Famous for the Sundance Film Festival as well as the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City, Utah, lures travelers throughout the year for skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and outdoor activities all year long. Park City is east of the Great Salt Lake and Salt Lake City and is home to the Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort, which are two of the largest ski resorts in the country.
However, you don’t need to love rolling down a snowy hill on a pair of wooden planks to enjoy Park City. You’ll find several golf courses, a beautifully historic Main Street District to explore, and some of the nicest people in the world in Park City.
Park City was originally founded in the 1860s when prospectors found silver and began mining. The town that grew up around the mining industry existed for decades in this quiet pocket of Utah. Incredibly, the community almost became a ghost town after silver mining fell by the wayside, but residents eventually reinvented Park City as a fun western-themed ski town, which also earned the honor of hosting the Winter Olympics.
Want to know more about this fun and enthusiastic western United States destination? Let’s explore some of the best places to stay in Park City, Utah.
TL;DR: Best Places to Stay in Park City, Utah
Many of the hotels and vacation homes in Park City are geared toward helping skiers get to the slopes, but you’ll also find that some of the best hotels in Park City offer gorgeous accommodations for luxury vacations and cozy retreats for getting away from it all. You’ll find hot tubs, spacious rooms, and ski valley service at several hotels.
- Best Luxury Hotel in Park City, Utah – Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Park City, Utah – Silver Baron Lodge
- Best Budget Hotel in Park City, Utah – The Caledonian
- Best Vacation Rental in Park City, Utah – Racquet Club Village
- Best Campsite in Park City, Utah – Park City RV Resort
- Best Resort in Park City, Utah – Newpark Resort
- Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Park City, Utah – Jupiter Inn #21
- Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Park City, Utah – Park City Peaks
Best Areas to Stay in Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, welcomes all sorts of visitors, from those seeking a quiet mountain vacation to families interested in introducing their kids to skiing for the first time. Luxury vacationers and budget travelers alike will find beautiful and welcoming places to stay in all the picturesque neighborhoods of Park City, which provide easy access to the slopes.
- Best area for first-timers/tourists – Main Street District
- Best area for budget travelers – Prospector
- Best area for luxury travelers – Canyons Village
- Best area for safety – Park Meadows
- Best area for families – Thaynes Canyon
- Best area for shopping – Kimball Junction
- Best area for weddings – Deer Valley
Where to Stay in Park City, Utah
1. Main Street District – Best area for first-timers/tourists
When you visit Park City for the first time, you’ll want to consider the Main Street District or Downtown Park City as your destination. The Main Street District is a highly walkable area, which means you can explore the restaurants, tourist shops, and culture of the city with ease. If you’re not too confident driving on snowy streets during the winter, don’t worry, the city offers its visitors a fleet of electric buses that run throughout the region.
The Main Street District is absolutely filled to the brim with fun activities, food, and sightseeing opportunities, and you may find it difficult to do everything that interests you in just one trip to the city. The Park City Main Street Historic District is an excellent place to start your journey, and you’ll find everything from the fun Atticus Coffee Books & Tea House for your morning coffee to the delicious Bangkok Thai on Main for dinner.
If you’re interested in dressing the part while in Park City, consider stopping by the Burns Cowboy Shop or a ski rental shop for mountain gear. Historic Main Street is an excellent place to read up on the history of the area with a visit to the Park City Museum. You’ll also find quite a few art studios and galleries worth your time, like the Summit Gallery and Prospect Gallery.
Here are a few downtown area activities to consider:
- Escape Room Park City
- High West Distillery
- Park City Museum
- Burns Cowboy Shop
- High West Saloon
Where to Stay in Main Street District
Park City Main Street District offers a great variety of accommodations to suit many tastes, so you may choose the neighborhood for your Park City vacation whether you’re in search of a hotel with convenient ski access like Marriot’s Mountainside or a cozy condo like you might find at The Caledonian.
- Best Budget Hotel in Main Street District – The Caledonian
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Main Street District – Washington School House Hotel
- Best Luxury Hotel in Main Street District – Marriott’s Mountainside
See Related: Where To Stay In Moab, Utah: Best Areas & Places
2. Prospector – Best area for budget travelers
Despite its status as one of the premier ski resort destinations in the United States, Park City actually offers quite a few affordable places to stay, and the best place to stay in Park City when you’re on a budget is the Prospector neighborhood, which sits northeast of Downtown Park City. You’ll find places to eat, places to stay, and some parks for enjoyment.
If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, but you’re not quite ready to take to the slopes, you’ll find some excellent alternatives near Prospector Park. If you’d like to rent a bicycle or go mountain biking, visit Park City Bike & Demo.
If you’re interested in learning fly fishing, get in touch with the Park City Fly Fishing Company. Get a quick workout in at the Silver Mountain Sports Club.
After visiting Prospector Park or taking a ride through the neighborhood, you’ll probably work up an appetite and want some comfort food from Fuego Bistro and Pizzeria. If you’re in the mood for seafood, try Freshies Lobster Park City, and if you feel like something with a bit more heft, consider Grub Steak on Sidewinder Drive. Nosh offers some of the best Mediterranean food in Park City, while Bonnie & Clydes Sandwich Co. is a great place for lunch.
Here are a few activities to consider when you stay in Prospector:
- Park City Bike & Demo
- New Prospector Park
- Park City Fly Fishing Company
- Silver Mountain Sports Club
- Pretty Bird Hot Chicken
Where to Stay in Prospector
The affordable, comfortable, and welcoming places to stay near Prospector Park run the gamut from the comfortable and friendly Park City Hostel to the laid-back and fun Park Plaza Resort Park City. All of the hotels and vacation homes throughout the Prospector area are conveniently located, so you can get to the Main Street District or the ski resorts quite easily or just hang out at your hotel.
- Best Hostel in Prospector – Park City Hostel
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Prospector – Raintree’s Park Plaza Park City
- Best Luxury Hotel in Prospector – Park Plaza Resort Park City
3. Canyons Village – Best area for luxury travelers
Canyons Village is a prime location for skiing in Park City, and you’ll find some of the most beautiful hotels in the area near these slopes. If you’re looking for a chic neighborhood that caters to luxury skiing vacations, the best area to stay in Park City is near Canyons Village. You’ll find this luxurious area just northwest of the Main Street District.
Exploring the full-service spa and on-site restaurant of your luxury hotel in the Canyons Village area will certainly occupy some of your time, but you’ll also want to venture out to visit some of the delicious eateries in the area. Try Lookout Cabin for a good variety of eats with an excellent view of Red Pine Lodge for some warm comfort food in-between trips up and down Park City Mountain.
If you decide to visit Park City in the spring or summer, you may want to visit the Canyons Golf Course, which features some beautiful vistas to match the beautiful fairway. If your interests are a little more rustic than golf, you might consider heading to the Alpine Lake Trail, which you can reach using the Red Pine Gondola. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach the beautiful lake at the end of the trail.
Here are a few activities to explore when you stay in Canyons Village:
- Park City Mountain
- Canyons Golf
- Holly’s Trailhead
- Red Tail Grill
- RockResorts Spa
Where to Stay in Canyons Village
Not only can you luxuriate in beautiful hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Park City with all the amenities you might expect of a luxury hotel, but you’ll also find hotels with ski-out access. If you visit Park City outside of the busy ski season, you might find some attractive deals on hotel stays at hotels like the Grand Summit Hotel.
- Best Budget Hotel in Canyons Village – Grand Summit Hotel
- Best Mid-Range Aparthotel in Canyons Village – Raintree’s The Miners Club Park City
- Best Luxury Resort in Canyons Village – Waldorf Astoria Park City
See Related: Best Restaurants in St. George, Utah
4. Park Meadows – Best area for safety
The neighborhood that surrounds the Park Meadows Country Club is the ideal destination for travelers seeking a quiet and safe place to stay in Park City. Overall, Utah does have a reputation as a safe state, but it’s still important to remain vigilant while vacationing, especially if you’re traveling with expensive ski equipment or backpacking gear.
One of the primary venues in the Park Meadows area is the country club, and you’ll find a restaurant and a golf course that is a favorite with locals and travelers from nearby towns. The country club hosts golf tournaments, and playing on the course means standing before some incredible views. If you’re keen on hiking rather than golfing, you may want to explore Quinn’s Junction trail, which is beautiful whether there’s snow on the ground or it’s a beautiful green summer day.
Another fun nearby option is the Park City Ice Arena, which you may want to consider if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to ice skate. The event space is also popular for birthday parties.
If you fall on the ice or skin a knee, don’t worry. One of the reasons the Park Meadows area is a safe area of Park City is its proximity to Park City Hospital, which is to the east of the neighborhood, right off Route 189. Skinned knees, be damned!
Consider the following activities for your stay in Park Meadows:
- Park Meadows Country Club
- Round Valley Way Trailhead
- Park City Ice Arena
- Utah Outdoor Adventures Tour
- Park City Dog Park
Where to Stay in Park Meadows
Rather than hotel rooms, you’ll probably stay in a home or condo when you choose Park Meadows for your Park City Vacation. The neighborhood has some beautiful vacation homes and is less commercial than other places in town.
- Best Budget Aparthotel in Park Meadows – Spaulding Retreat
- Best Mid-Range Vacation Rental in Park Meadows – This Lovely Park City Townhome
- Best Luxury Vacation Home in Park Meadows – This Racquet Club Village Home
5. Thaynes Canyon – Best area for families
Thaynes Canyon is a small neighborhood on the west side of Park City, and you may want to consider this area if you’re traveling with family. The best vacation home in Park City for families is located in Thaynes Canyon, and you’ll also find some fun outdoor areas that are ideal for showing children an adventurously good time.
Growing children need to eat, and there’s no shortage of restaurants in Thaynes Canyon. Some of the highly-rated eateries nearby include Luna’s Kitchen, which is on the other side of Park Avenue, and FiveSeeds, which is an excellent place to eat brunch or, as some children call it: second breakfast. If you’re renting a vacation home in the area, the nearby Fresh Market Park City is a great place to go for ingredients for your home-cooked meals.
You’ll definitely want to spend a few minutes at the Making Tracks U.S. Olympics Memorial before heading to one of the local trails for an active afternoon. You could also head to the Mcleod Creek Trailhead for an easy walk with kids or to the Quarry Mountain Trailhead for a trail with some beautiful views. If you forgot your hiking shoes and just want to relax in a green space, Rotary Park is a nice place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with a big family and need the space for some afternoon play.
Here are some of the top things to do in Thayne’s Canyon:
- Making Tracks U.S. Olympics Memorial
- White Pine Touring Nordic Center
- Quarry Mountain Trailhead
- Dawn’s Trail
- Luna’s Kitchen
Where to stay in Thaynes Canyon
The hotels and places to stay in Thaynes Canyon aren’t too expensive for families on a budget, but you’ll find a nice variety of hotels and vacation homes to suit every budget and interest. You won’t find ferociously expensive luxury hotels in Thaynes Canyon, but you will find beautifully cozy places like the Park City Peaks Hotel.
- Best Budget Hotel in Thaynes Canyon – Park City Peaks
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Thaynes Canyon – Jupiter Inn #21
- Best Luxury Hotel in Thaynes Canyon – Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah
6. Kimball Junction – Best area for shopping
If you travel to the northern reaches of the Park City area, you’ll reach Kimball Junction, which is where Interstate 80 and Route 224 meet. If you have shopping on your mind more than skiing, Kimball Junction has some excellent hotels that are closer to shops than they are to Park City’s famous slopes.
If you’ve come to Park City to shop, visiting Outlets Park City should be first on your list. You’ll find loads of deals on clothing, accessories, and everything you might need for your Park City vacation, whether it’s hiking boots, skis, or a trendy purse. One of the best hotels in the Kimball area, the Best Western Landmark Inn, is within a stone’s throw of the outlet mall.
When you’re not slapping your credit card down on the counter, you’ll also find some opportunities for outdoor adventures around Kimball Junction. Just south of your Park City hotel, you’ll find Utah Olympic Park, which is definitely worth a visit if you love the Olympics. If you bring your dog with you on your Park City vacation, you’ll find the Run-a-Muk Dog Park in the area, too.
If you’re hanging out in Kimball Junction, consider the following:
- Outlets Park City
- Red Rock Brewing Park City
- Utah Olympic Park
- Swaner Nature Preserve & Eco Center
- Run-a-Muk Dog Park
Where to Stay in Kimball Junction
Not only will you find comfortable Park City hotels (like the appropriately named Hotel Park City) in Kimball Junction, but you’ll also see some opportunities for Park City resort stays at places like the awesome Newpark Resort. Even though the hotels within Kimball Junction are on the north side of the city, a few miles away, don’t worry about being too far from the action. Being only about five miles from the city center and Downtown Park City, it’s still very easy to get to the rest of town with just a few minutes spent in a car.
- Best Campsite in Kimball Junction – Park City RV Resort
- Best Hotel in Kimball Junction – Best Western Landmark Inn
- Best Resort in Kimball Junction – Newpark Resort
7. Deer Valley – Best area for weddings
Most of Park City is incredibly picturesque, so it might not seem immediately obvious as to where you should get married should your nuptials bring you to town. However, if you’re still in the planning stages and haven’t yet chosen a venue, nearby Deer Valley is a great area to consider. Deer Valley will gift you with some spectacular sights for your wedding venue, as well as some not-to-be-missed experiences with your significant other.
Try a ride on the Jordanelle Express Gondola, which is an excellent way to see the valley from the air and a quick option for getting to Deer Valley Resort. You’ll also find quite a few trails worth exploring when you spend time in Deer Valley.
If you come to Park City for skiing, but the snow isn’t great, consider an afternoon spent on the Solamere Loop Trail, which is pretty easy and offers some excellent mountain ambiance. The Snowtop Trail is another beautiful place to explore, but watch out in the spring when the route can get slippery.
You’ll find Deer Valley Ski Resort and the beautiful hotels and vacation homes that surround it just to the southeast of Downtown Park City. If you want to combine a destination wedding with some serious outdoor opportunities, Deer Valley is a wonderful area to consider.
The cream of Deer Valley includes:
- Deer Valley Resort
- Solamere Loop Trail
- Park City Ghost Tours
- Jordanelle Express Gondola
- Brasserie 7452
Where to Stay in Deer Valley
Deer Valley offers an excellent variety of hotels and vacation homes, so you’ll have your pick of resorts, middle-of-the-road hotels, and vacation homes. If you want to ski, but you’ve already explored Park City Mountain, the biggest ski resort in the country, try Deer Valley Resort, which has landed on more than one publication’s “best of” list for skiing.
- Best Budget Resort in Deer Valley – The Lodges at Deer Valley
- Best Mid-Range Resort in Deer Valley – Silver Baron Lodge
- Best Luxury Resort in Deer Valley – St. Regis Deer Valley
FAQs
Why is Park City so popular?
Park City, Utah, and Park City Mountain are popular destinations for many reasons, but with a tagline like “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” the city does have a reputation for its ski slopes. The city is home to the largest lift-served ski resort in the entire United States, Park City Mountain Resort.
Where is the closest skiing to Park City?
Deer Valley and Park City Mountain are two of the most popular ski resorts in Park City. Each of these large resorts is within a few minutes of Downtown Park City. If you stay in Park City for more than a few days, you might consider visiting both since they’re so easy to reach from anywhere you might stay in Park City.
When is the best month to visit Park City?
Park City is definitely a popular destination for ski trips, which means it’s a great place to vacation in the winter. December to March is the best time to catch the snow and the slopes in Park City. If you’d rather explore fields of green and sunny hiking trails, try the middle of the summer when Park City is a beautiful mountain garden.
Is Park City expensive to visit?
Park City is certainly home to some beautiful and luxurious hotels, but there are ample opportunities for finding deals on some of the best hotels in Park City. If you choose to travel to Park City outside of the ski season, you’ll find many deals available, which should allow you to explore the city at a fairly reasonable daily rate.
How far apart are Salt Lake City and Park City?
It should take you about 40 minutes to travel from Salt Lake City to Park City. Park City has some convenient public transport and shuttle service, so you might not need to use your rental car too much once you arrive in town.
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