Best hotels in Durango
The Rochester Hotel and Leland House
726 East 2nd Avenue, CO 81301
Stay at this Downtown Durango hotel, a few blocks from the Animas River, and behind the neon sign, you’ll discover a building with plenty of historic charm – from the columned facade to the secret garden. There are 15 luxurious rooms to choose from, each themed around Westerns filmed near Durango.
The General Palmer Hotel
567 Main Avenue, CO 81301
The General Palmer Hotel stands proud in the heart of Durango’s National Historic District and the building itself is something of a treasure. The decor preserves its Victorian-era heritage and Southwestern hospitality comes as standard – that’s why the hotel has made AAA’s four-diamond list since 1976.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Durango
21719 US-160, Durango, CO 81301
Family-friendly, equipped for business and with a fantastic location next to US-160, Fairfield Inn & Suites makes a great base for all kinds of trips to Durango. There’s a stylish lobby, meeting rooms, a fitness center and a pool, alongside a free breakfast to set you up for the day.
Best restaurants in Durango
Durango Diner
947 Main Avenue, CO 81301
This landmark restaurant, set in the heart of Downtown, manufactures jars of green chili sauce with a red-hot reputation – letting you take home a great-tasting souvenir. At the diner, you can enjoy a breakfast sandwich or blueberry hotcake, try something spicy or fill up on a hearty roast beef dinner.
Seasons of Durango
764 Main Avenue, CO 81301
Cozy and inviting Seasons of Durango serves the freshest food from its exhibition kitchen, complete with oak-fired grill – viewable from the main dining room. Try bone-in pork chops, rotisserie ribeye or Skuna Bay salmon. You can also enjoy an asparagus salad or plate of mussels from the separate private dining rooms.
Eat Zawadi
509 8th Avenue, CO 81301
Sample Durango’s international fare at Eat Zawadi. Chef Arnold Safari brings together inspiration from his Kenyan roots, plus a wealth of experience in Germany, Sweden and Spain. If you’re new to plantain and falafel, try the African Street Platter or dig into curried mac and cheese. There’s chicken tagine, Moroccan lamb and vegetarian options.
What to do in and around Durango
Animas Museum
3065 West 2nd Avenue, CO 81301
The history of Durango is showcased at Animas Museum, which doubles up as a research library and is set in a 20th-century school building. You’ll learn about local railroads, Old West and Native American history – plus, Peterson House and the Joy Family Cabin are located on the campus.
Chapman Hill Ice Rink
500 Florida Road, CO 81301
Durango is known for its winter sports, so why not stop by at one of the best places to try skating or skiing in the area? This center has a seasonal ski hill, perfect for learning the fundamental before tackling slopes on the Colorado mountains – plus hockey games and a drop-in league.
Mesa Verde National Park
35853 Road H.5, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81328-9325
It’s possible to journey from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park in just 40 minutes. It’s well worth the drive to see the Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Palace, the largest such cliff dwelling in North America. While you’re here, embark on an amazing scenic drive, the Mesa Top Loop, to encounter more Pueblo history.