Whether you’re chasing high-altitude thrills or soaking up Jackson’s creative side, this legendary mountain town has something for every traveler in any season. From sunrise hikes and white-water rapids to gallery hopping and live shows, here are two equally unforgettable ways to spend a day in Jackson, Wyoming.
Day 1: The High-Gear Adventurer
Morning
Catch the first shuttle boat across Jenny Lake for a sunrise hike in Grand Teton National Park. It’s the fastest way to reach the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point trailhead, saving about 2 miles of hiking each way. Take a short climb to Hidden Falls to see the 100-foot waterfall. Continue on to Inspiration Point for panoramic views of Jenny Lake and the valley below. Wear shoes with a good grip and bring a light jacket for the cool mountain air.
Before you head back to Jackson, take a scenic drive to Oxbow Bend—one of the most photographed spots in the park. Marvel at striking views of Mount Moran and Snake River. Wildlife sightings are common here, so bring binoculars to look out for moose, otters, eagles, swans, and even bears.
Grab breakfast at Persephone Bakery, a French-inspired eatery that brings stone-hearth ovens and old-world fermentation to the Tetons. Slide into a booth inside the bright and airy cafe, or choose a patio table to soak up the morning sun. Order a honey-lavender latte and the brioche French toast or a ham-and-cheese croissant.
Afternoon
Ready to channel your inner cowboy? Embark on a two-hour horseback ride with Mill Iron Ranch, a family-run operation that’s been running for over a century. Book a group ride or opt for a private ride if you’re traveling with a crew. Climb 2,000 vertical feet into Bridger-Teton National Forest for sweeping views of the Hoback area, Snake River Canyon, and the Tetons. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring a camera for epic photos from the top.
Fuel up with lunch at Picnic, Persephone’s laid-back sister café. Expect modern interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows and counter service. Choose between light yet nourishing dishes like the turkey and bacon sandwich or the citrus and beet salad with fresh bread. Pick up grab-and-go items like chia seed pudding, seasonal soups, or cold-pressed juices if you’re heading straight to your next stop.
Swap your hiking boots for a wetsuit on a Snake River rafting trip with Jackson Hole Whitewater. Choose a scenic float for a calm ride through Snake River Canyon with ample wildlife sightings. Prefer a more thrilling expedition? Go for the eight-mile white-water route to hit Class II–III rapids with crazy names like Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter. Plan to spend anywhere from one to four hours on the water, depending on which adventure you pick.
Evening
Ride the Snow King Gondola up to Aurora for an upscale dinner near the summit. Bask in one of Jackson’s best sunset views from around 8,000 feet above sea level. Ask for a table by the windows to pair your meal with show-stopping views of Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Indulge in regional cuisine by tasting dishes like wagyu steak tartare and Colorado lamb chops. Don’t worry about booking a gondola ticket—it’s included with your dinner reservation.
Afterward, walk over to the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium for some stargazing. Step onto the observation deck to check out planets and constellations through high-powered telescopes. Book your ticket in advance—spots are limited. If it’s cloudy out, head inside for an immersive hour-long planetary show led by expert guides.
Not quite ready to call it a night? Head to Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Jackson’s most iconic honky-tonk. Slide onto a saddle barstool and take in cowboy-themed decor like Western murals, taxidermy mounts, and wildlife statues. Sip local brews or specialty cocktails like the whiskey-based Gold Rush or the Teton Sunset with Jackson Hole Great Grey Gin. Enjoy live country music, join the two-step on the dance floor, or head upstairs for a game of pool.
Day 2: The Town-Square Culture Cruiser
Morning
Start your day with a hearty brunch at Café Genevieve, located in a historic log cabin just off the square. Sit in the relaxed dining room, or grab an outdoor table on the wraparound patio. Choose between down-home classics made with local ingredients—like the Cajun eggs benedict or biscuits with gravy. Pair your meal with a mimosa and a side of their famous pig candy (aka candied bacon).
Walk over to the Jackson Hole Farmers Market, open seasonally on Saturdays from June to September. Stroll through colorful rows of baked goods, local honey, wildflower bouquets, and handmade crafts. Listen to live music while you browse the rotating vendors. Grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade and soak up the local culture and small-town feel.
Spend the rest of the morning exploring some of Jackson’s 25+ art galleries, many of which are within walking distance of the square. Stop into Tayloe Piggott Gallery for contemporary paintings and sculpture, or admire cowboy art and Western landscapes inside Legacy Gallery. Check out edgy mixed-media pieces at Rare Gallery, or discover a mix of traditional and modern Western artwork at Altamira Fine Art. Before your self-guided art tour, pop by the visitor center for a Jackson Hole Gallery Guide.
Afternoon
Sit down for lunch at Palate, a seasonal restaurant inside the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Settle into a seat on the expansive outdoor deck with sweeping views of the Elk Refuge. Chow down on locally sourced dishes like the bison gyro or elk meatloaf wrap. For something lighter, try the Casper Power Bowl with forbidden rice and green goddess dressing. Reserve ahead or arrive early—tables fill up last, and those show-stopping views are a hot commodity.
Inside the National Museum of Wildlife Art, follow the galleries from 19th-century masters like Auguste Rodin and Albert Bierstadt to modern wildlife photography. Don’t miss Andy Warhol’s “Endangered Species” series, the Rungius Gallery, or the Children’s Discovery Gallery if you’re visiting with kids. Step outside to walk the Sculpture Trail, a scenic outdoor gallery with 20+ sculptures connected by pathways and bridges.
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Grab a spicy Mexican Mocha or a creamy Bhakti Chai from Cowboy Coffee, an art-forward café in the center of town. Then, head to Bunker JH for a round of virtual golf or shuffleboard in a sleek, low-lit lounge. Tee off on famous courses in a climate-controlled setting, or sit back and watch the action over craft cocktails.
Evening
Grab dinner at Melvin Dojo, the underground offshoot of Melvin Brewing. Take in the dive-bar vibes, colorful decor, and an eclectic mix of vinyl music. Indulge in a mashup of Japanese, Mexican, and Asian-fusion flavors. Order the crispy KFC bao buns with kimchi aioli or flavorful birria tacos. Pair your meal with a pint of the Melvin IPA or a crisp lager brewed in-house.
Grab a nightcap at the aptly-named Silver Dollar Bar in the Wort Hotel, where you’ll find thousands of inlaid silver dollars. Embrace the Western woodwork and vintage photos that give the dive spot its old-timey feel. Dance along to live country-rock music and order a late-night bite from the attached Silver Dollar Grill, which serves sliders and nachos until closing.
Prefer a more theatrical end to the night? Catch a show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, home to dinner-theater musicals and wild Western comedies. Arrive early to be greeted by cast members in costume. Expect wood-paneled walls and a small stage that makes every seat feel close to the action. Grab drinks at the Saddle Rock Saloon during intermission, or wait until after the show to toast your Jackson adventure.
