Park City is one of those places you never quite forget. Out of all the trips I’ve taken to escape the Texas summer heat, it remains one of my favorites, something I know to be true for many North Texans. Just over 2.5 hours by plane, and then a quick 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City, it is home to two world-class ski resorts, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of fun and activities for visitors at any time of year. Whether you plan a weekend getaway or a longer stay, and whether you come with your immediate family or your family that spans several generations, there will be so many things you’ll want to do, it’ll be hard to know where to start.
Park City Mountain Resort, one of the two resorts that call Park City home, is a hub of summer activities, including the longest alpine slide in the U.S., the Zip Rider, where those who dare can zip up to 110 feet above the trees, the Mountain Coaster, mini golf, a climbing wall, gem panning, and more. If you want great access to mountain biking and hiking trails, Deer Valley resort ski lifts also operate in the summer, giving you direct access to the mountain.
And what a mountain it is! With over 400 miles of trails, Park City is truly an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination. You don’t have to be an experienced backpacker or an expert biker to enjoy it, either. If you’ve got young kids and elderly family members, you can opt to walk the two-mile Park City Parkway, a paved path that goes along the southern section of Swaner Preserve. There are also scenic chair lift rides to enjoy, kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and more.
Park City began as a mining town, and its history runs deep. The Park City Museum was a favorite for my daughter and me; it’s a trove of local lore and history about stagecoaches, mines, and mountain living. If you love sports trivia and winter sports, a stop at the Utah Olympic Village is a must. This is where you’ll find the Alf Engen Ski Museum, as well as activities like mountain slides and summer bobsleds.
One of the best things about Park City is the accessibility. “Accessibility isn't an afterthought — it's fundamental to who we are as a community and a destination,” said Jennifer Wesselhoff, President and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. In addition to 30 businesses being Wheel of the World certified in late July, the city also operates an entire fleet of zero-emission buses and the free Park City shuttle that rides up and down Main Street all day long, which everyone, including those in wheelchairs, can access at no cost.
What sort of fun does Main Street offer in the warmer months? There’s the Park Silly Sunday Market, a free, family-friendly seasonal market with live music, vendors, and more. There’s also the Kimball Arts Festival that happens every August; “There's always something to see. You can look at and buy art, hang out, take pictures, and you’ll see families popping in and out of restaurants. It is a really cool festival, so it's definitely a must,” says Visit Utah spokesperson Brittany Timms.
Speaking of restaurants, Park City is known for its award-winning establishments. tupelo Park City is a family-friendly spot serving globally-inspired New American fare and has been a crowd favorite since reopening its doors in 2021. The Eating Establishment is a must for breakfast, and if you’re looking for something more upscale, Grappa is four floors filled with incredible Italian food and amazing artistry. There’s also Le Depot Brasserie and Union Patisserie, and Course Chevelle Bistro, all located on a section of Main Street that’s recently been dubbed Park City’s French Quarter.
Once you’ve had your fill of Main Street, make plans for a summer concert. The Deer Valley Summer Concert Series, on select Thursdays and Sundays through mid-August, partners with the Utah Orchestra to bring visitors a unique show every time. It’s the perfect place to bring your blanket, chairs, snacks, and entire family for an evening of music. The Canyons Village concerts are on select Thursdays at the Canyons Village Forum; this free live music event is also extremely popular with visitors and residents alike.
Where should you stay when visiting Park City? There are plenty of options for all types of families, including Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, The Chateaux Deer Valley, and Montage Deer Valley. They all offer great accommodations and fun amenities that range from arcades, lawn games, and children’s programming to giant milkshakes, swimming pools, and, at Montage Deer Valley, a chance to hang with its Pet Ambassador, Murphy, the Bernese Mountain Dog.
For more information about where to stay and what to do, visit visitparkcity.com