Park City Summer (or Fall) Getaway
Park City, Utah is a beautiful ski town; but it is so much more. It is a wonderful getaway in the summer for escaping the heat; or a fall getaway for seeing the leaves change colors . We had never visited Utah, so we decided on a Park City summer getaway in August.
Getting There
Park City is an easy get-away from Phoenix. It’s a quick flight to Salt Lake City – a little over an hour flight time. Driving is also an option from Phoenix – slightly under 11 hours; but a great fare on Southwest and a companion pass for me to fly free were too good to pass up. The views of Sedona and the Grand Canyon from the air were an added bonus.
After an easy flight, came the LONG walk from Terminal B to baggage claim. We were glad we wore comfortable shoes.
Rental cars are located in the parking garage. Once you get your car, it’s an easy 30 minute drive to Park City – and It’s a beautiful drive in the mountains.
We were able to score a convertible, making the drive even more fun. We enjoyed the fresh, cooler air after 3 months of summer in Phoenix. It was the perfect start to our Park City summer getaway.
Where to Stay
There are different areas to stay in Park City. Canyons Village, Mountain Village and the historic Main Street area. All three have chair lift access; but since we were visiting in the summer, we opted to stay in the Main Street area so we could walk to the many wonderful restaurants and shops in the historic town.
We stayed at the Marriott Summit Watch. It is a timeshare property and we used points on Interval International to reserve the condo; but it can also be reserved on Marriott’s web site. The unit was a 2 bedroom condo, complete with a fireplace, full kitchen, and plenty of room to spread out.
There is a Fresh Market grocery store that is a mile or so away – perfect for stocking up on a few things, including coffee and snacks. They sell a locally roasted coffee from Park City Coffee Roasters that was really good. We bought a extra bag to bring home.
The town is pretty busy on the weekends, since many Salt Lake City locals visit for a Park City summer weekend. But by Monday, the town is less crowded.
What to Do
The scenery in Park City is breathtaking; and so it the altitude. The official elevation is 7,000 feet and you certainly feel it when you are hiking.
These are just a few things to see and do during a Park City summer or fall getaway.
Bridal Veil Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall that is an easy 45 minute drive from Park City. This is something that everyone in the family can enjoy. There is a wonderful paved walking path that is relatively flat that goes alongside the river. And the more adventurous can climb up the mountain for a closer look. The falls can also be viewed from the parking lot but it is much more enjoyable to get closer on the walking path below.
The walking path has picnic tables and some grills. Had we known, we would have brought a picnic lunch. Since we didn’t, we enjoyed a casual lunch (and gelato) at the Spin Cafe in Heber City.
Explore the Mountain(s)
Several chairlifts operate in the summer. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Once you make it to the top, you can hike some of the trails, if you are up to it; or just stroll around and take in the beauty. When you are ready, take the chairlift back down.
We really enjoyed doing this. We rode the lifts from the Park City Mountain Village area. The vistas are amazing and the ride was really peaceful. The cost was $32, but it gave us all day access on three different lifts. In-between, we had a great lunch at Legend’s Bar & Grill at the base.
Mountain bike enthusiasts can also enjoy the mountain. For an additional cost, the chairlift can transport the bike, along with you up the mountain.
Stroll Main Street
Stroll historic Main Street. Window shop while you enjoy ice cream from Java Cow. There are lots of cute shops to check out and 2 of the nights during our stay, there was live music. It’s also fun to check out the restaurants. Most of them have menus posted in the window to help you decide where you want to eat while you are there.
Explore the Local Trails
There are so many trails to explore, and there is something for everyone.
The Poison Creek Trail, an easy paved trail that we could access right behind our condo. It follows the Poison Creek (hence the name) and has interesting things to see along the way, including painted murals and sculptures.
We had hoped to walk the McPolin Farm Nature Trail, but it was closed for maintenance the day we tried to go. Fortunately, the McCleod Creek Trail is across the street and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring it.
Take a Scenic Drive
Every drive in the Park City area is a scenic drive. One in particular that we enjoyed was the drive to Guardsman Pass. It is closed in the winter, so it is only something that can be enjoyed from May to November.
It’s a short drive from Park City – about an hour round-trip. It is a tight road with lots of twists and turns – but the scenery is worth the drive. Be sure to stop at the Empire Pass View Area that is about half-way to Guardsman Pass for some amazing panoramic views.
Spend a Day in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a great day trip from Park City. There is a lot to do there. We decided to go to the Hogle Zoo – mainly because they have two of my favorite animals – red pandas and polar bears). We went on a Monday and got there when it opened. It almost felt like we had the zoo to ourselves. It made for a great day, even if my favorites were napping.
Lunch was at the Red Iguana that has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – and it didn’t disappoint. The Mole Negro is not to be missed.
We also stopped by Epic Brewing Company. It was a Monday, so their tasting room was closed. But we were able to pick up a couple stouts – specifically Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stouts – to enjoy at our condo.
Visit the Park Silly Sunday Market
The Park Silly Sunday Market is held on Sundays in the summer on the historic Main Street in Park City. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon, strolling Main Street, checking out the variety of goods being sold and getting a bite to eat.
Where to Eat
There are a ridiculous number of great restaurants in Park City; and many of them are located on historic Main Street. Here is where we ate (and would eat again).
Breakfast
- The Eating Establishment – We ate here after a hike – and it was just what we needed – in the form of Biscuits and Gravy and French Toast served with Lemon Curd. So good!
- Atticus – Wonderful coffee shop within steps of where we stayed. The Dirty Chai is one of the best I’ve had.
Lunch / Dinner
- High West Saloon – We ate here twice. Great cocktails. We highly recommend the Fish and Chips and the Smoked Trout Chowder. Amazing!
- Wasatch Brew Pub – Nice deck for outdoor dining; average beer; great pizza.
- 710 Bodega Tapas & Wine – Located just steps away from where we stayed. Delicious tapas and wine.
- Purple Sage – Delicious dinner. The menu changes seasonally. We had the Sugar and Chili Cured Duck and the Halibut – both were delicious.
- Bartolo’s – Located about 12 minutes away from historic Park City – and worth the drive! A modern take on Italian food. Unfortunately, they were out of mussels, but we were really happy with the Rigatoni Bolognese and the Bucatini All’Amatriciana. Delizioso!
We really enjoyed our Park City summer getaway and love that it is easy to get to. It is a perfect summer or fall destination for a long weekend or week of vacation. We barely scratched the surface of all the things there are to do – and look forward to going back someday for more fun.
(For more travel inspiration, check out our other travel related blog posts.)
