Best Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado in Summer: Scenic Drives, Downtown Charm & Hot Springs
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray, Colorado is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re planning a summer getaway packed with mountain views, charming small-town vibes, and rejuvenating hot springs, Ouray is the perfect place. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Ouray, Colorado in the summer—including where to stay, what to see, and how to relax.
🍽️ Favorite Dining Spot: Brickhouse 737
One of our favorite things to do in Ouray, Colorado in the summer? Enjoy a meal at Brickhouse 737. Located right on Main Street, this stylish yet cozy American restaurant offers a seasonal, farm-fresh menu with global inspiration. It’s the kind of place where every dish feels both elevated and comforting—perfect after a long hike or relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Some of our top picks: the rich and flavorful Elk Bolognese, tender Braised Short Rib, and crisp Petite Wedge Salad. They also have fantastic options for special diets, like the Eggplant Cauliflower served with coconut yogurt sauce—a vegan favorite.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between upscale and laid-back, making it ideal for both a romantic dinner or a relaxed family meal. If you’re planning where to eat in Ouray, don’t skip Brickhouse 737—it truly completes the experience.
🏞️ Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Ouray
Ouray is a nature-lover’s paradise, offering some of the most spectacular views in Colorado. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, lush pine forests, and wildflower-filled meadows, the scenery here is worth the trip alone.
- Drive the Million Dollar Highway – One of the most scenic drives in the U.S., this stretch of Highway 550 winds through cliffs, canyons, and overlooks with jaw-dropping vistas. It’s especially breathtaking in summer when the road is clear and wildflowers are in bloom.
- Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail – A moderate loop hike that circles the entire town with incredible lookouts, waterfalls, and shaded forests.
- Visit Yankee Boy Basin – If you have a 4WD vehicle or take a guided tour, this alpine basin is one of the most photographed wildflower spots in the state.
🏘️ Explore Historic Downtown Ouray
Downtown Ouray is small but full of character. With original 19th-century buildings, locally owned shops, and welcoming cafes, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and every corner is photo-worthy.
- Browse art galleries, gem shops, and local boutiques
- Grab a coffee or an ice cream cone and stroll Main Street
- Visit the Ouray Alchemist Museum, filled with vintage medical artifacts and mining history
You’ll also find great spots to eat, whether you’re in the mood for casual mountain fare or a cozy dinner with a view.
💦 Relax in Ouray’s Natural Hot Springs
No trip to Ouray is complete without a soak in the mineral-rich hot springs. These geothermal pools are naturally heated and perfect for unwinding after a hike or scenic drive.
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool – The largest and most family-friendly, featuring multiple pools, lap lanes, a shallow kids’ area, and slides—all with mountain views.
- Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings – A quieter, more intimate experience with a vapor cave and private tubs.
- Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs – Great for guests looking for an all-in-one stay with spa treatments and several soaking options. WE STAYED HERE!
- Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs – Known for its redwood tubs terraced into the hillside, surrounded by stunning forest scenery.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Ouray
Whether you’re after a historic hotel, modern resort, or rustic mountain cabin, Ouray has it all:
- Beaumont Hotel & Spa – An elegant, restored Victorian hotel with luxury rooms and an upscale feel.
- Ouray Riverside Resort – Offers riverside RV spots, cabins, and lodge rooms with family-friendly amenities.
- Ouray Main Street Inn – A quaint and convenient inn just steps from downtown shops and restaurants.
- Vacation Rentals – For families or longer stays, there are plenty of Airbnb and VRBO listings offering private homes with full kitchens and mountain views.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Ouray, CO in the Summer
From hiking and scenic drives to hot springs and charming shops, there are endless things to do in Ouray, Colorado in the summer. Whether you come for a weekend getaway or a full mountain vacation, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired by this peaceful mountain town.
Planning Tip: Summer is peak season in Ouray, so be sure to book lodging early, especially if you plan to visit in July or August.
