How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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Welcome to VERANDA's Perfect Weekend, where we show you how to make the most of 48 hours in one of our favorite destinations. This month, we’re headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to create core memories amongst the mountains. Famous for its world-class outdoor adventures—ranging from skiing and snowboarding to fly fishing and wildlife tours—Jackson Hole is a nature lover’s paradise. Of course, you don’t have to be a winter sports athlete or an avid bird-watcher to enjoy the small town—in Jackson Hole, there’s something for everyone.
Recognized by its iconic town square, downtown Jackson Hole is roughly three square miles, making it an extremely walkable destination, even in snowy conditions. (Generally, Jackson Hole experiences snowfall from November through March, which is why the historic Western town is often thought to be a fabulous spring break destination for winter sports fans.) The square is outfitted with luxury shopping, various art galleries, a few real estate firms (for those looking to make their favorite vacation spot their official home away from home), restaurants serving delectable cuisine, and plenty of shops to pick up souvenirs of a place that’s bound to become one of your most beloved destinations.
While you might think that one weekend is more than enough time to explore the most lively part of town, it’s important to remember that some of the most amazing experiences that Jackson Hole offers lie beyond the town square. While we have an inkling that you’ll want to spend an entire week out West, ahead, find our recommendations for how to spend the perfect weekend in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Friday Afternoon
Where many destinations have a primary focus, Jackson Hole is more of a pick-your-own-adventure type of place. As such, you’ll want to consider how you hope to spend your time while visiting.
If you plan to ski or snowboard during your visit, check into the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, which is located in Teton Village and offers unbeatable mountain access but is roughly 12 miles from the town square. Whether you book a room, suite, or private residence, you can look forward to relaxing with luxury king-size beds, stone gas fireplaces, and marble tubs—all while looking out at the picturesque mountain and valley views. It's a rustic, yet luxe retreat for anyone hoping for a brisk weekend away.
If you’re looking for stunning views but don’t require immediate slopeside access—and especially if you’re traveling in a group—Outpost has a plethora of beautiful properties, including a luxury collection of contemporary mountainside lodges and chateaus that accommodate up to 24 guests.
Meanwhile, if gorgeous architecture, wellness, and unmatched views are your priority, Amangani is the place to book. With its redwood and sandstone architecture and panoramic Teton backdrop (with an infinity pool stretching out toward the peaks), it's truly breathtaking. Just keep in mind that the property doesn't have immediate slopeside access. Its ski lounge is nestled 20 minutes away at Teton Village.
After you've checked in, head downtown to grab a bite and get a feel for the square. There, you’ll find the absolutely picturesque Persephone Bakery, where you can enjoy your cafe beverage of choice (including a top-notch oat milk iced matcha) alongside a delectable salad, sandwich, or soup. After lunch, drive or grab an Uber to The National Elk Refuge to partake in a quintessential winter experience: a National Elk Refuge sleigh ride, offered December through April. Tickets cost $38 and the experience—in which you're immersed with herds of resting elk—is worth every penny.
If witnessing elk doesn’t seem too exciting to you, there’s always the option to head over to Snow King Mountain for the Cowboy Coaster or an afternoon of leisurely snow tubing. Alternatively, you could book an appointment at the Four Seasons Spa for the most relaxing start to vacation.
Friday Evening
To start the evening on a high note, head over to Glorietta Trattoria, Jackson Hole’s newest and most adored Italian restaurant. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the crostini with whipped ricotta, truffle honey, and hazelnuts; the burrata with fig and date jam; the fusilli gigante with spicy vodka sauce; and the tiramisu are particularly scrumptious. The craft cocktail menu is a hit, too.
Following dinner, make your way over to The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. A glorified dive bar, the Cowboy Bar features saddle bar seats, pool tables, a dance floor, and perhaps best of all, cheap drinks. Just keep in mind, in the Wild West, bars don’t stay open as late and if there’s a big crowd, snagging an Uber home can be a challenge. We suggest planning ahead to avoid standing out in the cold.
Saturday Morning
Wake up early to get a head start on the day. We suggest heading to Cowboy Coffee for breakfast. The widely adored Western-themed coffee shop serves dozens of hot, iced, and specialty drinks, as well as smoothies, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more. (They also have adorable swag, so don’t blame us if you end up leaving with a Yeti tumbler.)
Saturday Afternoon
After breakfast, you’ll have to determine your top Jackson Hole adventure priority. If you want to hit the slopes, head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain. If you plan ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy discounted lift tickets. If you’re an expert skier or snowboarder, make sure to head up to Corbet’s Couloir. The world-renowned ski run has been a source of immense inspiration since the '60s. Keep in mind, though, it’s considered to be a challenge for even the most advanced professional athletes, so you may simply want to view the drop in person (as opposed to actually navigating it yourself).
If you want to enjoy the snowy surroundings without hitting the slopes, book a snowmobile tour with Teton Tour Company. If your goal is to literally bask in the beauty of nature, opt for the Granite Hot Springs Tour, in which you’ll be led to a natural hot spring only accessible via snowmobile. (Take it from us: It’s a bucket list travel experience.) If you’re hoping to see wildlife, consider the Gros Ventre Wildlife Viewing Tour, in which you can see eagles, bears, elk, moose, wolves, and more. For reference, these tours typically take five to six hours from pick-up to drop-off.
Saturday Evening
After a fun-filled day of snowy adventures, treat yourself to a delicious meal. If you want to stay in Teton Village, head over to the Westbank Grill at the Four Seasons. There, you can enjoy mouth-watering steak cuts, a refreshing raw bar, tantalizing small bites, and shareable sides—all with stunning mountainside views. Another option is the fan-favorite Teton Thai, a restaurant specializing in Thai food with a smattering of vegan and vegetarian dishes. After dinner, grab a drink at The Mangy Moose, a 1960s saloon known for its inviting atmosphere and live music.
If you’re staying closer to the town square or simply want to spend your evening in town, consider your cravings. If Mexican food sounds appealing, try Hatch Taqueria and Tequilas. The laid-back restaurant offers a wide variety of cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and family-style meals. If you’re in the mood for Asian food, check out Teton Tiger, the little sister of Teton Thai. Once you wrap up dinner, grab a nightcap and enjoy some live music at The Silver Dollar Bar.
Sunday Morning
Make the last day of your weekend getaway to Jackson Hole a memorable one with a shopping trip to find the perfect souvenir. But first, breakfast. Cowboy Coffee and Persephone are your best bets for a quick bite, but if you want to sit down and stay a while, head over to The Bistro at The Cloudveil. It’s a Parisian-inspired restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an a.m. offering that includes Champagne cocktails, pastries, pancakes, crepes, eggs Benedict, and more.
After breakfast, head across the street to Kemo Sabe for the ultimate bespoke hat-making experience. The hats range from $350 to $895 and can be accessorized with a number of bands, chains, pins, and other accessories.
Sunday Afternoon
Next, make sure to check out the local art scene. In the square, you'll find Wilcox Gallery, an award-winning gallery with an extensive display of Western art. (Between the Center Street town square location and North Highway 89 location, the gallery offers an impressive 6,000 square feet of awe-inspiring art displays.) After perusing the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and portraiture works, make your way over to painting and sculpture gallery Quent Cordair Fine Art, which specializes in romantic realism.
Time permitting, you may also want to head across the square to Terra to peruse high-end colorful womenswear from brands like Lingua Franca, Mou, and Cara Cara, as well as fine jewelry, clean skincare, and a cove of adorable children’s clothing. As you make your way around the square, stop into Belle Cose (a homewares and jewelry shop showcasing brands like Furbish Studio and Estelle Colored Glass), Made (a curated shop featuring unique homewares, jewelry, and gifts), and Pendleton—and make sure to venture into the square to capture a picture or two at one of the four iconic antler arches that Jackson Hole is so well known for.
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