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Park City is one of the top-rated Utah destinations for both summer and winter, and it’s because there’s so much to do and see (and eat)! Here are 10 things you should look into if you plan on spending any time in Park City and the surrounding areas of Summit County this summer or fall. Whether you visit for the scenery, the sports or the nightlife, Park City will help you make it a trip to remember.
1. Get to know Park City
Even if you think you know Park City, don’t miss out on the fun trivia and fascinating history of what makes this place great. The Park City Museum should be your first stop, since the city bus is free and it’s right across the street from the Public Transit Center. Historic Walking Tours of Main Street are available, along with scheduled private tours. You can always relive Park City’s Olympic legacy by visiting the museum at the Utah Olympic Park, too.
2. Attend a concert
If you love music, then you’re in luck, because Park City is home to several free concert series throughout the summer. Start things off on Wednesday nights with the free concerts at Deer Valley Resort Amphitheater, where outside food and drink are welcome, so you can pack a picnic and enjoy the night. Mountain Town Music at the Newpark Amphitheater hosts free Thursday night concerts right next to a nature preserve, so you can bask in nature while enjoying good tunes. Don’t forget about the Deer Valley Music Festival running now through Aug. 11.
3. Be a little silly
One of the best ways to relax and enjoy the fruits of summer is by attending a no-frills and entertainment-friendly farmers market. The Park Silly Market checks all the boxes each Sunday thru Sept. 23, where you can taste local food while drinking in the finest art and culture and spirit of the area. From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., silliness reigns, with an ever-changing lineup to keep you coming back.
4. Shop 'til you drop
Getaways and staycations can all benefit from some well-timed retail therapy. If shopping is your hobby, come by the Redstone Shopping Center for high-end and eclectic finds. Or head to Historic Main Street for a wide variety of boutiques. Once you’ve shopped and shopped some more, there are countless fine eateries to choose from to nurse you back to full-shopping capabilities.
5. Get your culture on
For some, walking through an art gallery sounds boring and stuffy, but that's not the case in Park City. Offering the latest modern artists and more, the galleries in Park City will turn you into a true art appreciator. The Eccles Center and the Kimball Art Center both host incredible year-round galleries, and summer is the perfect time to take a dip. Come by the 49th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival Aug. 3-5, or let out your artsy side by frequenting the free Last Friday Gallery Stroll.
6. Outdoor it up
Even if you aren’t the outdoorsy type, there’s much to enjoy about Park City’s scenic views. Beginners and experts can find trails for their skill levels for hiking, mountain biking and more. Or take some time to relax with kayaking or paddle-boarding guided tours. Whether you prefer to rough it on the water or go fishing and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone in the great outdoors of Park City.
7. Ride the mountain
There are countless ways to enjoy mountain scenery, but until you come to Park City, you won’t know just how many. It’s true that skiing and snowboarding let you enjoy mountain scenery and speed, but this thrill isn’t limited to wintertime. In Park City you can bobsled, zip line or take a scenic lift down the mountain. Fast or slow, take in the views and marvel at the majestic mountains around you.
8. Take a 'namastaycation'
Yoga classes can get expensive, but you don’t have to pay extra to treat your soul and body. Take advantage of free summer yoga classes this summer held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the Park City Library and hosted by Lululemon on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in City Park. You can also register for regular yoga classes at visitparkcity.com.
9. Eat, drink and be merry
Several restaurants in Park City are award-winning eateries, and some have even been featured on reality TV shows. Just one is Silver Star Cafe, a popular meetup spot for brunchers and a favorite for "roots music" as well as "roots cuisine." You can tuck into some fantastic wood-fired pizza or whatever else your heart (and palate) desires. The nightlife in Park City doesn’t disappoint, so plan your next bar crawl on Main Street to get some good eats and drinks.
10. Treat yourself
Play hard; relax even harder. There’s no better way to relax and take a vacation from your vacation (all that mountain biking can be exhausting, right?) than by taking a spa day. Get a massage, a mani-pedi or a facial to spruce yourself up before ending your visit. Park City boasts plenty of spas, so you can easily find one that will help you relax and follow your bliss. If you want to find a spa or anything else in Park City, just visitparkcity.com and you’ll have everything you need. Here's to the best summer ever!
