9 Warm-Weather Ways to See Park City, Utah

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Some of the best ski and snowboarding resorts are in Park City, Utah. But there are so many other reasons to plan a visit to this town in the spring, summer, and fall.

From riding bobsleds and hot-air balloons to enjoying outdoor concerts and film festivals, Park City has something for everyone.

Photo Caption: Park City, Utah, dates back to 1868. Courtesy Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

With its historic houses and more than 100 bars, restaurants, and cute shops, the quaint town of Park City (www.parkcityinfo.com) is worth exploring. Stroll along Main Street to discover its old-time charm and modern amenities.

Park Silly Sunday Market (www.parksillysundaymarket.com; 10am-5pm Sundays, mid-June until late Sept.) is a street fair on Main Street with gifts, gourmet food, live music, and free kids' activities.

Photo Caption: Pick up a little trinket at the Park Silly Sunday Market on Main Street. Courtesy Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

At Utah Olympic Park (www.olyparks.com) in the winter or summer, you can learn how to do ski jumps or ride a bobsled whether you're 7 or 70. Take an Introductory Clinic or Camp for two hours, two days, or two weeks, depending on how determined you are to bump up your skills. Just want to observe? Go on a tour, watch Olympic athletes in training competitions all year-round, and be thrilled by the Flying Aces show in the summer.

Photo Caption: Watch the fabulous Flying Aces show at Utah Olympic Park. Courtesy Utah Olympic Park

Every January, independent filmmakers, film buffs, and celebrities converge in Park City for Robert Redford's annual Sundance Film Festival (www.sundance.org/festival). If you'd like to attend, book tickets and lodging way in advance. In summer, the outdoor Sundance Institute Film Series (www.sundance.org/support-us/community-programs) is free and open to the public.

Photo Caption: Sundance Institute Film Summer Series. Photo by Jill Orschel, courtesy Sundance

When the mayor plays in a local band, you can be sure the music in town is going to be good. All year long, the Park City Performing Arts Foundation (www.ecclescenter.org) provides a variety of musical and cultural offerings (some free, some for a fee) in nice venues and the great outdoors. In summertime, bring a blanket and pick up a gourmet picnic basket for the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights contemporary music series. Or listen to classical music and opera in this outdoor setting at the Deer Valley Music Festival (www.deervalleymusicfestival.org).

Photo Caption: In summer, enjoy an outdoor performance at Deer Valley Snow Park Amphitheater. Photo by Mike Tittel, courtesy Deer Valley

Park City has more than 400 miles of public trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are 12 golf courses in the area (six public, six private) and plenty of rivers for fishing. You can also sightsee from a hot-air balloon.

Boulder Mountain Ranch (www.bouldermountainranch.com)
Go on horseback riding tours all summer and horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter.

Trout Bum 2 (www.troutbum2.com)
Try fly-fishing with an expert guide at Utah's famed trout stream, the Provo River.

Park City Golf Club (www.parkcity.org/index.aspx?page=171)
Play a few holes at one of the premier public courses in the region.

Morning Star Balloons (www.mstarballoons.com)
Get an overview of the whole situation from a hot-air balloon.

Photo Caption: Golf with a mountain scenery background in Park City. Photo by Mike Tittel

Whatever your taste or price range, Park City's award-winning restaurants offer something for everyone.

Wasatch Brew Pub (250 Main St.; www.wasatchbeers.com) features handcrafted brews and ales.

Davanza's (690 Park Ave.; www.davanzas.com) serves great pizza, tacos, and burgers.

350 Main New American Brasserie (350 Main St.; www.350main.com) offers fine dining in a casual, friendly setting.

Stop for some award-winning whiskey at the High West Distillery & Saloon (www.highwest.com), quite possibly the only ski-in distillery and gastro-saloon in the world.

Photo Caption: Take your pick of award-wining restaurants in Park City. Courtesy High West Distillery

If you'd like to stay in style or just rent a bare-bones condo, Park City has a wide selection of lodgings from budget to luxurious.

Goldener Hirsch Inn (tel. 800/252-3373; www.goldenerhirschinn.com) has the feel of an Austrian ski chalet. With just 20 rooms and an award-winning restaurant, this lovely inn is ideal for a group of friends and/or family -- and it's a favorite spot with celebrities keeping a low profile.

Stein Eriksen Lodge (tel. 800/453-1302; www.steinlodge.com) was created by Olympic gold-medalist Stein Eriksen of Norway. This five-star hotel has fabulous vistas and the best Sunday brunch in town.

Park City Lodging (tel. 800/348-6759; www.parkcitylodging.com) offers a range of fancy lodgings and inexpensive but nice vacation rentals.

Photo Caption: Relax in luxurious lodgings in Park City at the Stein Eriksen Lodge. Courtesy Stein Eriksen Lodge

Park City has 24 art galleries (www.parkcitygalleryassociation.com) with a wide selection of work on display from paintings to nature photography. For the Friday Night Gallery Stroll, galleries stay open late from 6pm-9pm on the last Friday of every month. That includes the Kimball Art Center (www.kimballartcenter.org), a wonderful modern art museum.

Photo Caption: See what the 24 art galleries in Park City have on view. Courtesy Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

This former silver-mining town offers tours to fit every interest. How about going on one of the Park City Ghost Tours (www.parkcityghosttours.com), Historic Walking Tours (www.parkcityhistory.org) or an All Seasons Adventures bike tour (www.allseasonsadventures.com/biking.htm)?

Photo Caption: Meet some of Park City's most popular ghosts. Photo by Erik Hutchins/Park City Ghost Tours