It goes without saying that skiing is the thing most people come to Park City for, but there are tons of things to do in Park City for a rest day, or those that would rather opt out of hitting the slopes.  No matter what time of year you come, there are always lots of things happening in town, so be sure to check the Park City Events Calendar to see if there are any special events happening while you’re here. So, pack your bags, and try some of these other fun activities in this bustling town. We promise, it’s not just for skiiers.

Visit the Utah Olympic Park

One of the few Olympic venues in the world that are still being used regularly, the Utah Olympic Park is one of the number one places locals recommend to check out, and for good reason. In the winter, you just might catch Olympic teams and hopefuls sharpening their skills on the ski jumps or bobsled track, or even luck out and catch one of the competitions that take place there. Take a stroll through the museum, and maybe even take a ride down the bobsled track yourself!  Definitely an experience you can’t get at many other places on this planet. 

Dog Sledding

Crisp, cold air.  Light fluffy snow. Six floofy friends happily towing you through the snow – this is heaven, right? Dog sledding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Rancho Luna Lobos offers dog sledding experiences on their ranch where they also run a rescue and rehabilitation for northern dogs. about 20 minutes outside of town. Their schedule fills up VERY quickly, but they do have a wait list.  Book as early as possible to snag your spot!

Snow Tubing

Tubing is something that is fun for the whole family, and a great “rest day” activity when you still want to get some thrills in the crisp mountain air.  The Soldier Hollow Tubing Hill boasts the longest tubing lanes in the whole state, nestled in some absolutely spectacular scenery. Soldier Hollow sits about 20 minutes outside town in the cozy town of Midway. Be sure to check out the unique Swiss-styled downtown for a bite on your way out!

Eat!

Park City is home to many culinary all-stars, but as with many resort towns, the restaurants can be very much hit or miss, so take your time, learn from a local (that’s me!) and eat at some of the best restaurants in town. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to call any restaurants ahead to make sure that kids can come in. Utah has strange liquor laws, so anything classified as a bar (like the Boneyard below), is strictly 21+. Save yourself the heartache and just give a quick ring before you go.

Brunch Favorites: 

Silver Star Cafe: Fabulous comfort food right at the base of the Silver Star Lift. Do not miss the fried chicken on the menu, if it’s there.

Harvest: Right in Old Town, next to the town lift, this spot is convenient, has great food, and really great coffee.

Five5eeds: Off of Main Street, so likely easier to get in to than the ones right in town, and with hearty, healthy food, and very, very good coffee

Casual Lunch/Dinner Favorites:

The Boneyard: A local’s favorite, and a great place to take in a game. With elevated pub fare, and the ability to order from next door’s Wine Dive (that has wine on tap…yes, you read that right), you can’t go wrong with this spot.

Sammy’s Bistro: This unassuming little spot in a strip mall has some of the best sandwiches and bistro fare in town. Great for an easy and casual meal, the menu has a little something for everyone.

Wasatch Brewpub – Grab a local pint and a bit at the Wasatch Brewpub at the top of Main Street. On nicer weather days, elect to dine on the patio for some great people watching while you eat and drink

Splurge Dinner Favorites:

Firewood: Helmed by James Beard Nominee Chef John Murcko, Firewood boasts a creative New American menu built around the monster wood burning grill in the open kitchen kitchen. There’s not a loser on this menu, but be absolutely sure to get the Pork Belly (it will ruin you for pork belly for life), and if there’s an elk option on the menu, it’s not to be missed.

Shabu: Led by brothers Chef Bob and General Manager Kevin Valaika, this blink-and-you-miss-it tiny restaurant serves up delicious freestyle Asian cuisine in a quirky setting. The sushi is fantastic, and don’t miss the firecracker shrimp and blistered green beans. For a splash, try the hot stone Wagyu, and, of course, do NOT miss the Sake.

Riverhorse: For your more traditional, ultra high-end dining experience, Riverhorse is your go-to. Recipient of an exclusive DiRoNA award, there’s not a miss on the seasonal menu, and a fabulous wine list to boot. Do not miss the Buffalo Tartare as a starter – definitely a flavor you won’t find many places in this world.

Coffee and Snack Favorites:

Atticus: Full Stop. Fantastic coffee, creative teas, light bites, and a fun selection of new and used books and giftware. Right on lower Main Street, grab a coffee here and stroll up the street.

Park City Roasters: For those closer to Kimball Junction, great coffee and light bites in a super convenient location.

Ritual Chocolate: For the chocolate lovers out there. Enjoy a great cup of pour over coffee as you nibble on one of their locally crafted chocolate bars. Slightly off the beaten track, but with easy parking, and, well, the chocolate, it’s well worth the trek.

Ice Skating in Park City

Nestled in the base area of the Park City side of Park City Mountain, you’ll find the Resort Center Ice Rink, which happens to be the only outdoor ice rink in town.  Grab a hot cocoa, and strap on your skates and take a few laps around the rink for a classic wintertime activity.

Sleigh Rides in Park City

Feel as if you’ve stepped back in time with a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy mountains. Rocky Mountain Outfitters arranges private and group tours in Soldier Hollow, and Broken Arrow Sleigh Ride operates close to Stein Eriksen Lodge, for those staying closer to Deer Valley.

Take In The Arts in Park City

Being ground zero for the Sundance Film Festival, you can bet that the arts are very much alive in Park City.  See who’s playing at the world famous Egyptian Theater, or PC Live or catch some live music at OP Rockwell, The Cabin, or The Spur.  If you’re there in the summer, check out Mountain Town Music and catch some free live music almost every day of the week somewhere in town.

Snowshoeing in Park City

Speeding down the slopes not your style, but still want to get out in nature?  Strap on some snowshoes and head out into the woods on some of the 400-some miles of trails in city limits. Snowshoes are available for rent at most ski shops in town, but be sure to call ahead to ensure they have them available, and make sure you have boots that will work with the snowshoes.

Shopping in Park City

Park City’s Main Street is home to, of course, the typical t-shirt and souvenir shops that you’ll see in most ski towns, but there are still a ton of locally owned, beautifully curated boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else.  Check out Cake Boutique, Flight Boutique for on-trend fashion, pick up some books (and look for the cats) at Dolly’s Bookstore, get the latest ski gear at Bahnhof Sport, or some modern casual streetwear at Prospect. If you’re up in Kimball Junction, be sure to check out Indigo Highway for some eclectic apparel and decor.  

Have a Spa Day

You can’t be unhappy on a spa day.  Grab a massage or treatment at one of the many spas in town, like Aura Spa and Align Spa, or even check your hotel!  Many of the hotels in town have fabulous full-service spas right in the building.  Great for a rest day, as well, to get your muscles back in skiing shape after a few long days on the slopes.