Park City is known for being a winter getaway destination, but what about visiting here in the summer? Arguably better, spending summer vacation in Park City, Utah is top notch. If you’re lucky enough to come here on your summer vacation, then you are for sure in for a treat. Not only does our resort town offer gorgeous views and mountains just waiting to be explored, but it also has a significant art scene, excellent cuisine, and plenty of activities and fun for the whole family. Read on for local insights in our Park City Summer Vacation Guide.
Adjust to the Dry Climate and High Elevation
Considered a high desert environment, Park City is situated around 7,000 feet above sea level. It is DRY! And because there is little moisture in the air, you’ll need to drink more water here than you would, say, in Atlanta or somewhere closer to sea level. It’s common for first time visitors to get dehydrated and feel a little winded even just walking around. It is important to drink lots of water, ignoring your thirst could lead to altitude sickness, a surefire way to ruin a vacation. The best rule of thumb is to drink water often, and before you even feel thirsty.
The high elevation also means that the air has less oxygen in it, which is why visitors feel out of breath even just walking up a flight of stairs. Don’t worry though, take it easy your first day or two and allow yourself to acclimate. Olympians train at altitude for a reason – because it’s harder. So cut yourself some slack if your morning run or afternoon bike ride seems more difficult here than it does back home.
Dine Out
You’ll for sure work up an appetite exploring our mountains and will want to experience some of the many delicious restaurants in Park City. From casual to upscale, Japanese to Mexican, there are lots of great places to dine and enjoy the mountain town night life.
Whether you’re in Pinebrook or Prospector, you’ll find a wide variety of places to eat, both high-class white tablecloth experiences and casual post-hike grub. Even if you’re not staying near Old Town, Main Street is a must for one of your meals. Restaurateurs have taken advantage of the mountain views by building outdoor decks to increase al fresco dining options. Just remember to bring along a sweater. Once the sun dips behind the mountains, temperatures can quickly drop as well.
Appreciate the Arts
After satisfying your palate, take a post-meal stroll and check out the art galleries on Park City’s Main Street as well as the Kimball Art Center, located just a short bus ride down from Main Street. Depending on when your trip is, you may be able to attend some of these summer events highlighting the arts in our community:
- Fashion First Fridays
- Enjoy snacks and libations while you shop various clothing boutiques around town from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month.
- Park Silly Sunday Market
- Block party style market where you can shop local artisans, enjoy food, drinks and live music. Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, great for the whole family!
- Kimball Arts Festival
- Extensive celebration of artists from all over, runs for three days over a weekend in August. Remember to buy your tickets early as they do often sell out!
- Deer Valley Concert Series
- Listen to live music from the beauty of the mountainside Snow Park Outdoor Ampitheater. These tickets are HOT and go quickly, especially for popular artists.
- Summer Live Music Series at Canyon’s Village
- Mountainside music that is FREE for the whole family! Food and drinks are available for purchase, also check out some of the restaurants around Canyon’s before you catch the show.
- Park City Farmer’s Market
- Open air market featuring local vendors selling fruits, veggies, baked goods and much more. Weekly on Wednesdays in the First Time parking lot at Park City Mountain Resort.
For a comprehensive list of events, check out this Park City event calendar. You will be able to find the most up-to-date information and can filter for the specific dates you’re in town and your interests. No matter the week, there is always something fun and exciting happening in our community.
Enjoy Mountain Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking, road biking, fly fishing, and rock climbing are all prime activities in and around Park City. The mountain recreation experts at Jans and White Pine Touring can get you set up with the right equipment, point you in the right direction, and even take you on guided tours to help you get the most out of your mountain experience. Whether you’re new to mountain sports or a long time participant, these guides are a wonderful resource.
Share Family Fun
Park City Mountain Resort caters to families for summer fun with activities including an alpine slide, an alpine coaster, a zip line, and an adventure zone among other attractions. These outdoor adventures offer something for the youngest kids up to the hard-to-impress teenagers.
Utah Olympic Park is also a must see for families. You can tour where the Olympians train, try out the bobsled summer experience and cruise down the alpine slide. This is also a great option if weather is looking iffy, since they have inside attractions.
Rainy Day Plan
Museums
While rainy days are rare in Park City, they do happen, mostly just in the late afternoon. Thankfully Park City has several museums where you can learn about our mining and Olympic history while you shelter from the showers:
- Park City Museum
- Located on Main Street in the heart of Old Town, learn about Park City’s history and heritage with interactive exhibits and check out the gift shop for some souvenirs. Admission is $15.00 for adults and is FREE for children 17 and under
- Alf Engen Ski Museum
- Located at Utah Olympic Park near Kimball Junction. Discover how this rugged landscape became a global hub for winter sports. Admission is FREE!
- Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum
- Right above the Alf Engen Museum at Utah Olympic Park, showcasing interactive exhibits, Olympic artifacts, and a growing collection of memorabilia for the upcoming 2034 Games. Admission is FREE!
If it’s still raining when you’re finished with the Park City Museum, you’ve got options. If you’re not into shopping, head over to Dolly’s Bookstore and get carried away in a new book. Or, if you’re looking to warm up, walk down to the bottom of Main Street and cozy up with a warm beverage at Atticus Coffee and Teahouse. Park City is definitely a bustling place, it is nice to slow down and enjoy the quieter moments, especially on a rainy day.
Woodward and Park City Municipal Athletic Recreation Center (PCMARC)
Not interested in museums? No worries, Park City has some stellar indoor spaces around town where you can workout, play sports and stay active even if it is rainy:
- Woodward
- An adventure sports mecca that has a dedicated, indoor sports hub where you can skate, scooter, jump, and flip. All skill levels are welcome and they offer some great instructional classes. Located 20 minutes north of Park City off of interstate 80.
- PCMARC
- Community recreation center offering fitness, aquatics, gymnasium sports and more. Located in Park Meadows about 10 minutes from Main Street, offering various drop-in rates and program offerings.
Commute like a Local
Finally, make sure you take advantage of Park City’s free transit system. From Main Street’s Trolley to city-wide buses, and even micro-transit through greater Park City, the bus is a great way to get around town. You can check out the bus schedule here to plan your travels around your daily activity. Many take the bus to and from trailheads with their hiking boots and mountain bikes, so don’t feel like you can’t explore an area because you don’t have a car. Buses run seven days a week and there are several route options depending on where you’d like to go, and if you’re confused, just ask a local for some direction!
Plan Your Next Vacation
With all the great things to see and do in Park City, Utah, you probably won’t have time to experience it all in one week. That’s okay though; come on back, we’d love to see you here again soon!
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Additional Links
What Should I Wear Mountain Biking?
Trail Etiquette 101: Rules & Tips for Hiking and Biking Responsibly
By Jans Experts, updated August 2026
