water with great views and tasty eats. We are huge fans of hearty burgers after a day of exploring and the appetizers were fantastic. Don’t miss the Spinach Artichoke Dip!
12. Pick Up a Crepe from Crepes a la Cart
Lemon Soufflé Crepe?! Umm…yes please! The Crepe Atlantic looks amazing if you prefer a savory option. And if you just want dessert for breakfast and choose to order the Caramel Nut Brownie, we won’t judge.
Come hungry, but not too hungry, because this popular cart usually has a bit of a line. Sit in the outdoor seating area and watch as everyone that walks by you does so with their mouth watering.
13. Get a Burger at Downstairs at Eric’s
14. Attend the Breckenridge Hogfest for Bacon and Bourbon
If you are planning a late summer trip in order to beat the crowds, you are in luck! In late August, Breckenridge hosts a Hogfest when visitors get to indulge in samples of bacon and tastings from the distillery while enjoying live music too.
Hidden Gems in Breckenridge in the Summer
15. Pick up a Scavenger Hunt from the Visitor’s Center
16. Book An Escape Room Challenge at Mountain Time Escape Rooms
17. Watch the Main Street Parade on 4th of July
The 4th of July parade on Main Street in Breckenridge is not not to be missed if you are here visiting in summer. The decorative floats, festive decor, and food vendors and live music make for a perfect summer day in the mountains.
18. Search for Local Artwork Around Downtown
19. Paddle board on Maggie Lake
20. Pick up a Christmas Ornament from The Christmas Store as a Fun Keepsake
We are not big shoppers, but we love picking up Christmas ornaments when we travel as a souvenir. Each year when we put up our Christmas tree, we spend time reminiscing over past travels and love having a tangible reminder of fun memories. This place is open year-round so no worries about missing out if you are there in July. And, honestly, who can pass up a store with so many adorable bears and moose?!
21. Buy a Jar of Whipped Local Honey at the Farmer’s Market
22. Play Mini Golf at Epic Discovery
Try your hand at mini golf with beautiful vistas surrounding the course. Or bungee on the trampoline or ride the mountain coaster. There is plenty to offer – no matter what your jam!
Pro tip: Lines are long so arrive early! Also, order your tickets online and sign the waiver, then you can go straight to will call to collect your wristbands and skip the long lines!
Best of the Breckenridge Activities in the Summer
23. Visit The Breckenridge Troll
The Breckenridge Troll is a 15 foot statue made of repurposed scrap wood who lives in the forest on the south end of downtown. Originally created by Thomas Dambo in 2018, visiting the troll is a quick “hike” with a lot of payoff.
The troll is accessed via an easy .25 mile path. He is a fun to see, a great photo spot, and also very popular. You can find all the details for where to find him here.
24. Kayak at the Frisco Marina
Just a short jaunt down the mountain from Breckenridge (seriously, less than 15 minutes?), is the sweet town of Frisco. The marina along the Lake Dillon Reservoir offers a great space to play and kayak. Rent one from the marina or bring your own and enjoy the peaceful water and amazing mountain views.
We got lucky and the rain moved around us, but as it often thunderstorms in the late afternoons in summer in Breckenridge, morning is your safest bet for being out on the water. You can read about all our tips for visiting here.
25. Build Sandcastles at the Frisco Marina
Also on the Frisco side of Lake Dillion, like the kayaking above, is a sandy beach! My kids were thrilled to find sand in the mountains and spent hours building a moat and playing football on the great expanse of a beach. They later told me it was their favorite part of the trip. Its the simple things, right?
Pro tip: Swimming is not allowed in Lake Dillion, both for safety reasons due to its chilly temperatures and also for cleanliness as it is a water source. Wading and scooping up buckets of water for sand castles it perfectly allowable. 🙂
26. Pick up a New Water Bottle Sticker on Main Street
27. Pan for Gold
28. Have a Picnic Near Blue River
29. Leave Your Car Behind and Leave No Trace
30. Drive the Scenic Boreas Pass
Free Things to do in Breckenridge in Summer
31. Ride the Breckenridge Gondola up to Peak 8
32. View the Wildflowers on the Iowa Hill Trail
33. Stand on Both Sides of the Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass
34. Ride the Trolley around Downtown Breckenridge
35. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to Learn More About the Town
36. Splash Around at the Blue River Plaza
