A Mountain Getaway in Park City, Utah

A summer or fall visit to Park City, Utah, offers the perfect way to enjoy this lively mountain town without ski season crowds. Plan a long weekend getaway filled with outdoor adventures, delicious dining, and even a little time for relaxation. Need more vacation inspiration? Try using this three-day itinerary to help make the most of your time in Park City.

FRIDAY

Start off in the heart of Park City — historic Main Street — where old mining town landmarks now house restaurants, bars, and art galleries. You can make your way on foot or save your legs from the uphill climb and ride the free trolley to explore. Start your day with a visit to Prospect, a one-of-a-kind clothing shop where you can sip coffee, browse the latest mountain fashions, and even get a quick beard trim. Continue your shopping experience and pick out a unique scarf at Flight Boutique, or a custom hat at JW Bennett.

Once happy hour hits, make for the historical garage on neighboring Park Avenue that’s home to High West Distillery & Saloon. Sip a whiskey lemonade made with handcrafted double rye or choose from an ever-changing menu of specialty cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a surprise cocktail from one of High West’s talented mixologists.

Prefer valley vistas to shopping? Take the Town Lift up to Park City Mountain, a ski resort that transforms into a hiking and mountain biking mecca on warm, sunny days. Admire the commanding view on the ride up, then follow one of many dirt paths winding through dense aspen forest.

You can ride the lift back to The Bridge Cafe and Grill for American and Brazilian fare and welcoming patio vibes steps away from the chairlift. Or, on the opposite end of Main Street, you can sample exquisite Italian fare with a farmhouse vibe at Grappa or opt for pub food and handcrafted brews at Wasatch, Utah’s oldest operating brewery.

SATURDAY

Wake with the sun and get ready for a day of Utah adventures. If you’re skilled on a mountain bike, you can pedal scenic Jenny’s Trail through the trees along Park City Mountain’s famed ski slopes. End this segment of your ride back at the resort base and take a wild ride on Utah’s longest mountain coaster. You’ll reach speeds up to 30 mph on a mile of curves, turns, and hills winding down the mountain.

Make it a double feature and take the chairlift up Park City’s classic alpine slide. Grab a sled, choose a track, and race down 3,000 feet of twisty-turning concrete.

Afterward, drive or take the free Park City bus to Kimball Junction. There, you can perk up with an afternoon lavender latte or a creative cocktail at Cupla Coffee or refuel with hearty homemade spaghetti at Bartolo’s.

Another fun way to spend the afternoon is to check out the Utah Olympic Park, which is about eight miles from Park City. It played host to the 2002 Winter Games and remains an active training facility for Olympic hopefuls.

But you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy a visit. You can feel the rush on a 50-mph extreme tube ride or take flight on the Freestyle Zipline or Extreme Zipline. Some nights even feature performances by the Flying Aces. The park’s high-flying squad of Olympians and national team skiers and snowboarders perform acrobatic feats up to 60 feet in the air before splashing down in the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool.

Head back to the resort for a break and your own dip in the hot tub before an evening out. Once the sun sets, return to Main Street for elevated American cooking at Riverhorse on Main. Or keep things simple with tacos and margaritas at Tekila Mexican Grill & Cantina.

SUNDAY

Kickstart your Sunday with an early morning hike on Armstrong Trail, where wildflowers brighten summer days. And when autumn arrives, the verdant trees transform into a fiery red and orange canopy. You can scope out old mining relics along the path, then refuel with brunch in the sunshine at the rustic Silver Star Cafe.

Before departing, golfers will want to squeeze in a tee time at the spectacular 18-hole Canyons Village golf course. With over 550 feet of elevation change, it’s a doozy to walk but is worth it for the epic Wasatch and Uinta mountain views. It’s a fitting way to wrap up a long weekend in this scenic destination.

Even though a vast wintry wonderland is the first thing on most people’s minds when it comes to Park City adventures, there’s still plenty to do in the city in the off-season. Make plans now to visit this underrated summertime vacation destination.

Where to Stay

MARRIOTT’S SUMMIT WATCH

Located on Historic Main Street, steps from eclectic shops, charming restaurants, and the town ski lift, Marriott’s Summit Watch is an idyllic home base for your alpine getaway. Begin your outdoor adventures with a hearty breakfast and coffee made in your villa in the fully equipped kitchen with a coffee maker. After a day of exploring, retreat to the resort for a dip in an inviting pool or whirlpool spa. Spend some extra time at the resort to take advantage of the sport court or participate in a resort-sponsored activity.

MARRIOTT’S MOUNTAINSIDE

Located on the slopes of the spectacular Park City ski area, Marriott’s MountainSide is the perfect base camp for your mountain vacation. You’ll quickly learn the activities in the resort are as fun as the slopes surrounding it. Enjoy the warmer weather with a swim in the heated outdoor pool or get nice and toasty in the whirlpool spa. Participate in a workout class from clubTHRIVE^® or enjoy a group event. After exploring the city, come home to a comfortable room featuring a fully equipped kitchen and relaxing living area.