Coming to Durango for Spring Break?

Welcome to Durango, spring breakers! Still planning your spring break trip to Durango and want to have everything planned out before you get here? Or are you more of the type that loves spontaneity? Whether you need to find the best spots to enjoy a local brew and a bite to eat, or you would love to do spring break like a local and check out all of the hidden gems around town, we have the perfect agenda set up for you to have an unbelievable time you won’t forget! If this is your first time to Durango, welcome! You won’t ever want to leave. Or if this is your favorite spot in Colorado like we know it is, then you know there are so many hidden gems to discover; your new adventure is waiting for you! Check out what we think you can’t miss out on for your epic spring break 2023 vacay! As always, be sure to give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram and use our hashtag, #dodurango, to be featured on our page. Happy #springbreak2023!

*Check out our Spring Break Directory for places to stay, daily events and more ideas on things to do in Durango, Colorado! 

Winter Recreation You Can't Miss Out On

Are you ready to send it down the mountain? Is fresh powder and ultimate skiing conditions the reason you came to spring break in Durango? Look no further then to Purgatory Mountain Resort. Telluride Ski Resort and Wolf Creek Ski Resort are also both awesome mountains to check out that are just a short drive out of town! Is skiing not really your thing, but you still want to enjoy the colder weather and the snow? Check out our complete list of places to go ice skating in the area! Not the best on skates either? I understand completely! If you want to save your butt from some bruises, check out the best places to snowshoe around Durango-- all you have to do is walk and enjoy the views! Don't forget to keep an eye out for the majestic wildlife in the area, but please remember, this is their home so don't disrupt them from it. Admire them from a distance and keep them happy!

What to Eat

Let’s be honest, you’re not going to make it very far adventuring through the mountains unless you have some good old fashioned food fuel in you! Here are the best places to grab a bite without breaking your #springbreak2021 budget.

BREAKFAST...

I will personally vote on Rupert’s for having the best eats in town for your early morning escapade. Enjoy a complete, well-balanced breakfast and be sure to order a spicy bloody mary that is paired perfectly with their country fried steak- it’s a hearty meal so be sure to bring your appetite! If you’re looking for a brunch with a bottle of champagne, be sure to stop by El Moro on Saturdays and Sundays for the best late morning breakfast and a bloody marry that will wake you up and prepare you for the adventure that is awaiting you.

LUNCH...

Take a drive through the mountains and head east towards Vallecito Lake, just about 30 minutes outside of Durango. Vallecito Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, with boundless opportunities for recreational activities including cross country skiing, ice fishing and hiking. Stop at the Vallecito Lake Country Market and you’ll be greeted with friendly service and everything else you may need to enjoy your day spent at the lake. When you’re done exploring and you get a little hungry, make sure to stop at the newly renovated, Weminuche Woodfire Grill on the north end of the lake! Cozy up by the fireplace and warm up after all that playing in the snow, or challenge your friends to a game of pool while enjoying some delicious food. 

DINNER...

Steamworks Brewing Company

Ready to wind down and hang out in a great atmosphere after adventuring all day? There’s no better place to go then to Steamworks Brewing Company. Pair any meal with a house-made brew that will not disappoint your taste! From IPAs, to loggers, to stouts, Steamworks has all the choices to satisfy your typical beer of choice. My personal favorites are the Colorado Kolsch, the One Wit Wunder, the Steam Engine Lager, the Third Eye P.A. and the Lizard Head Red. Here’s their full beer list.  Also, check out other menu items here.

Eolus 

I’ll let you in on a little local secret… Eolus has the best burger in town! This burger is so good because the one and only, James Ranch, provides the local, grass-fed beef that fills this burger with such juicy goodness. James Ranch is a local, family-owned ranch located about 10 miles north of Durango. Stop by the ranch if you get the chance and browse their selection of organic foods for purchase! Draft beers, Thai Tinis and red & white wines are all on Eolus happy hour special to pair with your burger! Not interested in a burger and need something a little lighter? They have delicious sushi selections on the happy hour menu as well. The best one is the Hamachi Volcano Roll, if you’re not scared of a little spice! 

Diamond Belle Saloon

Looking for more of an Old Western experience? Head to the Diamond Belle Saloon! The Diamond Belle is one of the most lively spots on historic main street to enjoy dinner and an awesome atmosphere. Everyone that works there will be dressed in full costume and ready to make your time there fun and enjoyable. They will have live music playing almost every night! With a full bar and plenty of seating, the Diamond Belle will accomodate any size group you’re spring breaking with! Make sure to get a fun drink, my personal favorite is Austin City Limits, but here is a full drink menu to see what you might like! If you’re in the mood just for appetizers and cocktail hour, head to The Office Spiritorium, which is adjacent through the lobby from the Diamond Belle!   Be sure to check out the historic Strater Hotel before you leave, there are mysterious things to discover in the lobby and throughout the hotel. 

The After Party

Looking for some night life activities? The best places to go are all on Historic Main Street! Start your night with a classy cocktail at the Derailed Pour House or the El Moro Tavern. If you’re feeling a little more risque, visit the Bookcase & Barber, which used to be a speakeasy. You need more than just your 21+ ID to enter this bar! A secret password is needed to enter, so be sure to look on their Facebook page to find out what it is! If it just so happens to be a Thursday, Steamworks Brewing Company is running their pint night special on select beers for $3! If you want to keep the party going, The Ranch also hosts pint night on Thursdays featuring all beer for $3. If you’re looking to do some swing dancing to a local band over the weekend, The Wild Horse Saloon is the best place in town for it! If you’re doing some day drinking or looking to enjoy some more live music, head on down to the 11th Street Station! They have the best selected food trucks and a rockin’ bar! 

*Check out our Spring Break Directory for places to stay, daily events and more ideas on things to do in Durango, Colorado!