Where to Stay in Buena Vista (Best Areas & Hotels)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a small Colorado town, but there are several areas where you can stay, depending on what you’re doing. 

North Buena Vista is the area you approach from Leadville and other northern areas. Historic downtown has buildings from the 1800s that have been turned into museums, shops, and restaurants. South Main is a newer area, built near the Buena Vista River Park.

Collegiate Peaks

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Recreation | ✨ Best Collegiate Peaks Hotels: Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort • Buffalo Peaks B&B • Deer Valley Ranch Resort

The Collegiate Peaks backdrop Buena Vista to the west. Head this direction to access Cottonwood Pass and Chalk Creek Drive, which leads to my top-recommended stay: Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. It’s one of the best hot springs in Colorado, offering creekside pools and family-friendly water slides, plus on-site dining and cozy lodging.

The western side of town is also closer to hiking trailheads, waterways for rafting and fly fishing, and even snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. It’s truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Pros of Staying Near Collegiate Peaks:

• Feels more open
• Near nature and wildlife
• Outdoor activities like hiking and cross-country skiing

Con of Staying Near Collegiate Peaks

• Not close to shops & restaurants

Historic Downtown Buena Vista

👉 Best Area For Old Town Vibes | ✨ Best Historic Buena Vista Hotels: The Inn • Best Western Vista Inn • Shorehouse Hotel

Historic downtown Buena Vista puts you close to the town’s best attractions. Enjoy shopping, restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. The town history museum is also on Main Street. If you walk all the way down to the end, you’ll be at the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, where there’s a variety of outdoor activities.

In this area, I especially recommend The Inn. This boutique hotel features laid-back, yet luxurious interiors and an unbeatable location along Main Street.

Pros of Staying in Historic Downtown Buena Vista:

• Lots of shops and restaurants
• Hiking, biking, and river sports nearby
• Historic buildings

Con of Staying in Historic Downtown Buena Vista:

• Main Street can get crowded in season

North Buena Vista

👉 Best Area For Rafting | ✨ Best Buena Vista Hotels: Five Peaks Inn • Slackwater Inn • Best Western Vista Inn

Several rafting outfitters are located along Highway 24 as it approaches Buena Vista. Staying on the north end of town means you’ll be close to those spots and ready for a day on the water.

You can also find some relatively affordable accommodation options in this area, like the Best Western Vista Inn.

Pros of Staying in North Buena Vista:

• Near rafting outfitters
• Close to the Arkansas River
• Beautiful views

Con of Staying in North Buena Vista: 

• Farther from historic Main St. restaurants and shops

South Main

👉 Best Area For Newer Buildings | ✨ Best South Main Hotels: Surf Hotel & Chateau • South Main Residences by Surf Hotel • The Inn

South Main is a newer area of Buena Vista. The Surf Hotel & Chateau was built overlooking the Arkansas River, and you’ll get beautiful views of the river and mountains. And while buildings from the 1800s have their charms, this is where to stay if you are the type of traveler who really appreciates newer hotels and nice eateries.

Pros of Staying in South Main:

• Modern buildings and conveniences
• Close to the Arkansas River
• Close to new restaurants

Con of Staying in South Main:

• Not as many shops & restaurants as the historic district

Tips for Staying in Buena Vista

Hydrate!

Buena Vista may not be as high up as nearby Leadville, but at 8,000 feet above sea level, a lot of the same rules apply!

Make sure you drink plenty of water or sports drinks while exploring Buena Vista attractions — and especially if you’re outside getting exercise. In fact, experts recommend drinking between 3-4 liters of water and hydrating liquids a day when you’re at high altitudes. 

Use Plenty of Sunscreen

Sunscreen can be easy to forget when it’s 20 degrees outside, but you can get just as burned during Colorado winters (or worse, thanks to the sun’s reflection on the snow!). You’ll want .04 ounces of sunscreen on your face, or enough to fill the bottom of a shot glass, plus sunscreen for your neck, ears, hands, and any other exposed areas. Be sure to reapply!

Give Yourself Time 

If you’re not used to high altitudes, you may need a day or two to acclimate to 8,000 feet. Plan on extra breaks while hiking or biking. If you’re planning an extremely strenuous activity like climbing a 14er, do that a day or two after you arrive so you have time to adjust. 

If you’re traveling from sea level, you may also want to spend a day or two in Denver to allow your body to adjust.

👉 Read Next: The Best Places to Stay in Denver CO

Know When to Get Help

If you have trouble breathing, or if mild symptoms of altitude sickness get worse, seek treatment. It can be frustrating to spend part of your trip getting medical help, but it’s much better to get it treated sooner rather than later.

Layer Up

In winter, you’ll likely want several layers on your Colorado packing list, including warm base layers, shirts, sweaters, and a good jacket. In summer you’ll want layers, too! If you plan to be outdoors in summer, you can go from a cool mountain morning to warm sun, back to a chilly breeze in almost no time. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Buena Vista

What is Buena Vista Known For? 

Buena Vista is known for its excellent rafting on the Arkansas River. There are several rafting outfitters in and near town, and rafters can paddle through Browns Canyon National Monument on a thrilling ride.

Buena Vista is also known for the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, which includes the college-named 14ers Mount Princeton, Mount Harvard, and Mount Yale. Many people climb these mountains, or enjoy other hikes and mountain bike rides in the area. 

What City is Buena Vista Near? 

Buena Vista is near the cities of Salida, Leadville, Nathrop, Granite, and Fairplay. 

What is There To Do In Buena Vista? 

Things to do in Buena Vista during summer include rafting, hiking, and paddling at the whitewater park. In winter, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or check out the breweries, distillery, and shops in town. Year-round, you can visit the hot springs that dot the area.

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Buena Vista is truly one of the best places to visit in Colorado. You’ll find fewer crowds and plenty of outdoor activities for families or for serious hikers and adventurers. You’ll also find places to rest at night after a day of exploring, from mom-and-pop motels to new, upscale hotels.