Looking for the perfect getaway with friends or family that truly has something for everyone? Whether you’re a foodie, outdoorsy, ready to relax, or just need a change of *breathtakingly beautiful* scenery, Park City, UT has everything you could desire and MORE. And while you might think of it as a winter destination, keep reading to find out why it’s just as magical in the summertime!
In June, my four girlfriends and I hopped on a flight to experience Park City in a whirlwind, 72-hour trip that had us doing “Warrior II” yoga poses on top of a mountain and strutting Main St. in heels to 5-star restaurants in the same day. Use this travel guide as a way to plan and be sure to check out my Instagram highlight section to see our Park City trip in full motion!
WHERE TO STAY
The Washington School House – This 12-room boutique hotel may be small, but it is the ULTIMATE place to stay. Built as a school in 1889 and reimagined into today’s concept in 2011, The Washington School House feels more like a “staffed summer home” than a hotel. The suites are incredible, as many of them span two floors with 16 ft windows. The aesthetic is historic-meets-modern in the most beautiful, comfortable, charming way. The rooms are spacious (complete with walk-in closets and walk-in showers) and the bed was extraordinarily comfortable. The hotel also has the most lovely common areas: a large living room / dining room with a fireplace (I ended my nights here with my laptop and a London Fog, prepared by Kole, who worked the front desk most nights), a guest-only apres-ski lounge to help you ease into an evening transition after the mountains, and a massive outdoor deck with a heated pool, spa, and fireplaces to make relaxing outside day or night a must.
The Washington School House’s attention to detail and service is next-level. You’ll get to know the desk associates — who also may double as your bartender or barista — by name (a la Kole I mentioned above!) and they’ll invest just as much time in making sure your every wish is granted. The evening turndown service was such an unexpected treat, as each night that we came home there was a unique trinket on our bed (deck of cards the first night, for example.) That night, I also noticed that there was an ice cooler next to my bed and I had considered putting a wine bottle in to chill it. I was stunned to open the cooler and see fresh ice was already inside — it’s like they had already read my mind! I must mention that I didn’t even need the Chardonnay bottle I’d purchased on the drive in, because ALL of your beverages (non-alcohol and alcohol) are included around-the-clock in your rate! Wow.
Additionally, breakfast at The Washington School House is included — and this isn’t any run-of-the-mill, typical continental buffet. The on-site chef prepares the most insta-worthy, lick-the-plate delicious meals and is happy to customize dishes to fit your dietary restraints. While there is not an official restaurant on-site, you’ll enjoy dining in the common area, poolside, or in the comfort of your room while eating an unforgettable meal or snack. Lunch/dinner options are extra… but extra delicious too. 🙂
The location is right in the heart of Park City and just one block from Main St. We easily walked to all of our dinners and shopping trips, but did use our rental car to drive to our adventures (keep reading for that!) During the winter months, the hotel have a shuttle to help you quickly access the slopes and other nearby hotspots — but the Town Lift ski lift is just a 2-minute walk!
I feel like The Washington School House is geared toward adults (friends trips, couples trips, singles trips, honeymoons, etc) but I wouldn’t hesitate to bring my children. I asked the staff about it, and they assured me that they take the time to accommodate kids as best as possible, like leaving coloring books on the bed during turndown service, etc.
Bottom line: despite staying in many high-end, luxe chain hotels in the past, The Washington School House has redefined the level of service that I’ll be looking for in future stays, and I have *no doubt* that you will feel the same after staying there!
WHERE TO ADVENTURE
Utah Olympic Park – This is a must-do activity for friends, couples, and even families! I’m adventurous, so I went high — leaping off of a 20-foot platform onto an airbag! The girls and I tackled the high ropes course and extreme tubing, and if we had more time we would have also done the bobsled and other extreme activities! I highly recommend you check out the Utah Olympic Park to get a dose of patriotism and adrenaline in one spot!
Park City SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) – This was a great group outing, located at Pebble Beach. I had never done SUP before so I was slightly nervous about it being difficult, but the board is so wide that it’s far more relaxing than intense. The company is very relaxed and was happy to let us just paddle around the water at our leisure. Grab a sandwich and a local beer at the ‘general store’ next door and enjoy the sights and experience of SUP!
Horseback Riding Tour with Red Pine Adventures – I’ve been horseback riding numerous times, but this one was extra special. Riding in the mountains over tiny creeks made from snow-melt while pausing to look out at the horizon was truly breathtaking. The team with Red Pine was so much fun, and I enjoyed chatting it up with them along the ride as well. They did a beautiful job of pairing each of us with a horse that matched our personality (so make sure you arrive on time, because this is an important part of the process!)
Guided Hike and Yoga Experience with Park City Yoga Adventures – I’d love to say that I’m a big yogi, but truth is, I’m not. However, this experience reignited my desire to move my body and workout again! We were a tad bit intimidated because we were all handed hiking poles upon arrival, but the hike was far more invigorating than exhausting.
Once we reached a high, semi-flat area, we setup ‘camp’ — laying out our yoga mats on the side of the mountain. Our instructor prepped us to stay present and work with nature, knowing that the wind may blow, our hand might feel a rock in Downward Dog, or we may hear others hiking past us — but to embrace the experience and soak in the practice. It was truly beautiful and a multi-faceted, unique experience that I’d absolutely do again.
WHERE TO EAT
Chimayo – Hands-down, my favorite meal of the trip! We went BIG for this meal and everything we ordered was out of this world delicious. Even though it’s Mexican, they serve everything from scallops to elk to queso to salads. We couldn’t even *think* about dessert because we ate so much!
Handle – If you’re looking for a great meal with elevated flare, head to Handle! From the buffalo cauliflower to the deconstructed fried chicken to the KALE SALAD, there is a lot of “foodie flare” here. The service was great, but our cocktails were weak. (Utah is extremely rigid on alcohol portions at restaurants/bars, so you’re better off with wine or beer than craft cocktails.) Highly recommend the caramel brûlée bread pudding for a sugar fix!
High West Distillery & Saloon – All of the locals seem to love High West, so perhaps we just had an off experience (and/or didn’t order correctly!) None of us ordered whiskey or whiskey cocktails, which is what they’re known for, so if I did it over again I would do that! I split the Mac & cheese and a salad with Shelbi and it was fine, but not nearly as memorable as the other meals.
Salt Box – I’ll call this one a “hidden gem” because when we popped in during June, there was no exterior sign and it’s in the middle of a retail center! But once you arrive inside, you’ll find it’s a great casual lunch spot. Take advantage of their grab & go or dine-in. The shrimp tacos, acai bowl, burger and peach salad were all AMAZING.
Deer Valley Grocery Café – Another great lunch spot that’s grab & go or you can stay and hangout on the back porch. Find gourmet sandwiches & salads and a small selection of local beers & wines and take in the stunning mountain views on the outside deck. We paddle boarded afterward, so this was the perfect pre-activity meal.
WHAT TO PACK
- Horse-riding: Jeans/Long-sleeve flannel w/ tank underneath/Boots/Baseball Cap or Cowboy Hat
- Standup Paddle-boarding: Swimsuit / Workout Tank / Workout Shorts / Flip Flops or Sneakers
- Dinner: Casual outfits and Dresses. Bring a denim jacket in case it’s chilly. We wore cowboy boots or heels & had no problem walking along Main St.
- Hiking / Yoga: Workout clothes / Sneakers (with good soles, or hiking shoes) / Hat / Sunglasses / Backpack
- Beauty: Sunscreen, lip balm, lotion
- Hotel Lounging: Comfy clothes for lobby/common areas / Swimsuit & flip-flops for the pool
I *highly* recommend Park City for your next vacation! Please let me know if you have any extra suggestions or hidden gem tips. I can’t wait to hear about them!
XOXO,
Keli
