Edwards is a wonderful vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for easy access to the outdoors without breaking the bank or fighting the crowds. With a central location in the Vail Valley, Edwards is surrounded by some of the region's best skiing, hiking, and biking. In addition to its beautiful surroundings, Edwards is the preferred spot for locals. With a great shopping and dining scene, it is a dream destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Use our Edwards, Colorado Visitors Guide to help you plan your visit out.
Why Choose Edwards?
Edwards is close to the glitz and glamor of Vail and Beaver Creek, the area’s world-class ski resorts, but far enough away to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the mountains. It’s a more authentic and low-key resort town that offers fantastic options for lodging, dining, and shopping. Situated along the Eagle River and surrounded by national forest territory, Edwards offers numerous options for outdoor adventures, all just steps from where you stay.
Things To Do in Edwards
Edwards offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or family-friendly activities, Edwards has something for everyone.
There are plenty of hiking trails in Edwards. East Lake Creek Trail winds through tall aspen groves, while Berry Creek Trail, on the opposite side of the highway, is sunny and more exposed requiring trekking through low sagebrush. The Mesquite Trail, found in the Singletree neighborhood, is a one-mile uphill burner and connects with a forest service road to take you higher into the high desert terrain. Both Berry Creek and the Mesquite Trails are also open to mountain bikes, offering beautiful views of Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts and the valley floor below. These trails are open in the winter and are perfect for snowshoeing.
For trails with less elevation gain, take a walk along the bike path that starts behind The Inn at Riverwalk. It follows the river and heads east all the way to Vail. A dirt alternative is the Miller Ranch Open Space, a two-mile flat out-and-back walk along the river just east of Edwards. The Eagle River Preserve is a quiet protected open space with trail access across the street from The Inn.
Edwards is the perfect destination for family-friendly activities. Along with easy walks for small legs, there are fun places to play both in and outdoors. For cold or rainy days, head to the 15,000 square foot Edwards Field House. Inside is a full-size gymnastics center, a climbing wall and bouldering wall, a basketball court, and pickleball courts. Check the schedule for Tumble Tots, where the gymnastics area is set up for kids under 5 to play in a safe environment. When the weather is warm, head across the parking lot to Freedom Park which has a playground that accommodates multiple ages, as well as a skatepark and a splash pad. If you’re feeling artsy, Alpine Arts Center offers drop-in art classes for both kids and adults.
If you have come for golf, there are 17 championship golf courses in the Vail Valley!
The Riverwalk Movie Theater, located across from The Inn at Riverwalk, prides itself on offering digital movies with analog vibes. Catch a new release or an old classic while enjoying popcorn, pretzels, soft-serve ice cream, and craft draft beer.
Shopping in Edwards
Edwards is home to numerous locally owned shops that offer unique gifts for yourself or others. Women’s boutique stores such as Valley Girl and Lacy’s offer both trendy and casual clothing, as well as Ptarmigan Sports, which stocks outdoor lifestyle clothing for both men and women. Pick out some home goods at one Vintage Magnolia or Kitchen Collage or treat yourself to new beauty products at Cos Bar.
Restaurants in Edwards
Edwards’ vibrant dining scene offers everything from fine dining to casual fare. Most restaurants are owned and run by locals with a focus on serving fresh fare from local farms and purveyors. Here are some of the best restaurants in Edwards:
Mountain Fish House & Oyster Bar. Mountain Fish House and Oyster Bar sources fresh, sustainable seafood from both coasts, including oysters, lobster rolls, and hearty seafood stews. Located adjacent to the lobby at The Inn at Riverwalk, the restaurant has a bright and modern atmosphere with daily happy hours from 3:30-5:30pm.
Juniper Restaurant. This upscale dining establishment is known for its creative menu, which features locally sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Lined with white tablecloths and overlooking the Eagle River, Juniper is a sophisticated spot for a special occasion or romantic dinner. The restaurant is known for its lengthy wine list, including domestic and international wines.
Zino Ristorante. For casual Italian fare, head to Zino Ristorante, around the corner from The Inn at Riverwalk. Zino’s serves classic Italian dishes including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and fresh salads. In the summer, the restaurant opens its doors to a large outdoor patio for additional seating and a bocce court.
The Gashouse Restaurant. Set in a log cabin with rustic vibes, the relaxed American kitchen features wild game dishes, beef, and seafood dishes served with your choice of sides.
Craftsman Brew Co. Craftsman serves modern and approachable small plates, specialty sandwiches, and unique cocktails. In addition to their in-house brewing program, they offer a rotating selection of craft beer.
Main St. Grill. Main St. Grill is a casual restaurant that offers standard bar fare such as tasty burgers, sandwiches, wings, and ribs. But their stand-out menu items are their Cajun cuisine, including chicken and sausage jambalaya and spicy shrimp creole.
Marko’s Pizzeria. Marko's Pizzeria, a staple for almost 30 years, serves delicious pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. In addition to specialty pizza and stromboli, they serve hot sandwiches and pasta.
Henry’s Chinese Café. Henry's Chinese Cafe is a popular restaurant serving classic Chinese and Thai dishes, including dumplings, fried rice, noodle dishes, and Thai curries.
Ed’z in Edwards. Ed'z is known for their rotisserie comfort food. Pick your sides with a rotisserie chicken or enjoy other creature comforts such as biscuit topped pot pies, short rib pot roast, meatloaf, or mac and cheese.
Lodging in Edwards
Edwards is a quaint mountain town with laid-back vibes that the locals love. The Inn at Riverwalk, located in the heart of Edwards, is an independent hotel that offers guests a comfortable and convenient base to explore the Vail Valley. The Inn features well-appointed guest rooms, each with a cozy fireplace and patio with views of the surrounding mountains or overlooking the Eagle River. Guests can choose from various room types, from standard rooms to spacious suites with separate living areas. One- and two-bedroom condominium units are also available.
Located just steps away from the Eagle River, The Inn at Riverwalk is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to trails and the slopes. From the front doors, guests walk out to a vibrant shopping and dining district with a range of options for entertainment and relaxation. The best way to explore Edwards is to stay at The Inn at Riverwalk because guests receive exclusive discounts to local restaurants, shops, and activities.
For those who prefer to stay in, The Inn at Riverwalk offers a range of amenities to keep you entertained. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, gear garage with complimentary access to bikes, snowshoes, pool toys, lawn games, board games, and more. Enjoy complimentary coffee from the Lavazza coffee bar in the lobby any time of day.
The Inn at Riverwalk is a great choice for anyone looking for a convenient base in Edwards to explore the Vail Valley. With its cozy rooms, convenient location, and range of amenities, it's not surprising that this boutique hotel is a popular choice among visitors to Edwards.