When it comes to vacation destinations on the map that are known and loved for their stunning surroundings, Durango, Colorado is difficult to top. Situated in the San Juan Mountains, Durango is a place where travelers will find towering peaks paired with flowing waterways and rich forests to explore. If you happen to be an adventurer with a passion for outdoor recreation, you’ll find Durango is truly a playground of opportunities in every single season. Where the warm weather months of the year are ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching and fishing, winter is the picture-perfect time to head this way when you want to hit the slopes in style or explore attractions in Durango, Colorado!
Of course, travelers who love to explore in-town options for fun will have plenty of those at their fingertips as well. Durango is a delightful place for history buffs who can spend time downtown exploring architecture from bygone eras, or in local museums learning more about the area’s mining past. Not far from town, you’ll find places like Mesa Verde National Park packed with stunning ancient cliff dwellings to explore while in-town opportunities for entertainment span galleries and theaters alike. Whether you’re one for shopping and dining your way through a stay, you prefer the great outdoors or you want the best of it all on your next trip,
Durango is a destination that’s designed for you to enjoy. When you want to experience Durango like a local and add even more unforgettable fun to your itinerary, the following guide is your place to start.
Things to See in Durango and Enjoy
It’s fair to say that those who live in Durango, Colorado year-round often choose to call this destination home because they have endless opportunities to take advantage of the town’s gorgeous landscapes! Vacationing like a local here means doing the same, which isn’t a difficult goal to accomplish thanks to the terrain that’s designed by nature to impress. When considering things to see in Durango, you’ll find options for every interest, whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, historic charm, or something in between. If you happen to be someone who enjoys spending time on the water in the warmer weather months of the year, you can join locals in making the most of sunny afternoons on the Animas River that runs around town. This is a one-stop waterway for exciting whitewater rafting adventures, and depending on where you put in, you can explore heart-pounding rapids or make it a more leisurely day of floating your way through an amazing getaway.
For travelers who head to Durango with a love for hiking and biking, exploring like a local means making room on the itinerary to check out the more than 300 miles of trails that wind their way through the San Juan National Forest. These trails are appealing to hikers and mountain bikers alike and are often ideal for pairing recreation with wildlife watching along the way. If you only have time for a few routes to enjoy during your journey, don’t miss out on time on the Animas River Trail, or the Cascade Canyon Trail while you’re here.
Durango is also a destination on the map where visitors will find themselves side by side with locals when they head out to see what’s biting in the local waterways. The waters around Durango are teeming with incredible catches, making it a top place on the map for angling in every season. From ice fishing to summer fly fishing, you’ll find this activity is a beloved one among those who call Durango home. That makes it an adventure well worth adding to your own to-do list when you’re next in town. Exploring the best attractions in Durango, Colorado offers a little something for everyone.
If you happen to be heading this way in the wintertime and you have a passion for skiing in place, you can join the locals for downhill fun and thrills over at Purgatory Resort. This is a fan-favorite spot in town for skiing and snowboarding alike and whether you’re new to skiing or it’s something you enjoy each year, the family-friendly atmosphere at Purgatory Resort makes the experience extra appealing. There are convenient gear rentals on-site making planning your ski getaway a breeze, and lessons are available upon request as well for those who are just starting out. From bunny hills to challenging black diamonds, Purgatory Resort has something for locals and visitors alike to enjoy all ski season long.
While outdoor adventures are adored by locals in Durango with good reason, so is time spent strolling through Durango’s Historic District. You’ll find this charming area right downtown and when you’re not admiring the many restored facades, you can spend an entire day popping in and out of boutique shops or sipping time away with family and friends at local cafes. Downtown Durango is a hub of flavor, fun, and entertainment, hosting many of the city’s live music venues, restaurants, and art galleries too.
Local Events You’ll Want to Be Sure to Check Out
The warm and friendly vibe that defines a trip to Durango is evident starting the moment you arrive. A true testament to the importance of community here among locals is the fact that the annual event calendar is brimming over with amazing gatherings in every season! No matter when you happen to be heading this way in the name of vacation fun, a great way to experience the destination like a local is to attend one of these exciting events while you’re in town. If you travel to Durango in the spring, you’ll find that you’re right on time to not only see the snow melting away and the wildflowers beginning to bloom across the mountains, but to attend annual events like the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic while you’re here. Spring also marks the arrival of events like the Spring Gallery Walk, Taste of Durango, the Durango Celtic Festival, and the always tasty Durango Wine Experience. It’s also the time of year when locals and visitors gather to enjoy the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.
Summer adventurers finding their way to Durango in the name of fun will find that many locals have time set aside on their calendars to celebrate the warm weather by attending annual events like the Animas River Days. The La Plata County Fair comes to town as well each summer alongside Music in the Mountains and the San Juan Brewfest. If you’re looking for high-energy fun, join locals at the True West Rodeo this time of year too.
When the leaves turn colors and fall rolls in, annual events on the Durango calendar keep things vibrant and fun for everyone! When your travel plans have you heading this way during this season, be sure to add events like the Durango Cowboy Gathering, the Autumn Arts Festival, and the Durango Double Marathon to your itinerary. Fall also marks the season that welcomes the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally to town as well as Spoketober and the Fall Gallery Walk.
Winter travelers will find that there’s a lot to enjoy alongside locals in Durango this time of year beyond the slopes and snowy trails. The Durango Independent Film Festival is always a highlight of the season and if you’re here over the holidays, be sure to check out Snowdown, The Polar Express experience, and Holiday Station, to name a few of the many options available.
Dine Like a Local in Durango
Whether it’s your very first time in Durango or you come here year after year to explore even more, you’ll quickly discover that it’s a town known and loved for its robust culinary scene. While you really can’t go wrong dining at any of the amazing eateries in town, there are some places loved by locals for being a bit more off-the-beaten-path and tranquil, even in the busy seasons of the year. One such destination in town is May Place which is a great option when you need to grab a quick lunch and you’re craving specialty dishes hailing from South Asia. This eatery serves up plates showcasing delicious bites from Vietnam, Thailand, China, and Malaysia alike. While the menu is vast and inviting, options like the orange chicken and egg drop soup tend to get rave reviews.
In the event you’re looking to fuel up after a day of outdoor recreation and fun, you’ll want to be sure to add a stop at Steamworks Brewing Co. to your must-try list in Durango. This East 2nd Avenue stop spans a warehouse-style space ensuring there’s always plenty of room to enjoy bar food and brews alongside family and friends. Prices here are invitingly reasonable, but the highlight is truly the opportunity to try a variety of local brews that are one-of-a-kind. You’ll find light German ales to sip as well as IPA and beyond. From the Bleu Cheese kettle chips to start things off to the Purgatory cheesesteak that will help you rebuild that calorie count, there’s no shortage of tasty options when you make time for a stop here.
If you’re looking for a relaxed hangout the entire family will love in Durango, locals might just recommend J. Bo Pizza and Rib Co. You’ll find this delicious stop at 1301 Florida Road and they’re open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Here, you can browse a menu that has everything from BBQ and wings to custom-topped pizzas available. Even the pickiest eater in your crew is likely to find something that satisfies here, and the friendly service is just the pairing to your plate you’ve been looking for. Pick and choose from indoor dining or settling in on the outdoor patio when you drop by and if you head this way in the summer, you might just dine alongside locals participating in the annual pinball league!
Book Your Stay in Durango Today
When you want to experience Durango like a true local, you’ll want to live like one too by booking your vacation accommodations through Durango Colorado Vacations the next time you’re here. Our Durango, Colorado cabin rentals are designed to provide our guests with an authentic home away from home experience every day of their stay. From cozy abodes with gorgeous mountain views to sprawling retreats fit for family reunion close to downtown, we have the property you need to feel right at home upon arrival! Our team of hospitality experts is always on hand to answer any questions you might have along the way and because we love sharing our local insight with guests, we can make great recommendations when it comes to expanding your itinerary while you’re here too. No matter what property option you choose, you’ll find booking through Durango Colorado Vacations means finding yourself waking up each day close to the places you can’t wait to experience for yourself. We have rental options that are ideal for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and those looking to make the most of in-town adventures too.
When you’re looking to take your trip to the next level of excellence, our properties include upgraded features and amenities as well. We’re happy to help our guests get settled into a vacation rental in Durango that comes with a private hot tub on-site, is designed for the best of pet-friendly living, or keeps you close to amazing hiking trails you’re excited to discover at your own pace. We have rentals with impressive entertainment setups on-site as well as multi-level decks that enhance the view, custom-built master suites and guest rooms too.
While getting out and enjoying some of the top eateries loved by locals is a highlight for many travelers heading this way, at Durango Colorado Vacations, we also know how important it is for our guests to have options to customize their experiences at every turn. That’s why so many of our vacation homes in Durango come with fully equipped kitchens in place so you can pick and choose between dining in or dining out depending on your daily preference. Kitchens are often equipped with cooking essentials in place as well as spacious counters, custom cabinetry, and dishes, utensils, and glassware ready to go. The inclusion of high-end appliances in so many of our vacation homes makes the prospect of serving up a home-cooked breakfast, lunch, or dinner that much more appealing.
Now is the time to turn those Durango travel plans into a reality and when you do, Durango Colorado Vacations is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting and versatile property options available and how we can help you make more of every single moment you’re here.
