Downtown Steamboat Springs: Guide to Activities, Food and Sites

Steamboat Springs – located in Colorado’s Yampa Valley – draws guests who enjoy year-round recreation and mountain-style charm. Part of its charm is reflected in downtown Steamboat Springs, where visitors find history paired with modern amenities and fun things to do. The historic downtown houses shops, restaurants and plenty of photo ops, allowing guests to learn and play. Not sure what to do first? Check out the top places to see in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Downtown Steamboat Springs: Where to Go, What to Do

Meet Main Street

Located in the heart of Steamboat, Main Street runs from 3rd to 13th Streets, from Yampa River to Oak Street. Main Street includes distinct neighborhoods that offer guests a different experience. In addition, visitors can shop, dine, relax at spas, and tour museums and public spaces.

To serve the community and preserve the area, MainStreet Steamboat Springs works to improve both the area and experience for all guests.

Start at Lincoln Avenue

Those who have seen a photo from Steamboat Springs most likely have seen iconic Lincoln Avenue. Surrounded by mountains with views of the slopes, Lincoln Avenue offers both incredible views and dozens of places to explore.

While strolling Lincoln Avenue, stop in one of the shops for local treats, souvenirs, sports equipment, apparel and more. When it’s time to recharge, this area has more than a dozen restaurants waiting to serve their specialties. Top-rated Lincoln Avenue restaurants include: Tap House Sports Grill, Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill, and Salt and Lime.

While visiting downtown Steamboat, check out Old Town Hot Springs also located on Lincoln Avenue. This family-friendly recreation facility remains open year-round and features hot spring pools, water slides, aquatic climbing walls, a lap pool and fitness center. Parents can even enjoy onsite childcare while they receive a massage from certified massage therapists.

Perhaps the most popular activity at Old Town Hot Springs are eight pools that use water from Heart Spring, which pumps about 220 gallons per minute into the pools. The water is all-natural with no chlorine, and pool temperatures range from 98 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to tons of shops and restaurants, Lincoln Avenue also hosts Steamboat’s annual Fourth of July parade, a huge Halloween trick-or-treat event and activities during Winter Carnival.

Meet Locals on Yampa Street

Another spot guests can’t miss in downtown Steamboat is Yampa Street, an entertainment district located along Yampa River. Most restaurants and businesses partner with local farmers in Steamboat to feature fresh ingredients in many dishes. In fact, Yampa Street restaurants participate in the farm-to-table movement, hoping to delight diners while supporting local growers.

At night, watch the street come alive. Visitors see stringed lights crossing over streets and bridges to Howelsen Hill, one of the oldest ski areas in Colorado. Don’t forget to stop by local hangouts and nightlife spots to relax with family and friends.

Those vacationing in Steamboat from June to September, should visit Main Street Steamboat Farmers Market on Saturdays. Visitors will find dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, flowers and other goods. This spot also features local artisans who showcase Steamboat’s culture through art, crafts, handmade products and home furnishings.

Enjoy Wellness Oak Street

Looking to break away from the hustle? Head to Oak Street, which houses many professional services and places of worship. Residents and frequent guests know Oak Street as the center of spiritual living in Steamboat, as churches in Oak Street’s West End area have served the community since 1910.

On the east end, visitors have a large selection of health and wellness experts ready to help with outdoor recreation tips and wellness secrets. This neighborhood district celebrates active lifestyles where vacationers meet local business professionals or bike ride through the area.

Oak Street also offers guests the chance to tour Tread of Pioneers Museum. This downtown museum is open year-round and showcases the best of Steamboat Springs through exhibits, events, tours and programs.

Admission costs $2 to $6 dollars for all guests, depending on their age range. While exploring the museum, learn about Native American history, pioneers, mining, skiing and other contributions that have enabled Steamboat to become the thriving city it is today.

Ready to visit? View available vacation rentals in Steamboat Springs. Learn about the top Steamboat Springs summer activities.