Visit Historic Salida
Salida is a vibrant mountain town just 30 minutes from the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, known for its lively downtown, arts scene, and easy access to outdoor adventure along the Arkansas River. The historic district is full of local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, art galleries, and boutique stores, making it a great place to spend an afternoon walking around after a morning of hiking or rafting.
Below is a list of Sarah and Tyler’s favorite things to do in Salida, from river activities and scenic hikes to great spots for food, drinks, and exploring the area.
Float Down the Arkansas
On hot summer days, tubing the Arkansas River through downtown Salida is a fun and refreshing way to spend an afternoon. Salida is about 25 minutes south of the Surf Hotel and the float through town passes several play waves and riverside parks. Click photo for more information on how to do this!
salida farmer's market
If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, the Salida Farmers Market is a great stop. Held every Saturday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the summer, the market features local farms, fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade goods, and live music. It’s a great place to grab coffee, breakfast, or snacks before heading out for the day.
check out local breweries
There are tons of great local breweries and restaurants to check out, some of Tyler and Sarah's favorites include High Side! Bar & Grill, The Drift In Bar & Grill, and Boathouse Cantina
check out local restaurants
There are also tons of great local restaurants. Our favorite is The Biker & The Baker (one of our favorite brunches in Colorado!), we also recommend checking out Moonlight Pizza & Shavano
Shop local!
Salida has a large historic downtown filled with locally owned shops, art galleries, boutiques, and outdoor gear stores, making it a great place to wander for an hour or two. Most of the shopping is concentrated along F Street and the surrounding blocks, all within easy walking distance of the riverfront. Parking is generally easy — visitors can park along F Street, nearby side streets, or in the public lots near Riverside Park and the river, then explore the area on foot.
Salida aquatics center
Perfect day activity for families joining us!