While justly famed as a world-class ski destination, Park City, Utah, offers far more than fresh, fluffy powder. This four-day getaway reveals an authentic side of mountain life, taking visitors on a journey into the creative heart and heritage of this vibrant community, long celebrated for its annual Sundance Film Festival. You’ll explore the region’s historic Main Street, robust arts scene, Olympic legacy, and mining history, all while savoring its acclaimed food scene. Throughout your time here, join in on the community-wide practice of Mountainkind™ values by shopping local, respecting wildlife, embracing sustainable travel (try a car-free trip!), and, most of all, practicing kindness in every interaction. Outdoor winter sports enthusiasts can add on a few days of skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding to round out a perfect seasonal getaway.
Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Park City, Utah
Courtesy of Visit Park City
Day 1:Explore Main Street and the Park City Museum
Next, discover the rich local history at the Park City Museum, conveniently located on Main Street. Housed in part in the original 1885 City Hall, the museum’s interactive exhibits detail Park City’s past, from its silver-mining roots to its evolution into a renowned winter destination. Check out the permanent collection, which includes a two-story cross-section of a historic mine and the original territorial jail, offering a tangible glimpse into the lives of the town’s early residents. A trip here will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of this mountain community.
Conclude your first day with a dinner at the legendary No Name Saloon, celebrating a quarter century in business this year. Known for its rustic decor and eclectic vibe, this local favorite offers a peek into the town’s more spirited side. Grab a seat at one of its three bars or head up to the heated rooftop patio to take in the views as you enjoy one of its famous buffalo burgers, a perfect way to wrap up your first evening in Park City.
The Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Utah
Courtesy of Visit Park City
Day 2:See a Live Show at the Egyptian Theatre
For dinner, make reservations at Firewood on Main, a restaurant serving New American heirloom cuisine crafted from local purveyors such as Ballard Farms and Bear Lake Beef, all cooked over an open flame using chef-selected wood like cedar, cherry, and maple to enhance flavors. After dinner, take some time to bask in the festive atmosphere of Main Street at night. The historic district is known for its vibrant energy, with shops and galleries open for browsing and the evening light creating a memorable ambiance.
Depending on the timing of your trip, check out the Park City Mountain (December 24) or Deer Valley Resort Torchlight parades (December 30). These festive events feature ski and snowboard instructors parading down the slopes in a dazzling display of lights.
The Alf Engen Ski Museum
Courtesy of Visit Park City
Day 3:Visit the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Utah Olympic Park
Next, head to the surrounding Utah Olympic Park, a living monument to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games—and home to the 2034 Winter Olympic Games. Take a guided tour at this hub of year-round adventure to see world-class facilities like the ski jumps and bobsled track, where athletes still train and compete. Watching them in action brings the Olympic legacy to life, offering a front-row seat to the determination and daring that define this high-altitude playground.
As evening falls, head to the modern restaurant Kita, a Japanese-inspired steakhouse. The menus at this acclaimed spot (with indoor, al fresco, and sushi bar seating) spotlight fresh sushi and Japanese steakhouse classics. For a memorable meal, order the Ssam Platter, a wood-fired grilled steak with the chef’s signature accompaniments, such as shiso leaves, sesame, turmeric horseradish, and miso ssamjang sauce made from Korean fermented soybean paste.
A cooking class in Park City, Utah
Courtesy of Visit Park City
Day 4: Take a Cooking Class
After lunch, explore the visual arts at the Kimball Art Center, a cornerstone of Park City’s creative community. This modern space features rotating exhibitions that highlight emerging and established artists, often exploring themes of nature, identity, and the Mountain West. Take your time wandering through the galleries, where thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works invite reflection and conversation. The center also emphasizes art education and accessibility, reinforcing Park City’s reputation as a center for cultural exploration as well as outdoor adventure.
Continue your artistic journey with an afternoon of gallery hopping along Main Street, home to more than 20 distinctive galleries where you’ll find fine art, photography, handcrafted jewelry, and glasswork, all within walking distance. Chat with local artists and soak up the lively yet laid-back atmosphere that defines downtown Park City. (If you’re here on the last Friday of any given month, do not miss the monthly Last Friday Gallery Stroll from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., hosted by the Park City Gallery Association.) As the sun sets over the historic mining-era buildings, you’ll find that the day has revealed a different side of the mountains—one shaped by nature’s beauty and the imagination and craftsmanship it inspires.
Celebrate your final night with dinner at Riverhorse on Main, one of Park City’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Housed in a historic building overlooking Main Street, this elegant restaurant serves American cuisine with creative flair—think macadamia-crusted halibut, buffalo short ribs, and beautifully plated vegetarian creations. With live music, fine wine, and impeccable service, Riverhorse on Main makes a fitting finale to your cultural journey. It’s a moment to raise a glass and toast new memories and Park City’s culinary and creative spirit.