Buena Vista CO is located at the base of Colorado’s Collegiate peaks, along the Arkansas River. It’s a perfect central Colorado base for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, plus they have great restaurants, charming shops and you’ll find tons of things to do in Buena Vista Co no matter the time of year.
The summer months are high season in Buena Vista and Salida, a nearby town in Chaffee County you’ll also want to explore. We visited in winter though, mostly to go skiing at nearby Monarch Mountain.
Our initial introduction to Buena Vista was merely for the restaurants. But after experiencing the pride and excitement of locals – one who invited us to stay with him and his wife the next time we were in town – I’m captivated by this friendly gem tucked in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN BUENA VISTA CO
- Best With Hot Springs: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of lodging types for any party. This expansive 70-acre resort is surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks with incredible views of the Chalk Cliffs of Mount Princeton. Your stay includes free hot springs entry and VIP access to their Spa & Club.
- Best Views: Welcome to the Surf Hotel, a boutique hotel in the adventure town of Buena Vista, Colorado. Inspired by the understated elegance of European hospitality and the spectacular natural beauty of their home in the Rocky Mountains, their unique perspective and location offer guests a sense of luxury without pretension.
- Best Tried and True: The Best Western Vista Inn is where guests will find all of the amenities and outstanding service customers expect from the Best Western name. Guests staying at this Buena Vista hotel will enjoy well appointed guest rooms, a complimentary breakfast buffet, an indoor swimming pool and spa, and an onsite restaurant.
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN BUENA VISTA CO
Ok, I don’t know if these are the best, but I do know we enjoyed them so much that we went back again during our short trip.
Simple Eatery & Spoon It Up is a little of everything. Simple is a bakery and frozen yogurt shop that offers fresh salads, warming soups, sandwiches, and some interesting and delicious main dishes. Plus you can relax with a glass of wine or craft beer.
My son had the Bison Ravioli on our first trip, a solid choice, but we went back for the steak stroganoff that was a clear menu highlight.
DO NOT MISS. I’ll repeat. Do not miss locally owned Loback’s for applesauce donuts. This historic bakery sells these oh so moist sugary bites from heaven only on Saturdays – so get there early before they are gone.
HOTELS IN BUENA VISTA CO
During our stay we based out of the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs about 15 minutes from downtown Buena Vista, CO. Another hot springs option is Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa. There are several chain lodging options closer to town.
For a luxurious, local experience, the Surf Hotel & Chateau, which is part of the new South Main Street development and located right on the Arkansas River, is the obvious choice.
This section of Buena Vista reminds me of Serenbe in Georgia’s Chattahoochee Hill Country. High-end, high-density housing nestled within a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, parks and even a band shell. For longer visits, you may want to consider renting a home.
CAMPING NEAR BUENA VISTA CO
Another popular lodging option in the area is tent and RV camping. Eighty percent of Chaffee County is managed by Federal and State agencies, so there is no shortage of places to escape to nature.
Choose between locally run campgrounds, KOA and RV parks, as well as ranger district recreation areas.
THINGS TO DO IN BUENA VISTA CO
We discovered Buena Vista on a ski trip, but there is so much to do in this area of central Colorado. Here are a few highlights.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Buena Vista is a perfect hub for mountain bikers. There are 832 miles of trails, most are intermediate to difficult, but there are some easy trails.
Downtown Buena Vista has a pump track at the end of Main Street on the Arkansas River to help get your legs before hitting the trails.
BUENA VISTA WHITE WATER PARK
Buena Vista River Park stretches from the end of Main Street in the historic district to the South Main section of town and offers any number of outdoor activities.
Try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or whitewater rafting. Visit during Memorial Day weekend for the annual CKS Paddlefest.
It is also a popular area for locals to walk and bike along the Arkansas. A stunning loop takes you over the river via two bridges. Bring a camera, there are lots of instagramable spots.
FLY FISHING
Buena Vista is best known for it’s whitewater and endless mountain biking, but it is also a fly fishing mecca. Cast a line in the ‘Ark’ or book a guided trip with one of the many local guides.
BUENA VISTA HERITAGE MUSEUM
I’m a sucker for local history, and Buena Vista has some colorful tales. You can learn all about it at one of the Buena Vista Heritage sites. The main museum is located in the 1882 Historic Chaffee County Courthouse.
Learn more about the areas agrarian past at the Historic Turner Farm and Apple Orchard. During the summer months check out the Friday and the Farm concert series.
The railroad and stagecoach had a huge impact on Buena Vista. Check out the deets at the Buena Vista Depot & Transportation Museum.
Note: These museums are mostly staffed by volunteers and close seasonally so check the website before planning your visit.
ST ELMO GHOST TOWN
I am so mad at myself for missing this during our trip. I saw the signs but thought it was just some broken down buildings. But then I saw pictures.
St Elmo is one of the well-preserved ghost towns with 43 buildings including a saloon, courthouse, and general store. The general store is actually open for business in the summer months!
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Close to Buena Vista is the downhill ski resort Monarch Mountain. But there is also good cross country skiing in the area.
A favorite local trail is at the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Campground. There is a main ski loop suitable for beginners. Don’t have cross country skis? You can rent them at The Trail Head in downtown Buena Vista.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY
Follow us here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | MSN | TripAdvisor | Flipboard
All articles belong to 365 Atlanta Family LLC, and all photos belong to us as well, unless otherwise noted. It’s all copyrighted. Please don’t repost anything elsewhere without asking me first. All rights reserved. This site uses cookies to enhance your experience.
We make no guarantees of any price listed on our site. We are not responsible for content on external web sites linked from ours, including linked resources, an external blog post, any partner site, hotel property sites, or affiliate sites. We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we can’t guarantee you will love them, too.
Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. Several of our trips are also compensated by the respective tourism boards for the city or state we are visiting. This never impacts how we share the destination with you – opinions are always our own and we pride ourselves on that. We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. Don’t even ask.
United States Copyright, 365 Atlanta Family, LLC
View our Privacy Policy | Subscribe to our Newsletter | Contact Site Owner | View Terms & Conditions | About Us
