Park City is a famed winter getaway destination with its snowmobiling and mountain skiing opportunities. But even during the fall months, there are still plenty of things to see and do. In fact, it is recommended as the best time to visit Park City, especially if you want to avoid the crowd but still get to enjoy the natural beauty and attractions that the city has to offer.
Park City is very pretty in the fall months. The lush summer greens transform into a kaleidoscope of colors that provide a stunning backdrop for your outdoor adventure. Meanwhile, the weather is crisp and cool, perfect for strolling outdoors. It’s neither too cold nor too hot and you can spend more time outdoors before the snow starts falling.
Fall is also the perfect time to book a trip to Park City since the kids are back in school. It is the best time to go on a retreat or embark on that couples vacation (aka baecation) that you’ve planned for so long. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Park City has everything that will make your stay worthwhile. Make your Park City adventure this fall extra memorable when you add these list of things to do during your visit.
By Kinya Claiborne & Abby Castro, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Marselle Washington, Rev-Engine
Stay at APEX Park City
Looking for a place to stay while in Park City? APEX Residences is your best bet! This resort is a must-try experience while in Park City as it is ideally situated at the highest part of Canyons Village with direct access to the Gondola and Orange Bubble Express. It serves as your ticket to the largest mountain resort in the country with an unforgettable view of the mountains and the valleys. Residences range from 2,000 to 3,800 square foot offering 1 to 5 bedrooms options with full gourmet kitchens, imagine waking up to spectacular views of the mountains and being pampered by the luxurious amenities of the resort. From a clubhouse filled with a hot tub and pool to heated bathroom floors and world-class biking, you’d definitely feel like royalty. Stop imagining and book a stay here when you’re in Park City so you can see for yourself!
Horseback Riding with Red Pine Adventures
Known as the premier mountain guiding service in Park City, Red Pine Adventures is your ticket to an adventure-filled experience during your stay. It is conveniently located next to Canyons Village making it the best option for those who want to explore thousands of acres of land while riding on a horseback. You will be joined by a friendly guide as you navigate your way through an extensive trail system while relishing the natural views around you. This tour company caters to single or group excursions lasting 1.5 hours each. It’s a great way to see sights that you won’t be able to explore on your own, from wildflower-laden meadows to rugged ridges and breathtaking mountain views.
Whiskey Tasting & Lunch at High West Saloon
Whether you like whiskey, gourmet food, or both, you’re in for a treat at High West Saloon. A must-visit attraction in Old Town Park City, its Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and the world’s only ski in gastro-distillery. They have a pretty extensive menu of contemporary Western comfort food to suit every kind of palate and the menu is carefully curated to pair with their whiskey and other cocktails. The chefs fuse classic techniques, regional and seasonal flavors with sauce, herb, or grain directly related to their production of High West distilled spirits. Try a rich selection of their tasty cocktails or a whisky flight.
Visit the Pumpkin Patch and Gardens at Park City Nursery
The Park City Nursery is open year-round in Park City with has seasonal attractions like the Pumpkin Patch. Celebrating fall for more than three decades, it’s the perfect destination to add to your list of fall activities with their seasonal Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Forest. The garden is open for you to explore anytime of the year, especially if you are inclined to see the plants from the best regional growers in a high-altitude gardening setup. Whether you want to bring home with you some of the pumpkins or one of the varieties of fall flowers, they will be sure to make your home décor more special this season.
Try Globally-Inspired Dishes at Afterword
If flavorful, full-bodied ingredients and vibrant tastes are what you’re looking for while in Park City, make sure to book a reservation at Afterword. This world-class restaurant is the brainchild of chef Matt Harris who sources local ingredients and using a global spin on them to bring unique flavors to your plate. His goal was to elevate the artisanal ingredients and showcase their fine dining potential. The diverse menu includes dishes that take a fresh spin on familiar ingredients like their Roasted Idaho Trout, the Braised Short Ribs, and Heber Valley Green Salad. A short drive from Park City, it’s located in a historic home on Main Street in Heber City.
Relax and Renew at Alpen & Hyde Spa
When in need of a break from the outdoor fun while in Park City, head to the Alpen & Hyde Spa for the ultimate pampering session. Located inside the Treasure Mountain Inn Hotel, this spa is the ultimate spot for rest and recovery in Utah. Main massage therapy services include Therapeutic (Classic Swedish massage), Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Reflexology. Each type of massage is designed to deliver a unique kind of experience that is both soothing and indulgent. Think of it as your big reward after a day of thrilling fun in the mountains!
Dinner at Hearth & Hill
Hearth & Hill may be new to the Park City culinary landscape but they offer inspired cuisine that is contemporary and locally driven: aka something that everyone is sure to love. This stylish restaurant also offers vegan options so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Hearth & Hill serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. They also have an extensive selection of beverages and cocktails that you can enjoy with your meal.
Step Back In Time at Park City Museum
Park City Museum is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the heritage and history of Park City. This museum is located on Main Street and is a great destination for people of all ages. They have various exhibits that are permanent and seasonal, hence, there is always something new to see, discover, and learn from on your visit. These exhibits are interactive so they make learning about the history of how Park City came to be fun and interesting.
Happy Hour at Alpine Pie Bar
The Alpine Pie Bar is another must-see attraction on Main Street in Park City, Utah. Visitors can enjoy a variety of craft cocktails in a casual speakeasy setting in what is recognized as the best craft distillery in Utah for three consecutive years – from 2018 to 2020. This distillery bar is tucked away on Main Street but it’s worth venturing into as you get to sample a portfolio of spirits such as gin, vodka, and whiskey in an industrial modern setting. Your favorite selection of spirits can also be enjoyed with a fine variety of delicious treats like apple, berry, and pecan pies. It’s a treat for your taste buds!
Stroll Historic Main Street
No visit to Park City in the fall is complete without exploring the historic Main Street. This quaint part of the city is ideally explored in the afternoon so you can join in walking tours to learn about the history of some of the notable buildings in the area, or to visit museums and art galleries. Main Street is a historic part of the city with so much to see and do that you could easily spend hours! There are annual events held on Main Street, along with a variety of shops and destinations to eat, drink, stay, and learn about arts and culture.
