When you’re lucky enough to have time on the calendar to spare to explore and enjoy new places, heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming is always an inspiring choice. This beautiful destination is found in the heart of the Tetons, within easy reach of stunning stops like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park as well. Whether you’re someone with a heart for Old West charm, or you’re looking forward to kicking back and relaxing in style, Jackson Hole is a place where it’s easy to enjoy the very best of it all. From the one-of-a-kind shops and eateries found here, to the many seasonal events to attend, seamless access to nature, and undeniably photo-worthy surroundings, Jackson Hole truly has something for everyone to love beginning the very moment they arrive.
While an extended stay here is always an inviting prospect, even a short visit this way can do wonders when you’re looking for adventure. The following is the place to start when you want to plan a day trip to Jackson Hole that’s packed with unforgettable thrills and fun.
Head Out Early to Enjoy a Spectacular View Over Mormon Row
Jackson Hole is a vacation destination that’s absolutely brimming over with rich local history. If you’re someone who is always looking to connect with the past, no matter where you roam, a Jackson Hole day trip this way should begin before the sun even rises in the sky over at Mormon Row. Sitting just inside the parameters of Grand Teton National Park, Mormon Row is a designated historic district in Jackson Hole that plays host to rustic barns stretching upward in impressive style, with the Teton Range working as a beautiful natural backdrop for the scenery. This is often pointed to as one of Jackson Hole’s most photographed spots with good reason. Upon arrival, it doesn’t take long to see why so many aspiring and professional photographers are drawn to this area.
Mormon Row was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1997 and is an enduring testament to the early Mormon settlers who arrived in the area in the 1890s. The space showcases multiple structures that have been meticulously maintained over time, including the T.A. Moulton Barn and the Andy Chambers Homestead to name a few. It’s an incredible place to stroll with family and friends, take photos, and enjoy a Jackson Hole sunrise long before midday crowds start hiking in. You can reach your first stop of the day by taking Highway 191 north past Moose Junction and turning right onto Antelope Flats Road.
Treat Yourself to a Delicious Breakfast at The Virginian Restaurant in Town
By 6:30 am, the culinary team over at the Virginian Restaurant will be opening their doors to the hungry public, and this is where you’re going to want to be when it’s time to treat yourself to a delicious breakfast. You’ll find the Virginian Restaurant at 740 W Broadway, and this family-owned neighborhood eatery could very well end up being one of the savory highlights of your day trip this way! It’s a great place to fuel up for the fun ahead thanks to a robust menu of American favorite options like crispy hash browns, blueberry pancakes and bottomless coffee options too. The Wild West and cowboy-inspired motifs throughout make your breakfast stop even more charming, but it might just be the friendly service that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you opt for the pork chop and eggs, or lean into the idea of a granola sundae with a side of homemade cinnamon roll, your time here is sure to be an experience your tastebuds will thank you for in Jackson Hole.
Enjoy a One-of-a-Kind Scenic Drive
When you only have a day to spare in the name of fun in Jackson Hole, it’s definitely worth your while to get behind the wheel and explore as much of your surroundings as possible. A great place to do exactly that is the Moose-Wilson Road scenic drive that offers spectacular views of the local terrain! Many visitors find that, depending on the time of year they’re here, this route is one that offers up good chances for spotting everything from elk and bears to even moose along the way. If you find you have some time to spare for a nature walk, this scenic drive links up seamlessly to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, where the trails are beautifully maintained and ready to be explored at your own leisurely pace.
Hit the Hiking Trails
While a day trip to Jackson Hole doesn’t leave a lot of extra time for exploring all that places like Grand Teton National Park have to offer, you can certainly fit in a little time on the trails here. With hiking boots laced up tight, head over to the Taggart Lake Trailhead and enjoy exploring the welcoming 3-mile loop that offers up terrific mountain and water views too. Whether you explore the trail in its entirety or only hike a portion, you’ll want your camera on hand to capture the natural beauty along the way.
Make the Most of Lunchtime on Town Square
When all of that outdoor exploration leaves you ready to fuel up once more, heading over to Town Square in Jackson Hole is the right choice. This vibrant area of town is packed with great eateries to discover and fun shops to peruse, but when you have real cravings to curb, we highly recommend beginning your time here at the Local Restaurant & Bar. You’ll find this delicious restaurant at 55 N. Cache Street, and it’s a great place to find yourself when you’re someone who can appreciate a new twist on a modern steakhouse concept.
Local Restaurant & Bar is owned and operated by Chef Will Bradof whose enthusiasm for reviving the art of in-house butchery and a firm focus on dry-aged steaks has led to a menu of options that’s both mouthwatering and impressive. Guests who settle in for lunch will enjoy options to pick and choose from house-ground burgers and seasonal specialties to shellfish, seafood, and locally ranches meats and game too.
No matter what you order up for yourself, you’ll want to take time to browse the restaurant’s extensive wine list to find the ideal red, white, or sparkling option to match. Of course, if an ice-cold brew is more your style, Local Restaurant & Bar also has 12 beers on tap at all times. When you choose to dine at Local Restaurant & Bar, you’re more than welcome to enjoy a table indoors, but if the weather is right, picking a place on the patio means pairing your meal with great Town Square views and people-watching too.
Snap an Iconic Town Square Photo with Your Fellow Travelers
Your day trip to Jackson Hole truly won’t be entirely complete until after lunch, when you’ve headed over to one of the four elk antler arches that adorn Town Square, and snapped an iconic photo of yourself and your entire traveling crew together! These arches have long been a staple landmark in Jackson Hole, and practically an attraction all on their own. They’re constructed from antlers that elk over at the local nature refuge naturally shed each season, and those who head this way over the holidays enjoy the added bonus of seeing these impressive antler arches outfitted in a collection of glittering lights. Once you have your photo firmly in place, set aside a little time for shopping in Town Square too. This is a great place to check out charming Western boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries in abundance.
Include Artistic Inspiration into Your Day Trip Experience
Once you’ve had your fill of shopping fun, it’s time to include a touch of artistic inspiration into your Jackson Hole getaway. This is easily done when you make your way to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which is located just north of the town center. This museum is, in fact, the perfect follow-up to your time in Town Square, because it overlooks the National Elk Refuge where the elk antler arches are collected each season. When you arrive, you’ll want to take your time not only to enjoy the view out over the terrain but to explore the museum’s many impressive galleries which host exhibits and displays dedicated to locally designed art that’s inspired by Jackson Hole’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Make Time for a Great View in the Late Afternoon
As the afternoon of your day trip to Jackson Hole begins to come to an end, it’s just the right time to slow things down and focus on a great view. You can do this over at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort where the gondola runs in all seasons, and provides passengers with a breathtaking vista to enjoy out and over the Tetons. Once you reach the top, there are options to grab a drink at a summit bar before making your way down to base level in tranquility once more.
Enjoy Dinner at Snake River Grill
As the sun begins to set and cravings come calling once again, a reservation at Snake River Grill in town is always a good idea. This is a wonderful eatery to select on your day trip this way, whether you find yourself longing for bison ribeye, steak tartare, or you’re traveling with those with a passion for small plates of tasty truffle fries. The ambiance here is decidedly elegant, and the menu typically changes up seasonally as well. The Snake River Grill is conveniently located on E. Broadway Avenue in a space designed to inspire thoughts of a rustic-chic cabin, and patio seating is available when you want to pair your dish with sunset views. Whether you choose to enjoy the glazed pork tenderloin or you go for the ember-seared lamb leg instead, be sure to browse the alluring wine listing for just the right pairing, or ask your server what type of special handcrafted cocktail might be available and extra refreshing that evening!
Things to Keep in Mind on Your Day Trip to Jackson Hole
While your journey to Jackson Hole for the day is sure to be inspiring, no matter when you arrive, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your visit even more comfortable, successful, and memorable from start to finish. Above all, be sure to get your fun underway as early as possible. There’s so much to see, experience, and do in this area, and you want to give yourself as much room to discover new places as possible. Because time is limited, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve made your dinner reservations ahead of time so you don’t waste precious moments having to look for a backup eatery unexpectedly if wait times are longer than you anticipated or dining rooms are already full. Finally, be sure your suitcase includes plenty of layers when it comes to your apparel selection when heading to Jackson Hole in the name of fun. Weather here changes quickly and frequently due to the town’s mountain location, so it’s good to be prepared for any conditions, even in the heart of summer.
Book Local Accommodations for Your Day Trip That Embrace Comfort, Luxury, and Style
Exploring as much of Jackson Hole as possible on your day trip is a must, but equally important is having the right accommodations booked so you can infuse comfort, luxury, and exceptional style into your stay too. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you partner with Abode Jackson Hole the next time you’re heading to town for the day. Our collection of day trip rentals is designed to inspire and is suitable for groups of all sizes. We have property options located right in the heart of Jackson Hole as well as rentals in West Bank and Teton Village for those who prefer to remain a bit further out. Whether you’re looking for a day trip home-away-from-home with gorgeous mountain views in place, or you’re excited to enjoy a stay that includes access to a luxurious hot tub on-site, we have it covered.
Our properties are all set up with a collection of tasteful and stylish furnishings included, and guests will find it easy to reserve their stay in a home with a fully equipped kitchen available to use too. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options and how our team can help you tailor your next day trip to meet your unique travel style.
