What to do in Park City, Utah

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Wasatch Mountains, Park City, Utah, is a versatile destination offering a blend of arts and culture, outdoor adventures, shopping and dining. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventurer, foodie or film lover, Park City has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to do in each category, the next time you visit.

Art & culture in Park City, Utah

Park City’s rich cultural scene draws inspiration from its mining history as well as its modern-day dedication to art, music and film. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions:

• Sundance Film Festival: If you visit during January, don’t miss the Sundance Film Festival. This 10-day film screening event draws not only filmmakers and film industry influencers, but it also draws celebrities and movie lovers.
• Kimball Art Center: This center promotes art through exhibitions, classes and community events. It’s a hub for local artists and art enthusiasts.
• Music festivals: Home to several popular music festivals including the Park City Music Festival and the Deer Valley Music Festival, this town has a vibrant musical community.
• Park City Museum: Explore the city’s history at the Park City Museum, housed in a historic building. Learn about the town’s transformation from a mining hub to a world-renowned ski destination.

State parks and outdoor activities in Park City

Park City is known for its spectacular natural surroundings, thousands of acres of skiable terrain and several state parks, which offer a wide array of outdoor activities. Here are a few spots to consider visiting:

• Deer Valley Resort: Renowned for its upscale amenities and service, Deer Valley offers world-class skiing in a luxury setting.
• Park City Mountain Resort: This resort is one of the largest in the U.S. with 7,300 acres to seek adventure on. Enjoy on-site lodging that includes everything from hotels to vacation rentals. It even has a pedestrian-friendly village area for shopping and dining. If you’re looking for mountain biking, you’ll find a variety of trails for all levels of skill.
• Jordanelle State Park: Located just five miles north of Park City, this state park offers numerous options for water-based activities on the Jordanelle Reservoir such as boating and fishing. You’ll also find several campgrounds with modern amenities if you plan to stay overnight.
• Rockport State Park: If you head 15 miles west of Park City, you’ll find Rockport State Park, this one too is centered around water activities. Rockport Reservoir is a 1,200-acre man-made lake and offers all your favorite water sports. In addition, you’ll find abundant birdwatching opportunities.
• Fly fishing on Proto River: Fly fisherman will surely enjoy this destination, which is divided into two sections — the Upper Provo is known for catching brown and cutthroat trout, while the Lower Provo is full of rainbow trout.
• Hiking on the Mid Mountain Trail: This is one of the most iconic and well-loved hikes in the area due to its breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains and the variety of terrain as you meander the landscape.

Shopping

Park City boasts a variety of shopping experiences, and many of the shops are locally owned and operated. Here are some spots in town you’ll want to add to your list when you go shopping:

• Historic Main Street: This historic street offers a range of boutique shops, art galleries and souvenir stores. It’s perfect for finding unique gifts to take home with you.
• Park City Mercantile: Self-described as a general store for the modern minded, this cozy spot offers pottery, home goods, gifts, as well as dry goods from locally sourced vendors.
• Montage Deer Valley Shops: A collection of premium boutiques inside the Montage Deer Valley Resort offering designer apparel, apres-ski wear and outdoor accessories.
• Park City Farmer’s Market: This seasonal outdoor market is open every Wednesday and offers a large selection of fresh, local and organic goods from Utah farmers and vendors. A true taste of the region.

Dining and nightlife in Park City, Utah

The culinary scene in Park City is diverse as its outdoor activities, and if you’re looking for a lively nightlife, you’ll find that too. Here are a few spots in town to explore:

• Drafts Park City: Looking for a night out watching your favorite sporting event on TV? Drafts is the perfect spot to catch a game on one of their many large TV screens. Enjoy a casual atmosphere with an extensive craft beer list, including many local and regional brews.
• No Name Saloon: A legend in Park City, the No Name Saloon is one of the oldest businesses in town and is known best for its bustling nightlife and hearty pub food. Toast with your friends in family in one of four distinct bar spaces, each with its own ambiance.
• The Cabin: Enjoy the rustic mountain-inspired décor that fits perfectly with its name. Enjoy a casual American menu, plus several bars, and a concert-style stage for live bands or a DJ and an inviting dance floor.
• Tupelo: If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience focused on New American dishes, you’ll want to visit Tupelo. This restaurant has gained recognition for its commitment to using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to craft their unique menu. The ambiance includes exposed brick, leather chairs and mood lighting — perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day on the slopes.
• The Viking Yurt: If you’re looking for something truly unique and extraordinary, make plans to dine at the Viking Yurt. During the winter months, this yurt is accessible via a delightful snowcat-drawn sleigh ride or a snowshoe hike. The menu is Nordic-inspired, and the décor is a cozy Scandinavian.
• High West Saloon & Distillery: Enjoy American Western cuisine at this iconic restaurant and distillery. High West offers a unique blend of comfort food and whiskey tastings, making it a must-visit for whiskey lovers.
• Five5eeds: For breakfast and brunch, Five5eeds is a popular choice, known for its Australian-inspired menu featuring dishes such as avocado toast with unique toppings and pancakes with fresh fruit. Be prepared for an hour-long wait on the weekends.

In summary

Park City, Utah is a multi-faceted destination where you can immerse yourself in stunning outdoor scenery, rich arts and culture and foodie experiences. With its lovely mountain vistas and welcoming atmosphere, Park City has something for everyone, no matter the season.