Why Jackson Hole should be your next mountain town weekend getaway

The U.S. is chock full of charming mountain towns — we even recently rounded up some of our absolute favorites for an effortless weekend getaway.

If you're looking for that western charm, fresh alpine air and cowboy vibes in spades — paired with proximity to two of America's most striking national parks and premiere skiing — then Jackson Hole is just the ticket for your next weekend trip.

Here's how to plan a dreamy weekend away to one of the best towns in the west, including where to stay, where to dine and drink, and how to spend your time.

Related: The 9 best national parks for a weekend getaway

How to get to Jackson Hole

Fun fact: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only airport within the U.S. located inside a national park. Thats right; when you arrive to Jackson Hole by plane, you get to fly right into Grand Teton National Park. The airport is a quick seven mile drive from downtown Jackson Hole, but be aware that traffic can elongate this drive in peak summer season (it took me about 20 minutes when I arrived mid-day on a Monday).

The airport is serviced by on-site rental car companies (like Avis, Budget, Alamo and more). It's possible that your hotel or motel will provide airport shuttle service, but be sure to check ahead.

Rideshare apps and taxis are available too, but the wait times might be a bit longer than at larger metropolitan airports.

When to go

Another reason we thought Jackson Hole warranted a spotlight moment: It's pretty incredible year-round. Before this trip, I'd assumed that ski season was the area's most touristy time of year, but I was corrected by my Uber driver when I arrived. Summertime is by far the busiest time to be in Jackson Hole, with swells of tourists from all over the globe flocking to the little mountain town to experience its quintessential western vibes and, of course, to use it as a home base when exploring the two nearby national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone (more on that below).

So, when you're planning your Jackson Hole getaway, be sure to keep in mind the peak season, which is certainly summer — followed closely by wintertime, when ski season is in full swing.

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That's not to say you should discount the shoulder seasons; on the contrary, while the parks may not be as lush as they are in the summertime, autumn and spring can still offer abundant wildlife sightings, beautiful vistas, far fewer crowds and likely more affordable accommodation rates and airfare.

Where to stay in Jackson Hole

It's a small — and in peak season, crowded — little town, but there are still quite a few accommodation options right in downtown Jackson Hole, from old school motels that look right out of an old western movie to luxury hotels and also Airbnbs or rentals. These are a few of our favorite options:

Trailborn Jackson Hole

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ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY

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One of the most anticipated outdoorsy hotel openings of the year, Trailborn Jackson Hole is the Trailborn brand's newest property, and part of Marriott Bonvoy's Outdoor Collection — so it's fully bookable on Marriott Bonvoy points.

Trailborn Jackson Hole is located right at the base of Snow King Mountain, which is the smaller, more local-vibe ski mountain in town (as opposed to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which is bigger and located in nearby Teton Village). Because of this, guests have direct access to the ski mountain itself (which is great for all seasons, whether you're interested in winter sports or warm weather hikes) and just about a ten minute walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

With a laidback vibe, this refreshed and rebranded property feels full of subtle cowboy character, with nods to Jackson's history and western culture via local art, some from indigenous artists, and historic ski photographs throughout. Rooms have mountain views and cozy beds, staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgable about local things to do, and there is an excellent full-service spa on site, as well as a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and even a pool with a hot tub. You can also book national park tours at both parks directly through the hotel, which is what I did, and my guide was phenomenal.

Rates at Trailborn Jackson Hole start at $178 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

For those in search of luxury accommodations, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, located in Teton Village at the base of Rendezvous Mountain, is about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Jackson Hole.

Here, guests can expect that characteristic Four Seasons sophisticated and luxurious level of hospitality, right at the heart of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Amenities range from a luxury spa to heated pools and multiple, upscale dining options.

Rates at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole start around $1,600. This property is bookable via American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts.

Where to eat and drink in Jackson Hole

Wander into the main part of downtown Jackson Hole, especially during peak season, and you'll likely feel overwhelmed with options in terms of where to eat, grab a drink or do both. Here are a few recommendations to get started:

• Persephone Bakery for delicious coffee, pastries and breakfast served in a chic space.
• Local Restaurant & Bar for an excellent bison burger and a classic Jackson Hole steakhouse restaurant atmosphere.
• Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a Jackson Hole icon (think: saddle stools, live country music, western murals and old-school saloon vibes). It can get touristy, but it's legendary for a reason and worth checking out.
• Silver Dollar Bar & Grill for a slightly-less-touristy saloon vibe.
• Snake River Grill for new American cuisine in an elevated log cabin atmosphere.
• The Gun Barrel for steak, game and true Wyoming hunting lodge vibes.
• Glorietta Trattoria for handmade pasta and craft cocktails in a refined, beautifully appointed space.

Things to do in Jackson Hole

Shop at local boutiques and explore galleries

You'll find that town is packed with tourists, but there is a reason — local shops and art galleries line the little streets of downtown Jackson Hole, filled with art, fine foods, clothing, jewelry, outdoor gear and all sorts of treasures inspired by the stunning surroundings and local culture and history.

A few of the can't-miss stores include:

• Made
• Lodge and Letter
• Hide Out Leathers
• Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.
• Belle Cose
• Nest
• Terra
• Altitude
• Diamond Cross Ranch

Explore Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Whether you book a guided tour, rent a car and explore the park(s) yourself or set out on a day hike (there are plenty within both parks, from hour-long loops to strenuous hikes that take all day or multiple days) you'll want to spend at least a few hours taking in the views of the mountain vistas, glimmering lakes, lush vegetation and the wildlife that inhabits these legendary parks (think: moose, elk, deer, bison, bears and more). Grand Teton is just 10-15 minutes by car from downtown Jackson Hole, depending on traffic, and Yellowstone is about one-and-a-half to two hours.

A day pass for each park is $35 per vehicle, or you can purchase the America the Beautiful pass for $80 (for U.S. residents), which grants you full access to all national parks for the year.

Note that it's worth researching — very carefully — safety and bear spray recommendations, especially if you're camping in the national parks (you can find Yellowstone camping information here and Grand Tetons camping information here).

For a comprehensive guide to these national parks, check out our road trip guide to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Related: Everything you need to know about visiting US national parks in 2026

Enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and more

We could write an entirely separate guide to skiing in Jackson Hole, but in short, the town is home to two main resorts: Snow King Mountain, just a stone's thrown from downtown Jackson Hole (included on the Indy Pass and Powder Alliance), and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village (included on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective Pass).

Keep in mind that ski season isn't quite as busy as summertime, but it's still very busy — so you'll want to book flights and accommodations well ahead of your travel dates, and it's best to choose accommodations based on the mountain you plan to ski or snowboard from (so, Teton Village accommodations versus downtown Jackson Hole).

Related: What's the best ski pass this season? Comparing Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy passes

Bottom line

While there are mountain towns aplenty across the U.S., with its unbeatable proximity to two iconic national parks and its distinctive (but not overbearing) western vibe, Jackson Hole is simply ideal for a quick two- or three-day weekend getaway.

With the national parks so close by, you can spend one day exploring the great outdoors (and perhaps end that day with a spa treatment) and the other bopping around town to see what the locals get up to.