Transportation – Downtown Durango – Business Improvement District

Durango takes pride in its on-going development as a “multimodal” community – or a town where one doesn’t necessarily need a car to get around.

The City of Durango has developed an extensive public transportation system within the City limits, which includes the big red trolleys and small buses, all donning the Durango “T” logo. Stops are scattered throughout town, but all routes include the Durango Transit Center, 250 W. 8th St. in the heart of Downtown Durango. In addition to providing a hub for local connections, it also serves as a regional transit facility for all of Southwest Colorado, including the Ignacio Road Runner and Greyhound.

Durango, given its “connectivity,” was named a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Wheelmen in Washington DC. Following an audit, the organization ranked Durango at the Silver level. Essentially, one can access most every corner of the city on a bicycle, including the miles of soft surface recreational trail heads within or just outside city limits.

Walking remains a time-honored mode of transportation, and Downtown Durango is indeed pedestrian-friendly, with just about every retail necessity within a few blocks’ walk.

Parking in Downtown Durango – Business Improvement District

Downtown Durango has in excess of 1,000 on-street metered parking spaces, with parking enforced Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vehicles may park free of charge on weekends and holidays. Meter time limits vary (24-minute, 2-hour, 3-hour and 10-hour) and the meters accept nickels, dimes, quarters or parking tokens obtained from the City of Durango or participating Downtown merchants.

Two-hour limit handicapped parking spaces are scattered throughout the Downtown, clearly marked with designated signage. All vehicles parked in these spaces must have a valid handicap plate or placard. Those with a handicap plate or placard may park for an unlimited time in a non-handicapped metered space without activating the meter.

The City of Durango operates four permit parking lots (three on East 2nd Ave. and the Car Park along Camino del Rio between 7th and 8th Streets). Permits, purchased from the Parking Division at the Transit Center, are required Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No permits are required to park weekdays after 5 p.m., or on weekends and holidays.

Service & Accommodations in Downtown Durango

Durango is a “real” town, with real folks conducting business, living life – it just happens they’re doing it all in paradise.

Though Durango is essentially far-afield from any established urban area, its historic buildings and unique nooks and crannies house virtually every service required of today’s consumer. Ask. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

When guests seek lodging, Durango’s Historic Downtown offers a variety of options. Step back in time at Durango’s authentic historic hotels; enjoy more residential suites in family-owned properties; or discover Durango’s version of the “name” hotels chains reputed across the country for their fine service and accommodations. The Durango area offers lodging options to suit the needs of most every traveler.

Arts & Entertainment in Downtown Durango

Though Durango is set far from the bright lights of the big city, the footlights are not dim in the Historic Downtown. Durango enjoys both a wealth of entertainment options and a rich arts culture perhaps unexpected in most rural communities.

Music is a central part of the fabric of Historic Downtown Durango. Local performing artists (many of whom tour the country but call Durango “home”) perform regularly in various intimate venues. Plus, those of national renown find their way to Durango as well. Why? Because Durango is a special place, and they know it. From traditional Bluegrass and cool jazz to superior classical music and the latest in contemporary sounds, Durango’s hills are alive with the sounds of music.

As for the visual arts, the Historic Downtown both embraces its heritage and supports tomorrow’s artists and artisans. From perhaps most any vantage point, one can, through a casual glance, view examples of Durango’s commitment to the arts – from the historic photo project bridging yesterday and today, to Trout Wall along the Animas River Trail to the dramatic sculptures that dot the Downtown. A growing artists’ community, Durango sports numerous fine art galleries, as well as the Durango Arts Center, a hub for the artistic community.

Shopping & Dining in Downtown Durango

From children’s boutiques and fashion chic, to world-famous galleries and foods quite unique, Durango holds a proverbial treasure trove of fun and fascinating shopping and dining opportunities.

If Durango’s creative and independent retailers were to assemble a shopper’s guide, it would surely prove to be one of the most fun-filled tools for finding “just the right thing” for every friend and family member – a well as the necessities for living in paradise. Any shopping experience is as varied as those who shop, and Downtown Durango meets the challenge.

When it comes to dining, Durango’s penchant for including food as a vital part of “quality of life” is evident. Downtown Durango boasts dozens of excellent restaurants, and many surprised visitors favorably compare their meals at these independent establishments to the finest eateries in the big “restaurant” cities. Cuisine is far-reaching, ranging from progressive and ethnic to the more traditional eateries that embrace the area’s ranching heritage.

An established Farmers Market, locally roasted, Fair Trade coffees, award-winning hand-crafted beers, mustards, salsas, honey, fruit preserves, even world class chocolate – all courtesy of Durango, Colorado.