Things to Do

Hot Springs

  • A more luxurious, family-friendly option with creekside hot springs (where the water bubbles up in the riverbed) and a full spa. It's about a 20-minute drive south of The Surf Hotel.

  • A more rustic, tranquil soaking experience with all-natural geothermal pools. It's about a 15-minute drive west of town up Cottonwood Pass.

Hiking & Walking

  • An easy and accessible system of trails starting right across the river from South Main. It's perfect for a morning walk or short, scenic jog with great views of the Collegiate Peaks.

  • Take a stunning scenic drive or find trailheads for incredible alpine hikes (seasonal access, typically May/June through October).

  • Located next to the hotel, this is a great spot for an easy walk along the river and the perfect place to sit with a coffee and watch kayakers or surfers ride the river's waves.

Fall Foliage & Scenic Drives

  • An incredible, fully paved mountain pass drive (County Road 306) directly west of Buena Vista. It climbs high into the mountains, offering stunning, panoramic views of massive golden aspen groves.

    Stop at Cottonwood Lake about 15 minutes up the road for beautiful reflections of the golden trees on the water.

  • Take a scenic drive south of Buena Vista into the narrow Chalk Creek Canyon, which is lined with aspens. It leads to the incredibly well-preserved St. Elmo Ghost Town.

  • A highly-recommended short drive (approx. 45 min round trip) into the canyon to see one of Colorado's best-preserved 1880s ghost towns, surrounded by fall colors.

    It’s a fun, easy walk through the old town's 40+ abandoned buildings for a great photo opportunity and a unique taste of Colorado history.

  • Drive north from Buena Vista to Twin Lakes (a beautiful stop itself), then continue up Highway 82 toward the summit of Independence Pass for high-alpine leaf peeping. This is one of Colorado's most famous fall color drives.

Surfing, Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

  • The Buena Vista Whitewater Park is right next to the Surf Hotel, featuring standing waves where you can often watch kayakers and river surfers play.

  • Outfitters like Performance Tours Rafting or Browns Canyon Rafting offer guided trips through scenic Browns Canyon National Monument (Class III rapids, great for most skill levels) or other stretches of the river.

Golfing

  • The local 9-hole public course offers a fun, challenging round of mountain golf with incredible views of the 14,000-foot peaks. It offers two sets of tee boxes for a full 18-hole experience.

Learn more

Historic Downtown Buena Vista
& South Main

  • Browse the unique shops, art galleries, and the riverfront area immediately surrounding the hotel.

    Dinning:

    • Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar: The Surf Hotel's own beautiful, sophisticated restaurant. Great for a nicer dinner, incredible cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere right in the hotel.

    • Eddyline Brewery: A local favorite for casual, delicious food and a massive selection of their locally brewed beer. Great patio space.

    • Sorelle Delicatessen: Perfect for high-quality, gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or take-away meats and cheeses for a picnic by the river.

    • Joyful Bakery & Coffee: An excellent spot for a quick breakfast, a morning espresso, or a sweet treat after dinner.

    • Coyote Mezcalería y Cervecería: A unique spot across from the hotel focusing on high-quality mezcal, craft beer, and a cool, laid-back vibe.

    Shopping: Sundance & Friends: An exceptional boutique featuring unique, hand-made items, including sheepskin and leather goods crafted by the family, jewelry, and products from over 50 other artists. A must-visit for unique, high-quality gifts.

    • Forsythe Fine Jewelry: Features fine jewelry handmade using recycled metals and sustainably sourced gemstones. A lovely option for a unique, local memento.

    • Black Burro Bike Shop: For the outdoor enthusiasts, this is the place for bike rentals, gear, accessories, and local trail advice.

  • Take a short walk (or a couple-minute drive) to the main downtown area for more local shops, coffee, and the historic Buena Vista Heritage Museum.

    Dinning:

    • Terrace on Main: Buena Vista's only open-air rooftop bar! Offers unmatched sunset views of the Collegiate Peaks and excellent handcrafted cocktails.

    • Deerhammer Distilling Company: A local craft distillery known for its award-winning whiskey. Stop in for a tasting or a perfectly mixed cocktail.

    • The Buena Viking: Located right next to Deerhammer. Known for serving up an elevated burger and pub experience in a casual, fun setting.

    • Crave: Highly-rated spot for delicious, authentic Italian food and creative pizzas.

    • The Lariat: A Buena Vista staple that often features live bands (check their schedule), a full bar, and a historic atmosphere.

    • Simple Eatery & Spoon-It-Up: Great for salads, soups, sandwiches, and a frozen yogurt bar. A good option for a lighter or healthier meal.

    • Buena Vista Roastery Cafe: A popular spot for high-quality, locally-roasted coffee and a classic mountain-town coffee shop vibe.

    Shopping:

    • Hi-Lonesome Boutique: A fun, trendy boutique offering hand-picked clothing, accessories, and wares that feature a unique "desert mountain" and music-lover style.

    • Rock Paper Scissors: An eclectic shop offering an interesting mix of apothecary goods, home decor, unique plants, and gifts.

    • The Village: A gift shop focused on fair trade and ethically sourced home goods and gifts. Located next to the popular Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar and Louie's Ice Cream Shoppe (a fun hub for families).

    • Once Upon a Trapeze Bookstore: A cozy independent bookstore, perfect for finding a quiet read for the weekend.

For more things to do, check out the Buena Vista & Salida Visitor Guide below:

Buena Vista & Salida Vistior Guide