Our Park City Family Favorites

We’ve been going to Park City every year for a family staycation for 15 years (see our family videos here). It feels close enough to easily get to but far enough away to feel like a real vacation. I’m always surprised by how powerful a reset it is for me and our family. Spending a week in the mountains does wonders for us in terms of disconnecting from our day-to-day stresses and refocusing on what matters most, which is our little family.

Fifteen years of going up there (and having lived there during middle school) means we’ve been able to find our favorite things to do and eat up there. Here are some highlights:

Hiking:

Armstrong trail: Right by where we stay at the Marriott Mountainside. It connects to the hikers-only Dawn’s Trail. More of a walk through the woods than a hike, which the kids appreciate.

PC Trail: Easy 1.3 miles to the letters on the hill. We bring a soccer ball to play in the fields after.

Spiro trail: Did this hike with girlfriends and it took 2-3 hours. I remember a pretty lookout at the end!

Quarry Mountain Loop: One of my personal favorites. The sunflowers are so pretty at the end of summer. Takes you up to the weather station which the kids thing is kinda cool.

Mirror Lake: The leaves are breathtaking during fall, and the lake is peaceful and beautiful.

Guardsman Pass: This gorgeous intersection of mountains provides a great viewing spot and also has some hiking trails. If you hit in in the fall, take my advice and follow the signs to Midway for the leaves.

Rossi Hill: A nice one if you’re in Deer Valley area.

Food:

Five Seeds: This aussi-owned cafe has the best vibes and freshest food. Perfect for breakfast and brunch. Admittedly a bit pricey for the whole fam so the kids end up opting for bagel sandwiches at Wasatch Bagel down the road.

Harvest: Similar atmosphere to Five Seeds but smaller location and menu. Nice place to pop in for juice, smoothies, or a breakfast sandwich.

Windy Ridge Cafe & Bakery: Fresh and casual lunch spot.

Silver Star Cafe: Another cafe with a delicious menu and cozy vibe.

Flanagan’s on Main: An atmospheric Irish pub.

High West Distillery: My brother, who owns his own restaurant (Sweet Lake Biscuits and Limeade) knows how to spot a good restaurant like nobody’s business. I’m so glad he recommended this one to me. It’s unique, yummy, and has the feel of an old west saloon with a modern twist. Don’t forget your ID!

Hearth and Hill: A classy, cozy vibe and good food. We like to go here with friends.

Este Pizzeria: Yummy NY-style takeout pizza. I like the pink pizza!

Handle: If you’re in the mood for a date night splurge.

St. Regis Terrace Cafe: Such a beautiful atmosphere and view. Worth it for the funicular ride alone! There’s also a little pond at the base with a nice walking trail around it.

Powder: This restaurant is inside the Waldorf Astoria. We’ve only had the dessert, but judging from that, I bet the food is superior.

Versante: Went for a casual date night and it was delicious.

Nosh: Casual indian. Great for takeout nights.

350 Main: A fun place to go on a group date, right on main street with big windows so you can watch people go by. The bread they bring out is so good!

Activities:

The Rail Trail: We’ve rented e-bikes from here and here and took the trail through the prettiest farm land and scenery. Make sure to stop by the adorable and Copper Moose Farmstand (the kombucha on tap and cream-top yogurt are so good) and Willow Creek Park if you’re with kids.

Farmers markets: Park Silly is a huge, fun market that happens every Sunday throughout the summer and fall. Not tons of produce, but lots of fun local artisans. If you’re looking for produce, hit up the Wednesday farmer’s market at the Canyon’s Resort or the Park City Farmer’s Market.

Park City Nursery: One of my favorite stops on our trips. Cute gift shop, cafe, giant greenhouse, and pumpkin patch if you go in the fall. Their haunted walk opens Oct. 1!

Main Street Park City:

Strolling the street: There are some cool art galleries and shops but my favorite is honestly just walking up and down the street. It’s so quaint and lively and the people-watching is superb! Sometimes there will be outdoor live music in the summer and even puppies. Once, when someone from Happy Valley Puppies held out a baby bernadoodle to me and said, “Are you ready to hold a puppy?” I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

Shopping: Free People, Athleta, Lulu Lemon, and Park City t-shirt shops are a few we like to stop in.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Dolly’s Bookstore: You gotta get an Oreo caramel apple and browse the attached bookstore. I’m not a big chocolate person (I know.) but my husband loves the truffles. Their hot cocoa and ice cream are good too!

More food: We got dessert at Kaneo once and it was to die for. We got the olive oil lemon cake and pavlova. Handle if you’re going more upscale. Firewood is also on my list for a special occasion. The Spur is more casual

Hope this helps you enjoy your time in beautiful Park City. If you have more suggestions for our fall trips, we’re all ears!