Jackson, WY is a picturesque town in Jackson Hole valley known for its fantastic skiing and close proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Jackson is the perfect combination of rustic and upscale mountain living, with gorgeous views around every corner. There’s so much to do and see in Jackson that it can be overwhelming to plan a trip, so read on to learn about the must-visit spots during one weekend in Jackson, WY.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Jackson?
The easiest way to get to Jackson is flying, as the town is home to Jackson Hole Airport. Jackson Hole Airport is only seven miles from downtown Jackson and is technically located inside Grand Teton National Park.
The START Bus System is by far the best option for public transportation in the town of Jackson. While the city center itself is quite walkable, a rental car is helpful if you’d like to explore the surrounding areas and towns. Rideshare services are also available in the town of Jackson, though options may be limited depending on weather and time of day.
What is the best time to visit Jackson?
There really is no bad time to visit Jackson as each season offers unique activities that may appeal to different people. In general, winter is an exceptional time to visit if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder. The skiing in the Jackson Hole valley is world-renowned and people travel from all over the world to experience it.
Note: Some of the roads are closed during the winter, so be sure to check here for updates! Also, make sure you are prepared with snow tires, chains, and an emergency car kit.
Summer, however, offers great hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, which is also an incredible way to experience Jackson. Deciding when to plan your trip to Jackson will ultimately come down to what activities you’d like to do and what kind of weather you prefer!
Where should I stay in Jackson?
Booking.comThe city of Jackson is a great home base if you plan on doing a lot of shopping and dining in town, and you want to be able to easily walk from one attraction to the next. Parkway Inn offers simple accommodations at a reasonable price, while Elk Country Inn is a little more rustic for a slightly higher price tag.
If budget is a concern and you don’t mind having to drive into town, Teton Village is another great area to consider staying in. The town of Teton Village is about 20 minutes north of Jackson and has a more outdoorsy, laid-back vibe. Skiers and hikers often flock to Teton Village, and there are a number of casual hotels and hostels to choose from. Elk Refuge Inn is a great option for those seeking a simple, well-priced stay, and The Hostel offers both dorm and private rooms at an affordable price.
Another option to consider is staying outside of town in the Jackson Hole valley. If you want a sense of privacy and seclusion, this is a great route to take. Airbnb is an excellent place to find rentals in the Jackson Hole valley.
Tip! When I visited, hotels were INCREDIBLY expensive! We ended up having to stay in Idaho Falls which is about 1.5 hours from Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
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Sample 3-Day Jackson Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Jackson WY:
Morning
If visiting outside of winter, begin your trip with a visit to Grand Teton National Park. The park is located just a few miles from the city of Jackson and offers many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and horseback riding. Photographers, wildlife-lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love getting a chance to experience the grandeur of the Teton Mountains in person. The fee to visit Grand Teton National Park is $35.
Tip! If you only have time for one activity in Grand Teton National Park, I recommend visiting Jenny Lake and taking the shuttle across the lake so you can hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point! Both are pretty easy hikes that lead to amazing views! If you have additional time, then head over to String Lake for a swim!
If you’re visiting during the winter, spend your morning hitting the slopes at one of the three ski resorts located near Jackson: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain, and Grand Targhee. All of these ski resorts are exceptional and whichever one you choose is sure to be a memorable experience.
While Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the most well-known, it is also considered the most technical and maybe a better option for more experienced skiers/snowboarders. Lift ticket and equipment rental prices will vary greatly depending on the resort, rental company, and specific day/time you choose to visit.
Afternoon
Take your time exploring the Tetons or slopes! No plans are scheduled for the afternoon!
Evening
Teton Village is a great place to explore for the evening, as it offers even more shopping and dining options outside of the city of Jackson. Teton Village is a beautiful town just a short drive from Jackson through the Jackson Hole valley. Keep your eyes peeled as you enter the town because everything from bison and bears to moose and elk are frequently spotted in the valley and throughout town. Whether you’re shopping for outdoor gear, souvenirs, or just stopping by for dinner, Teton Village is a gorgeous area you’ll be glad you visited.
Day 2 in Jackson:
Morning
Take a dip in Granite Hot Springs, a man-made hot spring open during both the summer and winter months. During the summer, you can simply drive along the dirt road and hop into the hot spring, which can accommodate up to 80 people at once. If you visit during the winter, the hot spring can be reached via snowmobiling, skiing, or dog-sledding. Be prepared for an amazing experience either way and warm up next to incredible views of Granite Creek. The fee to visit is $8 for adults and $5 for children.
Afternoon
A great way to spend your second afternoon in Jackson is by doing some shopping and grabbing dinner in the Town Square. Jackson’s Town Square is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and art galleries, giving you lots of options for enjoying some of the area’s finest local vendors. At the four entrances to Town Square, you can also spot Jackson’s iconic antler arches which are made from naturally shed elk antlers collected throughout the area.
In the summer you can catch a daily gun show in the town square at 6 pm each night! Wintertime brings different adventures such as ice skating and sleigh rides!
Evening
For folks 21+, enjoy live entertainment in an iconic Western setting by grabbing dinner and/or drinks at Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. This bar and restaurant first opened in 1937 and has been serving up dancing, live music, and food and drinks ever since. Western legends such as Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson have performed at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, and the atmosphere is so fun and exciting.
Day 3 in Jackson, WY:
Morning
Learn about the importance of conservation efforts firsthand by visiting the National Elk Refuge, a massive outdoor area that wildlife such as elk, bison, and eagles call home. The refuge is a beautiful area to explore, whether you choose to just drive through or venture out for a hike or some fishing. In the winter, you can even embark on a festive sleigh ride throughout the refuge! A visit to the National Elk Refuge is nothing short of amazing, and as a bonus, the refuge is free to visit.
Another fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for wildlife is with a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The museum itself is a stunning piece of architecture, built into a hillside that actually overlooks the National Elk Refuge. The museum is home to thousands of art pieces from all over the world, including works by famous artists such as Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for children, with discounts available for seniors and additional children, depending on how many tickets you purchase.
Afternoon
After a weekend of activity, whether it be summiting a mountain or hitting the slopes, unwind with a visit to one of Jackson’s many luxurious spas. Jackson is home to many spas and wellness companies that will help you relax and leave your vacation feeling completely rejuvenated. Depending on your budget and personal needs, you can enjoy everything from massages to saunas and skin treatments.
Evening
For your final night in Jackson, catch a show at the historic Jackson Hole Playhouse. The building that the playhouse resides in was originally built in 1915, making it the oldest building in the city of Jackson. The playhouse itself wasn’t officially established until 1948, but visitors have been entertained by shows and musicals there ever since. The Jackson Hole Playhouse also offers a selection of meals, making it a great one-stop shop for a night of entertainment.
Other things to do in Jackson
- Venture out a little further and spend a day in Yellowstone National Park ($35 per vehicle)
- Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains
- Take a rafting trip down the Snake River – you can choose a calm float or an adrenaline-pumping whitewater experience
- Take a wildlife safari through the Tetons
Other tips to know before visiting Jackson
Make sure to pack layers, as the weather in Jackson can often be unpredictable and vary greatly. It’s not uncommon to have a warm, sunny day followed by a cold and windy night!
Grand Teton National Park will most likely be very busy! Arrive at the trailheads/lakes early (or later) to ensure parking. And sometimes, you just have to be patient and wait for someone to leave.
One Weekend in Jackson Packing List:
Even though you are only in Jackson for one weekend, it is best to arrive prepared to avoid having to waste time by running to the store for forgotten items. Below you will find everything (okay…maybe not everything) you will need for 3 days in Jackson!
- Comfy walking shoes (for your walking tours or amusement parks. I wear my keens EVERYWHERE. Not only are they great hiking shoes, they are great for water shoes as well if visiting in the summer. No socks needed 🙂
- Travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, deoderant…you know all your daily essentials). This is a perfect travel case that meets TSA regulations!
- All the clothes (this one is going to be a personal choice as to how much to bring). I am typically good with three nice dinner outfits, my favorite joggers, a comfy shirt, some atheltic shorts, and a swim suit cover up.
- Makeup and hair supplies
- ID and any other travel documents or itineraries needed.
- Phone charger
- Kindle or current reading book
- Any needed medications
- Airplane snacks and water bottle (bring an empty bottle along to save plastic and money at the airport and on your daily adventures)
- Sunglasses! (I always forget this one)
- Andddd of course your camera! A gopro would be fun for these adventures!
3-day Jackson Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Grand Teton National Park (or Skiing in Winter), Dinner and shopping in Teton Village.
- Day 2: Granite Hot Springs, Jackson Hole Village, Million Dollar Cowboy
- Day 3: National Elk Refuge, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Spa, Jackson Hole Playhouse
One Weekend In Jackson Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Jackson that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Jackson itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Jackson!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Jackson” Itinerary?
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