Park City, I can safely say you blew me away. I am so excited to share with you today my Park City Travel Guide with ideas of what to do in Park City, where to eat and drink, and where to stay.
Just before the world shut down, three sweet friends and I were able to visit the beautiful Park City for a quick girls getaway and we truly had the BEST time running around one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! Park City has it all: breathtaking views, the most charming town, incredible people, and amazing cuisine.
The past couple months have been some trying ones, so I took a bit of a pause on talking about travel content and instead shifted my focus on daily life at home and making the most of this whirlwind of a year, but I think we are all at the point where some wanderlust daydreaming can do us wonders, right?
I’ve personally found so much hope in building out my dream travel bucket list, so once we are able to safely start traveling the world again, I can jump to it! Today I wanted to share with you one city that MUST be at the top of your bucket list: Park City.
Why You Should Add Park City to Your Travel List
Park City has so much to offer for any group, whether you’re planning a friends trip, a couples trip, or a family trip! If your first thought is “ski town” when you hear Park City, you’re certainly not wrong, but there is also SO much to do and explore beyond the slopes that makes it the perfect destination for anyone, and I mean ANYONE. Foodie? Yep. Adventurer? Absolutely. Skier? Of course! City explorer? That too. Park City, Utah has it all.
After soaking in a wonderful week in Park City back in March, I am so excited to share with you some of our very favorite things to do, best restaurants to eat and drink, and best places to stay.
Time to explore Park City!
Park City, Utah Travel Guide
What to Do in Park City, Utah
Explore the Downtown and Iconic Main Street
The Park City downtown is nestled into the mountains, giving you a slice of storied character in the midst of the most beautiful views. You absolutely must take some time to walk through the beautiful town that’s surrounded by the slopes and snowy tree tops, and take in all of the character and charm.
Ski (Of, Course!)
Prior to our Park City trip, I had never stepped foot on a ski hill, so off to the bunny hill I went – if you can even call it that, ha. It was practically a patch of flat land up in the mountains, but it was so much fun! And I am so glad my first ski experience was in Park City.
Whether you’re a regular skier or a first-timer like me, I couldn’t recommend skiing at Park City Mountain more. Their team members were incredible at taking care of you and making you feel comfortable so you can enjoy the process no matter what level you are at.
The views at Park City Mountain riding the ski gondolas were breathtaking and our instructor was SO patient with us. We had lots of laughs, amazing views, and we even made some skiing progress!
Snow Shoe Hiking
If skiing isn’t your thing, or even if it is, but you’re looking to mix it up a bit, snowshoe hiking in the mountains was SO much fun and I couldn’t recommend it more! Again, the views were just incredible, and our guide from Park City Yoga Adventures was so well-informed about the area, wildlife and history. Snowshoe hiking definitely isn’t easy, but you do get the hang of it quite quickly, which is always encouraging. It was such an enjoyable experience, and we even stopped for a nice little tea break half-way through thanks to our thoughtful guide who brought a warm canister of tea.
Helpful hint: dress in package layers! You get surprisingly hot (and I am ALWAYS cold) but we were down to t-shirts by the end of it and shoved our coats into our backpacks (which is loaned to you by Park City Yoga Adventures, so you don’t need to worry about packing one).
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
My very favorite experience of the whole entire trip: our horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy mountains just as the sun was starting to set. It truly felt like we were in a movie. There aren’t enough words to describe how beautiful it was, and it just felt right in the magical town of Park City. It was such an incredible experience and I could not recommend doing a sleigh ride out of the Stein Eriksen Lodge more. It was by far my favorite part of the trip!
Apres Ski Cocktails
Just before our sleigh ride and following a day of skiing, we of course had to take part in some apres ski cocktails. We sat down at Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Champions Club and Champions Plaza & Fire Pits and had such an amazing time. Another “must” in my opinion, the lodge was absolutely beautiful with its cozy, historic ambiance, and the patio filled with fire pits just outside the lodge was just what we needed for a relaxing happy hour, surrounded by the slopes and snow-dusted trees.
Hot Spring Paddle Board Yoga in the Homestead Crater
One of the wildest things we did on our trip was yoga in the 55-foot-deep, 10,000-year-old Homestead Crater with Park City Yoga Adventures.
Encased in ancient stone that fully protects you from the cold winter air, stepping into the crater is like stepping into another part of the world as you go from snowy mountains to turquoise blue waters in this ancient crater. The 55-foot Homestead Crater geothermal spring is two-miles underground and has naturally heated, 96-degree water percolating upward. It’s truly such a fascinating natural creation; you must read more about it here.
So I’ll stop you right here and say when I read that, I was about to count myself out. As a claustrophobic scaredy cat, this didn’t really sound like my kind of thing, as cool as the history and natural creation were. I hate feeling like I can’t get out of a palce, so an underground crater did NOT sound like something I wanted to go to. But, while the spring is under sea level and in a huge crater, you have access to a door just feet away from you at all times that opens up to the outdoors, which really reassured me, and the top of the crater is open, so you can look up and see the sky. I can promise you, I never felt the least bit enclosed or trapped. And now I can safely say, it was truly an incredible experience! So if that description makes you a little uneasy, I’m here to say, worry not. Do it; you won’t regret it.
Once we got into the crater, we did a stand-up yoga practice on top of paddleboards, which as you can imagine, resulted in a lot of splashes, falls and probably not the best yoga, but it was so much fun! The spring water is also incredibly therapeutic and packed with minerals, so part of the practice involved just floating and taking in the peaceful warmth in the midst of a winter wonderland.
It’s really an incredible experience, and I absolutely recommend going! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before.
Visit McPolin Barn
If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque spot to take in some beautiful views and snap a few pictures, the McPolin Barn could not be cuter. We had so much fun driving through the mountains and stopping at this classically American, idyllic barn on the way to brunch to grab a few shots for the ‘gram and take in the amazing views.
Where to Dine and Drink in Park City
RIME Seafood & Steak
My very favorite meal on the whole trip (which is hard to say, because this foodie was blown away by Park City’s cuisine!) was at RIME Seafood & Steak, which is located within the St. Regis Deer Valley. The food was spectacular, I wanted everything on the menu, and the views were just stunning – skiers are constantly sliding down the slopes right outside the windows! And, you get to take a gondola up to the restaurant where you get an amazing view of the resort. Check out my Instagram Stories for these incredible views.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
If you’re searching out the perfect spot for a little apres ski in Park City, Stein Eriksen Lodge is the place to go! It truly felt like the epitome of Park City with a perfect mix of coziness, sophistication, and welcoming hospitality. Not only were the cocktails amazing, but the small bites were so delicious.
They are known for their fondue, and it certainly did not disappoint. We got both the chocolate and cheese and loved them both – such a fun little treat along with cocktails. Also, you MUST get their deviled eggs in avocados – another Stein Eriksen favorite! SO delicious.
Yuta
Located within the stunning Lodge at Blue Sky, Yuta has an amazing menu of refined mountain cuisine that has sustainably sourced, seasonal heirloom ingredients. The menu at Yuta draws inspiration from the land and the many cultures that have passed through Park City, which adds such a unique, storied layer to the restaurant.
To get to Yuta, you wind through a twisting road, up to the top of the mountains, which gives you such beautiful, scenic views and sets the mood for a cozy, private evening.
The chef at Yuta is James Beard award-winning, and so at no surprise, the food was exceptional.
For an intimate and absolutely amazing dinner, you must add Yuta to your itinerary!
Waldorf Astoria Park Cityโs Powder Restaurant
We had the most amazing brunch at the Powder Restaurant, located within the beautiful Waldorf Astoria. Their menu is filled with elevated yet classic brunch options and amazing fresh-pressed juices and cocktails. My avocado toast was some of the best I’ve ever had, and the ambiance and service were incredible. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, which certainly is a theme for Park City. I am positive this town is filled with some of the nicest people in the world.
Park City Provisions by Riverhorse
Our very first stop in Park City was Park City Provisions for lunch. Their menu is filled with fresh, sustainably-raised fare in a casual setting at the top of the historic Main Street. If you plan to spend some time exploring the downtown (which you absolutely must!), stop by for some incredible food.
Windy Ridge Cafรฉ
After a long day of snowshoe hiking, yoga, apres ski, and a sleigh ride, we were exhausted, but ravenous. We stopped by Windy Ridge Cafรฉ for a casual bite to eat to end our evening and their French-country style setting and comfort food-packed menu was amazing. As a mac n cheese connoisseur, nothing sounded better after a long day, and it did not disappoint. We had such a wonderful, relaxing end to our evening here, so if you are looking for a casual bite to end a night, this is your place.
Versante Hearth & Bar
Attached to our hotel, Park City Peaks (more below!), Versante Hearth and Bar is a local favorite – and I completely understand why! The food and cocktails were amazing! Our group split several menu items to taste them all, and every single thing was delicious. And, if you decide to stay at Park City Peaks, it is such a convenient stop for you. But even if you don’t, you must stop by! It absolutely deserves its local love.
Old Town Cellars
We enjoyed a relaxing nightcap at Old Town Cellars and loved its true mountain town ambiance. Their list of wines is amazingly curated and lengthy, but they still keep things welcoming, relaxing and affordable. They describe themselves as representing the future of winemaking: “absent of ego, full of flavor and defined by the community and culture in which it’s made.”
Where to Stay in Park City
Park City Peaks Hotel
We stayed at Park City Peaks Hotel during our time in Utah and had an incredible stay. While Park City is certainly filled with many amazing, luxury ski resorts, if you’re looking for a beautiful but more affordable stay, Park City Peaks Hotel is an amazing option.
It’s located right in the midst of all of the various Park City adventures, from heading to the slopes to making your way downtown, making its location absolutely perfect. They describe themselves as having an “at-home vibe” and I couldn’t agree with that more. It almost feels like you are staying in an elevated, family cabin, in the very best of ways. Its mid-century design is blended with a true mountain town ambiance. And their team is so lovely and welcoming, giving you such a well-appointed, comforting experience. Also, as I mentioned above too, their restaurant Versante is incredible!
Waldorf Astoria Park City
The Waldorf Astoria is the only luxury hotel with slopeside access to the Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States. As you’d imagine with the Waldorf Astoria name, the resort is so distinctive and timeless, and the attention to each and every guest is incredible. Even as we were just passing through for brunch, we were immediately cared for and welcomed with open arms.
If you’re looking for a a 5-star stay in Park City, I am certain you’d absolutely love your experience at Waldorf Astoria Park City.
Washington School House
And last but not least, if you’re looking for a luxury, boutique stay in Park City, the Washington School House could not be more gorgeous. We got to go tour the property and have a private breakfast, and were just blown away by the design details throughout that make it the most beautiful luxury bed and breakfast in the middle of the snowy Park City. It is truly like a picture book.
I never thought I was much of a winter traveler prior to my Park City trip. I was much more of a warm-weather, lay-on-the-beach, explore-a-new-city-in-the-summer kind of girl, but Park City completely changed that for me. I fell head-over-heels in LOVE with this beautiful winter town and cannot wait to go back one day. It challenged me with new adventures, welcomed me with friendly faces and open arms, blew my mind with amazing cuisine, and the VIEWS are just unparalleled. I have never seen a more beautiful snowy scene in my life.
As you’re building out your list of dream travel destinations, I hope you put Park City right at the top. My girls and I had the most amazing time and will forever be grateful for our week in Park City. For more travel planning inspiration, explore the Visit Park City tourism board’s website with amazing travel tips and itinerary ideas. Thank you to the Visit Park City team for welcoming us to your beautiful town and hosting our trip, and to my girls, Lexi, Megan and Laura for the MOST amazing week with the most amazing people.
Park City, you will always have a piece of my heart.
