Things To Do
Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar & Restaurant
Wesley & Rose has incredible food sourced from seasonal and local goods. Get a a cocktail or glass of wine and some small plates. My favorites are the parmesan fries, shrimp and polenta, and fried brussel sprouts. If you stay for dinner, get the pizza! My favorite pizza is the Salty Selby, which has the most mouthwatering flavor and slightly salted crust.
The Midland Stop
Little coffee shop right across from the Surf Hotel. Great breakfast burritos.
Buena Vista Roastery Cafe
Cute coffee shop in downtown BV on main street.
the Blend at Buena Vista
Perfect for breakfast or lunch. Yummy bagels, sandwiches & breakfast burritos, plus smoothies/acai bowls.
The Buena Viking
The Viking started as a food truck but just opened a brick and mortar this year! This place has killer burgers and our personal favorite, tater tots. While you wait, grab a great cocktail or mocktail from the window near the truck.
Sorelle Delicatessen
This is a great lunch spot. Sorelle’s is run by two Italian Sisters who have created a great spot in Buena Vista. Our go-to order is the classic Italian sandwich called the Sorelle Italian, followed by cannoli. Don’t miss the cannoli. Everything else is great too, the salads, pasta, and other desserts. They have a great patio where you can enjoy your meal.
Louie's Ice Cream Shop
Delish ice cream. Especially when it's hot as hell, which it will be.
River Runners Browns Canyon Rafting
This is a great whitewater rafting outfitter! Minutes away from downtown Buena Vista. It's really fun to do a half-day trip rafting through Browns Canyon. You can choose between beginner/intermediate or advanced.
Drive Cottonwood Pass + Optional Hike: Lost Lake
This is a stunning scenic drive from town to the top of the collegiate peaks, reaching the continental divide. If you go earlier in the day, you should hike Lost Lake along the way (3.3 mile out and back, 400 feet of gain). It is a quick 1.5-2 hr hike to an alpine lake with an island in the middle; if you’re into cold plunges like my friends and I, you can jump in and swim to the island.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Only 15 minutes away from the Surf Hotel is Mount Princeton Hot Springs. There are countless natural geothermal hot spring pools to soak and relax in. You can alternate between the hot and cold pools. The springs sit right under one of the collegiate peaks, Mt. Princeton, so get ready for epic views.
Short hike: Bridge to Bridge Loop
This is 1.8-mile loop trail that starts at the Surf Hotel and continues along the river path. It's a short scenic hike along both sides of the river. See link below for more information on AllTrails.
Hike Midland, North Broken Boyfriend Loop
This is 3.3-mile loop trail that starts just a short walk from the Surf Hotel. Beautiful views of Mt. Princeton and the Arkansas River. See link below for more information on AllTrails.
Hike Browns Creek Falls
About a 25 minute drive from the Surf Hotel. 5.7-mile out-and-back trail (900 ft elevation gain) that leads you to a spectacular waterfall. The scenery along this route is full of variety. You'll hike through meadows, pine, and aspen forest. Definitely a fun one AND you can get in the water at the end! See link below for more information on AllTrails.
Hike Ptarmigan Lake
The trail passes two high mountain lakes. The first is obvious, and the trail to the second is a little harder to follow, but, it's epic. SEND IT.
Visit Salida
Visit the nearby town of Salida! Salida is slightly larger than Buena Vista and fun to visit for a day. Salida has excellent coffee and croissants at the Red Hen Bakery and other restaurants. It is also a great place to thrift in places like Ruby Blues. And the river is stunning of course.