Wildlife watching, hiking, and hitting the best watering holes and eateries; this Western town offers plenty to fill a long weekend.
By Danielle Vilaplana
Jackson Hole has two speeds: the ritzy Western town full of good restaurants and gear shops, and the raw, glacier-carved wilderness that begins the moment you drive north into Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are the youngest range in the Rockies and among the most dramatic, with a sudden 7,000-foot wall of spiky granite rising from the valley floor. Three days is enough to do both sides of that equation justice, as long as you’re willing to set an early alarm and beat the rest of the crowds. A centrally located hotel helps too: snag rooms at The Virginian Lodge, a classic motor lodge with Western flair just minutes from downtown and sitting right next to Highway 191 for instant out-of-town access.
Day 1: Shopping & Summits
Morning: Pastries and geography
Start your day at Persephone Bakery. This is one of the most popular breakfast spots in town and the line wraps around the block by 9 AM. Order a pastry—you can’t go wrong by their kouign amann—or a full breakfast, get a latte, and sit outside if the weather allows. From there, walk two blocks to Jackson Town Square, anchored at all four corners by arches made from actual elk antlers sourced from the National Elk Refuge that buts up against town. It’s a Jackson Hole icon and it orients you to the town’s scale.
After breakfast, explore the shops on the square. There you’ll find your classic (and hokey) tourist t-shirt shops but there are also some unique finds, like the Jackson Hole Book Trader and Teton Mountaineering. Pick up bear spray now before you forget.
Afternoon: Upward ho!
Drive 20 minutes to Teton Village and ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (10,450 feet). At the summit, walk the ridgeline trails if your legs want the work and be sure to stop at Corbet’s Cabin for a waffle. Plan on two to three hours total. It runs 15 degrees cooler at the summit than in town so bring an extra layer.
The tram is the crown jewel of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in winter, with some of the deepest, most technical skiing in the country accessed from the top. Exploring all the resort’s slopes will take more than a day, and a few rides up to the top should be in your plans. Just remember that there’s no easy way down, and these trails aren’t to be taken lightly.
Evening: Local flavor
Back at the bottom, head to the lodge for celebratory end-of-first-day drinks (and, if it’s Wednesday, a spot of karaoke) at The Virginian Saloon. Sidle up to the bighorn sheep-backed bar at this iconic local watering hole for a Western-inspired cocktail or crisp beer; if you made it down the mountain in a hurry, you can catch some of the happy hour deals. Then drive back to town for dinner at The Blue Lion. The elk tenderloin is the meal you’ll tell people about back home, and you’ll want to make reservations in advance to try it.
Day 2: Animal Adventures and After-Hours Fun
Morning: Let someone else do the driving
Swing by the hotel lobby for a complimentary cup of joe to wake you up, then get ready for an action-filled morning exploring the region’s great outdoors with Backcountry Safaris, whose excursions can be handily booked at the Virginian Lodge’s Adventure Center. If you’re in town for a limited time, the half-day hiking or open-air Jeep tours are the most efficient way to sightsee and hopefully spot some of the area’s famed wildlife. Guides come equipped with spotting scopes, binoculars, and expert wildlife knowledge. Hotel pick-up makes things even easier.
Afternoon: Bite into Jackson Hole history
Once the tour wraps up, you’ll be dropped back at the lodge for a quick freshen up and lunch at Billy’s Burgers. Grab a classic burger or fried chicken sandwich to fuel up for the afternoon ahead, and don’t forget to get a side of poutine fries and a soft serve ice cream for dessert as well.
Then, head into town to spend an hour at the History Jackson Hole Museum on Broadway. It’s small but well-curated, with exhibits on the valley’s Indigenous history, homesteaders, and the political battles over what would become Grand Teton National Park. It’s good context before you hit the park on foot tomorrow.
Head back to the Virginian for a swim in the pool—it’s heated in the winter, and there are two large hot tubs to soak in—or well-deserved rest before dinner.
Evening: Dinner at Gather
For dinner, Gather is a lively downtown spot known for creative, modern American dishes like elk bolognese, handmade pastas, and craft cocktails, all served in a stylish space just steps from the square.
If you have energy afterwards, hit one of Jackson’s Western bars for drinks. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on the Town Square is famous for its saddle barstools but caters to out-of-towners. For a more local flavor, head to The Silver Dollar around the corner or return to The Virginian Saloon for a nightcap just steps from your room.
Day 3: Lake Larks and Good Bites
Morning: Breakfast at The Bunnery
The Bunnery has been a Jackson institution since 1976. Order their local favorite OSM toast—that’s oats, sunflower seeds and millet—and anything with huckleberry to put you back in order after the previous evening and fuel up for the day ahead.
Afterwards, drive north into Grand Teton National Park to Jenny Lake, a glacial lake at the base of the Grand Teton. Take the ferry ($18 round trip, summer only) across the deep blue water to the base of the western cliffs and hike the half mile to Hidden Falls and then on up to Inspiration Point for views that justify the 550 feet of gain. It’s only a two mile hike round trip but bring water, sunscreen, and bear spray.
The inner park road isn’t plowed beyond Taggart Lake in the winter. For a snowy adventure, snowshoe 1.5 miles to Taggart Lake instead, or speed things up with a snowmobile tour along the Snake River.
Midday: Pizza with a view
Before you head back to town, pizza at Dornan’s is a must. It’s a beloved local landmark that’s been family-run since 1948. The outdoor deck’s unobstructed view of the Tetons might be the best in the valley, and the pizza is genuinely great. If the weather allows, snag a seat on the rooftop patio. If you’re not feeling pizza, grab a sandwich from the deli inside the small grocery store instead. Better yet, grab one one your way to Jenny Lake and have a picnic in the park (remember to pack out what you pack in).
Afternoon: The valley’s quieter chapters
You’re already in Moose, so walk next door to Menor’s Ferry Historic District. The preserved 1890s ferry crossing and outbuildings give you a sense of how isolated life here once was. The adjacent Chapel of the Transfiguration is a tiny 1925 log church that frames the Tetons through its altar window.
Evening: Dinner at Miazga’s on Broadway
It’s been a long day, so, to save your feet, make the short and easy walk over to Miazga’s for dinner. Locals like to keep this quirky Polish-American spot to themselves, and for good reason; it’s a Jackson Hole gem. The homemade pierogis are the move and the bison burger is as good as anything you’ll find in some of the Jackson’s more consciously Western dining rooms.
