Take a journey through Vail Village and Lionshead to uncover some of the best hideaways and hidden gems Colorado has to offer. Discover fun photo opportunities, too — and venture to secluded benches perfect for quiet moments in nature.
You can even turn this list of village treasures into a scavenger hunt — see who can find the most mentions during your stay. Snap pics along the way and share your special Vail moments for a chance to be featured on Instagram: @DiscoverVailColorado.
Hidden Places to Play in Vail Village & Lionshead
Find tucked-away play zones throughout the villages that are perfect for a day of family-friendly fun (and tiring out your energetic crew). Kids will love the adventure of trekking through town and the game of seeing who can find each spot first. Plus, by exploring along the way, you’re sure to find even more places you’ll want to check out.
Pirate Ship Park
Close to Gondola One, an opening between towering pines leads to the imagination-inspiring Pirate Ship Park, where kiddos can tame sea serpents and captain their crew on high-seas escapades.
Sunbird Park
At this mini-playground in Lionshead, you can expect plenty of giggles and smiles as your children zip down slides and investigate bird’s-nest-shaped hideaways. In summer, kids can also frolic through the spouting splash pad, or skate across the nearby Arrabelle Square Ice Rink in winter.
Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark
Hidden on the bottom floor of the Lionshead parking structure lies Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark. Bring your own board to practice your skills or watch talented thrill seekers jump over stairs, slide down rails or defy gravity on ramps. Plus, the garage is home to several stunning murals, including a zebra wearing a bright-red helmet.
Game Room at The Sebastian Vail
Inside this boutique hotel in Vail, an unexpected arcade room lets you geek out with vintage and modern games like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, foosball, Pong, Centipede, The Simpsons pinball and more. (This find is for guests of The Sebastian Vail only — all the more reason to stay here!)
Children’s Fountain
There’s nothing like romping and wading in the Children’s Fountain on a sunny summer day. If you need help finding it, just look for a set of bronze statues featuring children jumping and playing.
Clock & Bell Towers Around the Villages
Always there, but rarely noticed, these clock and bell towers offer glimpses into the villages’ culture and history with iconic locations and beautiful alpine-themed artwork.
Bavarian Maiden Bell Tower
Hidden in plain sight, a tower rises above the roofs of Karats and La Tour Restaurant & Bar, complete with a set of 17 bells, a clock and a Bavarian maiden. She stands ready and waiting — with her braided blonde locks and traditional dirndl on display — to ring her trusty bell.
Vail Clock Tower
You’ve likely seen the Vail Clock Tower, a special landmark, in photos of Vail Village with dazzling snowcapped peaks rising up behind it. If you need help identifying it, however, look for the Fall Line restaurant or Gorsuch boutique shop.
The Arrabelle Clock Tower
Seek out this tower in The Arrabelle — you’ll notice it amid the hotel’s many spacious balconies in the courtyard hosting Rimini Cafe. The top of it is painted deep blue with sparkling stars to resemble the night sky and it features two snow-white Rocky Mountain goats watching over the square.
Hideaways for Quiet Moments
Whether you’re looking for somewhere in town to appreciate Vail’s natural beauty or you want a serene place for a few meditative minutes to yourself, you’ll love these idyllic retreats.
Mayor’s Park
Tucked behind a verdant wall of majestic trees, Mayor’s Park is an intimate and tranquil corner amid the bustle of Vail Village. Grab a seat on a wooden bench and breathe in the scent of mountain pines while watching people stroll by.
Gore Creek Benches
While you’ll find several picturesque sitting spots along the Gore Creek, the benches close to Russell’s offer opportunities for quiet moments to take in the trickling water, the twittering bird calls and the gentle breeze on your face.
Creekside Firepit
On chilly days, the village firepit near Mountain Standard is an ideal place for warming your hands and savoring scenic views of the Gore Creek. And don’t worry about stoking this fire, it is gas lit with decorative metal logs — just sit on a bench and sip your cup of steaming hot cocoa or coffee.
Sculptures & Other Things to Seek
Scattered around town, these unique finds will thrill you with their beauty, creative flair and history. Add them to your list of things to see when you explore the villages’ public artworks.
Wildflowers at the Betty Ford Alpine Garden
In warmer months, Vail welcomes a kaleidoscope of colors as vibrant wildflowers bloom throughout the valley. See which flowers you can find in the gardens and use the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Wildflower Finder app for help identifying them.
“Manny” the Wooly Mammoth
Visit this massive prehistoric skeleton — not the moody, yet gentle “Ice Age” giant — at Lionshead Jewelers. Here, you’ll also find a bevy of fossils and sparkling gemstones to admire or make your own.
Uplift Sculpture
Ski enthusiasts will love seeing a bronze sculpture that embodies the joy and elation of skiing down Vail Mountain. Look for it near the Lionshead Village entrance.
Stanley’s Everkrisp Lettuce Sign
Did you know Vail was once known as the lettuce capital of the world? Search for this vintage-style sign by Betty Ford Alpine Garden’s Children’s Garden for a fun photo and historical facts.
Lion Sculpture
What better animal to greet you as you enter and exit the Lionshead parking garage than this charismatic roaring cat? Sit down on the stone bench in front of him for the first snapshot of your family vacation.
Chauncey
With big bronze ears, a wee face and two Thumper-type feet, Chauncey the rabbit statue greets visitors outside Chasing Rabbits. Take a selfie with him or seek out his shyer, lookalike friends peeking out of secluded corners and bushes near and around the square.
Picture-Perfect Gondola Cars
Gondolas are a timeless icon in Colorado’s peak-peppered ski towns. In the Lionshead and Vail villages, they transport outdoors enthusiasts to Vail Mountain’s summit year-round for skiing and snowboarding in winter, aspen-lined hiking trails in summer and fall and scenic valley vistas no matter the season. Obtain those same mountain vibes at decorative gondola cars located throughout town — great for an impromptu photo shoot.
Vintage Yellow Gondola
Crowd your crew into a cozy gondola near Les Délices de France for ski-themed group pictures in Lionshead.
Gondola at Alpenrose
Take date night to the next level with a romantic meal at Alpenrose in your own private gondola. This winter-only dining experience also offers a charming setting for couples’ pics worth sharing.
Other Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots
Capture extra-special memories at these lesser-known places in town for quintessential vibes you’ll only find in Vail.
Einstein Statue
Sit next to the man who gave us the Theory of Relativity for a selfie outside The Golden Bear in Vail Village.
Diamond Peak Lounge
Savor a private whiskey-sipping experience inside a gigantic Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey barrel. Located near The Remedy, a chic bar in one of Vail’s luxury hotels, this is likely one of the most intimate hangout places you’ll ever experience. Take a selfie or ask someone to snap a shot of everyone inside the larger-than-life cask. Just book your tasting beforehand to reserve your time in the barrel.
The Grand View
This aptly named spot offers an unobstructed view of Vail Mountain ski runs from the Lionshead parking garage.
Colorado Snowsports Museum’s Adirondack Chairs
You’ll love posing around these laid-back chairs made from old skis. Find them outside the Colorado Snowsports Museum, nestled between the Vail Village Welcome Center and the Vail parking garage.
Tucked Away Shops & Restaurants
Found down unseen staircases, behind stores and in other unexpected locations, these local gems are well-worth the search.
The Gilded Spruce
Next to Sitzmark Vail, The Gilded Spruce could easily be mistaken as an extension of the boutique mountain lodge. Stop inside to find seasonal decorations along with year-round ornaments and Christmas items.
Gorsuch Ski Cafe Patio
When snow blankets the villages, enjoy hygge-like coziness with loved ones as you sip cups of rich, hot-chocolatey goodness. Snag a mug or two at Gorsuch Ski Cafe and sit by the firepit on their outdoor patio located behind the shop.
Joe’s Famous Deli
Hidden down a stairwell, this local favorite is beloved for its delicious sandwiches topped with everything from roasted portobello mushrooms to corned beef to slow-cooked pork.
La Cantina
Celebrated for its San Diego-style Mexican food, La Cantina is waiting with spicy carnitas and crunchy tacos in the Vail parking structure.
The Little Diner
A top brunch spot in Lionshead, The Little Diner serves up an all-day-breakfast menu that can’t be beat. You’ll find it ensconced on the top floor of the Concert Hall Plaza building where you can savor its hearty breakfast platters, fruit-topped blintz and savory crepes in a cushy, red booth.
Alpine Pizza Company
Down the street from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, behind a tall evergreen, Alpine Pizza Company is a small shop that’s known for its big flavors and thick, Detroit-style pies.
Discover More in Vail
- Take the bus for easy travel through the villages
- Explore all the sights around Vail
- Find more of the best places for taking pictures in every season
- Check out more family adventure opportunities