Guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming & Yellowstone National Park

With travel options limited this summer, my family and I decided to pay a visit to one of our all-time favorite spots, Jackson Hole, Wyoming! Home to Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the adorable towns of Jackson, Teton Village, and more, Jackson Hole truly offers something for everyone. Better yet, visit over July Fourth for some amazing fireworks and a charming parade (though it was unfortunately cancelled this year). Keep reading for a tried-and-true list of hikes, activities, and restaurants that you simply cannot miss!

Stay …

While in Jackson Hole, we decided to rent a house in Teton Village, a slope-side town equipped with restaurants, shops, and best of all, amazing hikes and outdoor activities. If you’d prefer a hotel, we’ve stayed at the Four Seasons numerous times, and it’s always been a pleasure. The hotel is beautiful, with views of the mountains from many rooms. On our last visit, we also finished our vacation with a night at the lovely brand-new Hotel Jackson in downtown Jackson. Staying here allowed us to explore the town more. It is busy with tourists at dinnertime, but much less so throughout the day. Though perfect for the start or end to your trip, Jackson traffic might make daily excursions a little long.

Hike …

Taggart Lake … we did this hike for the first time on our last trip to Jackson, and it quickly became a favorite! The hike is absolutely stunning, and is an approximately 4 mile trip.

Jenny Lake … take a boat across the lovely Jenny lake to hike up to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point (2 miles), both beautiful spots! Get here early, because parking is limited and the hike is very popular. There are also options to extend this hike, if you wish.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve … this stunning preserve offers numerous hikes and is home to Phelps Lake, a wonderful (but cold) spot for a swim if you wish. We usually hike out to the lake and back (approx. 3 miles), but if you continue around the east side of the lake another 1-1.5 miles, you’ll find a 25 foot cliff popular for jumping.

More Activities …

Looking to do something other than hike? Luckily, Jackson Hole has plenty of activities for all audiences.

Head into Yellowstone National Park, the country’s first national park, for a full day of fun! Visit famous geysers including Old Faithful (erupts every 76 minutes) and Beehive (erupts twice-a-day), hike out to the beautifully colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, stop by Yellowstone Lake, and check out the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Go ATVing with Scenic Safaris … On this adventure-filled half day ride, you’ll get amazing panoramic views of Jackson Hole and the surrounding area, even seeing out to Yellowstone National Park.

White Water Raft with Dave Hansen White Water Rafting … always a highlight of my trip, white water rafting is the perfect family activity and is suitable for kids as young as nine. Paddle through fun rapids (level 3) and see the amazing rivers racing through Wyoming. If you are brave, you can even hop in to take a swim in the icy cold river.

Test out your shooting skills at the Shooting Experience … though I am not a fan of guns, this shooting ran is incredibly safe and well-run. We’ve done the multi-gun rifle and pistol experience with Shepard, and it is lots of fun. Try your aim with everything ranging from a pistol to a rifle.

Head out to Linn Canyon Ranch in Idaho to go horseback riding … with the 3 hour ride, you’ll get a fun day of horseback riding, including a picnic lunch you’ll enjoy on the hilltop, with beautiful views of Teton Valley and the Big Hole Mountains. Though the 8 and 9-year-old beginner riders we brought were a little young, older riders will greatly enjoy this trail and the charming ranch.

In Teton Village, take the Bridger Gondola up 2,700 feet for some amazing views! Though a bit pricey during the day, riding the gondola is free after 5:00!

All around you, you’ll also find some amazing wildlife! From bald eagles to bears, moose to elk, bison to wolves (if you’re lucky), there is so much to see! If you look closely, you’ll see a grizzly bear in the first picture!

Dine …

Jackson Hole is home to some amazing food, so be sure to check out these delicious spots while there.

For breakfast …

Persephone Bakery – with three locations throughout Jackson Hole, this bakery offers delicious pastries, beverages, and other breakfast items. It is perfect for pick-up or even dining in, since the café itself is adorable.

Nora’s Fish Creek Inn – this restaurant was actually written up on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and with reason. It offers classic American breakfast and lunch options, with elevated twists, such as blueberry sourdough pancakes. We enjoyed our meal from the picnic tables outside.

Figs at Hotel Jackson – if you’re looking for a proper, sit-down breakfast, Figs has some delicious options, including an amazing avocado toast.

For lunch …

Café Genevieve – located in Jackson, this spot is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the area. We’ve come for lunch and brunch numerous times, and it never fails to disappoint. I get the avocado grilled cheese with tomato soup, which is amazing and is even voted the best grilled cheese in Wyoming. The biscuits and gravy are also phenomenal.

The Bird – just outside Jackson, this fun and casual restaurant offers delicious burgers and wings. If you dare, try the “Meet God” wings, made with some of the world’s hottest peppers.

The Handle Bar – located in the Four Seasons in Teton Village, this fun pub offers great lunch and dinner

Creekside Market & Deli – perfect to grab sandwiches for a picnic

The General Store – quaint market in Teton Village offering coffee, smoothies, milkshakes, sundaes, pastries, and many packaged food items like granola bars that come in handy for hikes

For dinner …

Spur – located in Teton Village as part of the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, this restaurant offers some of the best food in the area, with a priority on local ingredients

The Handle Bar – see above

Il Villaggio Osteria – this charming Italian restaurant is located right in Teton Village (next to a playground, which my brother and I always loved) and offers some delicious pizzas, pastas, and more!

Pinky G’s Pizzeria – this pizza spot in Jackson Hole offers amazing pizza (and that’s coming from someone used to New York pizza). We normally do takeout and eat in the town square.

Entrance to the Jackson town square

Hatch Taqueria and Tequilas – this fun and casual Mexican restaurant, located in Jackson, offers delicious tacos, fun dishes to share, and more.

Calico – located between Teton Village and Jackson, this casual restaurant offers Italian food and is perfect for big and small groups alike, especially those with young kids. It has a huge yard that kids can play in, and a beautiful flower and vegetable garden to explore. Though a little expensive for the food, it is a great option if you’re looking for good food and a fun spot for kids.

Teton Thai – if you’re looking to change up your meals, try this casual Thai restaurant in Teton Village, which is always one of our favorites. It offers classic Thai dishes and is great to eat there or takeout.

For dessert …

Moo’s Ice Cream – with locations in Jackson and Wilson, this ice cream spot is an absolute must! Be sure to try its famous huckleberry flavor.


That concludes my post on Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We’ve travelled here more than anywhere else, and with reason. Its beauty is unparalleled, and you can never run out of things to do. If you enjoyed this post, please like it and subscribe to my blog below, and be sure to check out my related posts! If you have any questions about Jackson Hole or any travels, leave a comment!