7 Towns in The Rockies With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
The Rockies are a vast range of mountains that stretch from northern Canada all the way down to New Mexico. Covering the States of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, there is an enormous amount of towns and unique cultures that call these mountains home.
One of the hardest questions when visiting the Rockies is where to stay. Given the size of the range, many opt to stay in several different towns during their explorations. Here are 7 of the best small towns that you should consider stopping at. Chosen for their mix of useful amenities, notable landmarks, and proximity to parks, this should make the creation of your travel itinerary a little easier.
Taos, New Mexico
In the far north of New Mexico and at the southern edge of the Rocky Mountain range sits the ancient town of Taos, its lands being occupied by humans since 1000 A.D. Set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is mainly known for its Pueblo-style architecture. The historic Taos Plaza serves as the heart of the town with its central square surrounded by unique shops, art galleries, and tasty local eateries, many of which reflect the town’s vibrant arts community and rich Native American heritage. The Taos Pueblo is also very much worth checking out, as it is the oldest building in the area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Taos Art Museum and the Harwood Museum of Art showcase works from the Taos Society of Artists, highlighting the area's longstanding artistic roots. Nearby, the Kit Carson Home and Museum will teach you about the life of the famed frontiersman, who called Taos home in 1826 and was buried there in 1868.
With its walkable streets, historic landmarks, and artistic vibe, Taos’s downtown is a compelling destination for anyone trying to immerse themselves in a town that truly feels like it's from another time.
Banff, Alberta
One of Canada's most recognized gems, the town of Banff in Alberta has earned its reputation world-renowned vacation destination. Located within Banff National Park, the town's central area is framed by the majestic Canadian Rockies, providing a 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains as you walk its streets.
Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is lined with a huge selection of high-end shops, from outdoor gear retailers to designer boutiques, galleries, fancy restaurants, and souvenir stores. Nearby, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is probably the best place in town to learn more about the area’s human and natural history, while the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity will host a new rotation of exhibits in 2024.
Dining in downtown Banff can be an adventure of its own, with restaurants serving everything from gourmet cuisine to hearty, mountain-inspired dishes. Local favorites include the Grizzly House, known for its fondue and exotic meats, and The Bison, offering farm-to-table dining with regionally sourced ingredients.
Outdoor activities are easily accessible from downtown too, with trails for hiking and biking, as well as the hot springs just outside of town for relaxation.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride has a downtown that is both historic and vibrant and makes for a pleasant stop in Colorado. Nestled within a dramatic mountain landscape in the southern portion of the state, it was established as a mining town in the late 1800s. Telluride’s Main Street is where many of the historic buildings, dating back to the Victorian era can be found, with spots like the Sheridan Opera House, built in 1913, remaining as a cultural hub. To this day it hosts performances and festivals year-round. Town Park, located at the end of Main Street, is a central spot for community events, including the renowned Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Film Festival, both of which will be running in 2024.
Beyond its historical charm, Telluride’s downtown is a gateway to outdoor adventures. The town's gondola, providing free rides to Mountain Village, a neat little community that sits at a lofty elevation of 9,600 feet, will also give you stunning views and easy access to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. With this in mind, Telluride is an amazing place to visit in both the summer and winter months of 2024.
Kalispell, Montana
Kalispell is in the picturesque Flathead Valley of northern Montana. Mainly known as an eastern gateway to the iconic Glacier National Park, the town itself is full of charm with its multitude of things to see and do in 2024.
Start your adventure in Kalispell at the Conrad Mansion Museum, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that offers a glimpse into the town's early days (dating back to the 1800s) and is a key historical landmark. The Hockaday Museum of Art highlights local artists and other art pieces that exemplify Montana's mountainous landscapes.
Dining in downtown Kalispell will provide you with many good options, with restaurants like Hop’s Downtown Grill serving delicious American-style foods and Casa Mexico being a hugely popular family eatery. For some country-inspired fun, Moose's Saloon is an iconic bar that serves cold drinks and peanuts, in which you are encouraged to discard the shells right on the floor around you.
Flathead Lake is just south of town and is Montana's biggest lake. Bring your boat or simply explore its rocky beaches, this massive, blue lake is sure to impress you.
Jackson, Wyoming
The town of Jackson combines rustic Western charm with a lively outdoorsy scene, all framed by the stunning Teton Range of Wyoming. The town square, with its iconic elk antler arches, is a central gathering spot. Wooden sidewalks and historic buildings near the arches lend an authentic Old West feel, while luxury stores and art galleries reflect Jackson’s more modern flair.
The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum provides info on subjects from local Native American cultures to the earliest European, American, and Canadian settlers of the area. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, just a short drive from downtown, is among the best museums in the country dedicated to nature-related art.
Many arrive in Jackson for the plethora of outdoor adventures at the nearby national parks. Grand Teton National Park offers world-class hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort just around the corner for a place to rest for the night. Drive a little further north, and you will find yourself in the world-famous Yellowstone National Park.
Breckenridge, Colorado
In the heart of Colorado's Rockies, a direct drive just west of Denver, Breckenridge is one of the best places to start an adventure in the iconic mountain range. It is a premier destination for snowboarding and skiing in Colorado and is equally fun and beautiful in the summer months. Established during the gold rush in the mid-1800s, Breckenridge’s attracts those interested in history and the great outdoors alike.
The Breckenridge Welcome Center, situated in a restored building, will give you a comprehensive look at the town's mining history and development, and provide you with enough info to get your trip started.
Outdoor recreation, like many towns on this list, is integral to Breckenridge’s appeal. The town’s location makes it a premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, with Breckinridge Ski Resort being the epicenter of these activities. In the warmer months, hiking and mountain biking trails are easily accessible from downtown on the same hills.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint is situated on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at the western edge of the Rocky Mountains in Idaho. From boating and fishing on Lake Pend Oreille to hiking and skiing at the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint easily blends its lake town vibe with the adventure the nearby mountains can offer.
In town, you will likely come across the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market, a unique shopping center built on a bridge over Sand Creek. It is a central highlight with its artisan vendors and variety of places to eat and drink. Moreover, Farmin Park, located nearby, is well known for its farmers' markets and outdoor concerts with a number of shows lined up for 2024. Here, you can buy some locally grown produce to the tune of live music.
Be sure to see the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum to get the inside scoop on the history of this wonderful spot in the Idaho Panhandle.
Explore the Rockies in the Best Way Possible
These towns in the Rockies offer some of the best downtown areas in 2024, each blending history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the vibrant streets of Telluride and Taos to the picturesque settings of Banff, Kalispell, Jackson, Breckenridge, and Sandpoint, these towns provide diverse experiences that cater to all interests. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, cultural enrichment, or simply a scenic getaway, the downtown areas of these Rocky Mountain towns promise a memorable and enriching experience for every visitor.
