What to Do in Jackson Hole in a Weekend

Nestled in a valley just south of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming (more commonly referred to as Jackson Hole) is most famously known as being the gateway to two of the most popular national parks in the United States. But, this quaint little mountain town is so much more than that.

I had no idea what to expect heading into my trip to Jackson Hole. Would it be a little pretentious? Too western? Or overly crowded? These were all thoughts that bounced around in my head. And honestly, it was none of those things. OK, maybe it was crowded, but the charm more than made up for it. Jackson is the perfect blend of western and elegance.

In this weekend guide, I’m going to get down to the nitty-gritty of what to do in Jackson Hole. Including where to stay and where to eat. Without further ado, here is my complete weekend guide to Jackson, Wyoming.

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How to Get to Jackson

The easiest way to get to Jackson is by flying into Jackson Hole airport which is located approximately 10 miles from from Jackson. Several airlines service Jackson Hole airport, including American, Delta, and United.

Fun fact, Jackson Hole airport is the only airport in the entire country located completely inside a National Park!

Where to Stay in Jackson

Mountain Modern Hotel – This adorable hotel gives off all the mountain vibes. It’s located just a few minutes walk from Jackson Town Square, which is great because you’re within walking distance to tons of restaurants and shopping.

Hotel Jackson – Located in the heart of downtown Jackson, Hotel Jackson is a first-class experience all the way around. If you’re looking to be pampered during your stay, then you can’t miss Hotel Jackson.

Where to Eat in Jackson

Breakfast

• Persephone – There is a reason the line to Persephone is already forming at 7:30am. The food is amazing! If you want to get a table on the patio, I highly recommend arriving early. If you don’t care about dining-in, you can place an order online the night before and pick up your order at the takeout window the next morning. Definitely try the Bread Pudding Fresh Toast, Egg Sandwich, or any of the croissants.
• Cafe Genevieve – Located next door to Persephone, Cafe Genevieve is a cute little spot serving up typical American-style breakfast. Sit outside on the patio and go for the biscuits and gravy or the Belgian waffles.

Lunch

• Hand Fire Pizza – Located in the old Teton Theater, Hand Fire Pizza is the perfect location to grab lunch. Try either the Drivin’ Me Caprese or the Burrata Be Kiddin’ Me pizza.

• Hatch – A great spot for day-drinking (a very important component of vacation) and people watching. Sit outside and order a bunch of appetizers.

Dinner

• Glorietta – Amazing handmade pasta (try the fettuccine) and a great wine list!
• Snake River Grill – The ultimate fine dining experience in Jackson Hole. Perfect for a date night with your significant other or a fancy dinner with your girlfriends! Sidenote, their wine list is pretty impressive.

What to Do in Jackson Hole

Take a Stroll Around Downtown – Jackson is a quaint little town and should definitely be explored. Stop and take a picture at the famous antler arch at Jackson Town Square and then head over to Gaslight Alley for a little shopping. Some of my favorite stores are Habits, Crown and Brim, and Pendleton.

Visit Grand Teton National Park – Out of the two national parks in the area, Grand Teton was definitely my personal favorite. If you plan on hiking any of the popular trails, I highly recommend you arrive early. Preferably before 8:00am. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, arrive before 10:00am, especially if you want to visit Jenny Lake.

Grand Teton isn’t nearly as crowded (in my experience) as Yellowstone, but it’s still crowded and it gets worse after 10:00am.

Visit Yellowstone National Park – At almost 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is spread out across three different states. The south entrance is the easiest/closest to get to from Jackson. You can definitely cover a lot in a day (I spent about 12 hours in the park itself), but expect to do a lot of driving.

Some must visit places include Old Faithful (although a little boring), Grand Prismatic Spring (and Fairy Falls trail), the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Lamar Valley (for good animal sightings).

*Tip: Plan out the route you want to take ahead of time and have a paper map on hand. There is zero cell phone reception throughout Yellowstone except in a few areas (Old Faithful being one). 

Go Horseback Riding – Horseback riding with views of the Grand Tetons is unmatched. It’s also a great family activity! Some great places to check out are Spring Creek Western Riding, Willow Creek Horseback Rides, and Swift Creek Outfitters.

Float the Snake River – Another family-friendly summer activity. There is no better way to see the Snake River than by spending a day floating down it.

That concludes my weekend guide to Jackson, Wyoming. If you’ve ever been, what are some of your favorite things to do? Leave a comment below!

What to do in Jackson Hole in a Weekend

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