Steamboat Springs is a charming mountain town that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. After a day on the slopes or soaking in hot springs, you’ll find plenty of dining and relaxation options to unwind and recharge.
Old Town Hot Springs
Old Town Hot Springs is a perfect spot for a relaxing soak, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or with family. Conveniently located on Lincoln Ave, it’s an easy place to visit. While they required reservations during the pandemic, they’re back to regular operations. Old Town Hot Springs offers a wide variety of amenities, starting with its pools. The temperature of the pools ranges from 98°F to 104°F, with minerals said to have therapeutic qualities.
Soaking in these pools while enjoying the views or even watching the snowfall is an incredibly relaxing experience. The outdoor pools, in particular, are great for unwinding after a day of skiing. Pro Tip: There’s nothing quite like a hot spring experience while it’s snowing!
If floating around isn’t enough to satisfy you, Old Town Hot Springs also offers a range of massage options. Whether you’re looking for a sports massage to soothe your legs or a deep tissue massage to melt away tension, you can enjoy a full relaxation experience. Prices range from $75 for a 30-minute session to $185 for a 90-minute deep tissue or aromatherapy massage. When you book a massage, you also get pool access, which is included in the price.
While it can get busy during ski season, especially in the evenings, mornings or weekdays are quieter times to visit. If you’re craving more excitement, the two water slides are open (except during the summer season). Make sure to check their website before you go to avoid disappointment!
Note: Remember to bring your own bathing suit and flip-flops as swimwear is required, and consider wearing your hair up to prevent dryness from the minerals. Especially for my fellow Europeans, the bathing suit part is important. You might be expecting a sauna like experience but this is still in the states so be prepared to cover up.
For more active visitors, Old Town Hot Springs has a gym, personal training, and even a climbing wall. If you’re up for it, check out their other offerings on their website!
At a Glance: Old Town Hot Springs
The Old Town Hot Springs has 4 different pools with natural hot spring water, two water slides, a lap pool and a splash pad. The non pool related activities include a gym, personal training and fitness related events year round. You can choose from 7 different massages and 6 different massage ad-ons and the best thing: your admission to the pool is included in the price.
They are open 6am – 9pm, Monday through Friday and 7am – 9pm on the weekend, year round except on Christmas and Thanksgiving. They provide lockers free of charge, a towel rental for $5 and you are allowed to bring coolers with food and drinks in plastic bottles. You can get a 5-Pack Pass for $116 or Daily admission for $29 for adults to visit the pool.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Looking for a more natural hot spring experience? Strawberry Park Hot Springs is the place to go. Located about a 20-minute drive from Steamboat Springs, it offers an outdoor hot spring experience surrounded by mountains. To get there, you’ll need a 4-wheel-drive car with snow chains in winter, as the road can be icy and steep. However, you can also book a shuttle to avoid driving up. The springs are tucked away in a beautiful dip in the mountains, with natural stonework that makes the pools feel incredibly rustic and organic.
The main pool at Strawberry Park is the coldest, ideal for cooling off after soaking in the other hot pools. There are four hot pools, ranging in temperature from 103°F year-round, and you can even visit the hot spring that feeds them (though be careful, the water is boiling hot!).
Note: While there are bathrooms and changing rooms, don’t expect showers unless you’re staying overnight in one of their cabins. Bring your own towel and slippers, and be prepared for a truly rustic experience. Access to the pools is by reservation only, and you can book your time slot and lodging via their website. Pool access is $20 for two hours (cash only).In addition to the pools, massages are available at Strawberry Park, with a variety of options from 30-minute sessions to 2-hour treatments.
Prices range from $70 to $220, with Watsu Aquatic Therapy available, a form of Shiatsu massage performed in a warm pool. Additional add-ons like hot stones, cupping, and CBD treatments are available for a more personalized experience.
For a unique overnight stay, Strawberry Park offers lodging in train cabooses, covered wagons, and even camping areas near the springs. These rustic accommodations are perfect for those seeking an unplugged experience with no electricity or running water. The cost for these unique stays ranges from $110 – $230 per night, and access to the pools is included in your lodging price. Be sure to bring your own linens and read the lodging details carefully!
At a Glance: Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers four warm and one chilly pool left very natural looking with organic stonework and natural shapes. They offer a variety of massages and add-ons as well as Watsu Aquatic Therapy ranging from $70 – $220 and up to 2 hours duration.
They are open everyday of the year 10am – 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am – midnight on the weekend, minors are not allowed after dark since clothing becomes optional. Last entry is two hours before closing time. Food and drinks are only allowed in the picnic area, glass and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
To make a reservation visit their website. It’s $20 for two hours. Make sure to bring cash! Lodging can be booked here – just make sure to read the details on what you’re expected to bring.
Restaurants and Lunch Spots
A good visit to the Hot Springs always leaves me pretty hungry. While you might be able to bring snacks, a nice relaxing evening can also be very well rounded by going to a restaurant after. Make it a Date night or a Lunch stop before hitting the slopes.
Steamboat Springs has a vibrant dining scene with options to suit all tastes and budgets, whether you’re looking for a casual breakfast or a cozy dinner to wrap up your day.
One of the town’s favorite spots is Johnny B Good’s Diner, located at 738 Lincoln Ave in the heart of downtown. This charming diner brings a nostalgic 50’s vibe, with its Marilyn Monroe and Elvis-themed decor. It’s a cozy spot with spacious booths, or you can grab a seat at the bar if it’s crowded.
he diner specializes in hearty breakfast and lunch dishes, like omelets, French toast, and egg Benedict. The grilled cheese with extra bacon is a personal favorite, and the soda fountain offers a unique variety of flavors. Johnny B Good’s also makes for a great place to people-watch, and the friendly staff always make you feel right at home. A fun and relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for solo diners, families, and groups alike. The first time I came to Steamboat was when I was very new to the states, homesick and a bit miserable. I even considered quitting and going back home after just a few weeks.
I walked over an hour into the city because I had missed a bus and didn’t have a car and just finished the worst ski session of my life (also the first, might have something to do with it). I just wanted someone to talk to me but at the time most americans spoke a little to fast for me and most of the things they talked about I didn’t know so I was overwhelmed as well. I went downtown with the intention of going thrifting and ended up at Johnny B Good’s, on a barstool by myself and trying to order a Fanta or something Soda like that was not a Coke. The wonderful Barista had no idea what I wanted, I remember the conversation somewhat like: “do you have lemonade?” (since “Limo” is the German word for Fanta or similar fizzy drinks) He told me that they have a Soda fountain with a bunch of flavors if I wanted to try some of them and started to explain the 23 flavors to me. Overwhelmed, I told him I just wanted something sweet and he came back with a Shirley Temple. I had no idea what it was but liked it and ended up with a sandwich as well. On the verge of tears in the middle of a restaurant with a very happy looking drink in front of me the staff just started chatting with me. I don’t even remember about what but I think I ended up oversharing and they just listened. They really made my day that day and I will always remember this very very fondly!
So thank you to whoever was working that random day in February 2021!
My personal favorite is, by the way, grilled cheese with extra bacon!
Make sure to keep this place on your list with breakfast options as well, they offer Diner style Burgers, Sandwiches, Breakfast food like omelets, french toast or egg benedict and their soda fountain is really something unique.
Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to support and know all the fun new things they come up with!
You can also find their menu or info about ordering on their website.
For something a little more upscale, Seedz Cafe, located at 1117 Lincoln Ave, offers a delightful selection of dishes using organic and locally sourced ingredients. The cafe has a cozy, modern vibe with a homey feel, serving an array of healthy and tasty options for all types of diets, including vegan and gluten-free. They offer a very balanced selection for all diets, including Vegan or Gluten Free meals.
They don’t offer Breakfast anymore but I remember getting very delicious pancakes with homemade blueberry jam from them! I also really liked their “Boats”- Stuffed Sandwiches, my favorite is the Chicken Philly! The chicken is juicy and nicely seasoned and it could be made with gluten free bread as well. Next time I’m around I definitely want to try their bowls as well!
If the weather is nice you should definitely consider sitting outside on their porch. The restaurant is located towards the end of the Downtown area but you can still “people watch” since there is a park right next to it.
One thing I would also like to point out, especially for your date nights 😉 They offer a really interesting selection of cocktails! Enjoy their Signature Margarita or maybe a butterfly martini, which doesn’t only sound pretty but is very tasty!
Of course you can also get some regular pizza or tasty fried chicken but I am a sucker for diner food!
