Utah’s Park City is one of those old Western mining towns that has successfully made the transition to a sophisticated, upscale resort destination. With three separate ski areas, some of the trendiest restaurants, bars and shopping in the state and a celebrity-studded roster of locals, there’s no doubting Park City’s star power as a hot tourist spot.
The casual Western atmosphere of Park City appeals to ski bums and movie stars alike, and the huge range of outdoor recreation on its doorstep means there’s something to do every month of the year. Festivals fill the summer, and the prestigious Sundance Film Festival packs them in each January. Like most resort mountain towns, Park City is on the expensive side, even for the most basic accommodation.
The town’s charming main street is where most of the action takes place, lined with dozens of innovative cafes, hip bars and boutique shops. Small streets shoot off of the main drag, leading to pricey condos, houses you can’t afford and picturesque hiking trails. Park City is a great town for walking, so park your car and downshift your brain a few gears to better absorb the relaxed pace of life in this beautiful ski town.
Highlights
Kimball Art Center: traveling and local art exhibits, workshops and an ever-changing schedule of visual arts fill the three galleries of this prestigious art center located in the heart of town.
Park City Museum of History and Territorial Jail: mining equipment from the 1800s, old photographs, early ski gear and the town’s original underground jail tell the colorful story of Park City.
Heber Valley Historic Railroad: take a step back in time with a ride on this vintage steam train which makes scenic runs through the local countryside.
Rockport State Park: Park City’s nearest lake provides a full range of watery activities to go with the picnic spots and walking trails.
Deer Valley: Utah’s most elegant ski resort is the place to be seen while you hit the slopes in style.
The Canyons: the fifth-largest ski resort in America has enough terrain to keep any skier busy for days.
Park City Mountain Resort: located right in the heart of town, Park City’s main ski resort has a little bit of everything, including the US Olympic ski and snowboard teams.