The Top 12 Things to Do in Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah has a reputation for being one of the best ski destinations in the U.S., offering visitors plenty of hills to shred and lots of fresh powder on an annual basis. But, the city has plenty of other things to see and do as well, no matter what time of the year you drop by. If you're planning a visit to the area, we have some suggestions for some can't-miss activities that will help you soak up the local culture and find a little outdoor adventure along the way too.

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Hit the Slopes

Skiing in Park City, Utah
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Let's just go ahead and get this one out of the way immediately. No list of things to do in Park City would be complete without at least mentioning the great skiing that is found there. The town of 8000 is home to both Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, both of which have world-class options for expert skiers but are also very approachable for beginners too. These two resorts feature more than 7800 skiable acres between them, which is enough space to make it feel like you have the mountain all to yourself at times. If you're visiting the area in the winter, you'll definitely want to spend some time on these top-notch ski hills, which are amongst the best in all of Utah.

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More Winter Fun at Woodward Park

A child slides down a snowy hill in an inner tube.

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If skiing a big Utah mountain isn't your thing, then consider visiting Woodward Park for a different kind of winter outing. Tubing is the primary activity here, with seven lighted tube lanes to fly down and a lift to whisk riders straight back to the top of the hill. But the recently expanded offerings also include a massive indoor center with trampolines, foam pits, and other attractions, beside a coffee shop and cafeteria too. Woodward is even home to Utah's only indoor concrete skatepark as well, offering year round riding for those who like to skate.

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Take a Scenic Drive

Scenic drives near Park City
Utah.com

If you're looking for something a bit more relaxing to do while you're in Park City, why not take a drive along one of the local scenic byways? There are a number of spectacular routes throughout the area, not the least of which are Guardsman Pass and Provo Canyon. Along the way, you'll see epic landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and perhaps even some wildlife too. And if you prefer to take in the views from the seat of a bike, most of the rides can be pedaled as well. 

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Stroll the Main Street Historic District

Downtown Park City, Utah
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Founded back in 1869, Park City has a long and rich history. But in 1898, the city suffered a massive fire the wiped out a large section of the town. Eventually, that area was rebuilt and many of those buildings still stand today as part of the Main Street Historic District. Visitors to this part of town will find dozens of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and other attractions. Open year-round, the Historic District is a great place to take a stroll, do a little shopping, and enjoy a glass of wine over an excellent dinner too. You might even be surprised at some of the hidden gems you'll find here, with some quaint, charming locations to visit.

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05 of 12

Take in a Show at the Egyptian Theater

Egyptian Theater, Park City
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Another historic building located in Park City is the famous Egyptian Theater, which was built back in the 1920's. The building took its architectural influences from a rise in interest in Egyptian history following the discovery of King Tut's tomb. Those fantastic elements are still on display today, giving the theater a unique look all its own. Originally a place for vaudeville acts to entertain the locals, the Egyptian continues to play host to plays, stand-up comedians, musicians, and other entertainers. The theater underwent a major renovation back in 1998, but still has the same quirks and charms that it did when it was first built. 

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Take a Ride on an Olympic Bobsled

Bobsledding in Park City
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When Salt Lake City played host to the Olympic Games back in 2002, many of the events were actually held in Park City. The bobsled run from those games is still fully functional at the Utah Olympic Park, and visitors can take "the Comet" as its called for a ride. The run is more than 3000 feet in length, and provides plenty of adrenaline inducing thrills on the way down. Those who feel the need for speed will especially enjoy this attraction, that will probably leave you breathless by the end.

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Take a Snowmobile for a Spin

snowmobiling in Park City
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As a world-class winter destination, Park City has plenty of opportunities for visitors to play in the snow, including exploring the surrounding area on a snowmobile. Book a tour with Red Pine Adventures, and you'll set out on a backcountry excursion into the company's one-thousand acre private playground, which also happens to be home to abundant wildlife and amazing scenery too. Red Pine also leads guided snowshoeing hikes during the winter as well, and in the summer vistiors can take a guides horseback tour through the surrounding countryside instead.

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Savor the Amazing Food

Grappa Italian Restaurant in Park City
Grappa Italian Restaurant

Park City may not be a particularly large town, but it has more than its fair share of delicious restaurants. For instance, drop by Grappa for a wide variety of Italian options or visit Butcher's Chop House for a gourmet experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Fletcher's is known for offering traditional options with an unexpected twist, while the High West Distillery is a great place to enjoy an adult beverage while savoring an outstanding meal. In the mood for something else? You'll have no problem finding plenty of tasty options to feed your cravings while in town.

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09 of 12

Go Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking Park City
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As already mentioned, Park City is a famously great ski destination during the winter, but in the summer months those same landscapes make for excellent mountain biking too. In fact, the riding is so good in the area that the town was designated the world's first Gold Level Ride Destination by the International Mountain Biking Association. That distinction is due in part to the more than 400 miles of accessible trail that is found in and around town. If your preferred method of exploring a destination is off-road and on two wheels, you'll find plenty to love in this part of Utah.

For some good tips on where to start, visit MountainBikingParkCity.com

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Learn to Fly Fish

Fly Fishing Park City
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Utah is a great destination for anglers, and Park City offers some excellent opportunities to hit the water and hone your skills. Both the nearby Provo and Weber Rivers are full of brown and rainbow trout, as well as several other species, making it one of the top fishing spots in the country. If you've always wanted to give fly fishing a try, sign up for a half- or full-day excursion with Park City on the Fly, who will not only take you to some of the best local fishing holes, but also get you outfitted with all of the gear you'll need too. The experienced and friendly staff there will teach you the finer points of the art of fly fishing, making your excursion an memorable one.

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Ride the Alpine Coaster

Park City Alpine Coaster
Park City Mountain Resort

If you find yourself visiting Park City in the summer and disappointed that you can't ride the bobsled, you're in luck because there is smilier experience made for warm-weather outings. The Alpine Coaster is found at the Park City Mountain Resort and offers a thrill ride that is not unlike its winter counterpart. The gravity-driven roller coaster zips past lush mountain scenery, making impossible banks and turns along the way. The ride is actually more than twice as long as the bobsled run, covering more than a mile. Not for the faint of heart, the Alpine Coaster will take your breath away, but it is an experience that travelers won't soon forget. 

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Go on a Private Adventure Excursion

whitewater rafting, Idaho

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The options for outdoor activities in Park City are numerous, and at times it can be difficult for visitors to decide exactly what they should do. Why not let the experts at Exclusive Excursions take all of the work out of and guide you on a memorable adventure too. In the summer, the company can get up rafting hiking, biking, and other day trips, while in the winter they can take you snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, or even into a cave with a hot springs. All of the trips can be customized to meet your exact needs in terms of length, challenge, and difficulty as well.