When you find yourself looking forward to some time away from the routine of life, immersed in a space where you can make the most of amazing scenery just about everywhere you turn, visit Durango, Colorado, a breathtaking destination that’s sure to call your name. Here, those looking to dive into adventure, experience rich history and culture at its best, or simply relax and unwind with incredible vistas at their fingertips, can make the most of it all in every season of the year. Durango is a vacation destination with activities, attractions, and events in place that beckon to visitors with interests of all kinds.
It’s a Picture-Perfect Day Trip Destination Too
While an extended stay in Durango is always a treat for visitors, the unwavering beauty, thrills, and history found here make it just as inviting among those who are looking for a top-rated place on the map to enjoy a day trip. Even if you’re heading to Durango just for the day with a limited timeframe to work with, you’ll find it’s a location well worth adding to your must-visit list this year. While it’s not always easy to narrow down the list when it comes time to pick and choose between the many historic landmarks, amazing restaurants, shops, and outdoor thrills found in Durango upon arrival, just knowing you have options to select from so many appealing experiences is always inspiring.
Why Visit Durango, an Idyllic Day Trip Location
If you’re a traveler who enjoys the feeling of stepping into almost another world entirely when you travel, you’re sure to love every moment in Durango during your day trip this way. Here, history never fails to come to life in a unique way for guests, thanks to the seamless pairing of modern marvels and the meticulous maintenance of the town’s rich past. When you make Durango a day trip destination, you’ll find yourself surrounded by gorgeous nature everywhere you turn, and within easy reach of architecture that speaks to 19th century style standards too.
Access to the tranquility of nature is always an option here, but so is time onboard a historic locomotive, learning more about Durango’s past at local museums, or stepping into spaces where Victorian style still reigns supreme in the aesthetic. This unique pairing makes Durango an endlessly intriguing place to explore over the course of a day, and will likely inspire you to return and seek out even more amazing experiences when you have more time to spare.
Arrive Early and Start with Something Savory
No matter what your plans for a day trip to Durango ultimately entail, it’s always worth your while to arrive as early as possible to maximize every moment of fun ahead! Once you roll in, head straight to downtown Durango, where you’ll find a variety of terrific breakfast stops to choose from situated within the red-brick buildings that make up this area. You can’t go wrong with a beginning of the day meal enjoyed at the Durango Diner which is known and loved for its generous portions on American favorite fare.
Another top-rated option is Durango Bagel where you can grab a breakfast sandwich, pastries, bagels, and more, all made to match that strong cup of coffee that will fuel you up well for the adventures ahead. Depending on the time of year you arrive, you might also find the Backcountry Gourmet Foot Truck operating in this area in the early morning hours and this is a great choice when you’re looking to savor some locally sourced breakfast food in good company.
Admire the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Station
A highlight experience any time you’re visiting Durango in the name of getaway fun is time onboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. While a day trip doesn’t leave you with enough time to take one of the extended rides offered by the railroad, you can certainly drop by to admire the steam-powered train that’s been operating since 1882 and departs from a historic depot too! The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a coal-fired and steam-powered train that makes its way through the stunning San Juan National Forest and offers passengers a chance to enjoy a themed ride during the holidays. The opportunity to see it up close and admire the depot surroundings is one you won’t want to miss while you’re here this year.
Explore Downtown Durango in Good Company
Once you’ve had a chance to check out the steam engine, it’s time to head back to downtown Durango and make the most of all the area has to offer. This is an extremely walkable area of town where you can pop in and out of boutiques, cafes, and historic landmarks at your own preferred pace. Be sure to drop by places like Mariah’s Bookshop where you can browse a variety of regionally focused titles as well as purchase everything from jewelry and greeting cards to one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.
Enjoy a Delicious Lunch Stop
By this time in the day, there’s a good chance that you’ll have an appetite to attend to, and a great place to curb a craving is always the Steamworks Brewing Company. You’ll find this inviting stop on East 2nd Avenue in Durango, and it’s a one-stop hub for fantastic local flavors and locally produced brews too. The menu here features everything from appetizers like Bavarian sourdough pretzels and artichoke spinach dip to buffalo wings, chicken quesadillas, nachos, and more. Soups, salads, and sandwiches are also on the menu when you’re looking to dine light, but if you’re up for something more robust, you can’t go wrong with the bacon royale burger, which features hickory-smoked bacon and smoked gouda cheese.
No matter what you order up, you can easily pair your plate with an ice-cold beer before gathering your crew and heading over to Cream Bean Berry on Main Avenue for dessert. This is a great place to enjoy a variety of ice cream flavors on-site in addition to a great coffee selection. If you’re looking for vegan or dairy-free dessert options, this is a great choice as well.
Take a Stroll Along the Animas River Trail Together
After lunch, take some time to unwind and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace along the Animas River Trail. This is a local trail that spans seven miles of terrain and runs right along the Animas River, giving explorers options to stroll, run, bike, or stop and cast a line as well. There’s a lot of public art along the trail to admire along the way, and it’s a great route for visitors of all ages to enjoy together. Because the Animas River Trail is paved, it’s easy to walk if you’re using a stroller as well as easy to navigate for those in wheelchairs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a seat on one of the many inviting benches that line this path and simply savor the view you’ve come to take in too.
Unwind at the Hot Springs
There’s absolutely no reason to leave some well-deserved pampering out of your day trip to Durango, and a great place to accomplish the relaxation you’ve been looking forward to is Durango Hot Springs. Located within a resort and spa just 15 minutes from downtown by car, the hot springs are an amazing place to unwind in style while you’re here for a while. When you arrive, you’ll find you have access to no less than 20 mineral-rich soaking pools on-site, but it might just be those breathtaking mountain views that surround the pools that keep you lingering for longer than you originally planned. When you’re here, feel free to settle in, relax, and reap the benefits of nature’s spring-fed waters alongside family and friends.
Dine at the Diamond Belle Saloon Tonight
Once you’ve had your fill of tranquility at the hot springs, it’s time to treat yourself to an amazing dinner over at the Diamond Belle Saloon. Choosing this eatery to top off your day means heading back over to the historic Strater Hotel where the restaurant is located. The fun of picking this spot for dinner is that the wait staff here will be serving up your meal in full costume! The vibe is decidedly Old West, and the menu is authentically made to match. Happy Hour is on Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm and can be matched with amazing appetizers like a hummus basket, chicken quesadillas, or chicken wings upon request.
While the sandwiches and wraps on the menu are always a treat for the tastebuds, some of the signature dishes to consider here include the filet mignon, chicken pot pie, green chile pork chimichanga, or Hattie’s meatloaf. Be sure not to overlook the impressive cocktail menu at the Diamond Belle Saloon, and when you want to end your day on a sweet note, the dessert menu showcases options like bourbon bread pudding, cheesecake, and brownie a la mode to name a few of many options.
Book Accommodations That Keep You Close to the Fun and Enjoy Incredible Comfort and Style Too
Making the most of every moment of your day trip to Durango begins with booking accommodations through the team of hospitality and property experts at Durango Colorado Vacations. Here, we have a portfolio of day trip rental options designed to inspire that are suitable for travelers of all types! Whether you’re heading this way solo, as a couple, or in the company of family and friends, we have rental options with the space you need to feel right at home upon arrival. Whether you’re looking to top off your day trip here in a cozy condo with mountain views, or you’re looking for a sprawling multi-level retreat for a group close to downtown, we have it covered.
Our rentals are often designed with open floor plans in place for easy transitions between living, dining, lounge, entertainment, and sleeping areas, ensuring everyone has a space to relax in style. Our day trip rentals can also be booked with special amenities in place to make your stay even more customized upon request. Be sure to inquire about our rental options in town that showcase cozy fireplaces for added comfort, custom-built bedrooms so you can rest up well, multi-level decks for enhancing surrounding views, or luxurious private hot tubs on-site too. If you happen to be heading here with a furry friend included in your group, our pet-friendly cabins in Durango, CO are exactly what you’re searching for.
Reserve Your Stay Today
When you’re ready to turn your day trip plans to Durango into a reality, Durango Colorado Vacations is ready and waiting to help you find just the right rental to top off your stay in style. Reach out today to book direct and get the best price on your day trip rental in the area guaranteed. We never charge any booking fees, and are happy to help make suggestions when it comes to including fun things to do in Durango, attractions, and events on your itinerary you might otherwise overlook. We can’t wait to see you in Durango soon!
