Exploring Jackson
We are so excited to share this special place with all our family and friends. We truly believe there is something for everyone here, from experiencing world class nature to exploring a true western mountain town, and we’ve included a few recommendations for how to spend your time.
EAT + DRINK
BREAKFAST + LUNCH
Cowboy Coffee - Local coffee roaster and café on Town Square serving breakfast and lunch
Persephone - Local hotspot. Delicious bakery and cafe, open for breakfast and lunch
Café Genevieve - Comfort food in a historic log cabin plus Jackson’s earliest happy hour starting at 3 Creekside Market and Deli - Sandwiches for National Park picnics
DINNER
Hand Fire Pizza - Wood-fired pizza in Jackson’s historic Teton Theatre
Snake River Brewery “The Brew Pub” - Award-winning beer and family-friendly yard games
Bin 22 - Restaurant and wine bar serving Spanish and Italian tapas. Features a market and bottle shop
Teton Tiger - Asian fusion just off of Town Square
Local - Modern American steakhouse and bar on the historic Town Square. Reserve in advance
Kampai - Modern sushi with a fun vibe. Reserve in advance
Gather - inventive seasonal cuisine (and the best Elk bolognese in town!). Reserve in advance
Snake River Grill - Fine dining with local specialties and fresh fish and game. Reserve in advance
DRINK
Silver Dollar Bar - live music inside a historic hotel
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar - A Jackson institution known for line dancing, live music and western decor
Dinner in downtown Jackson, 2023
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Located ~30 minutes from downtown Jackson, Grand Teton National Park is a must see. There are many ways to enjoy the park such as hiking, renting a bike, riding the tram to the top of Jackson Hole Resort, driving through the park to look for bears, renting a boat to spend a day on Jackson lake, and so much more!
For those new to the area, there are grizzly bears in Wyoming. This is not a joke! Make sure you bring bear spray with you on all hikes – it is a must. Bear spray can be rented from Bear Aware, with convenient pick up and drop-off locations around Jackson (including at the airport).
Some hikes we recommend:
Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls: Easy hike with a boat ride across the lake. This is a great spot for children and families Boats leave from Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls about every 20 minutes. There can be crowds!
Phelps Lake (4 miles): Hiking to Phelps Lake is a popular short hike in Grand Teton National Park, with a famed jumping rock if you can handle the cold. Continue further into Death Canyon if you are looking for a longer hike.
Taggart/Bradley Lakes (5.5 miles): Beautiful lakes at the base of the Tetons - this is another mellow hike to gorgeous views that will not disappoint!
Leigh, Bearpaw & Trapper Lakes (10 miles): This straightforward, flat hike offers stunning views of the sheer north faces of the main Teton peaks for folks looking for a slightly longer, but still mellow hike. Leave your car at the String Lake parking lot and head north along a well-marked path.
Granite Canyon (15 miles): Moderate to difficult depending on length of hike. This goes to the top of the Tram, but you can go up as little or much as you want.
Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes (10 miles): This beautiful hike is a Teton classic, but because it climbs about 3,000 vertical feet over five miles it is considered difficult. We recommend an early start, but it’s worth it!
Sunrise near the Leigh and Trapper lakes, 2021
View from the jumping rock near Phelps Lake, 2021
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Yellowstone National Park is about an hour to the north of Jackson. It typically requires a full day trip to see all the "big" sites, but if you have the time it's definitely worth it.
For those with just a day, we recommend driving the Lower Loop, which takes you through all the major stops (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone) with plenty of optional stops for you to choose your own adventure!
If you have more time, you can definitely make it a multi-day trip - visit the National Park Service website for more details on how to plan your trip.
Snowmobiling to Yellowstone National Park, 2023
GET UP HIGH!
There are so many ways to take in the beauty of the Tetons, but getting up high to take in the views is a must! There are a few ways we recommend, including:
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Both the tram and the Gondola provide breathtaking views of the valley. Additionally, Teton Village is full of additional activities, restaurants, and shops! You can get to Teton Village via Uber or Start Bus.
Snow King Mountain Resort: Take the gondola up the steepest run in North America (don’t fact check us!) for unbeatable views of the Tetons and surrounding area. This option is right in town, making it easy for most guests!
Top of the tram, 2025
OTHER ACTIVITIES
WHITEWATER RAFTING & FLOAT TRIPS: whether you want the adventure of whitewater rafting or a scenic float to take in the beauty of the Snake River and Teton Valley, this is a can't miss!
Barker-Ewing: 800.448.4202
Dave Hansen Whitewater: 307.733.6295
HORSEBACK RIDING: A unique ay to see the park and surrounding wilderness, especially if you want that true "western" feel!
Grand Teton Lodge Company: 307.543.3100
Mill Iron Ranch: 307.733.6390
BIKING: Rent a bike from one of the below stores and explore Jackson’s paved trail system or over 115 miles of mountain bike trails.
Hoffs
Teton Village Sports
Bike Rentals at Dornan's
FLY FISHING: Jackson is home to some of the best fly fishing in the country, and there are many locally owned guiding companies that will make sure you have a great experience.
Fish the Fly
JACKSON HOLE RODEO: A true “western” experience, the Jackson Hole Rodeo has been running for over 100 years. If you are in town a few extra days, catch it on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Tickets
Jackson Hole Rodeo, 2022
At the Snake River with Franklin, 2025