Park City, Utah Travel Guide

Discover Park City, Utah: A year-round destination offering world-class skiing, vibrant summer activities, rich history, and a thriving arts scene in a stunning mountain setting.

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Nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, Park City, Utah, is a year-round paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Known globally for its world-class ski resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort, the city transforms into a winter wonderland from November through April. Here, you can indulge in some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in North America, with powdery slopes and state-of-the-art facilities that cater to all skill levels. Beyond its snowy allure, Park City offers a vibrant summer scene. The mountain trails become a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers. The city's historic Main Street, lined with charming shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, invites leisurely strolls and offers a glimpse into its rich mining history. The Park City Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the area's colorful past. A cultural hub, Park City hosts the renowned Sundance Film Festival every January, drawing filmmakers and celebrities from around the globe. The city’s arts scene thrives year-round with numerous festivals, live performances at the Egyptian Theatre, and regular community events. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Park City promises an unforgettable experience in a stunning alpine setting.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Park City.

Visit during the Sundance Film Festival for a unique cultural experience, but book accommodations well in advance.
Take advantage of the free public transit system to easily navigate the city and surrounding areas.
Explore the extensive network of trails in the summer for breathtaking views and outdoor adventure.
Check out the Park Silly Sunday Market in the summer for local crafts, food, and live music.
In winter, consider ski lessons or guided tours to make the most of the world-class slopes.

Neighbourhoods in Park City

Park City Mountain Resort

Canyons Village

Historic Main Street

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Park City

Explore Park City: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Park City

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Temple Square

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Utah's Hogle Zoo

Discover Utah's Hogle Zoo, where adventure meets conservation in a vibrant wildlife sanctuary in Salt Lake City, perfect for family fun and animal lovers alike.

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Liberty Park

Discover the beauty of Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, an urban oasis offering nature, recreation, and cultural experiences for everyone.

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Thanksgiving Point

Explore the enchanting Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, where nature, history, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

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Best landmarks in Park City

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Salt Lake Utah Temple

Experience the architectural beauty and spiritual serenity of the Salt Lake Utah Temple, a historic landmark in the heart of Salt Lake City.

4.8

Park City Mountain

Experience the thrill of skiing at Park City Mountain, Utah's premier ski resort with breathtaking views and endless winter activities.

4.5

Salt Lake City Tabernacle

Explore the Salt Lake City Tabernacle, a historical and spiritual landmark known for its stunning architecture and unique acoustics, located in the heart of Utah.

4.8

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Discover the historic Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, a stunning landmark showcasing the legacy of Joseph Smith and the Latter-day Saint movement.

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Best restaurants in Park City

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No Name Saloon

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious grill cuisine at No Name Saloon in Park City - a must-visit dining destination.

4.5

Park City Roadhouse Grill

Experience delightful American cuisine at Park City Roadhouse Grill—your go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch in scenic Park City.

4.2

El Chubasco

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at El Chubasco in Park City – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.

4.3

Boneyard Saloon

Experience the best of American grilling at Boneyard Saloon in Park City—where flavor meets fun in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Best bars in Park City

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No Name Saloon

Discover the heart of Park City at No Name Saloon, where vibrant atmosphere meets delicious comfort food and craft drinks in a unique setting.

4.5

Boneyard Saloon

Discover the vibrant flavors of Boneyard Saloon, Park City's premier bar and grill, where delicious meals meet a lively atmosphere.

4.4

The Spur Bar & Grill

Discover the perfect blend of mouthwatering grill favorites and a vibrant atmosphere at The Spur Bar & Grill in Park City, Utah.

4.4

High West Saloon

Discover the charm of High West Saloon, a premier brewery and gastropub in Park City, Utah, renowned for its craft brews and inviting atmosphere.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Park City

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No Name Saloon

Experience the vibrant spirit of Park City at No Name Saloon, where delicious food and great drinks meet a lively atmosphere.

4.5

Boneyard Saloon

Discover a vibrant grill experience at Boneyard Saloon, where delicious flavors meet a lively atmosphere in Park City, Utah.

4.4

The Spur Bar & Grill

Savor the best of American cuisine in Park City at The Spur Bar & Grill, where flavor meets a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

The Cabin

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Cabin, Park City's ultimate destination for live music, great drinks, and unforgettable memories.

4.3

Best shops in Park City

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City Creek Center

Experience the perfect blend of luxury shopping and beautiful outdoor scenery at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City.

4.5

The Gateway

Explore The Gateway in Salt Lake City - a vibrant shopping mall with dining, shopping, and cultural attractions for every traveler.

4.2

Park City Mountain

Experience the excitement of skiing at Park City Mountain, a premier ski resort in Utah, offering breathtaking views and endless winter adventures.

4.5

Park City Souvenir Co

Explore Park City Souvenir Co for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of Utah's mountain town.

4.9

Explore Park City on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Park City, mapped for you.

Park City Essentials

Park City is easily accessible from Salt Lake City International Airport, which is approximately 35 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to reach Park City. The drive typically takes about 45 minutes via Interstate 80 East. Alternatively, you can use private car services for a more comfortable and direct journey.
Once in Park City, you have several transportation options. The free Park City Transit system offers convenient routes throughout the city and to nearby areas, making it easy to get around without a car. Additionally, you can rent bikes during the warmer months or use rideshare services. For those preferring to drive, rental cars are available and the city offers ample parking options.
The official currency in Park City, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used.
Park City is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Park City has a well-equipped police department and medical facilities. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies and clinics available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby medical centers and emergency services upon arrival.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas. Don't forget to wear sunscreen, even in winter. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers; the free bus system is a privilege. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and tip your servers (15-20% is customary). Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Park City like a local, explore the historic Main Street with its unique shops and restaurants. Visit the Park City Farmers Market on Wednesdays during the summer for fresh local produce and artisanal goods. Take advantage of the outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing, depending on the season. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share insider tips about the best spots to visit.

When is the best time to visit Park City?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Park City

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Park City. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haʊ-di]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [siː jɑː]
- YesYup
  [jʌp]
- NoNope
  [noʊp]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [pliːz/nəʊ ˈwʌriz]
- Thank youThanks
  [θæŋks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [ˈpɑːrdn miː/maɪ bæd]
- How are you?Howdy do?
  [haʊ-di duː]
- Fine. And you?Dandy. How 'bout you?
  [ˈdændi haʊ 'baʊt juː]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [jə spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
- I don't understandI'm lost
  [aɪm lɔst]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the menu, please
  [kæn aɪ teɪk ə ˈɡændər æt ðə ˈmɛnjuː pliːz]
- I don't eat meatI ain't no carnivore
  [aɪ eɪnt noʊ ˈkɑːrnɪvɔr]
- Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [ˈbɑtəmz ʌp]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up, thanks
  [aɪm ˈrɛdi tuː ˈsɛtl ʌp θæŋks]
- Help!S.O.S!
  [ɛs oʊ ɛs]
- Go away!Beat it!
  [biːt ɪt]
- Call the Police!Get the cops!
  [ɡɛt ðə kɑps]
- Call a doctor!Fetch a doc!
  [fɛtʃ ə dɑk]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd]
- I'm illI'm under the weather
  [aɪm ˈʌndər ðə ˈwɛðər]
- I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to purchase...
  [aɪm ˈfɪksɪn tuː ˈpɜːrtʃəs]
- I'm just lookingI'm just browsing around
  [aɪm ˈdʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ əˈraʊnd]
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wɑːts ðə ˈdæmɪdʒ]
- That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [ðæts ə bɪt stiːp]
- Can you lower the price?Ya reckon ya could knock a few bucks off?
  [jə ˈrɛkən jə kʊd nɑːk ə fjuː bʌks ɔf]
- What time is it?What's the hour?
  [wɑːts ðə ˈaʊər]
- It's one o'clockIt's one on the dot
  [ɪts wʌn ɒn ðə dɑt]
- Half past (10)Halfway to (10)
  [ˈhæfˌweɪ tuː ˈtɛn]
- MorningMornin'
  [ˈmɔrnɪn]
- AfternoonArvo
  [ɑrˈvoʊ]
- EveningNightfall
  [ˈnaɪtfɔːl]
- YesterdayYest'day
  [ˈjɛstdeɪ]
- TodayToday
  [təˈdeɪ]
- TomorrowMorrow
  [ˈmɔroʊ]
- 1One
  [wʌn]
- 2Two
  [tuː]
- 3Three
  [θriː]
- 4Four
  [fɔːr]
- 5Five
  [faɪv]
- 6Six
  [sɪks]
- 7Seven
  [ˈsɛvən]
- 8Eight
  [eɪt]
- 9Nine
  [naɪn]
- 10Ten
  [tɛn]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wɛərz ðə]
- What's the address?Where's it at?
  [wɛərz ɪt æt]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out (on the map)?
  [kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt ɒn ðə mæp]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus) rollin' through?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst rəʊlɪn θruː]
- A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [ə pæs tuː]

History of Park City

Park City was initially settled by Mormon pioneers in the mid-19th century, but it wasn't until the discovery of silver in the late 1860s that the town began to thrive. The first mining claim was filed in 1868, leading to a silver mining boom that transformed Park City into a bustling mining town. By the 1880s, it was one of the richest mining towns in the United States, with the Ontario Mine being one of the most productive.
On June 19, 1898, a catastrophic fire broke out in Park City, destroying over 200 homes and businesses and leaving much of the town in ruins. Despite the devastation, the resilient community quickly began rebuilding. The town's architectural landscape was forever changed, with new structures built using brick and stone to prevent future fires.
By the mid-20th century, the mining industry in Park City had significantly declined, leading to economic hardship for the town. However, in the 1960s, Park City reinvented itself as a ski destination. The Park City Mountain Resort opened in 1963, breathing new life into the area and paving the way for tourism to become the town's main economic driver.
Park City's reputation as a premier skiing destination was solidified when it played a crucial role in hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics. The town hosted alpine giant slalom and snowboarding events, and the Utah Olympic Park, located just outside Park City, was the site for bobsled, skeleton, and luge competitions. This global exposure further boosted Park City's status as a top winter sports locale.
Park City is also renowned for hosting the Sundance Film Festival, one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States. Founded by Robert Redford in 1978, the festival has become an annual event held every January, attracting filmmakers, celebrities, and cinephiles from around the world. The festival has been instrumental in promoting independent films and fostering a vibrant arts culture in Park City.
Park City's Main Street is a historic district that reflects the town's rich heritage. Lined with preserved and restored buildings from the mining era, Main Street offers a glimpse into the past with its charming architecture. Today, it is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums, such as the Park City Museum, which provides detailed exhibits on the town's mining history and cultural evolution.