Jackson (WY) trips and vacations
Looking for your next outdoor playground? A vacation in Jackson, Wyoming, more than delivers. Surrounded by soaring peaks and majestic wilderness, this charming town offers year-round adventures, from winter skiing and snowshoeing to summer hiking and biking. And there’s plenty of indoor fun too, with farm-to-table restaurants, saloon-style bars and unique art museums to explore.
Jackson, Wyoming vacation highlights
Wildlife spotting
Keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose and grizzly bears on your vacation in Jackson. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are hot spots for wildlife watching — the best (and safest) way to do so is with a guided tour. In winter, take a horse-drawn sleigh tour of the National Elk Refuge and watch these majestic creatures stroll through snow-covered landscapes.
Downtown Jackson
Stay in downtown Jackson to have restaurants, galleries and outdoor activities at your fingertips. When it’s time to bed down, choose from upscale ski-style lodges, rustic ranches and modern eco-friendly hotels. In winter, hotels put on shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the country’s leading ski areas. You can also rent bikes, winter sports equipment and snowshoes at shops downtown.
Good for: Hotels, restaurants, galleries
Teton Village
Surrounded by powdery ski slopes, Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the place to stay for winter sports. It’s also known for its lively apres-ski scene. Head straight off the slopes and into cosy alpine bars for drinks, live music and hearty food. Don’t miss the Mangy Moose, a legendary saloon-style bar that hosts live rock, blues and folk acts throughout the year.
Good for: Winter sports, live music, national parks
Things to do in Jackson, Wyoming
From unique museums to hunting for treasures in Western-style shops, there’s no shortage of great things to do in Jackson. Get inspired for your vacation with our pick of the best cultural attractions, shops and places to eat.
Take in the culture
Carve out some time from your outdoor excursions to explore Jackson’s excellent museums. Enjoy the fusion of art and nature at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, home to works by Rembrandt, Picasso and Warhol. Discover the town’s Mormon history by exploring the abandoned wooden houses on Mormon Row, some of which date back to the 1890s.
Places to eat
From cheap eats to fine dining, restaurants in Jackson satisfy all taste buds and budgets. You’ll find wood-fired pizzas, Thai curries and hearty apres-ski meals alongside local specialties like ‘pig candy’ (bacon coated with sugar and spices). Don’t miss the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Jackson institution that’s been going since 1937. Upstairs features live music and Western memorabilia, while the basement is home to an upscale steakhouse.
Shopping
Jackson’s shopping scene is proudly local, offering everything from antiques to leather goods and American Indian crafts. Most of the action is concentrated around Town Square, where you’ll find Western-style boutiques alongside quaint gift emporiums and specialist stores selling cowboy hats. Remember to bring a reusable bag — single-use plastic bags are banned.
