Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a charming town that offers a range of activities for visitors throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Park City has something for everyone. From skiing on some of the best slopes in the world to enjoying local cuisine and art galleries, Park City has it all. Join ViewCation as we explore some of the best things to do in Park City, Utah.
Visit the Historic Park City
Park City, Utah, is a fascinating destination that offers a blend of history and modernity. One of the must-visit places in this city is the Historical Park City area, which showcases the city’s rich mining heritage. The area is filled with a delightful mix of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that offer something for every taste. You can learn more about the town’s past by visiting the Park City Museum, which features exhibits that detail the town’s evolution from a mining town to a popular ski resort.
The free trolley that runs the length of the street is a great way to take in the area’s sights and sounds while taking a break from walking. With souvenir shops, ski boutiques, and more, Historic Park City has plenty of options for every type of shopper. You can also enjoy the historical statues that line the street and take advantage of the clean public restrooms. So, if you’re planning a trip to Park City, make sure to add a visit to Historical Park City to your itinerary.
Ski at the Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort is a top-notch ski resort that has earned a reputation as one of the best ski destinations in the US. Boasting over 20 chairlifts, 101 ski runs, and a myriad of lodging options, Deer Valley has something for everyone. The resort is home to more than 15 dining outlets, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining, making it easy to fuel up for a day on the slopes. Additionally, the resort provides amenities such as Mountain Hosts, complimentary ski tours, overnight ski storage, and on-site childcare services. With one of the largest ski schools in the country, with over 500 instructors, beginners can learn from the best.
Although Deer Valley is known as the “Cadillac of ski resorts,” offering impeccable service and cuisine, it can be quite expensive. The resort’s exclusivity attracts skiers of all skill levels, especially those seeking short lift lines and a wide array of well-groomed trails, such as the popular Ruins of Pompeii and Tycoon runs. Ski tickets should be purchased in advance, especially during the holidays, as Deer Valley limits the number of skiers per day. Snowboarders should note that the resort prohibits them from its slopes, but this policy is welcomed by many skiers.
Enjoy the Guardsman Pass Scenic drive.
For a breathtaking scenic drive in Park City, Utah, look no further than the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway. This 14-mile drive into the Wasatch Mountain Range offers stunning views of wildlife, wildflowers, and fall foliage. The road connects Park City to Brighton or Midway, Utah, and is mostly paved, except for a short gravel section in the middle. As you wind your way up to the summit area between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City Mountain Resort, be sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible views.
The drive is also perfect for stopping and taking a short hike to experience the area’s natural beauty up close. Don’t miss out on this scenic drive, particularly during the fall when the trees are painted in awesome shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Visit the Kimball Art Center
The Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah, is a must-visit destination for art lovers and enthusiasts. The center offers a variety of classes in painting, drawing, photography, stained glass, pottery, and other visual arts, with over 300 classes available. In addition, the center features exhibits by regional and national artists throughout the year, showcasing some of the best artwork in the country. Visitors can also attend the annual Kimball Arts Festival, a large event that attracts over 225 artists from all around the United States.
The center is a great activity for visitors who aren’t interested in skiing and offers a variety of classes for children, including a Lego exhibit in the gallery. Admission to the center is free, and it also houses a gift shop. Visitors can find the center a few blocks off Main Street on Kearns Boulevard and it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Ride the Alpine Coaster and Slide
Park City Mountain Resort offers a unique experience that is perfect for the whole family, the Alpine Coaster and the Alpine Slide. These attractions are great for a summer adventure or a break from skiing in the winter. The Alpine Slide, which is only available during the summer, boasts a 3,000-foot track that feels like a luge. Meanwhile, the Alpine Coaster takes riders on an exciting journey through loops, curves, and turns on an elevated track, showcasing the breathtaking mountain scenery of the city.
Both the Alpine Coaster and Slide are perfect activities for all ages and for the whole family. It is recommended to purchase a combo pass as both individual tickets and passes can be expensive. Arriving early in the day is advisable as long lines are common, and the coaster may close during heavy snowfall. Don’t miss out on the fun and thrilling experience offered by these attractions at Park City Mountain Resort.
Ski at Canyons Village
Canyons Village is a popular area in Park City, Utah, known for its slope-side accommodations, dining options, and access to the Orange Bubble Express, the first “bubbled,” heated chairlift in the country. It was once the base area of the Canyons Resort but merged with the Park City Mountain Resort in 2015, creating an interconnected skiing experience for visitors. The Quicksilver gondola that connects the resorts offers spectacular views, but those with a fear of heights may want to avoid it.
Advanced skiers will enjoy the Canyons runs, while visitors to the village will appreciate the excellent service and dining options available. Ski-in, ski-out accommodations provide convenient access to the slopes, and the friendly ski school instructors offer a variety of ski lessons for all ages and skill levels. We recommend purchasing the Epic season pass as it offers a good value compared to individual lift tickets.
Have fun at Park City Mountain Resort.
Park City Mountain Resort is a dream come true for skiers, featuring an extensive range of amenities and services that make it the largest ski area in the United States. The resort offers a whopping 7,300 acres of land, with 41 lifts, 14 bowls, eight terrain parks, and over 300 trails to explore. It’s also home to a licensed daycare center, a ski and snowboard school, and several ski-in, ski-out accommodation options ranging from private homes and condominiums to hotels and lodges.
One of the resort’s standout features is its Quicksilver gondola, which allows visitors to easily traverse the mountain. And for those who need a helping hand, the Mountain Concierge service is available to answer questions, book tours, or make dining reservations.
While the pricing for lift tickets, accommodations, and dining can be steep, visitors are sure to love the sheer number and variety of ski runs available. Families are also likely to appreciate the resort’s ski school, which can make a significant difference in a child’s skiing experience. However, visitors should note that the lower slopes can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
For day skiers, multiple parking options are available, including three surface lots at the Park City Base and the Cabriolet parking lot at the bottom of Canyons Resort Drive. Day lift tickets are also available for purchase at each of the base areas and cost $134 for adults, $92 for seniors, and $86 for children. Overall, Park City Mountain Resort is a must-visit destination for any skiing enthusiast.
Treat yourself to an experience at High West Distillery & Saloon.
For a unique dining experience in Park City, be sure to stop by the High West Distillery & Saloon. Located in Historic Park City at the foot of the Quittin’ Time ski run, this gastro saloon and distillery is the only one of its kind in the world. The saloon serves up delicious Western-inspired pub grub like bourbon-braised short ribs, and they offer a variety of craft whiskeys and spirits made by the High West Distillery, located 16 miles northeast in Wanship, Utah. You can even take a complimentary tour of both the saloon and the distillery.
Visitors to the High West Distillery & Saloon rave about the food and whiskeys, as well as the friendly staff. We recommend arriving early in the day before the après-ski crowd fills up the place since the saloon doesn’t take reservations. Both skiers and non-skiers alike will enjoy this unique dining experience.
The restaurant and general store are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and tours are offered daily at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Explore the Utah Olympic Park
Utah Olympic Park is a historical site that was used for various events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and still functions as a training center for present and future Olympic athletes. The park offers a range of attractions that are free to visitors, such as the Alf Engen Ski Museum, the Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum, the Discovery Zone obstacles course, the Mountain Challenge course, and hiking trails. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can ride the Comet Bobsled with a professional driver to feel the intense g-forces and high speeds that Olympic athletes experience.
Even if you’re not a skier, Utah Olympic Park is a must-see destination. The free museums are an excellent way to learn about the history of Utah’s ski industry and the 2002 Olympic Games. Those who have tried the daring Comet Bobsled ride described it as a one-of-a-kind experience that was well worth the cost.
The park and its free museums are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but certain activities, such as the Comet Bobsled and the Canyon Adventure Course, do require additional fees.
Attend the Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is a highly anticipated event in Park City that draws movie lovers from around the world. As one of the largest independent film festivals in the world, it’s a great opportunity to discover unique and innovative films from both emerging and established filmmakers. The festival takes place across several locations in Utah, including Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and the Sundance Mountain Resort.
Attending the Sundance Film Festival offers a perfect chance to combine your love of film with other activities that Utah has to offer, including world-class skiing.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Which of the activities mentioned has heightened your interest in Park City, Utah?