Park City, Utah, offers a multitude of reasons to visit, from its breathtaking mountain landscapes and quaint Main Street to its world-class skiing and rich historical heritage. Yet, have you ever visited solely for the purpose of sharing a memorable date with your partner?
Growing up in Park City, my focus was singular: skiing. However, after spending several years away and finally dragging my husband with me to Utah, I've developed a keen interest in curating the best date night activities for us in Park City. And let me tell you, the options are abundant!
From combining outdoor sports with unique craft beers to embarking on physical and mental challenges together (for more info on that see 'What Adventure Sports Do For Love'), the possibilities are vast. In this guide, I'll walk you through my top five date night itineraries in Park City. Keep in mind that this list isn't exhaustive; feel free to mix and match, and explore numerous other locations within Park City to ignite the spark of love.From combining outdoor sports with unique craft beers to embarking on physical and mental challenges together, the possibilities are vast.
1. Utah Olympic Park & Alf Engen Ski Museum, Run-A-Muck Dog park, and dinner at Kimball Junction:
On your way up to the Utah Olympic Park check out Run-A-Muck Dog Park which has a trail system that winds around the perimeter of the park, curving through trees, over creeks, and gives your furry friend a lot of space to roam in between. If you don't have a dog, directly on the opposite side of the road there is trail access for cross country skiing (no rentals available there), snowshoeing, or hiking.
Next, continue up the hill to the UOP which offers a myriad of fun and informational activities for couples of any age or activity level to engage in. You can watch bobsled races or training, check out the Alf Engen Ski Museum, or even tour the Ski Jumps where the 2002 Winter Olympic Games took place (and fingers crossed the 2030 or 2034 games too!). For more information about the Alf Engen Ski Museum check out this story: A Visit to the Alf Engen Ski Museum or their website for specific UOP Events.
Once you have worked up an appetite, head down to Kimball Junction where you can find a plethora of fun and unique restaurants including Hearth and Hill, Red Rock Brewery, Sushi Blue or Maxwells to name a few.
2. Woodward Park City followed by apres at Quarry Village:
Woodward Park City is a dream for any adrenaline-seeking couple. You can check out the indoor skate park, jump into the foam pit, use the wave track, or even test your skills with a kicker jump into an air bag. And that's just the indoor activities. Outside there is chairlift-operated skiing and snowboarding in their terrain park and half pipe, as well as a large tubing hill. Woodward offers rentals and is a perfect fit for the couples at varying skill levels to find activities that both will enjoy.
Just down the road from Woodward is Quarry Village where you can find whatever après restaurant your heart desires. For a fun mechanic garage vibe, hit up Billy Blanco's, or if you're looking for more of a dive bar atmosphere you can check out Oh Shuck's Ahh Sushi where you can have your thirst quenched with one of their schooners.
3. Cross Country Skiing and the Squatters Roadhouse Grill:
As you head into Park City proper, stop by the White Pine Touring's Nordic Center located in Hotel Park City off of Highway 224. In the nordic center you can either rent skis to use around their track (or the many other sections of groomed nordic skiing tracks in Park City) or sign up for a guided ski or snowshoe tour. The tours are each 3 hours long and provide a curated program to fit exactly what you are looking for.
After you enjoy your VO2 max optimizing skate, head across Highway 224 to Squatters Roadhouse Grill. You can enjoy one of their unique cocktails or stick to their tried and true locally brewed beers. Their menu truly has something for everyone on it ranging from poke bowls to burger and fish and chips.
4. A Walk up historic Main Street intermingling a pub crawl and shopping:
For those seeking a more leisurely experience than the vigorous recommendations mentioned earlier, a stroll along Park City's historic Main Street might be just what you're looking for. You can start by parking at the China Bridge Parking Structure, which is just one block off Main Street. Exiting the structure will place you on 5th Street, approximately halfway up Main Street. As you descend from the Post Office, you'll encounter a charming array of shops, including Stio (a personal favorite of mine), the Park City Museum and Dolly's Bookstore to name just a few.
While on your walk, consider a visit to a couple of my preferred places for a tasty cocktail. Old Town Cellars offers a delightful spot to unwind, and the 'Social and Pleasure Club' at Alpine Distilling has a fun, modern-day speakeasy vibe downstairs. Of course, you can't miss the High West Distillery and Saloon, where you can savor excellent cocktails while watching skiers on the nearby ski bridge or the chairlift connecting Park City Mountain directly to lower Main Street.
5. Offset Run Club or Uphill Ski Club:
Saving our personal favorite for last, the Offset Bier Uphill Ski Club is a weekly social gathering held every Thursday night throughout the winter. Gather with friends at the base of Park City Mountain at 6pm for a group skin (or race, depending on your preference) up to the old gondola turning station, also known as the top of Jenny's trail. After working up a hearty appetite during the ascent, you can 'offset' your efforts with delectable craft beers and a satisfying meal at their Prospector location.
This event is a beloved choice among locals, and participants are required to bring their own uphill ski equipment. For those looking for a similar experience on foot, rain or shine, you can explore their Run Club before indulging in their delightful beers.
In Park City, Utah, the possibilities for memorable date nights are as diverse as the surrounding landscapes. Whether you and your partner are drawn to the bonding thrill of adventure sports, the rich history of the region, or simply a leisurely stroll, Park City offers something special for every couple. As a Park City native, I've explored and handpicked these top date night itineraries to share with you. These suggestions are just the beginning, and the options are endless. Whether you're skiing down the slopes or ascending to new heights, indulging in craft beers or a cozy meal, Park City is the perfect canvas for creating romantic moments that will kindle the flame of love.
