Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming: 1 Perfect Day in Jackson Hole Ultimate Guide
Planning a vacation to Jackson, Wyoming? Our ultimate one-day-itinerary covers the best things to do in Jackson Hole from scenic tram rides and a bar T 5 chuckwagon dinner to exploring Grand Teton National Park and downtown’s famous antler arches.
If you’re visiting Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park, chances are you’ll be spending at least one day in Jackson, Wyoming, and honestly, you should.
Jackson, Wyoming: It’s a Mountain Town You Can Feel
Perched at the foot of the Teton Range, the town of Jackson is that rare kind of mountain town that draws you in. Rugged, but with a touch of class, the kind of place where you can buy cowboy boots in the morning, ride a scenic tram in the afternoon, and enjoy world-class dining by night.
It’s a winter playground, yes, with world-class skiing and acres of deep powder. But in the summer months and early fall when the trails are open, the wildlife is active, and the valley just feels alive. Even if you only have one day, Jackson more than holds its own.
Begin at Town Square
You can start anywhere in Jackson, but we love starting at Town Square in the heart of downtown. Antler arches frame the corners of the square and they show up on just about every Jackson Hole postcard that has ever been printed.
Stop for coffee and breakfast at a local café (we loved the Bunnery) and spend a few minutes walking around. The square is lined with art galleries, souvenir shops, and boutiques with everything from high-end western wear to handmade jewelry.
If you have time, visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum for a quick lesson on how this little frontier town became a global travel destination.
Jackson Hole Tram Ride at Teton Village
Fill your stomach, then head north to Teton Village, home of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This area is worth a trip even if you’re not here to ski, particularly for the Jackson Hole Tram, one of the most famous scenic tram rides in the United States.
The tram ride ascends 4,139 feet from the valley floor to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. From there, the views take your breath away. You’ll see the Tetons, the Snake River valley below, and the national forest that borders the park on three sides. On a clear day, you can even see the Wind River Range off in the distance.
At the top, grab a waffle from Corbet’s Cabin (you have to if you go on the tram, they’re legendary) and take a load off to take in the view. You’ll see hikers and mountain bikers on the trails in the summer months. During winter, this is where skiers and riders drop into some of the steepest terrain in North America.
For fewer crowds and a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or late afternoon. The light is magical, and it feels crisp and cool even in July.
Grand Teton National Park
No trip to Jackson would be complete without a stop at Grand Teton National Park, which begins just north of town. You could spend a week there and still want to come back, but a few hours will do the trick, and leave you speechless.
Stop at one of the visitor centers (Craig Thomas Discovery Center is closest) to get maps, trail information, and check the gov website for closures or active wildlife. With limited time, we suggest driving the Teton Park Road to check out Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, and Jenny Lake. Keep your camera handy, wildlife viewing is world-class here and you might even spot grizzly bears, elk, or bald eagles.
If you happen to visit around Memorial Day weekend, the park is just waking up for the summer: snow is melting off the peaks, and wildflowers start dotting the valley floor.
This quick loop is one of our family favorites, and it gives you a true sense of the park’s beauty without needing to plan an all-day hike.
Lunch in Downtown Jackson
Return to downtown Jackson for lunch. You’ll find everything from no-frills diners to upscale restaurants that mix local flavors with a more modern approach.
We recommend some of these family-friendly picks:
- Liberty Burger – creative burgers and hand-cut fries.
- Hand Fire Pizza – inside the old theater, wood-fired crust and local ingredients.
- Persephone Bakery – a nice selection of salads, sandwiches, and pastries if you’re in the mood for something lighter.
Snag a patio table if you can, and you might even fit in a little happy hour later in the afternoon. Jackson’s food scene is surprisingly robust for a town its size. You’ll find plenty to eat and drink in this Teton County town.
The National Elk Refuge
By the way, speaking of the National Elk Refuge: it’s definitely worth at least a quick stop. In the winter months, thousands of elk migrate down into the refuge and can be viewed from the main road. But in the summer months, it’s still beautiful: rolling hills, marshes, open plains, and birds, pronghorn, and the occasional bison wandering around.
You can drive or walk parts of the refuge, and it’s an easy detour on the way back into town from Grand Teton National Park.
Spend the Night with a True Western Experience
For families, there’s one experience that stands out to us: the Bar T 5 Covered Wagon Cookout and Show.
This Jackson Hole icon combines a wagon ride through Cache Creek Canyon, hearty food cooked over an open campfire, and live cowboy music. It’s part dinner, part comedy, and part history lesson rolled into one—and a great way to spend an evening.
If you have time before the show starts, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which is also just north of town near the National Elk Refuge. It’s fun for kids, too. The exhibits are interactive, and the sculpture trail outside overlooks the valley floor with views that go on for miles.
Or a Dinner at Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse
Looking for a fun, adults-only dinner spot right in the heart of town? Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse is a Jackson classic. The restaurant is located beneath the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, and it’s pure Western inside. Dim lighting, leather booths, and walls covered with vintage cowboy gear.
The menu is hearty and traditional: perfectly cooked steaks, trout, and other Wyoming culinary favorites, all served with generous sides and local beer or wine. It’s a great spot for a special night out or even a casual happy hour while the kids rest up at the hotel.
Even if you don’t dine there, it’s worth stopping in just to soak up the old time atmosphere. It’s one of those “only in Jackson” places that really captures the spirit of the wild west.
Optional Add-Ons for Families With More Time
If you have an extra day or even a few more hours, throw one or two of these local favorites onto your itinerary:
- Whitewater rafting on the Snake River – exciting but family-friendly tours run daily in the summer.
- Hot springs day trip – Granite Hot Springs is a scenic drive away, and a relaxing soak with mountain views.
- Jackson Hole Rodeo – check the schedule, it runs several nights a week in the summer and embodies the true spirit of the West.
- Snow King Resort / Snow King Mountain – right in town, this little ski resort offers an alpine coaster, chairlift rides, and hiking trails in the off-season.
- Grand Targhee Resort – across the pass in Idaho, smaller than Jackson Hole but just as gorgeous and great for less crowds.
If you’re traveling in an RV, several RV parks in the area have easy access to town and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Where to Stay in Jackson, Wyoming
We haven’t even scratched the surface with places to stay. Jackson has no shortage of great hotels, lodges, and inns. For a single-night stay, these are our picks:
- Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole – cozy, upscale western vibe, with a fitness center and restaurant on site.
- Hotel Jackson – boutique near Town Square, sleek design and mountain views.
- The Rockwell Inn – family-friendly, central and walkable to downtown.
If you’re looking for a quieter stay closer to Teton Village, search for cabins or condos with mountain access.
Final Thoughts
Jackson is one of those rare places that you can go to and feel both alive and at peace. You can pack a lot into a single day: scenic tram rides, shopping, a stop in Grand Teton National Park, and dinner in a chuckwagon and still feel like you’ve slowed down enough to breathe.
It’s the heart of Jackson Hole, where you can still feel the spirit of the West in the air. From the cowboys at the rodeo to the hikers on the trails, everybody’s just chasing the same thing: a good time in one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
