the insider’s guide to park city

While I can't afford to live in Park City, I've been there so much in the last 3 years alone that I've racked up quite the itinerary. The thing I love about travel blogs is that you get personal insight and recommendations you wouldn't find by just searching the area. Park City deserved something like that.

*Park City is a very touristy place year-round. Lots of people come in the summer/winter on top of all of the Utahn's that do staycations here. Know that weekends will almost always be crowded.*

Things To Do

year round

Shopping On Main Street

Majority of the stores are your typical high-end stores with inflated prices. There are a couple chain stores like The North Face, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Lululemon, and Free People, as well as some more affordable options. You'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to shop. You're probably going to be surprised by how many stores main street actually has.

Stores To Check Out:

Dolly's Bookstore/Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Dolly's is a darling bookstore with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory directly connected to it. Growing up I'd get a caramel apple every time I came to Park City and I would always look forward to it. The Oreo and apple pie are the best! Plus, they can cut them for you making it easier to eat.

Mountain Town Olive Oil

The best place to get balsamic/olive oil. Their Tuscan herb olive oil is so versatile, I love it.

Outfitter Trading Co

This place has some trendy higher quality Park City apparel. I love their 3/4 zips. It's at the bottom of main street across from Atticus Coffee and Collie's Sports Bar.

Tanner Trading

Burns Cowboy Shop

New West KnifeWorks

Outlets Park City

Down in the Junction Commons there are a ton of chain, local, and outlet stores like Abercrombie and Fitch, Nike, and Columbia. I will say that over the years the number of actual outlets is dropping but it's still worth checking out.

Red Pine Gondola

Now open for scenic rides in both winter and summer this is one of the most popular gondolas in Utah. At the top is Red Pine Lodge which has restrooms and a restaurant. Bike haul is also available if you don't want to make the trek up the mountain.

Sundance Resort

Sundance is about a 45-minute drive from Park City but there is a ton to do there and it's worth visiting even just for the views. There are Scenic Lifts, Mountaintop Yoga, Horseback Riding, Hiking, and more. They even have Full Moon Lift Rides. Their big wow is the Sundance ZipTour. It is one of the most exciting and scenic zip tours in the world. Plus, there is over 2,100 feet of vertical drop which is apparently the most of any zip tour in the United States.

Yoga

If you're into yoga, there are a ton of opportunities to do that here. So many classes and adventures available for you to choose from in both studios and mountaintop.

Park City Museum

The museum is a great option if you have kids. Ages 17 and under are free. It's a self-guided visit that takes about an hour to complete. They have all sorts of pieces of history available to see.

The Homestead Crater

The crater is a geothermal hot spring in Midway, Utah. You can swim, soak, snorkel, or scuba dive. The average temperature is 95 degrees with a depth of 65 feet. Reservations are required!!

Farmer's Market

This usually happens every Wednesday at the Park City Mountain beginning in May. Obviously, things like this change year to year so do your research.

Woodward

This place has everything you need for the risk takers. Trampolines, mega ramps, massive skateparks, foam pits, a Resi landing, BMX dirt jumps, and SO MUCH MORE. It's for sure something to add to the list.

Autumn

Visit The Park City Garden

My friends and I had so much fun getting pumpkins from here and then painting them at the city park. They also have really good coffee and it's a great photo location.

Scenic Drive

You can do this any time of the year but it's especially beautiful in the fall. I'd recommend driving up to Guardsman's Pass Overlook for killer views and a perfectly timed drive.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

While this would also be fun in the summer, I'd say this is the best time scenery wise to take a ride in a hot air balloon if it's been on your bucket list.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is very popular in the fall here. We have the Provo and Weber River as well as Jordanelle Reservoir. There are lots of guides in the area to help especially if you've never been.

Winter

Tubing At Woodward

I would describe Woodward as an adventure park here in PC. Averaging at only $55 per person, you can go tubing for 2 hours on Utah's longest tubing lanes. Riders must be able to ride solo so parents your kiddos better be daredevils. This is absolutely something I'm doing this winter.

Skiing/Snowboarding

If you're in Park City during the wintertime, then this is probably why. There are so many places to ski and snowboard in Park City as well as nearby. Make note that it's incredibly expensive for any kind of pass no matter where you go. Also keep in mind that Deer Valley Resort is SKI ONLY.

Holiday Christmas Market - Limited Dates In December

I went to this for the first time recently and it was cute. It's the Park Silly Market but for a few days during the winter inside the Hilton next to Fresh Market. It's the perfect place for getting some last-minute Christmas gifts.

Snowmobile Tour

There are a ton of options for you to go snowmobiling here in Park City so if you're interested, I'd book one of the adventures offered here.

Bobsled Experience

This one is for my adrenaline junkies. You have the chance to ride in a bobsled at the Utah Olympic Park. It's very intense. I mean VERY so prepare for that. From what I've caught you also have to be at least 16 years old and weigh 100+ lbs.

Spring/Summer

Park Silly Sunday Market

This is a market that happens nearly every Sunday on Main Street in the summer/early fall. I go as often as I possibly can it's so much fun. There is live music, food trucks, and some amazing vendors. One thing I actually love is that it isn't really a farmers' market. It's got more of your clothing, jewelry, art, and home decor with a couple snack/drink vendors.

2025 Dates

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | July 13, 20, August 31 | September 7, 14, 21

Market Hours: 10am – 5pm | Rain or Shine

Be sure to check out High Mountain Lemonade, Volker's Bakery, Bramble Market, The Doodling Nomad, Barbudo Beard Products, and Blue Bison Apparel if they're there. There are so many other good vendors, but I am terrible and forget to grab names.

Park City Mountain

Ziplining, Alpine Slide, Alpine Coaster, Scenic Ski Lift, Horseback Riding Etc.

The alpine slide here is actually one of the longest in the world at over 3,000 feet. They also offer a bundle purchase that allows you to ride both the alpine slide and the alpine coaster. The Park City Mountain has pretty much all of the adventurous things to do in stunning scenery.

Deer Valley's Silver Lake Express

Scenic Ski Lift Ride + Optional Hiking/Biking

Jordanelle Reservoir

A great lake for paddleboarding, boating, and even camping. They also offer all sorts of boat rentals. If you do have the opportunity to camp here, I'd recommend it.

Golfing

There are 8 golf courses in Park City alone and A TON more within just 20 miles. I'm yet to go to any of them because they can be pretty expensive but maybe 2025 will finally be the year. I've heard great things about the courses though!

Mountain Biking or Trail Riding

I'm a very mediocre mountain biker so I haven't tried that out yet, but I've done a little bit of trail riding which was super fun. Park City is very well known for biking especially since there are an infinite number of places to go.

Outdoor Concerts

Deer Valley Resort has all kinds of summer concerts you can attend. I've only been here once, and it was to see Phillip Phillips. Hopefully this year I can attend another. A major bonus is that you are allowed to bring in your own food, excluding alcohol.

City Park

The City Park is just a short walk from Main Street and is right next to the library as well as Lucky Ones Coffee. It features a skate park, softball field, I believe both tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, soccer field, basketball court, volleyball court, and pavilions. It's a great place to go for a picnic or to just get outside. Plus, it's pet friendly!!

Park City Showcase Of Homes

I had to add this in here because I love interior design and architecture more than anything. There are VERY few days that this happens each year. I'm talking maybe 5 days max. It's usually during late summer - end of August/first week of September. You get to tour brand new homes by some of the most amazing builders in the area. I look forward to this every single year.

Rent E-Bikes

These are extremely popular, and you'll see people riding them everywhere. I've never done this but I'm sure it's enjoyable!

Food

One thing Park City is known for that people don't talk about enough is the food. They have SO MANY restaurants on main street alone. Keep in mind Park City is a ski town, and things tend to be higher end, so a large chunk of these places are extremely pricey. There are also so many to choose from that I haven't been to most of them, but I included all of the ones on my list to try.

Personal Recommendations

Davanza's - $

A very affordable pizza joint right off of main street. This place is mine and my family's go to when we need a quick bite. I've grown up going here so this will forever be my #1. Also, I won this debate against my parents. It's pronounced duh-von-zuhs NOT duh-van-zuhs.

Drafts Burger Bar - $$

Arguably the BEST burger joint here in Utah. You've also got to try the mocktails. They always have 2 options, and I've noticed they change them up every couple of months. Food wise, starting with appetizers, you have to try the 'Tatchos'. I'm not a fan of nachos or tater tots but these are banger. As for main courses, I'm a major fan of the 'Southern Hospitality' and 'I Love Garlic' burger. This place is conveniently located in Canyons Village, and it's a hopping place in the winter for skiers and snowboarders, so be prepared for longer wait times.

Hearth and Hill - $$$

I went here for my 18th birthday dinner. This place is a tad bit pricier, and it's actually located in Kimball Junction. The interior is beautiful, and food is amazing. I never stop thinking about the 'Burrata Caprese' I got from here.

*Reservations Recommended*

Fuego Bistro and Pizzeria - $$

Fuego is an Italian restaurant over by Park City high school. Appetizers are amazing. We got the 'Roasted Mozzarella Focaccia' which was so yum. Pizza is also amazing. We did the 'Jupiter Pie' and 'Fuego Blanco'. I didn't personally try their pasta, but my friend said it was heavenly. None of us got sandwiches either but their roasted caprese looks SO GOOD. To add even more to your list of things to try, this is a place you can't skip dessert at. You absolutely have to get their 'Fuego Limon'. Trust me when I say just get one and share it though.

Wasatch Brewery - $$

I've only been here once and honestly, it's not a top option, but it's affordable. It's your basic American, and they've got some good picks.

Baja Cantina - $

A very affordable Mexican restaurant located just outside the Park City Mountain. It is by no means anything fancy, but it's always tasted pretty dang good. Hits the spot on a cool summer day.

Other Recs

$$$$ - Starting At $100 Per Person

Fireside

Firewood

Riverhorse

The Nelson Cottage

$$$ - $50-100 Per Person

Grappa

350 Main Brasserie

Chimayo

Purple Sage

KANEO

Fletcher's

Pine Cone Ridge

Handle

Tupelo

$$ - $20-50 Per Person

Five5eeds

Salt Box Eatery and Catering

The Eating Establishment

501 On Main

Bangkok Thai

Collie's Sports Bar

Buona Vita

Tekila

LOMA

Twisted Fern

The Bridge Cafe and Grill

Windy Ridge Cafe

Lookout Cabin

$ - $20 Or Less Per Person

Deer Valley Cafe

Luna's Kitchen

Harvest

Best Coffee Joints

Atticus Coffee and Teahouse

My all-time favorite coffee shop. The vibes. The coffee. The food. I spend so many hours here in the summer it's not even funny. There is indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and all sorts of little gifts, books, and teas available for purchase.

Pink Elephant

The coffee here is in my opinion very expensive just for a latte... however, it does taste hella good. The location is kind of hidden as well so you might need to pull out your maps.

Tina's Bakery

You MUST get an empanada while you're here. My favorites are the traditional beef, pulled pork, and the chorizo picante. They are even better if you get their chimichurri for dipping. Speaking coffee, their dulce de leche latte is HEAVEN.

Silver King

Silver King is a drive through coffee shop with some outdoor seating available. I've only been here once but I definitely will go again soon. I loved their 'Cinnamon French Toast' latte!!

Lucky Ones Coffee

I've never been here, and I actually discovered it while researching for this blog. The style it carries is very Park City which I love. From their website (luckyonescoffee.com) - "We are a coffee shop that employs and empowers individuals with disabilities! We want to change the way people see other people". I think that's really cool and makes me want to support them even more.

Getting Around

For starters, Park City is only 35-45 minutes away from the Salt Lake City Airport.

Upper Park City is very walkable/bikeable. It is full of pretty steep hills so prepare for that if you have younger kids. There are also free busses and trolleys to get you from place to place. I don't feel like the bus system is as complicated as other places so that's a major plus. I also don't think I've ever waited more than 15 minutes for a ride - at least in the spring/summer. Uber and Lyft are also a good option just to get you around town.

You'd be just fine without a rental car if you're staying in the Park City area, but if you want to go to any nearby cities like Heber or Midway, you may want one.

If you do decide to get a rental car in the winter DO NOT get a small car like a sedan. It is not an option don't even consider it. You need a car with AWD or 4WD. Ideally your car should have snow tires or chains as well. SUVs are your best bet even if they're smaller. You need to be higher off the ground. Even in the warmer months you'll notice nearly no locals drive cars lower to the ground unless they're sports cars and there is a reason for it.

What To Wear

Despite what you may see and think, Park City is not Aspen. Dress casual. Being transparent the people that dress up the most are Californians with a second house here. I promise you; you can tell when someone is wealthy, but locals aren't particularly flashy when it comes to appearance. Activewear is the most commonly worn style of clothing here year-round. If you're a tourist I'm sure, you'll want to dress up a little bit more... but maybe skip the fuzzy winter hats.

Warmer Months

Personally, in the warmer months I tend to wear tank tops with denim shorts/jeans, and I always have a hoodie on hand for sudden temp drops. Overalls, boxer shorts, and tube tops also look really good for casual outfits. Leggings, running shorts, and biker shorts are seen on a lot of people around town as well. When it comes to shoes I'm usually in slides or basic sneakers and I'm just fine. If you're planning on walking a lot though, you'll want to make sure you have supportive shoes due to the hills.

Cooler Months

In the cooler months I wear jeans with thermals and usually just crewnecks or hoodies. Denim on denim always looks really good too. I don't get cold very easily, so I don't think I ever have a coat with me but if you're not used to the temps, you're going to want one. Gloves are also a must to have with you at all times. For walking main street, you will need shoes with good traction during winter in particular. Again, it's steep and if you're walking downhill, you could very easily slip on ice or slush. They're pretty good at laying salt out but it ain't bulletproof.

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