Visiting Park City In The Summer

Chances are, when you think about visiting Park City, Utah, you think about a winter ski trip. This area is also known for the extreme snow conditions that allow the small mountain town to be home to several world-class ski resorts. After all, Park City was home to the 2002 winter Olympics. But don’t let that fool you into thinking there aren’t things to do in the summer. Park City offers a host of fun things to do for hot weather activity seekers too!

If you like a variety of outdoor activities, a fun downtown area with lots going on, and great hotel choices, then you will want to consider Park City, Utah for next trip. There is so much to do in the summer! If you aren’t sure where to start, here are top things to do in Park City in the summer.

Getting There

Park City, Utah is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from nearby Salt Lake City. This means there is major international airport access and ample flights. Flying into Salt Lake City still requires transportation to get to Park City, which is about 30 miles down I-80 through a nearby canyon and into the mountain. If you decide to road trip it like we did, I-80 allows easy access whether you are coming in from the west or from the east. All you need to do is follow the signs to Park City at Kimball Junction.

Where To Stay

There is large selection of accommodation options in Park City or in the immediate surrounding valley. There are some economy and mid-range hotels in the area. But we aren’t going to lie – most hotels here are high-end and very expensive. Visiting Park City in the summer does give the benefit of slightly more affordable prices. A top-of-the-line luxury resort might start at $3,000 per night in peak winter season, but in the summer, you could get the same room for $700-800 per night.

It is possible to stay at one of the nicer properties without breaking the bank though. We found a great option staying at the Club Wyndham Park City. This resort hotel is located in the Canyons Village area about 4 miles from historic downtown Park City. We enjoyed everything this hotel had to offer at a more affordable price. Our most favorite things include having a well-appointed suite complete with a full kitchen, spacious bathroom, separate bedroom, balcony, and washer and dryer! We also enjoyed the quite pool and parking garage with unlimited in and out privileges. Just make sure your car isn’t too big if you want to park here.

Top Things To Do In Park City In The Summer

Now that the logistics are out of the way, it is time to get on to the fun stuff. And believe us, Park City offers plenty of fun and adventure in the sun! Here are top things to do in Park City in the summer.

Check Out Historic Downtown Park City

Like many other ski towns or small mountain towns, downtown Park City is quaint and charming. What sets this apart from several other small towns is the layout. The valley creates some narrow space for the town to occupy. Main Street is one very long, straight street. It goes up a gradual hill, so you will get a good workout here. That may be a good thing as Main Street and the surrounding areas is filled with great bars and restaurants. There are so many great places to grab a bite! Just keep in mind, you will pay tourist prices if you choose to eat at any of the downtown spots. To save a few bucks (and score free parking), we recommend checking out some local restaurants further from the downtown area.

Take In The Arts

One thing you will notice about downtown Park City is that it is filled with art! Galleries of all sorts fill many storefronts. Sculptures occupy open spaces. Businesses showcase their own individual flair. Even the town’s architecture is something to be admired. Truly, Park City has an impressive art scene!

Speaking of impressive, would you believe us if we told you that downtown Park City is home to not one but two pieces by the world-famous street artist, Banksy?! Actually, there are three pieces in town, but the third piece is tucked away for extra-safe keeping. The piece, “Cameraman and Flower” is especially moving because it speaks to what happens when we love something to death. This is an issue we see all the time in the contemporary travel industry.

Hit The Links

Golf is a favorite outdoor activity of ours when we embark on sunny adventures. Park City is also home to several impressive golf courses. Like many similar towns, golf at some courses can cost a pretty penny. However, we found affordable prices at the Park City Golf Club. This course is in the heart of town and surrounded by many beautiful properties. Golfers get to enjoy the views as well as plenty of water features.

Take The Scenic Route

Almost anywhere you look in the valley are amazing views. To get some of the best views though, head south through historic downtown Park City and make your way to Deer Valley. Doing so will have you working your way past several ski areas and top of the line hotel resorts and residences into the Utah Mountains. This route to Guardsman Pass can be winding and harrow, so drive with caution. But the views at Empire Pass Viewing Area are worth the climb. From here, continue down the road if you’d like to find more stunning views, hiking, and more.

Dine On A Mountain Top

Park City and Deer Valley is chock full of ski areas and resort hotels. This means there are lots of mountain top activities, even if you are visiting Park City in the summer. One of the best things to do is dine at a classy restaurant on a mountain top. We headed up to fancy Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley to enjoy lunch on the expansive outdoor deck. Here, we were able to get a bird’s eye view of the valley below. We also enjoyed the colorful wildflowers and inventive igloos that allow slope side outdoor dining in the winter.

Spend A Day At the Olympic Park

For any thrill seekers out there, a day at the Utah Olympic Park is an absolute must! This was the site of the 2002 winter Olympics and is such a great way to make use of this space. The park offers a variety of activities for a range of interests.

Here, spectators are able to watch Olympic athletes train for the upcoming winter games. There is also a museum to stroll through. For travelers who want a little more action, there is plenty of that as well! Check out their website for options on activity availability and to purchase passes. Because this park is popular, there are admissions limits so advance purchases and reservations are essential.

On top of fun stuff like ziplining and the alpine slide, we tried the most adrenaline pumping activity at the park! Bobsledding! There are health and wellness restrictions in order to participate in this activity. And it is expensive! At the time of our experience, the Utah Olympic Park charged $80.00 per person for what can be less than a 60-second ride. It is worth every penny!

Other Things To Expect

Visiting Park City in the summer generally offers warm to hot days with chilly nights. Be sure to pack all the summer essentials. On top of that, because of the wide variety of activities available in the area, it is best to pack a range of stuff. This could be activewear and athletic shoes to a nice dress and sandals for going out.

Like many other ski towns, Park City also has peak-season and off-season. Your summer visit may hit during the off-season or shoulder season. If that is the case, you will appreciate cheaper prices but expect to encounter several seasonal closures as well.

We know this list doesn’t include everything Park City, Utah has to offer summer visitors. It seems like there is something for everyone here. Whether you want to shop, spend time outdoors, or just relax poolside, visiting Park City in the summer could be the perfect getaway for you!

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