When nothing sounds better than taking time to relax in life and you can’t wait to enjoy a getaway where you can focus on fun exclusively, Park City, Utah is an amazing place to find yourself. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to treat yourself to a trip this way, now is the time to do exactly that. Park City has something for travelers with interests of all types to enjoy and offers amazing options for fun and entertainment in every single season. Adventure seekers, those who could use a relaxing moment or two, and nature lovers alike will find reasons to return to Park City time and again after a first visit this way. It’s a city that’s home to world-class ski resorts in the winter and a place with top-notch hiking, biking, watersports, and wildlife watching when the warm weather months roll in.
In every single season, Park City activities abound, making it a place where you can count on enjoying a rich arts and culture scene thanks to historic theaters, many unique museums, and a wide variety of galleries as well. For those who adore spending time in places where they can pack their itineraries with fine dining and shopping options—Park City never fails to impress. From its robust lineup of annual events and festivals to the stunning landscapes that make up the area, Park City is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination that first time visitors are sure to love. When you’re planning your inaugural trip this way, let this guide be your ultimate starting point to making it a trip to remember.
A Stress-Free Vacation Destination from the Moment You Arrive
The goal of a vacation for travelers is typically to unwind, relax, and enjoy time away from everything routine for a bit while discovering someplace exciting and new. When you make Park City your vacation destination of choice, you’ll find that getting here is as inviting and enjoyable as the time you’ll spend exploring your surroundings. When you choose to fly to Park City for your first-time trip, you’ll likely find that landing at the Salt Lake City International Airport is your most direct route. This convenient and modern airport sits just 35 minutes away from Park City by vehicle and comes with the added benefit of serving a number of daily direct flights from major hubs across the U.S. There are also many flights that come into the airport daily from abroad, so no matter where your point of origin might be, getting here is a breeze. Once you reach the airport, you have options to hop into a rental car on-site and drive yourself into town. There are more than 10 car rental companies in and around the airport, so having access to the vehicle you need is typically a stress-free process too.
Getting Around Park City Once You Arrive
Having a rental car available to explore Park City during your first visit is highly recommended. While it’s certainly possible to stay centered in one area of the city, visitors typically long to see as much as possible their first time here with good reason. Having the option to just jump in the car and explore when you want is a nice way to see the major sights and include plenty of off-the-beaten-path stops to your itinerary too. You can balance this out by using the free trolley when your adventures have you lingering in Historic Park City near Main Street. The trolley connects many of the top shops, galleries, and Park City attractions, making it easy to get from one place to another or simply use the trolley as a complimentary sightseeing resource during your stay! The Park City Bus system is also a convenient way to get around with services running in town and out to the major ski resorts. During the wintertime, shuttle services are generally expanded across the city and taxi and rideshare options are available in Park City too.
Picking the Right Time of Year to Travel Here
There’s absolutely no wrong time of year to pack your suitcase and hit the road or skies in pursuit of first time fun in Park City, Utah. The time of year you decide to travel very much depends on what you’re hoping to enjoy and experience while you’re in town. It also comes down to the crowds you’re willing to contend with along the way and the travel budget you have in place. Winter in Park City is a celebration of all things skiing and snowboarding with good reason! Park City gets a lot of fresh powder each ski season and the slopes at Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley alike are bustling with those who can’t wait to make the most of downhill fun. If you have a heart for seasonal skiing adventures, planning a winter trip to Park City is likely ideal. You’ll just want to keep in mind that these world-class resorts see a lot of visitors looking for that same experience, so it requires a bit of planning and patience to make sure your details are in place upon arrival. Winter is also a great time of year to include options on your itinerary like fat tire biking on the mountain trails, attending the winter solstice celebration at the historic McPolin Farm, or ice skating with family and friends at the Park City Ice Arena. Park City’s proximity to the snowy Unita Mountains this time of year means there’s no shortage of options for fun when it comes to snowshoeing your way through a stay on scenic mountain trails.
If warm weather adventures are more your style, you might want to consider booking your first time visit to Park City in the heart of summer. Yet another popular travel time of year, summer in Park City is a great opportunity to fill your itinerary with everything from early hikes on the Armstrong Trail to time spent enjoying the local outdoor concerts like those showcased as part of the Deer Valley Music Festival over at Deer Valley Resort each year. Summer is also a great time to fish, bike, or wildlife watch your way through a Park City stay to remember.
For those who prefer fewer crowds during their getaways and are looking for a time of year to travel when overall prices might be slightly lower as well, a spring or fall getaway to Park City is recommended. In the springtime, birdwatching is a popular local activity as well as fishing and a trek through the mountains will offer up views of gorgeous wildflowers in bloom. A fall getaway here comes with the benefit of mild seasonal temperatures and colorful leaf peeping opportunities at its very best!
Great Eateries to Check Out
No matter what season you happen to plan your Park City getaway, the one constant for first time guests is that at some point, they’re going to have an appetite to attend to. The good news is that Park City is a place that’s known and loved for its impressive culinary scene. While you couldn’t possibly fit all of the top-rated eateries in town into a single visit, there are plenty of highly rated contenders to try and experience while you’re here for the first go-round. Places like Riverhorse on Main are always a treat for those who are looking to stay near the historic center of Park City and enjoy an elegant dining experience with seasonal offerings and an impressive wine list to match. Butcher’s Chop House and Bar is another terrific choice when you have cravings to curb while you can’t go wrong with a European-inspired dish served up at Fireside Dining at Deer Valley Resort. For a family-friendly stop with delicious offerings on the menu and a Western-themed aesthetic, head over to No Name Saloon after a day on the slopes. The Wasatch Brewery is another terrific place to kick back and sip your way to a relaxed state of mind while you’re in town.
Must-Try Park City Activities
With more than 7,000 skiable acres of terrain to its name, and a collection of 14 bowls and nearly 40 lifts to match, it comes as no surprise that so many visitors heading to Park City for the first time fall in love with the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort upon arrival. Beginners and experts alike will find trails that fit their style here, and nearby Deer Valley has just as much to offer in the way of downhill fun and thrills. These destinations are great for a solo journey, friends getaway, or family trip alike but beyond the iconic slopes, Park City has even more to offer its first time guests. Winter is a time of year in Park City to enjoy signing up for a dog sledding excursion or to book your place on a guided snowshoeing adventure in the backcountry. There are a variety of local outfitters that offer snowmobiling tours in town, and if you want to try a bobsled or luge for yourself, you’re going to want to be sure to set aside an afternoon for time at Utah Olympic Park. Here, there are also two free museums to explore that showcase the history of the Olympic experience in Utah as well as the vast appeal of skiing in Park City.
If you’re someone who loves biking your way through a stay anywhere new, you’ll find Park City is packed with rental outfitters, and many of the best mountain trails are accessible at the resorts through lift access points. Golf enthusiasts heading to Park City on a first time adventure will love sunny afternoons spent at The Canyons Golf Course which is designed with 500 feet of elevation change in place and is a par 70, 18-hole course you might find you want to return to time and again. In any season, first-time travelers can take a scenic gondola ride at the resorts and enjoy panoramic views, but if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss out on time at the Park City Mountain coaster and alpine slide where thrills are yours to enjoy as you race over 3,000 feet of track at your own preferred pace.
Insider Tips to Keep in Mind Before You Visit
Park City is a vacation destination made to explore, but the beautiful surroundings that make this locale so beloved also need to be protected. If you plan to head out and hike, bike, fish, or picnic, it’s important to remember to leave nothing but footprints in your wake. Packing out trash is a must in order to keep the trails and nature routes something everyone can relish for years to come. It’s also good to keep in mind as a first time visitor that Park City sits at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. If you’re not used to this type of altitude, your first day or two can be a bit challenging. If you’re planning to head out and explore, you’ll want to always have a GPS available and pack plenty of water and snacks for the way.
Book Your Stay in Style, Comfort, and Luxury Today
When travel plans bring you to Park City, Abode Park City has the luxurious and inviting retreat you deserve to enjoy while you’re in town. Take time to browse our wide variety of exciting and stylish Park City vacation rentals today and let us help you make it a first time stay to remember. We can’t wait to see you in Park City soon!
