Jackson Travel Guide

Looking for your next outdoor playground? Jackson, Wyoming, more than delivers. Surrounded by soaring peaks and majestic wilderness, this charming town offers year-round adventures, from winter skiing and snowshoeing to summer hiking and biking. And there’s plenty of indoor fun too, with farm-to-table restaurants, saloon-style bars and unique art museums to explore. Plan smarter with our Jackson travel guide.

Colle McVoy

Jackson highlights

Wildlife spotting

Keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose and grizzly bears on your stay in Jackson. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are hotspots for wildlife watching — the best (and safest) way to do so is with a guided tour. In winter, take a horse-drawn sleigh tour of the National Elk Refuge and watch these majestic creatures stroll through snow-covered landscapes.

Downtown Jackson

Stay in downtown Jackson to have restaurants, galleries and outdoor activities at your fingertips. When it’s time to bed down, choose from upscale ski-style lodges, rustic ranches and modern eco-friendly hotels. In winter, hotels put on shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the country’s leading ski areas. You can also rent bikes, winter sports equipment and snowshoes at shops downtown.

Good for: Hotels, restaurants, galleries

Teton Village

Surrounded by powdery ski slopes, Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the place to stay for winter sports. It’s also known for its lively apres-ski scene. Head straight off the slopes and into cosy alpine bars for drinks, live music and hearty food. Don’t miss the Mangy Moose, a legendary saloon-style bar that hosts live rock, blues and folk acts throughout the year.

Good for: Winter sports, live music, national parks

Jackson: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)
High season	December - March and June - August
Low season	April - May and October - November

John Bowers

Things to do in Jackson

Take in the culture

Carve out some time from your outdoor excursions to explore Jackson’s excellent museums. Enjoy the fusion of art and nature at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, home to works by Rembrandt, Picasso and Warhol. Discover the town’s Mormon history by exploring the abandoned wooden houses on Mormon Row, some of which date back to the 1890s.

Places to eat

From cheap eats to fine dining, restaurants in Jackson satisfy all taste buds and budgets. You’ll find wood-fired pizzas, Thai curries and hearty apres-ski meals alongside local specialities like ‘pig candy’ (bacon coated with sugar and spices). Don’t miss the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Jackson institution that’s been going since 1937. Upstairs features live music and Western memorabilia, while the basement is home to an upscale steakhouse.

Shopping

Jackson’s shopping scene is proudly local, offering everything from antiques to leather goods and American Indian crafts. Most of the action is concentrated around Town Square, where you’ll find Western-style boutiques alongside quaint gift emporiums and specialist stores selling cowboy hats. Remember to bring a reusable bag — single-use plastic bags are banned.

FAQs about visiting Jackson

What language is spoken in Jackson?

Most people you meet will likely be speaking English. Picking up a few local phrases can be a good way to spark conversations and connect with people during your city break in Jackson, Wyoming.

When is the best time to visit Jackson?

Winter is the time for skiing and snowboarding, while summer is perfect for exploring the great outdoors in pleasant temperatures. For fewer crowds, consider the off-season. Though ski resorts and some businesses may be closed, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

What is the coldest month in Jackson?

December is the coolest time of year to visit. If you plan your Jackson, Wyoming then, you can anticipate lows of -18ºC (0ºF).

What currency is used in Jackson?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for purchases during your time in Jackson, Wyoming. Pay with a debit or credit card whenever possible, but carry a little cash for places that don't accept cards.

What is the rainiest month in Jackson?

With around 10 cm of rainfall, April is the wettest month. If you're visiting Jackson, Wyoming then, you'll want to plan a few indoor activities. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, relax in a local cafe, or indulge in a shopping spree.

How many days do you need when visiting Jackson, Wyoming?

To hit the slopes as well as visit the national parks, you'll want to set aside at least a week in Jackson.

Is it safe to visit Jackson?

Although this city is generally considered safe for travellers, the best way to have a stress-free visit to Jackson, Wyoming is to take a few basic precautions. Before heading out, plan your route to avoid getting lost. Be aware of your surroundings as you explore, and keep emergency contact numbers handy.

What is the hottest month in Jackson?

With temperatures reaching a high of 27ºC (81ºF), July is the hottest month in Jackson, Wyoming.

How expensive is a trip to Jackson?

Jackson, Wyoming has a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, but you don’t have to break the bank to stay here. Plenty of outdoor activities are free. And if you visit during spring or autumn, you can save money on a stay in Jackson.

Is Jackson a good place to visit?

Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Town Square just scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. Check out all the things to do in Jackson and discover why it's worth the trip.

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