Things to do in Park City

THE AREA

Rated by Forbes as one of the top 20 prettiest towns in America, Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and has been growing ever since. However, the world-class mountain biking and extensive network of hiking trails make it as much a summer sports destination as a winter vacation spot. The historic downtown, upscale shopping and lodging, and gorgeous mountain views all come together to make Park City one of the world’s finest vacation spots.

THE NEIGHBORHOODS

Choosing a Park City vacation rental means looking at a few different neighborhoods: Old Town, Canyons Resort, Deer Valley, Lower Deer Valley, and Prospector. All neighborhoods have unique offerings, but wherever you are, you’ll never be far from the slopes.

What To Do

 

Historic Downtown

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, Park City’s Main Street and historic downtown area date back to the late 1800s, and is regarded as one of the best-preserved metal mining towns in all of Utah. Take advantage of the free trolley to get around, and stop in any of the 100 independent boutique shops or more than 50 unique restaurants. From the center of town, you can take the gondola to world-class skiing, then return to a celebrated après scene and exciting nightlife.

Olympic Park

The exquisite mountain resorts around Park City were host to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic Park facilities are still used today as training grounds for Olympic athletes. There are two museums within the park showcasing the long history of skiing in Park City, and mementos from the 2002 Games. Explore the areas where many of the events were held, including competitions in the bobsled, luge, and ski jumping categories.

Scenic Drives

The Mirror Lake Byway starts 15 miles outside of Park City in the town of Kamas, and ends in Evanston, Wyoming. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Uinta Mountains, along breathtaking high country lakes and rivers, and over the Bald Mountain Pass that brings you up to nearly 11,000 feet. A more popular and equally beautiful drive is the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway. Closed for the winter but perfect for a summer/fall drive, this road connects Park City and Brighton and rises to an elevation of 9,700, giving you unbeatable views of the entire region. A note of caution: It’s steep in areas, and the middle section is maintained gravel. Still, it’s suited for all car types.

Family-friendly Activities

Find ways to please the whole family in Park City. In both winter and summer, you can test your courage on the Alpine Coaster - the longest in Utah - that winds for more than a mile down the mountain and hits speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour. The attraction is conveniently located at the base of Park City Mountain. Come winter, take the family to Gorgoza Park for tubing and mini snowmobiles suitable for kids. For toddlers 1-6, there’s even the fun Fort Frosty, which features a tubing carousel and other snow activities.

Museums

If you can fit a bit of culture into your trip, there are some great museums to choose from. The Park City Museum is an excellent place to start and will teach you all about the heritage and history of this famous mining town. Open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving, this is a must visit for anyone new to Park City. The Kimball Art Center offers art classes and has several rotating exhibits, so check the calendar to see what’s happening here during your visit. The Alf Engen Ski Museum inside Olympic Park showcases the long history of skiing in the U.S. Forest Service’s Intermountain Region.

Outdoor Adventures

Adventure seekers and outdoors enthusiasts from all over the country head to this area for its rugged and beautiful terrain. White water rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are popular all summer and fall, and when the snow hits, snowshoeing, mountaineering, sledding, and cross-country skiing take over. If you’re new to any of these, there are plenty of tours and guides to help you get your feet wet.

Where to eat in Park City

Twisted Fern

One of the best places to enjoy an apres treat, head here for food and drinks after a full day of skiing. Focusing on classic American dishes with a creative twist, Twisted Fern is a great spot for foodies at a reasonable price.

High West Distillery and Saloon

Utah is proud to have cast the 36th vote that ultimately ended prohibition, and its rich tradition of distilling is on display here. Come into the High West Distillery and Saloon, take a tour, try a whiskey, and experience the unique menu with items like bacon and cashew caramel corn, or chicken schnitzel.

Five5eeds

Known for its coffee but attracting more and more crowds with its local and seasonal fare, Five5eeds is a great spot for a healthy, casual meal. Try the super grain salad, or their unique spin on avocado toast, which includes feta, mint, watercress, pickled red onion, beet relish, and scared lime.

Riverhorse on Main

One of the best restaurants for fine dining in Park City, Riverhorse on Main has made a name for itself by perfecting traditional western dishes. Its famous trio of wild game dish features buffalo, venison, and elk, and its take on nut-encrusted halibut has garnered rave reviews. Be sure to get a reservation, which can be made through OpenTable.

Edge Steakhouse

With award-winning chef Wayne Christian at the helm, you know you’re in for a treat at Edge Steakhouse. Open for dinners Tuesday-Saturday, here you can try the celebrated Wagyu steaks (beef from the Japanese cattle known for their amazing quality), or their creative spin on traditional mashed potatoes.

Chimayo

At Chimayo, you’ll experience the full range of culinary influences found in the Southwest, from Mexico up to Utah. With an ambiance and decor to match the regional menu, it’s a perfect evening of Southwest flavor. By fusing regional dishes, Chimayo offers creative dishes such as duck enchiladas, trout fajitas, and elk entrees.

Getting around in Park City

Vacationing in Park City is one of the most convenient ways to get to some of the country’s best skiing and outdoors activities. Here’s why:

  • Salt Lake City Airport is becoming a major destination for air carriers. Already, eight U.S. airlines have direct flights to SLC, including Delta, United, Frontier, Southwest, Alaska, Boutique, American Airlines, and JetBlue. Many of these flights arrive before 12 p.m., which eliminates the need for a complete travel day.
  • The airport is only 35 minutes from Park City. Rent a car, or choose from the many shuttles that offer service to and from SLC and Park City. 
  • Once you’ve arrived, take advantage of the city’s free public transportation, including an old trolley that takes you through downtown. In the summer, there are plenty of bike rentals and bike paths as well.
  • The city is located at the base of two world-class ski resorts: Deer Valley and Park City. Wherever you choose to stay, you won’t be far from powder days and terrain parks.

Things to do in Park City

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