I live just 25 minutes away from charming Park City Utah. Its fall of 2020 as I write this post, travel plans have been flipped on their head for the foreseeable future so its with that spirit that I lean into the local. Ben and I have loved exploring our surroundings and whether that's a quick camping trip in the mountains, a road trip to southern utah or just an afternoon or weekend staycationing near by- Looking for a place with beautiful, snowy views; historical charm; AND amazing skiing opportunities? Well, I’m here to tell you about this wonderful place in Utah. I absolutely love it here, so I really wanted to share some of my favorite things about it with you all…
Where To Stay
When you’re on any kind of vacation or getaway, where you stay can really make or break the trip. Below are my top three choices whenever I visit Park City…
- My number one recommendation for the best place to stay in Park City is the Hotel Park City. It’s my fave because of the awesome pool and hot tub; affordability; and the nice, homey atmosphere. Hotel Park City also has free wifi, is only five minutes from the Park City Mountain Resort, and has been rated 10/10 for couple’s getaways
- Another great place I would recommend you stay is the Newpark Resort and Hotel. This hotel has a really great, central location so you can easily access all the activities you want to try!
- I’ve also stayed at some Air BnBs around the area, and they are all very nice. However, for this trip, I personally prefer the hotel experience over this option. :)
Where To Eat
The food in Park City is so consistently awesome, so this is gonna be a bit of a list. I’m a sucker for a good meal!
(Keep in mind, it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!) This place has a really comfortable, casual, and fun environment. The western themed food is solid, and the drinks, of course, are great! You can even tour it, just as long as you call ahead for a reservation.
Great sushi with ALL gluten free options! Even tempura options! Not a fan of sushi? No worries! The rest of the menu is gluten free, too; and includes noodles, hot plates, and starters that are also delicious.
This place has a very nice atmosphere, and it’s in a great location. Pro tip: if it’s warm enough, sit on the patio for a gorgeous view while you enjoy your choice from the rotating, seasonal menu!
- Handle
Just like Riverhorse, Handle has a fabulous seasonally rotating menu that is simply amazing.
(Only available for breakfast, brunch, and lunch) This is a great place for a delicious and relaxing meal early in the day. My favorite things to get are the beet latte with coconut milk, and the chia pudding. Sooo yummy!
This place is the perfect setting for an upscale dinner and cocktails. With a wood-burning fireplace, a gorgeous mountain view, and an extensive wine vault—it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night.
What To Do
There are TONS of activities you can participate in in Park City! Hiking trials, mountain biking, ski resorts, and lots of amazing little shops and art galleries are scattered all throughout this beautiful mountain town…
- Hikes
Round Valley Rail Trail is a 7 mile loop trial that’s perfect for a more relaxing kind of hike. Definitely make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen since this trail is very open without much in the way of shade.
Lamb’s Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult trail with a gradual incline for almost 4 miles. This trail has a great mix of open and shady spots, and is a straight shot out and back type of hike.
Lackawaxen Lake Trail is perfect for those of you who like a challenging hike. It’s a periodically steep, 2.6 mile hike to an absolutely stunning lake—so definitely worth the effort if you’re up for it!
- Mountain Biking Trails
The Holy Roller is a new, 5 mile biking trail for mountain bikers of all levels. The curves are easy to handle, and the views you’ll find on your way are simply fantastic!
Lost Prospector is a relaxing, 7.8 mile loop bike trail that not only gives you the serenity of nature, but also lets you access many parts of Park City. You can use this trail to make a whole day of biking, dining, and shopping.
Flying Dog is for you if you’re a very experienced mountain biker! The scenery is breathtaking, and there are a few routes to choose from (the shortest being 10 miles.)
- Ski Resorts
Park City Mountain Resort is open for all four seasons, and has a very interesting history in mining! They are also committed to local support and global sustainability—and do everything they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
Deer Valley Resort is open in the summer and winter; and offers awesome activities for both seasons. They are also very mindful of being as green as possible, and their location has a fascinating story about ore behind it!
- Art Galleries
Simply strolling down Main Street affords you the opportunity to find lots of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. A few of my faves that feature a lot of eclectic, local pieces are: Montgomery Lee Fine Art, Pando Fine Art, Art Works Gallery, and the Kimball Art Center. These are a great way to kill a lot of time, and discover your new favorite artist!
BONUS ACTIVITY:
Chill Out At The Crater
At the Homestead Resort, there is a truly unique natural wonder known as The Crater. It’s a beautiful and warm geothermal spring that is actually INSIDE a huge, five-story limestone rock! You can choose to go swimming and scuba diving, stay dry and take the tour, or participate in a fantastic paddle board yoga class! Not only is The Crater so much fun, but you can learn a lot about the history and geology of the location itself as well.
I hope all these tips on visiting Park City, Utah have inspired you to at least take a weekend to explore all the amazing activities there! Please let me know below your favorite one you did when you visited, or the one you most want to try when you do visit in the comments below!
