Although there’s plenty to do right in Breckenridge, we understand that sometimes you need a good day trip to somewhere new. Thankfully, Breck is close to so many amazing spots! Here’s a guide to the best day trips from Breckenridge, each under 2 hours from our beloved town.
Whether you’re seeking quaint mountain towns, vibrant cities, or nature’s grandeur, these destinations offer a perfect day-long escape. Let the adventure begin!
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Day Trips from Breckenridge
Here are 19 amazing day trips from Breckenridge! I’ve organized them from closest to furthest away for easy planning!
1. Frisco
- Miles from Breckenridge: 9.7 miles
Discover the charm of Frisco by strolling along Main Street, where boutique shops and local eateries beckon. Head to the Frisco Adventure Park for family-friendly activities and scenic views of Dillon Reservoir. It’s just a short 15 minute drive from Breckenridge and makes for the perfect day trip!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Butterhorn Bakery & Café and Kayak Tour of the Dillon Reservoir
- Afternoon: Hike or ski at Frisco Adventure Park. Picnic Lunch.
- Evening: Explore Main Street and dinner at Frisco Prime
2. Silverthorne
- Miles from Breckenridge: 14 miles
Shopaholics, rejoice! Silverthorne’s Outlets offer a shopping spree with discounted designer brands. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing stroll around North Pond Park.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Grab coffee and breakfast at Red Buffalo Café
- Afternoon: Shopping at Outlets at Silverthorne
- Evening: Nature walk at North Pond Park (or ice skating in the winter) and dinner at Murphy’s Food & Spirits. Dinner at Sauce on the Blue.
3. Keystone
- Miles from Breckenridge: 17 miles
Keystone Resort isn’t just for winter warriors. In summer, enjoy mountain biking, hiking, or take a scenic gondola ride. Visit the Lakeside Village for watersports and lakeside dining. Keystone is a great adventurous day trip from Breckenridge!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Inxpot
- Afternoon: Adventure at Keystone Resort
- Evening: Lakeside Village exploration; dinner at The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern
4. Fairplay
- Miles from Breckenridge: 22 miles
Fairplay, aka the real South Park, boasts a historic district with well-preserved buildings. Visit the South Park City Museum to step back in time. It’s a much quieter day trip than others on the list and perfect for when you are wanting a relaxing day away.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at The Java Moose
- Afternoon: Go fly-fishing at Fairplay River Park
- Evening: Visit South Park City Museum (summer months); dinner at Millonzi’s Restaurant
5. Vail
- Miles from Breckenridge: 36 miles
Vail’s European-inspired ambiance offers a delightful change of scenery. Stroll through Vail Village, explore Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and take the gondola for breathtaking mountain views.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at The Little Diner
- Afternoon: Stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Evening: Explore Vail village and dinner at La Tour Restaurant & Bar
6. Georgetown
- Miles from Breckenridge: 37 miles
Georgetown’s Victorian charm and historic district make for a picturesque day trip. Tour the Hamill House Museum and take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at The Happy Cooker
- Afternoon: Hamill House Museum tour; picnic at Georgetown Lake
- Evening: Georgetown Loop Railroad ride; dinner at The Alpine Restaurant & Bar
7. Leadville
- Miles from Breckenridge: 40 miles
Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the U.S., boasts mining history and stunning scenery. Explore the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, and take a scenic drive on Independence Pass.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso
- Afternoon: National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum; lunch at Tennessee Pass Café
- Evening: Scenic drive on Independence Pass; dinner at The Silver Dollar Saloon
8. Idaho Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 48 miles
Known for its gold mining history, Idaho Springs offers a glimpse into Colorado’s past. Visit the Argo Mill and Tunnel for a mining tour and enjoy the hot springs at Indian Hot Springs.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at The Frothy Cup and a stroll along Miner Street
- Afternoon: Argo Mill and Tunnel tour; lunch at Smokin Yard’s BBQ
- Evening: Soak at Indian Hot Springs; dinner at Tommyknocker Brewery
9. Kremmling
- Miles from Breckenridge: 51 miles
Kremmling, situated along the Colorado River, offers outdoor adventures. Try fly fishing or go rafting on the river. Enjoy the scenic views at Wolford Mountain Reservoir.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Moose Cafe
- Afternoon: Fly fishing or rafting adventure; lunch at Grand Adventure Brewing Company
- Evening: Scenic views at Wolford Mountain Reservoir; dinner at Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
10. Buena Vista
- Miles from Breckenridge: 60 miles
Buena Vista, surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks, offers outdoor recreation and stunning landscapes. Raft down the Arkansas River, and relax in the Cottonwood Hot Springs.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Simple Eatery
- Afternoon: Rafting adventure; lunch at Eddyline Restaurant & Brewery
- Evening: Soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs; dinner at The Lariat
11. Hot Sulphur Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 68 miles
Indulge in relaxation at Hot Sulphur Springs. Soak in the geothermal pools, each with a unique temperature. Take in the mountain views from this serene retreat.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Grumpys
- Afternoon: Soak in Hot Sulphur Springs; lunch at Dean Public House
- Evening: Continue pool relaxation; dinner at The Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
12. Golden
- Miles from Breckenridge: 68 miles
Golden, home to Coors Brewery, offers a mix of history and outdoor activities. Tour the brewery, explore the Colorado Railroad Museum, and stroll along Clear Creek.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Sassafras American Eatery
- Afternoon: Coors Brewery tour; lunch at Abejas
- Evening: Visit Colorado Railroad Museum; dinner at Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza
13. Denver
- Miles from Breckenridge: 80 miles
How to Spend One Day: Denver, the Mile-High City, beckons with cultural attractions and culinary delights. Visit the Denver Art Museum, stroll through the vibrant RiNo district, and savor a meal at a local eatery.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company
- Afternoon: Denver Art Museum visit; lunch at Work & Class
- Evening: Explore RiNo district; dinner at Cart-Driver
14. Boulder
- Miles from Breckenridge: 87 miles
Boulder’s outdoor spirit and eclectic charm make for an engaging day trip. Hike in Chautauqua Park, stroll along Pearl Street Mall, and savor farm-to-table cuisine.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
- Afternoon: Hike in Chautauqua Park; lunch at The Med
- Evening: Explore Pearl Street Mall; dinner at Black Cat
15. Rocky Mountain National Park
- Miles from Breckenridge: 93 miles
Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike to Emerald Lake, marvel at the scenery along Trail Ridge Road, and spot wildlife in this pristine wilderness.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Café
- Afternoon: Hike to Emerald Lake; lunch at The View Restaurant
- Evening: Drive Trail Ridge Road; dinner at The Grubsteak
16. Glenwood Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 96 miles
Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs, offers relaxation and outdoor adventures. Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, soak in Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and explore downtown.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Daily Bread
- Afternoon: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park; lunch at The Pullman
- Evening: Soak in Iron Mountain Hot Springs; dinner at The Lost Cajun
17. Canon City
- Miles from Breckenridge: 98 miles
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure in Canon City. Experience the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, take a scenic train ride, and explore the charming downtown area.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at Michael’s on Main
- Afternoon: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park; lunch at The Owl Cigar Store
- Evening: Scenic train ride; dinner at Pizza Madness
18. Steamboat Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 103 miles
Steamboat Springs, known for its Western heritage, offers a mix of outdoor activities and charming downtown exploration. Visit Fish Creek Falls, stroll along Lincoln Avenue, and relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Creekside Café & Grill
- Afternoon: Fish Creek Falls hike; lunch at Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
- Evening: Relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs; dinner at Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails
19. Colorado Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 106 miles
Explore the iconic attractions of Colorado Springs, from the towering Garden of the Gods to the historic Broadmoor Hotel. Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for a unique animal encounter.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Over Easy
- Afternoon: Garden of the Gods; lunch at The Mason Jar
- Evening: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; dinner at Shuga’s
Day Trips from Breckenridge Map
There you have it, adventurers! Whether you crave outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, or a bit of both, these day trips from Breckenridge offer a taste of Colorado’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Buckle up, pack some snacks, and let the road trip adventures unfold! 🚗🏔️
Here’s a map to give ya an easy visual of the day trips from Breckenridge!