7 Ultimate Park City Trip Agendas, Winter Edition

Updated: 05/20/24

One of the things I love to do is play concierge for my out-of-town real estate clients. I take a lot of pride in this town and sharing it with visitors makes me happy. In fact, I have become friends with many of my clients over the years doing just this. If you’re planning a vacation, take a look at these trip agendas I suggest for different types of travel parties.

Let’s say your party is taking a 3-day trip to Park City in the winter. The obvious thing that drives much of the tourist traffic to our town is our two world-class ski resorts: one on the Ikon pass and the other on the Epic pass. But what is there to do besides lift-served skiing? Here are seven three-day Park City trip agendas for the winter season, featuring 84 ideas to customize your own itinerary.

1. For the Romantic Getaway  

Activities

• A hot air balloon ride in Park City gives a great perspective on our location within the Wasatch Back and provides amazing views of Park City. This may be a “one-and-done” type of activity, but I highly recommend it.  It is so quintessentially Park City when you see those balloons rising over the horizon in the morning.
• The Homestead Crater hot spring is at once unique, relaxing, and awe-inspiring. Check out this natural wonder in the neighboring town of Midway. I have also taken stand-up paddle board (SUP) yoga at the crater. While I have done SUP yoga in pools, the experience in the crater is truly one of a kind.
• What says romance more than gliding over the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride? There are a few such tours around, including some dinner tours, so be sure to check out which one works best for you.

Art & Artisans

• You know what they say about chocolate and romance, right? Ritual Chocolate is a Heber City factory producing small batch chocolate that absolutely must be tasted.  You can tour the factory or buy their chocolate at The Market Park City.
• If you like contemporary art, check out the Julie Nester Gallery in the Ironhorse District of Park City. There are other shops, eateries, and consignment stores within a walkable distance.
• Visit the Flowers by You, inside the Park City Gift & Gourmet in Kimball Junction, to create your own floral arrangement, wreath, or terrarium.

Dining

• One of Park City’s top-rated restaurants, Riverhorse on Main is a long-time, award-winning favorite that is well-suited for your romantic getaway.
• If seafood is your thing, try Blind Dog, located off Main on Kearns Blvd., for “modern Japanese ingredients with East Coast originality.”
• Enjoy brunch at one of my top brunch spots, including the Best of State Glitretind Restaurant at the Stein Eriksen Lodge.

Evenings

• If you aren’t in town for the Sundance Film Festival, catch the same vibe with the Park City Film Series, featuring independent, documentary, world, and local films.
• From timely speakers to comedians, music, and dance, The Park City Institute brings in events of all types of entertainment that would make a great addition to your Park City trip agenda.
• Tell me if this does not sound like the perfect end to a day date in Park City: Alpine Pie Bar, Gin Experience & Retail Shop. You’ll have to see it for yourself at 350 Main Street, lower level.

2. For the Young Family

Activities

• Skiing with your kids at any age is great. If they’re little, take them up to view the action. If they’re a bit bigger, walk them up the hill with a pair of skis to get the feeling of sliding down. Once they’re old enough, try out one of the fabulous ski school programs our resorts offer.  Don’t forget Park City’s new Woodward Park City. There are great indoor and outdoor programs, especially for kids.  They also offer ski and snowboard lessons.
• Whether you like shopping or not, the Outlets Park City have a little something for everyone, including play areas for the kids to expel some of that energy.
• There’s almost nothing a kid wouldn’t do for a s’more and some hot chocolate. We are “winter’s favorite town”, so of course there are oodles of options for warm treats. Check out Montage, Deer Valley Resort, and the Umbrella Bar at Canyons Village to name a few.

Art & Artisans

• The Kimball Art Center believes that art should be accessible to all, and that includes youngsters. Check out their website for programs and exhibitions.
• Visit the Sound Garden along the Poison Creek trail in Old Town to let your kids exert a little creative and musical freedom.
• The Swaner Nature Center is a local treasure that combines ecology and preservation with education and programs, including many for kids.

Dining

• Remember the aforementioned s’mores and hot chocolate? Another one on top of the kids’ list is always ice cream. Park City has a few artisanal ice cream shops to speak of, with the most famous being Main Street’s Java Cow.
• For little kid-friendly pizza options, check out Main Street Pizza & Noodle and Red Banjo Pizza, both on Historic Main.
• If you’re looking for some family-friendly dining with parking in Park City, I recommend heading to Kimball Junction. You’ll find restaurants like Zupas, Maxwell’s, Full House, and many more with plenty of easy parking.

Evenings

• Open until 9:00 p.m., the Park City Ice Arena has a variety of activities including ice hockey to watch and public skating (complete with devices to help them balance). Be sure to check the schedule for details.
• For a supreme “Frozen” adventure (and amazing family photo ops), check out the Midway Ice Castles. I recommend bringing a sled for the little ones.
• If you’re looking to get away without the youngsters for a night out, check out our Child Care Options post.

3. With Big Kids

Activities

• Taking a guided snowshoe tour in Park City is something I’ve never done, but if I were visiting Park City with kids I would check out the snowshoe to s’mores tour or a variety of other available snowshoe tours.
• There are a few zip line options throughout town, perfect for the thrill seekers in your gang.

Art & Artisans

• Take a self-guided tour of Park City’s public art installations. In related news, be sure to include Loosey the Moosey—back in Old Town as of 2019—in your art search!
• With many classes suitable for all ages, bring your group to the Paint Mixer and you’ll be guided through your very own masterpiece.
• One of the most fun and attainable art galleries on Main Street is ArtWorks. From metal sculptures to musical instruments, this is a great place to pick up a Park City souvenir.

Dining

• One of the oldest pizza places is certainly worthy of adding to your Park City trip agenda. Davanza’s has been serving Park City for over 30 years.
• Billy Blanco’s joined the lineup of Park City restaurant owner Bill White in 2013. Your kids will love the “Motor City Mexican” theme, featuring cars and motorcycles hanging overhead!
• For a large American menu with a big selection of beers for mom and dad, try Park City Roadhouse Grill.

Evenings

• If your kids aren’t afraid of a friendly ghost story, try one of Park City’s unique tour offerings, a Ghost Tour of Old Town.
• A true gem for adventurous kids, look no further than the recently opened Woodward Park City. There are over a dozen things to do here, from a trampoline zone and pump track to a parkour zone and foam pit.
• Rock out with music, lights, and a little night tubing at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway. Open 7 days a week 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

4. For the Guys Trip

Activities

• Did you know there are several “Blue Ribbon Fisheries” in Utah, and that the Weber River is one of them? Fly fishing in the winter is great because everything slows down a bit, including you. Most local guides provide transportation and gear.
• There are several fine snowmobiling guide services in the area that support your group’s style, from leisurely to backcountry.
• If target shooting is up your group’s alley, give one of the local clay shooting guides a try.

Art & Artisans

• Bartenders are artisans, too. Grab an artisanal cocktail at Tupelo, winner of Park City’s annual cocktail contest two years in a row. 2019’s winning concoction was “La Vaquera”, which means “The Cowgirl” in Spanish.
• After all those activities, be sure to book a massage for you and the guys. The options for spas in Park City are endless, and there are even some mobile massage services that will come to you.

Dining

• Butcher’s Chop House has that classic steakhouse feel, and it’s a block away from all the action on Main Street.
• Other than the food, the great thing about dining at Flanagan’s Irish pub is there’s a bar downstairs which often has live entertainment and events like trivia night.
• If locally sourced is what you seek, give Handle a try. Try the buffalo cauliflower!

Evenings

• Just down the street from Butcher’s Chop House, if you haven’t heard of High West Distillery and you like to imbibe, then you must put this on your Park City trip agenda.
• A classic Park City bar, No Name Saloon has it all. They have great bar food, lots of tv’s and a rooftop patio with heaters.
• If your group of guys wants to start the evening out right and learn a thing or two about wine, head to class with the “headmistress” before dinner at the Fox School of Wine.

5. For the Ladies Trip

Activities

• Combine yoga with other adventures like paddleboarding, hiking or snowshoeing with Park City Yoga Adventures.
• If you’re looking to get out with mother nature while getting your blood flowing, look no further than Cross-Country Skiing on one of Park City’s fabulous groomed trails.
• Whether it’s the carrot cake, the natural salad bar or the freshly groomed corduroy, Deer Valley Resort is a great place for your ladies ski outing.

Art & Artisans

• Start your trip out with a mindful focus at Haum Meditation, a studio featuring guided meditations run by locals.
• If your group is looking for something off the beaten path, have a psychic read your energy at Park City Psychic Medium. Packages vary.
• Even if it’s never going to sit on your own wall, Gallery MAR is a wonderful place to soak in some fresh, contemporary art.

Dining

• Start your day off with a cup of tea and locally baked goods at Cupla Coffee in Kimball Junction.
• Looking for fabulous dining that’s centrally located with easy parking? You’ll be surprised by the quality of food and atmosphere at Versante Hearth + Bar.
• Perfect for après ski, brunch, or just about any time, the St. Regis has a lovely contemporary mountain atmosphere featuring a variety of culinary endeavors.

Evening

• Park City’s Egyptian Theater is that iconic one you see at the Sundance Film Festival each year. But did you know there are live stage performances year-round? Support the arts at a historical, small venue on your trip.
• If you like to support local wineries, be sure to add a tasting at Old Town Cellars to your itinerary. Blending and bottling wines on site, this has quickly become a local favorite.
• For a bar that has it all on Main Street, look no further than The Spur Bar & Grill. In addition to food, they serve up “dinner, drinks and dancing”.

6. For the Extreme Adventurers

Activities

• Forget the lift lines. Get into some big bowls without the crowds when you book a day with Park City Powder Cats.
• Snow kiting is one of the up and coming activities in this area. I don’t have any direct experience with Utah guides, but I know there are a few to choose from.
• Ski Utah’s Interconnect Tour is another epic adventure to be had in the Wasatch. With several different tour options, you’ll ski a combination of resort and backcountry terrain through as many as six resorts in a single day. Note that snowboarding is not permitted.

Art & Artisans

• Create some blown glass art as a souvenir of your adventures in Park City at Red Flower Studios.
• Snag some artisanal cheese in Heber Valley for your après ski snacking pleasure. You’ll thank yourselves after your ski boots come off.
• If you still have it in you, learn a bit about Park City history while getting schooled about wine at a unique Park City activity, a Mines & Wines tour.

Dining

• If I told you the World’s Best Lobster Roll was right here in Park City, would you believe me? This is not a drill. Freshies Lobster Company did win that award and you should definitely add it to your agenda.
• Brought to you by the same folks as the No Name Saloon, Boneyard Saloon & Kitchen features a wood-fired grill and over 100 beers.
• Whether you show up after skiing at Park City Mountain or for the well-rounded locals experience, The Corner Store is a great, no-frills place for your dining pleasure.

Evening

• Don’t go home without saying you took part in a little state history. The Wasatch Brew Pub was Utah’s very first brewery! Still located at the top of Main, be sure to check this one off your list.

7. For the Leisurely Travelers 

Activities

• Regardless of whether you like to shop, gallery hop, dine, or imbibe, I recommend a stroll in historic old town to any travelers, as each time the experience is just a little bit different.
• For a relaxed activity that will get your breath flowing, partake in a class at The Shop Yoga studio.
• If you’re looking for something just a little more on the adventurous side and you’re booking well in advance, a Dog Sledding trip is not to be missed. These trips do book up fast, so plan early.

Art & Artisans

• Get an amazing all-natural facial at Everly Grace or a number of other excellent spas in town.
• I recommend Trove Gallery in Old Town for some thought-provoking pieces with an emphasis on Utah artists.
• I am constantly surprised at the rich history our small town has every time I visit the Park City Museum, great for all ages.

Dining

• Have breakfast without the cleanup at one of my favorite breakfast spots: Harvest, The Eating Establishment and Five5eeds.
• If you like a traditional high-end steak house complete with wine pairings and live piano music, Prime Steak House should definitely make the cut on your “TripTik”.
• Featured on the Food Network three times, Silver Star Cafe is a small cafe featuring live music and a great atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

Evening

• Rather than a traditional restaurant dinner experience, try a Park City Food Tour, an evening of dining, walking, and exploring historic Main Street.
• Give yourself a tour of our local historic buildings and barns, with a little backup from our 2016 blog on the subject!
• Take an evening drive out to Kamas to enjoy the sunset and take in a show or dessert at the State Road Tavern, located at High Star Resort.

What’s on your Park City trip agenda? I’d love to know what I’ve missed and what questions you have for me, your personal trip planner!