Park City is best known for playing host to the world-famous Sundance Film Festival and being home to the largest ski resort in the US. While most travelers flock here in the winter months to spot celebrities or take to the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, Park City is brimming with fun attractions that will keep you coming back year after year. 

Whether you’re visiting Park City in the summer or winter, adrenaline junkies will be spoiled for choice. In the winter, you can get some serious speed on a bobsled at Utah Olympic Park, go ice climbing on the frozen cascade of Bridal Veil Falls, or go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to hidden alpine lakes. When you’re done for the day, don’t forget to indulge at one of Park City’s ultra-cool après-ski spots!

Or, if you prefer summertime activities, Park City won’t disappoint. Spend your morning sampling farm-fresh goods at the Park Silly Sunday Market before spending your afternoon kayaking in the beautiful Jordanelle Reservoir and your evening drinking and dining on Historic Main Street. From epic hikes to artsy festivals, there’s always something fun to do in Park City, no matter what the season!

With so many cool things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Park City for you. Stick to these fun and unique Park City bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this naturally beautiful corner of Utah!

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15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Park City, Utah

1. Go Shopping at the Park Silly Sunday Market

There’s always something fun going on in Park City. But if you happen to be in town on a Sunday in the summertime, going to the Park Silly Sunday Market is easily one of the most fun Park City attractions!

On Sunday mornings, locals and visitors alike flock to Historic Main Street to attend this eco-friendly open-air market and street festival. Take a walk around, and you’ll find vendors hawking arts and crafts made by local artists and artisans, farm-fresh fruits and veggies grown by regional farmers, and gourmet treats made by local chefs. 

In addition to shopping, you can expect plenty of live music and performance art to keep you entertained. Plus, there are always plenty of fun activities for the little ones, while adults should not miss out on the beer garden and Bloody Mary bar!  

Park Silly Sunday Market is open most Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm from June to September, rain or shine. Plus, it’s totally free to enter.

2. Kayak on the Jordanelle Reservoir

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Park City in summer, it’s well worth paying a visit to Jordanelle State Park and the Jordanelle Reservoir. Tucked away at the base of Deer Valley, Jordanelle Reservoir offers all sorts of fun in the sun!

If you’re craving a carefree day on the water, it’s possible to rent fishing boats and ski boats from Jordanelle Rentals. Or, for something a bit more relaxing, they also offer kayak rentals, so you can paddle around the reservoir and take in the stunning views of Wasatch Range. If you’re traveling with little ones, they’ll love splashing around the state park’s inflatable waterpark, AQUA x ZONE. 

There are seven campsites in Jordanelle State Park in case you want to spend your days swimming in the reservoir and your nights sleeping under the stars. Plus, downtown Park City is a quick 15-minute drive away if you want to dine at one of Main Street’s most popular restaurants.

3. Take a Workshop at the Kimball Art Center

The Kimball Art Center is yet another family-friendly attraction right in the heart of Park City. Located in the YARD, just north of Main Street, the center is housed in a 9,000-square-foot revamped warehouse. 

One of the coolest things about the Kimball Art Center is that they offer hundreds of classes and workshops – from photography and painting to ceramics and welding. Plus, there are tons of classes and summer camps designed specifically for kids to get in touch with their artsy side!

Even if you don’t feel like creating art, you can always stop by to just admire works by local and national artists. There’s always a new exhibit on display, so check their website to see what’s on during your trip to Park City. 

If you happen to be visiting in the summer, try your best to time your visit with the annual Kimball Arts Festival. Held in August, this fun festival displays works from 225 jury-selected US artists.

4. Take a Scenic Drive on the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway

Taking a drive along the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway should be at the top of any nature lover’s Park City bucket list. This 14-mile stretch of road will lead you from Park City to Brighton and to the spectacular summit area of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

While the drive only takes about 45 minutes to complete, you’ll want to allow more time to hike a couple of trails, take photos of the stunning vistas, and maybe even enjoy a picnic lunch!  

Because the road is not plowed in the winter months, it’s best to tackle the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway in the summer or fall. In the summer months, you’ll have the chance to glimpse beautiful groves of wildflowers and verdant mountainscapes. Take the drive in the autumn, and you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the fall foliage.

5. Stroll Historic Main Street

Park City is a blissfully small town, so you pretty much can’t come here without spending at least a few hours on Main Street. 

Most people know Park City for its world-class ski resorts and the Sundance Film Festival, but the city’s roots go back to its days as a silver mining boomtown in the mid-1800s. Back in the day, Main Street served as the beating heart for the area’s silver miners who frequented the street’s saloons, brothels, and boarding houses.

You can still learn all about Park City’s past at the Park City Museum, which is located on Main Street. But fast-forward to today, and the 19th-century old town is home to upscale boutique shops, refined eateries, and some seriously cool après ski spots. 

For a taste of modern-day Park City, the street’s old and adorable buildings house some seriously incredible bars and restaurants. From award-winning distilleries and historic saloons to high-end bistros and traditional Irish taverns, there’s something for everyone on Main Street. 

There’s also a free shuttle that will whisk you to and from all of Main Street’s excellent shops and galleries if you’re tired of walking.

6. Learn About the City’s Silver Mining Past at the Park City Museum

Speaking of history, one of the most unique things to do in Park City is to spend some time perusing the Park City Museum on Main Street. The museum is partially housed in the original Park City Hall, which was built in 1885. City Hall was also home to the fire and police departments, as well as the Territorial Jail, so you’ll have tons to explore!

Explore the museum’s permanent exhibitions, and you’ll learn all about how early settlers ended up in Park City, the evolution of silver mining in the area, what life was like in Park City 100 years ago, and how the city transformed into a skiing mecca. 

You can get hands-on and go inside the two-story Mega Mine and learn all about the dangers of silver mining and how ore is transformed into silver. After that, venture into Park City’s Territorial Jail and learn about the notorious criminals that were once locked up behind these bars.

You can also visit the local post office, check out the neighborhood market, and learn about pre-smartphone days at the old telephone company. With so many cool exhibitions, the Park City Museum is a must for kids and adults alike!

7. Get Your Heart Pumping at the Utah Olympic Park

If you’re looking for a thrill, you’re going to love the Utah Olympic Park! Built for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Utah Olympic Park boasts a range of adrenaline-pumping activities in both the summer and winter seasons.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you can go bobsledding with a professional driver who will gain speeds of up to 60 mph in less than a minute! After that, you can blaze down the sheer drops and banked curves of the Alpine Slide or get some air on the Airbag Jumps. 

Visit during the winter, and you’ll also have the chance to tube at speeds of up to 50 mph down the Nordic Ski Jump! You can also go ziplining over the snowclad landscapes, tackle the Discovery Zone obstacle course, or test your limits at the Drop Tower Challenge. 

If you need a break from all the heart-pumping activities, pay a visit to the Alf Engen Ski Museum, which houses exhibitions and memorabilia about downhill skiing and the 2002 Winter Games.

8. Hit Park City’s Powder-Fresh Slopes

When it comes to things to do in Park City in the winter, it goes without saying that skiing and snowboarding should be at the top of your list. Home to both Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, you’ll have a seemingly endless number of powdery slopes to choose from. 

Park City Mountain actually merged with neighboring Canyons Resort in 2015, making Park City Mountain the largest ski resort in the US! The sprawling resort takes up 7,300 acres of land and boasts over 330 trails, 43 lifts, and six terrain parks perfect for getting some serious air!

Deer Valley Resort is located a mere 10 minutes down the road. But snowboarders, be warned – this place is only open to skiers, and no snowboarding is allowed. Another thing that makes this place a favorite among skiers is that the number of visitors is capped at 7,500 per day, so it doesn’t see the crowds that neighboring Park City Mountain does.

9. Catch a Show at the Historic Egyptian Theatre

Park City is famous for two things: being home to the largest ski resort in the US and being the site for the annual Sundance Film Festival. Each January, the 10-day film fest is held in Park City, where films are screened at the iconic and historic Egyptian Theatre.

This historic theater held its first production in 1926. Influenced by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, you’ll find all sorts of hieroglyphic and Egyptian design elements adorning the theater. The Egyptian Theatre still stands proud as one of only two Egyptian-style theaters in Utah!

The theater is also the original home of what is now known as the Sundance Film Festival. And, to this day, new films are shown here every year in January for the world-famous festival. But don’t worry if you’re not in town for Sundance. 

You can still check out a variety of productions – from films to musicals – at the Egyptian Theatre. Plus, it’s located right on Main Street, so you can always just marvel at this historic building from the street.

10. Hike to Picture-Perfect Alpine Lakes on the Lofty Lakes Loop Trail

If you’re looking for things to do in Park City in the summer, there are endless trails in and outside of the city just waiting to be explored. And one of the most popular hikes near Park City is the Lofty Lakes Loop Trail!

This 4.4-mile trail starts at Pass Lake Trailhead and takes you to an elevation gain of 962 feet. You’ll stop off at beautiful alpine lakes along the way – including Picturesque Lake, Scout Lake, Lofty Lake, and Cutthroat Lake – all framed by the dramatic mountain peaks.

Plus, if you make the trek in the height of summer, you’ll be rewarded with fields of colorful wildflowers, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll find tons of beautiful spots along the way where you can set up shop and enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the views. This trail is also pet-friendly in case you’re traveling with your furry friend.

11. Meet Local Artists at the ‘Last Friday’ Gallery Stroll

Time your trip with the last Friday of the month, and you’ll have the chance to attend Park City’s “Last Friday” Gallery Stroll! This fun and free activity takes place on the last Friday of each month all year long. 

Head down to Main Street from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and you can pop into the 19 participating galleries and check out a variety of art. Participating galleries will have a white flag waving outside their door, so you’ll know which ones to go into.

Many of the galleries will also serve complimentary light bites and wine during the Gallery Stroll, so you can sip and snack as you mingle with fellow travelers and chat with local artists. You’ll also be able to enjoy live music and artist talks at a few of the galleries, too!

12. Pack a Gourmet Picnic

It’s no secret that Park City is bursting with picture-perfect picnic spots. Whether you plan on packing a picnic lunch for an epic hike or want to bring supplies to a summer concert, there’s no reason not to go gourmet!

Deer Valley Grocery-Café is a local favorite for picking up pre-ordered grab-and-go meals. From their warm Brussels sprout salad to chicken salad sandwiches with cranberries and tarragon aioli, they’ll prep your deluxe picnic for you. They’ll even provide you with concert-friendly picnic bags.

For beautifully arranged cheese platters and charcuterie boards, Sweets & Cheese is your best bet. Or, for the best quiches and pies in town, you’ll love Windy Ridge Bakery.

If you prefer to pack your own picnic, you can find everything you need at the Park Silly Sunday Market. Think farm-fresh meats and cheeses and fresh-from-the-oven pastries and breads. Or, if you’re planning something special, Private Chef Katy Monti will create a custom spread perfect for the occasion through her Sweet + Salty catering company.

13. Take a Hike to Bridal Veil Falls

Marveling at Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best things to do in Park City if you’re up for a bit of a drive. Located in Provo Canyon, this natural beauty is just 45 minutes from the heart of Park City – so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fun day trip.

Bridal Veil Falls is a tiered 607-foot-tall cascade that streams over the craggy cliff face. It’s super easy to reach via the easy 1.4-mile out-and-back paved trail, making this an excellent attraction for the whole family. Plus, there’s a picnic area overlooking the falls, so you’ll want to spend some time here enjoying a scenic picnic lunch.

At the base of Bridal Veil Falls, the pool is stocked with rainbow trout. You can even purchase pellets from the vending machine if you want to feed the fish. Explore the rest of the area, and you’ll be able to walk along the Provo River, stroll over cute bridges, and take as many photos of beautiful Bridal Veil Falls as your heart desires! 

14. Let Loose at the City’s Best Après-Ski Spots

After a thrilling day on the slopes, it’s time to hit up one of Park City’s coolest après-ski spots – and there are a lot of them!

High West Distillery is easily one of the most sought-after Park City attractions. Leave your skis or snowboard outside and head inside to sample craft cocktails made with their award-winning whiskey. If you’re craving something totally unique, try the pineapple-rum and rosemary-infused Destroying Angel or their warming whiskey and chocolate Boil Over.

If you’re skiing at Deer Valley, you can enjoy oysters on the half shell, lobster rolls, and slopeside drinks at RIME’s Oyster Happy Hour. Or, head over to St. Regis Deer Valley for a free glass of bubbly at the evening Champagne Sabering.

Then there’s the burgers and brews on the patio at The Corner Store, the hard seltzers and live music at Umbrella Bar, and the wild and crazy après-ski scene at No Name Saloon. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly vibes or you’re looking to party hard, Park City’s après-ski scene will not disappoint.

15. Get Pampered at The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge

Chances are you’re spending your days getting some serious speed on the slopes or getting your steps in hiking through the mountains. If you need a day off for some rest and relaxation, consider having a spa day at The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge!

Stein Eriksen Lodge is home to the best Forbes Five-Star spa in all of Utah. Head to The Spa, and you can get pampered with a CBD Massage, a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, or an Après-Ski Facial. Or, for something truly unique, The Fireside Toast treatment exfoliates your skin with a whiskey scrub! From rejuvenating facials to couple’s massages, you’ll find a treatment that’s perfect for you at The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge. 

Explore the spa, and you’ll also find heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, hot and cold indoor plunge pools, steams rooms, a dry sauna, and a fitness center. If you’re planning on a special night out on the town after your spa day, you can also get a mani-pedi in the nail salon or get a blowout in the hair salon. It’s the perfect way to prep for yet another fun-filled evening in Park City!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Park City. What’s your favorite thing to do in Park City?

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