Destinations
ASPEN
Some may argue that winter is Aspen’s finest season, and while they certainly have a case, I’m firmly in the summer camp. This is when the Colorado mountain town truly comes alive. The skies are impossibly blue, the air is crisp, and the temperatures rarely climb beyond the high 70s or low 80s. (For this Texas girl, that’s reason enough to book a flight.)
Then there’s everything else: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, paddleboarding, fly fishing, and outdoor concerts, alongside a charming downtown lined with world-class shopping (Chanel has officially joined the neighborhood), exceptional restaurants, and no shortage of activities for little ones. Check, check, check.
Ahead, you’ll find my guide to Aspen—from where to stay and what to do to the best family-friendly activities, can’t-miss restaurants, and more.
P.S. Traveling with kids? Aspen is one of my absolute favorite places to spend the summer as a family—and there is so much to do with little ones. I’m putting together an entire Aspen With Kids guide with our favorite activities, camps, rainy-day ideas, and everything worth booking ahead. Coming next week!
WHERE TO STAY
HOTEL JEROME
No Aspen guide would be complete without Hotel Jerome. The town’s most storied hotel has been welcoming guests since 1889, and somehow still feels as relevant as ever. Rich in history yet unmistakably luxurious, this Auberge property is the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon moving from coffee to cocktails without ever wanting to leave. Even if you’re not checking in, stop by The Living Room for a cocktail or settle into Bad Harriet for dinner and drinks.
THE LITTLE NELL
This hotel is always first on my list when friends ask where they should stay in Aspen. It checks all of the boxes – great service, great location, a delightful spa, and beautiful accommodations. The Little Nell manages that perfect balance of feeling luxurious without being fancy, maintaining that come-as-you-are vibe that is synonymous with Colorado ski towns. It’s worth noting that Ajax Tavern (one of two restaurants located on site) has one of the best burgers in all of Aspen.
THE WHITE ELEPHANT
Aspen’s newest hotel is The White Elephant. Tucked just off Main Street in the West End, the boutique hotel feels equal parts cozy and elevated. The rooms are beautifully appointed and the location puts you within an easy stroll of Aspen’s shops and restaurants. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, make a point to stop by the hotel’s restaurant, Lola 41, for lunch (order the Mediterranean Chopped Salad and a Spicy Tuna Roll) or dinner on the patio.
if you’re planning a longer stay…
I’d seriously consider renting a home. It gives you the space, privacy, and ease that make a longer stay feel effortless, and there’s something special about settling into Aspen like a local. Whether you’re after a charming cottage within walking distance of town or a sprawling mountain retreat for a larger group, there are incredible options to choose from. While you’ll find plenty of listings on VRBO, many of the best homes never make it online and are available only through local brokers. Hot tip: email Grayson Stover – she always has the inside scoop on great properties you won’t find on the usual rental sites.
WHERE TO EAT
SWEDISH HILL
One of Aspen’s best-kept breakfast and lunch spots is hiding in plain sight atop the Aspen Art Museum. Swedish Hill serves excellent coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches (I live for their Chicken Salad sandwich), and salads, – and you can enjoy all of it from the restaurant’s rooftop terrace overlooking Ajax Mountain.
CLARK’S OYSTER BAR
Whether you’re craving oysters, lobster rolls, or simply a crisp glass of rosé on the patio, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or early dinner. If the weather cooperates, ask to sit outside.
WHITE HOUSE TAVERN
Casual, charming, and consistently delicious, White House Tavern is one of my go-to lunch recommendations. The menu isn’t extensive, but that’s part of its charm – everything is done well. It’s a Hillstone restaurant, after all. FYI: They don’t take reservations so either go right when they open or plan to wait.
ACQUOLINA
Traveling with little ones? Acquolina is always one of my first recommendations. The lively atmosphere means you never have to worry about your kids making some noise, and the menu is full of crowd-pleasers – from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pastas – that everyone at the table will happily devour. It’s one of those rare restaurants that feels just as fun for the adults as it does for the kids, making it an easy family dinner you’ll likely find yourself returning to more than once.
CASA TUA
Tucked inside a charming historic house just off the main drag, Casa Tua feels intimate, elegant, and quintessentially Aspen. The Italian menu is consistently excellent, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a familiar face while you’re there. Tip: this is not the time to skip dessert! The restaurant’s Pistachio Gelato is a must-order.
MATSUHISA
Matsuhisa is an Aspen institution. The iconic restaurant has been drawing loyal diners for decades, and it’s every bit as good as you’ve heard. Order the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, the black cod miso, and whatever sushi looks freshest that day – you really can’t go wrong.
CACHE CACHE
A longtime favorite by locals and visitors alike, this restaurant is a must-go for an elegant, delicious dinner. The perfectly-sized menu has something for everyone – from lighter, vegetable-focused dishes and fresh fish to come-hungry NY Strips and frites.
PARADISE BAKERY
Don’t let the line scare you away – it’s there for a reason. Paradise Bakery is a longtime Aspen favorite known for its delicious morning pastries and homemade ice cream that draws crowds all afternoon and evening. Stop by for breakfast before heading out for the day or swing back later for a scoop. Either way, it’s worth the wait.
other favorites:
Lola 41, French Alpine Bistro, Sant Ambroeus, Ajax Tavern, Las Montañas
WHAT TO DO
RIDE THE SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA
Even if hiking isn’t on your itinerary, don’t skip the Silver Queen Gondola. In just a few minutes you’ll trade downtown Aspen for panoramic mountain views, cool alpine air, and some of the best scenery in Colorado. Once at the top, grab lunch at Sundeck, wander one of the easy walking trails, or simply soak in the views before riding back down.
SWEAT IT OUT
If you’re like me and occasionally need a little extra motivation to work out, O2 makes it easy. Its high-intensity heated classes—think sculpt, strength training, and cardio—are challenging in the best way and leave you feeling completely recharged. And because no workout is complete without a little shopping, the boutique stocks an excellent selection of activewear conveniently positioned on your way out.
CATCH A SHOW AT BELLY UP
Tiny in size but legendary in reputation, Belly Up regularly hosts some of the biggest names in music. The intimate venue means there’s truly not a bad seat in the house, making it one of the most memorable ways to spend an evening in Aspen. Check the concert calendar before your trip—you never know who might be in town.
GO WHITEWATER RAFTING
If you’re craving a little adventure, whitewater rafting on the Roaring Fork is one way to scratch the itch. There are routes for every level, from an easy scenic float to rapids that will definitely get your heart racing (and probably get you soaked). It’s such a fun way to see another side of Aspen – and on a hot summer day, that freezing mountain water feels pretty great.
SPEND A MORNING AT MAROON BELLS
The iconic twin peaks are among the most photographed mountains in North America, and they’re every bit as breathtaking in person. Reserve the shuttle in advance during peak season and plan to arrive early.
GO PADDLEBOARDING
For a peaceful morning on the water, head to North Star Nature Preserve. Paddleboarding here feels worlds away from downtown, with calm water, mountain views, and the occasional moose sighting if you’re lucky.
SHOP DOWNTOWN
Aspen may be a mountain town, but its shopping rivals that of any major city. Stroll Galena and the surrounding blocks to browse everything from top luxury brands – think: Hermès, Chanel, and Goop – to great local boutiques like Pitkin County Goods. Whether you’re in the market for a new pair of boots (see: Miron Crosby) or just window shopping, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon.
WHAT TO WEAR
DAY
Aspen makes getting dressed during the day refreshingly easy. Most mornings start with a walk, hike, workout, or bike ride and somehow roll straight into lunch, errands, and a lap around town, so I tend to live in activewear – think: matching sets, comfortable shorts (I pretty much exclusively wear these), a half-zip pullover, sneakers, and a hat. The trick is choosing pieces that can actually handle a hike but still look pulled together enough for lunch at Ajax afterward.
PACK: MATCHING SETS · RUNNING SHORTS · LIGHTWEIGHT LAYERS · SNEAKERS · HAT
the Aspen packing rule
layers, layers, layers. A perfectly sunny 78-degree afternoon can turn into a 55-degree evening surprisingly quickly, so there is almost always a sweater, jacket, or wrap in my bag. The upside? Aspen is one of the few summer destinations where you actually get to wear your favorite knits.
NIGHT
Aspen evenings are where you can have a little more fun with your wardrobe, but the overall mood is still decidedly relaxed. Dresses are a one-and-done, easy answer here along with loads of denim paired with interesting tops. Flat sandals are almost always my first choice (I always pack one pair of just-in-case heels – this year, it was these – but rarely wear them), and I never leave for dinner without a sweater or wrap tucked under my arm. Once the sun goes down, that mountain air gets chilly fast.
PACK: SUMMER DRESSES · DENIM · FLAT SANDALS · LIGHT SWEATERS
SHOPPING LIST
