Eat, Stay and Play in Historic Downtown Durango where you will find beautiful hotels, friendly shops, first class restaurants, famous breweries and many things to do.  Take a stroll through the streets and marvel at the historic buildings and unique shops, sip a gourmet cup of coffee or enjoy some of the rich arts and culture of downtown. 

A stroll down Durango’s Main Avenue is a sensory treat: the Colorado air is crisp and subtly scented by restaurant and café delicacies; on most days the sun streams through the streets, intensifying the colorful store-front awnings and highlighting the neighboring mountain ridge. Streets are a bustle with seasonal snow and commerce and visitors mingling in everyday transactions. Smiles and friendly greetings are commonplace along the downtown’s Main Avenue, where it is safe to walk and explore at all hours, day and night.

Downtown Historic District

Today Downtown Durango is a Nationally Registered Historic District, with something special in store for each visitor. The downtown area has been coined “The living room of the Durango community” by voices of the Durango Business Improvement District, who have a 20-year revitalization plan in store for historic downtown that began in 1997. Downtown Durango is a central part of the city’s allure, business, and history, and Durango leaders intend to continually nurture the beautiful historic district.

What To Do Downtown

Visitors can find something exciting happening downtown throughout the four seasons. Durango is a hidden gem for spectacular outdoor and cultural festivals. Snowdown is a classic Durango winter celebration that has offered much merriment for locals and visitors alike for 27 years. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy challenges like The Iron Horse Classic, a road and mountain bike tournament scheduled each Memorial Day, or the Durango Double, a weekend of trail and road marathons back-to-back (not for the weak of heart). Cultural festivals of all sorts abound, including the bluegrass Durango Meltdown festival, the Cowboy Gathering, the Summer Jazz festival, the beer and music extravaganza Oktoberfest, the holiday Holidazzle celebration, the Durango Arts Festival, and many more!

The Durango Business Improvement Districts offers event marketing grants to various local groups to help promote their events. Events throughout the year included are:

Events

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was the brain child of Tom and Jim Mayer. Jim worked as an engineer on the D & R G W railroad which ran the steam powered locomotive between Durango and Silverton since the 1880's. Tom challenged Jim, a young bicycle enthusiast, to a race to Silverton, so as the train came by the house, the steam whistle would scream and Tom would climb on his trusty old steel framed 10 speed and pedal up over the rim of the old volcano and descend into the caldera to the mining town of Silverton. [ Durango Spring and Summer Planning Guide >>]

Over the years several additional events have been added to the classic train race -- criteriums, circuit races, road races, tours, BMX races, Trials, dual slaloms, team trail rides, and Mountain Bike Races -- a full weekend of events every Memorial Day weekend for the past 31 years. 14,000 people nestled in the mountains of Southwest Colorado www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com

Music in the Mountains Beginning in 1987 with 11 musicians, Music in the Mountains has grown to a three-week festival featuring musicians from around the world and offering orchestral, chamber, conservatory, and Pops concerts. Free performances for children and their families are featured during the Festival. http://www.musicinthemountains.com/

Durango Cowboy Gathering is an exciting, fun-filled event with evening performances and Saturday daytime sessions. Poets and musicians from throughout the country grace our intimate stage at the Diamond Circle Theatre, performing classic and contemporary poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes and keep you in stitches. View the comprehensive autumn schedule of Durango in the fall guide. [ Durango Fall Planning Guide >>]

Holidazzle is an annual Durango [ Durango Winter Planning Guide >>] promotion designed to boost retail traffic and subsequently sales revenues in and around Downtown Durango. Each holiday storefront is a feast for the eyes. View the comprehensive holiday schedule in the winter guide. HoliDazzle time of year officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving - the traditional start of the holiday shopping season.

New Year's Eve Come celebrate New Years with us in Downtown Durango with activities centered around the Crossroads Clock Tower at 11th St and Main. Come out for this fun downtown event anytime between 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

SnowDown Whether you are a local or just someone who needs to attend a week-long mid-Winter party, Durango, Colorado is your kind of place. From the costume ball to the zany street parade, Durango plays host to some eye-popping shenanigans, and people flock to the 2014 SnowDown event. Be sure to follow the theme, and have a crazy good time. It is worth the trip. The SnowDown theme for 2014 is entitled "Safari So Good"

Durango Meltdown - One of the nation's premier indoor bluegrass festivals, Durango Meltdown has been a traditional bluegrass venue for up and coming national bluegrass bands and local and regional talent for over 15 years. This Bluegrass festival includes after hours jamming, specialized workshops, genre-specific dancing and more throughout three indoor venues in downtown Durango. For more information on Durango Meltdown, visit www.durangomeltdown.com

The Boomtown Years

Now, flash back 126 years ago when settlers were flocking to the San Juan Mountains in the hopes of striking it rich in gold, silver, and copper. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad was founded by William Jackson Palmer, and around the railroad, a city was born. Palmer had big plans for Durango. He envisioned a town that would deliver an exceptional “quality of life” in a visually appealing and commerce drawing lay out. Plans consisted of the Main Avenue serving “wholesale” interests and the residential Third Avenue sprawling parallel to Main with a scenic median of planted trees and vegetation.

Links

• Duranglers
• General Palmer Hotel
• Best Western Rio Grande Inn
• The Gable House B&B
• Durango Lodge
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Animas Museum
• Outlaw Tours

Durango, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! With over 300 days of clear blue sky, Durango offers vacationers unlimited adventure;  fly fish the Animas River, ride thru the Rockies or hike the Colorado Trail thru the San Juan National Forest. What are you waiting for!

Since 1983 Duranglers has been the region's source for custom guided fly fishing trips, equipment, flies and information.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in continuous operation for over a century.What better place to remember railroading than a place that has never forgotten it?

Downtown Durango thrives with over 500 shops. Recently voted one of the nation's top "Christmas Towns," Durango offers a multitude of unique diners, coffee houses, and boutiques. A vacation to Durango is a treat for everyone... from extreme the skiers, to anglers, to foodies, to mountain bikers, and yes, to shopaholics.

The Historic Downtown business district of Durango charms everyone who strolls the sidewalks. Each quaint storefront is a feast for the eyes. Plate lunch diners and chic bakeries offer a relaxing break for avid shoppers.

Old timers love the nostalgia of Durango Trains. Urban chic-sters love the vibe and the new cuisine of Durango. Health nuts and marathon bikers choose Durango for its plethora of outdoor things to do in Durango, Colorado. Experience the thrill of over 500 specialty boutiques where you can discover the finest kitchen gadgets and western home decor. The unique lodging options of Durango will tug at your heart and make you want to return year after year. Rock climbers, river runners, and train enthusiasts come here from all over the world. There is nothing like the smell of coffee and bread while strolling through downtown Durango.

Durango Mountain Resort is not like most other ski towns where you basically ski into your hotel off the slope. The town of Durango is located about 30 miles away from the mountain ski slopes, and you do not want to miss the opportunity to experience downtown Durango! A short 30-minute drive to Durango Mountain Resort offers endless runs for snow enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Related Articles:

Nature's Oasis Celebrates 20 Years – The community’s most distinguished market celebrates 20 years in business.

Taste Nature's Bounty this Summer in Durango – Food and wine lovers will rejoice while on vacation in Durango.

Pack Like a Pro for Your Durango Vacation – Prepare for mountain adventures + five-star dining and big-city-style entertainment.

Ride the Rockies Rolls through Durango June 10th – Read about the official route of the cyclists, and make plans to stay in Durango!

Kyle Petty Ride Across America Visits Durango May 2 – a cross-country motorcycle trek to benefit Victory Junction.

This Weekend in Durango – Take advantage of gentle spring weather by getting out and enjoying these Durango events.

Durango Wine Experience - May 2 - 4, 2013. Seminars, wine dinners and tastings. Hundreds of wineries, artisan spirits and craft beers.

Durango Snows and Shows Coming This Week - Plenty of snow on the slopes and many shows and activities downtown.

Durango Snow Report - Snowflakes will fly on Durango ski slopes this coming Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday February 20 – 22, 2013.

True West Magazine Names Durango a Top True Western Town - Fascinating historic structures and authentic heritage events.

Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival - at the Strater Hotel in downtown Durango March 22 - 24, 2013.

Ski Joring in Silverton - Horseback riders pulling skiers. Wow!

Snow is Falling, and Geeks Abound - DMR received 37+ inches, and it is snowing today, January 31st. Snowdown Geeks rule downtown.

Snowdown 2013 Launch Sequence Activated - Get Your Geek On, and participate in Snowdown!

Coffee Appreciation - With 10 places downtown dedicated to coffee, Durango has many options.

Get Your Geek On! - When most people are hibernating, you’ll be having fun at Snowdown. Now is the best time to book your lodging. 

Snowy New Year's Eve - Snow until 6:00 pm, then more powdery white snowflakes during the wee hours after "Auld Lang Syne."

Food, Drink, WiFi, and Durango Community - Nature’s Oasis is a great natural food market in Durango and a cornerstone of the community.

Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee - Enjoy a preview of the awesome talent that is so beloved in Durango.

Santa Sleigh Ride - It's Santa sleigh ride time at the Rapp Corral, Take a ride December 17-24!

Morning with Santa - Saturday, December 15, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the Henry Strater Theatre.

Durango a Top 10 Christmas-Crazy Town - Durango named by FrontDoor.com, which is HGTV's Real Estate website.

Winter Solstice Artisans' Market - Opens this Friday, November 23, 2012 with a special reception 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Holiday Farmers Market - Saturday, December 15, 2012, 8:00 am until NOON at LaPlata County Fairgrounds.

Snowdown 2013 - a weird and wonderful week-long winter celebration in Durango, Colorado January 31 through February 3, 2013


Holidazzle - a special time of year in downtown Durango, Colorado that begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts through New Year’s Day

The Capitol Christmas Tree - Come out and enjoy free festivities at 8th and Main 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on November 9, 2012.

The Polar Express Train - Get on the train, and experience holiday enchantment as The Polar Express™ story comes to life.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Everyone is invited to dine on turkey, trimmings, and homemade pies.

Halloween in Durango - From trick-or-treating for children to an adults-only show, Durango is the place to be on Halloween night.

Mountainfilm - a special film festival supporting Durango Nature Studies. 7:00 pm at Smiley Building Auditorium on Nov. 2, 2012.

Motorless Parade - a special event associated with The Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 10:00 am on Main Street.

Bras Across the Belle - Decorated bras displayed along the railing of The Diamond Belle Saloon to benefit American Cancer Society.

Riding Sidesaddle - An exhibit of portraits of southwestern women with their horses. An event of Durango Cowboy Gathering.

Durango Heritage Celebration - Prepare to enjoy some far-out costumes and have a blast October 11 – 14, 2012.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering - Imagine sitting at a bar when the cowboys (and cowgirls) come ridin' into town.

Outdoor Magazine Ranks Durango as a Top River Town - Readers of Outside Magazine vote Durango, Colorado as a top river town.

Find a New Top - Durango celebrates fashion as art using white cotton tops as art canvas.

Durango Oktoberfest - Durango celebrates all things Bavarian on September 15 and 16.

Ska Brewing 17th Birthday - area breweries gather to celebrate the 17th Birthday of Ska Brewing.

Whole Expo - a great event for people interested in all things holistic and ecological.

Autumn Arts Festival - Head down to Second Avenue in Downtown Durango to enjoy the artisan action September 22 - 23, 2012

Durango Coffeefest - Who doesn't love a good cup of Joe? Join your friends and neighbors on September 11 from 8:00 am until noon.

Southern Ute Pow Wow - You had me at "jingle dress." The Southern Ute Fair and Pow Wow is September 6 – 9, 2012.

10-Minute Play Contest - Take a bow, and enjoy your 10 minutes of fame! August 23rd is the last day to audition.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Downtown Street Closures  - Please take note of a few street closures downtown.

TRUE WEST Railfest Starts Today!  - To learn more or check out the schedule of events, log on to Railfest 2012.

San Juan Brewfest  - Set aside a special day to sample some of the best beer in the world. San Juan Brewfest is on August 25, 2012.

The Bicycle Men  - The musical comedy playing in Durango August 15 – 19, the week leading up to the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Feature Friday - Durango Melodrama & Vaudeville  - A theatre production that is enjoyed by visitors and locals.

Tutu to Brew  - Join in this fun bicycle parade and beer festival at 5:30 pm on August 16, 2012. Don't forget your tutu!

Asleep at the Wheel - Grammy-award-winning band revered for sustaining Texas-based Western Swing.

Foraging and Dining in Durango - Did you know that Durango foodies are currently staying abreast of the latest food trend entitled “foraging?”

Museums Kids Enjoy - Durango has museums that encourage young people (and the young at heart) to build, create, play, and explore.

Iron Horse Chef Competition - Take a morning amble in downtown Durango, and discover the most entertaining booth at the Farmers Market.

Bluegrass, BBQ, and Beer - Durango people sure know how to have fun but raise money for a great cause!

Durango Fiesta Days - A legacy of rural ranching and celebrating, Durango Fiesta Days is the oldest celebrated event in Durango. Colorado.

Duck & Run Race at Mild to Wild Rafting - Launch yourself into a ducky (inflatable kayak) at 29th Street Park

USA Pro Cycling Challenge - Citizen Event - an opportunity for recreational and competitive cyclists to challenge themselves on the course.

Fly Fishing is Up in Durango - Water levels in our Colorado rivers are lower than usual, and people are catching plenty of great fish.

4th of July in Durango -  We always have such a great time with plenty of things to do for the whole family!

Vote Durango for the Best River Town -  Durango is one of ten finalists for Outside magazine’s “Best River Town in America”

Opening Night of Durango Melodrama -  all shows to be performed at the Henry Strater Theatre, June 15 – September 22, 2012

Best Tasting Room in Colorado -  Out of 11 Colorado tasting rooms, Durango's own Ska Brewing was noted for its personality and style.

Canines for the Cure/Bark for Life Festival - The pups will have a blast and we're pretty certain you will too!

Durango Blues Train -  Beer, Blues, Dancing... all while traveling aboard the Durango Train. Book now for June 2, 2012!

2012 World Beer Cup Awards Gold to Durango Brewers - Durango breweries recognized for exceptional beer.

Feature Friday - Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - one of Durango's top attractions and host to Railfest!

Vote Durango Beer City 2012 - Cast your vote for Durango as "Beer City USA 2012," hosted by Examiner.com.

Feature Friday - The Rochester Hotel - Great place to enjoy wine with friends and outdoor music...truly a secret garden in downtown Durango.

Durango Kentucky Derby - a fundraiser for the Durango Arts Center and will be held in the Rochester Hotel courtyard 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Durango Named One of the 20 Best Small Towns in America - Smithsonian.com says the quality they most wanted to see was culture.

Historic Strater Hotel Turns 125 Years Old - Strater Hotel visitors enjoy a variety of events, room tours, and special packages throughout 2012.

The Knight Sky Coming to Durango - Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's newest open air observation gondola.

Vote Durango for Best of the Road! - Your vote could put Durango at the top in the Rand McNally Road Atlas as the "Best of the Road"

2012 USA Pro Cycling Official Route Announced - The race will start in Durango! The Durango to Telluride leg will be the opening day race!

St. Patrick's Day in Durango! - St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, so we're planning on taking full advantage by celebrating right!


Feature Friday - Bobbie Carll - What do you think is Durango's best kept secret? "Our people," says Bobbie Carll

Diapering Durango's Tiny Heinies - Through December 9th please bring diapers, formula and/or baby wipes to Durango locations.


Thanksgiving & Durango.com - giving away one Durango.com DRO sticker every day November 8th through Thanksgiving Day!


Feature Friday: Kogan Builders - Some of the most beautiful homes and land in Durango, Colorado


Durango Named Top Micropolitan Area in the Nation - the strongest economy in the United States, edging out 575 others


TOP Events in Durango - juried garment design exhibition and auction fundraiser for the DAC.


Falling for Fall in Durango - We're drawn to the golden aspens and exploring the beautiful San Juans. 


Feature: The Gable House Bed & Breakfast - a small town atmosphere, and the people are wonderful.  


Wine Tasting Gala & Silent Auction - a Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County fundraiser


Durango Railfest - weekend long event featuring rides on historic trains


Durango's Christmas in July - The Animas Museum celebrates Christmas in July on Saturday, July 16th


Ignacio Bike Week! - more than 22,000 motorcycles riding in grandeur through spectacular scenery


Summer Adventures in Durango! - Let Outlaw Tours be your resource for summer fun!


Call to Artists! - garment design exhibition and auction fundraiser

4th of July in Durango - starting with breakfast at 7:30 am and ending the day with fireworks over downtown


Durango Tour de Brews - safe transport to sample four local breweries in a cool bus named "The Dude."


Durango Blues Train - 3 hours of live blues while traveling by train through San Juan National Forest.


Civil War Event - Old Wounds & a New Community: Impacts of the Civil War on Southwest Colorado

Taste of Durango - showcasing the fabulous fare of our fine restaurants and craft beer.

Durango Wine Experience - Three Days and hundreds of wineries, artisan spirits and craft beers.

Peanuts™ Easter Beagle Train - Read about this top Easter activity the whole family can enjoy.

Snow for Snowdown 2011 - this week for the annual Snowdown celebrations!

Durango, Colorado in the News - Durango added to two "top" travel destination lists

Congratulations HoliDAZZLE Winners! - winners of the window decorating competition.


USA Today Names Durango a Top Weekend Getaway Spot - for its small town feel with plenty of things to do!

First Night/New Years Eve - with activities centered around the Crossroads Clock Tower at 11th St and Main

Bar D Wranglers - Durango's famous cowboy singers bring you a Christmas Jubilee


Noel Night - a very special event in Downtown Durango

Durango Snow Report - Read full details about Durango Mountain Resort's Dec. 6, 2010 Opening

It's Almost HOLIDAZZLE Time in Durango! - HOLIDAZZLE officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving

Halloween Fun in Durango - Trick-or-Treating, Monster Mash Fun Run and special activities for children.


What’s Up in Historic Downtown Durango Downtown events, farmers market, shops, boutiques and restaurants

Evenings on Eighth in Downtown Durango – Weekly summer event, fresh local food and products, live music

Durango’s Salute to America – 4th of July Celebration with food, drink, activities, a festive parade and fireworks

Durango Farmers Market is Now Open – Seasonal market featuring local produce, live music and children’s activities

Downtown Durango is Southwest Colorado’s Shopping Hot Spot – boutiques, shops, galleries and markets

Durango’s HOLiDAZZLE – Christmas Shopping on Main– Holiday shopping celebration with specials and events

Durango, Colorado is Bicycle Friendly – named a bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists