Overview
Jackson is the largest town (population 11,000 in 2020) in the Jackson Hole valley in Teton County, Northwest Wyoming, close to the south end of Grand Teton National Park. It is the gateway to two of the United States' best-known national parks, Grand Teton and nearby Yellowstone. Many famous people maintain vacation homes in and around this area. The combined elements of beautiful mountain scenery, Old West heritage, tourist traps and celebrity residents give this small town a unique atmosphere both cosmopolitan and frontier.
5 sights · 9 things to do · 15 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 29 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Jackson
Town Square
On U.S. 26/89/191 (which become Cache Drive), with Deloney Avenue to its north and Broadway Avenue to its south. Jackson's town square has unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hun…
National Elk Refuge
Every day, 8AM-7PM summer, 9AM-5PM winter. The National Elk Refuge preserves land for the more than 5000 elk that migrate to the area each winter. Though wildlife is easily viewable from the main Refuge Road, a highlight…
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Features over 5000 pieces of art, focused on wildlife and nature. $10 adults, $9 students/seniors, children 18 and under free.
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
Snow King Resort
The base of this smaller mountain is incredibly convenient to the town, located a mere 6 blocks from the town square.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Featuring a vertical rise of over 4,000 feet, this resort offers world-class skiing, and is in Teton Village, about a 15 minute drive from Jackson. Accessible by bus.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Aug. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 6°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Dec.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- JAC Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson — 9 mi away. Directions
- IDA Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho Falls — 65 mi away. Directions
- SLC Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City — 196 mi away (major hub). Directions
Jackson is a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. Route 191. Wyoming State Highway 22 intersects US-191 in Jackson, connecting to Victor, Idaho. The nearest city of size, Salt Lake City, Utah, served by several major airlines, is 307 miles or about a five-hour drive away.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $14 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Town Square, Jackson Hole Museum, Profile Massage ENSO Spa
- Lunch Sweetwater
- Afternoon Alpine Slide, Snow King Resort
- Dinner Snake River Grill
- Evening Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Day 2
- Morning Grand Targhee Resort
- Lunch Teton Thai
- Dinner Dornan's Chuckwagon
- Evening Silver Dollar Bar & Grill
Day 3
- Morning Horse Creek Ranch
- Lunch Pearl Street Bagels
- Dinner Trio
- Evening Snake River Brew Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The terms "Jackson" and "Jackson Hole" are often mistakenly interchanged. "Jackson" is the name of the town. "Jackson Hole" refers to either the greater valley area (including, for example, the towns of Wilson and Kelly) or the Jackson Hole ski resort.
Jackson transforms from a popular ski town during the winter into a mecca for travelers here to admire and participate in boundless summer beauty and activities. Meanwhile, in the spring and fall seasons, the town slows down as only the 6,000 or so year-round residents remain (and many of them may leave during this time as well) and many of the hotels and restaurants close for the season. Each of the seasons have their pluses and minuses depending on the visitor's expectations and desires, but it pays to know what time of year is best for what activity, especially in Jackson's unique high-altitude environment.
Climate
Get in
By plane
Go Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Year-round flights are provided from Salt Lake City by Delta, and from Denver Airport by United. Seasonal services are provided by American, Frontier, United, and Delta from those cities and eleven others across the US. Alltrans runs a seasonal shuttle from the airport to Jackson and many hotels and motels offer free shuttle service. Rental cars are available at the airport from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise.
By car
Jackson is a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. Route 191. Wyoming State Highway 22 intersects US-191 in Jackson, connecting to Victor, Idaho. The nearest city of size, Salt Lake City, Utah, served by several major airlines, is 307 miles or about a five-hour drive away.
By bus
- Mountain States Express has 1-2 round-trips per day to/from Salt Lake City via the U.S.89/U.S.30/U.S189 corridor
- Salt Lake Express has 2 round-trips per day to Idaho Falls, where connections can be made to the Rexburg - Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls - Grand Falls route.
- Bundu Bus bundubus.com has 2 round-trips per day to Idaho Falls, with service also available to West Thumb and West Yellowstone
Get around
START Bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) serves Jackson, Teton Village, Star Valley to the south as far as Etna, and Teton Valley as far as Driggs, Idaho. Travel is free within the town limits and north to the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
In addition to the rental car companies at the airport, Dollar and Thrifty both have depots downtown.
The town of Jackson is small enough to be explored by walking, or bicycle.
See
See Town Square (George Washington Memorial Park)
On U.S. 26/89/191 (which become Cache Drive), with Deloney Avenue to its north and Broadway Avenue to its south. Jackson's town square has unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. In the center of the square is a memorial to area soldiers. Surrounding the square are many shops and art galleries. During the summer months, actors stage a shoot-out skit at one corner of the square, complete with bank robbers, showgirls, a stage coach, and a lovable drunk doc.
See Jackson Hole Museum
Over 50 years old, this museum houses almost 12,000 antiquities that range from Native American artifacts, to objects and tools from the area's first settlers and traders. Also features exhibits on the history of Jackson, Jackson Hole, and the surrounding National Parks. Walking tours available.
See National Elk Refuge
Every day, 8AM-7PM summer, 9AM-5PM winter. The National Elk Refuge preserves land for the more than 5000 elk that migrate to the area each winter. Though wildlife is easily viewable from the main Refuge Road, a highlight of a visit to the refuge is a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, offered daily every year from December to April, depending on snow conditions. Hiking is limited in the refuge.
Do
Skiing
Skiing is a popular activity during the winter in Jackson, with a handful of top-notch resorts nearby.
Hiking
An extensive network of trails runs through the mountains just outside of town, most easily accessible from the Cache Creek trailhead. Superb hiking opportunities abound in the nearby National Parks.
- - in Jackson Hole
River trips
Day spas
Jackson Hole supports a community of people in the healing arts, with some great local day spas whose quality and service rival the big resorts.
Do Tootsy's Footsy Lounge
Liked for its local charm, character and prices. The signature special is the 1-hour Tootsy Footsy Massage for $44. There are 3 treatment rooms and 5 people can be accommodated comfortably. Also offers therapeutic massage, facials and men's and women's waxing. Advance reservations are requested.
Do Profile Massage ENSO Spa
Profile is HIPAA compliant, guaranteeing the privacy of your medical records, and the therapists are extensively trained, nationally certified and specialize in outcome-based treatments for relief from pain and stress. The spa features original artwork by Heather Erson and has space for large groups. Profile Massage provides excellent bodywork, not your usual cookie cutter spa fluff. Therapists can also do house calls to your home or lodging.
Buy
The downtown area has all manner of stores spread across several city blocks. Goods offered range from outdoor apparel to artwork to run-of-the-mill souvenirs.
Eat
Eat The Blue Lion
Somewhat pricey but well worth it. The stuffed mushrooms and mud pie are incredible.
Eat Dornan's Chuckwagon
7 miles north of town on Route 89 in Moose. Offers hearty chuckwagon fare for lunch and dinner (beef stew, ribs, beans, corn bread). But the real attraction is the view: picnic table dining at the foot of the Grand Tetons. Great for kids.
Eat Pica's
Inexpensive burritos made with fresh, healthy ingredients. Excellent guacamole.
Eat Snake River Grill
Every day, from 5:30PM in summer, 6PM in winter. Offers excellent dinners, with local touches found in not only the atmosphere, but the menu and ingredients, too. Nationally recognized chef. Most sought after reservations in town. Rather expensive, about $40-$50 a person.
Eat Sweetwater
Corner of Pearl and King St. Great homemade soups and sandwiches for lunch, slightly expensive but awesome dinner (the macaroni and cheese side dish is a must).
Eat Pearl Street Bagels
Great service, good vibes, free wi-fi, totally yummy menu (including bagels, sandwiches, coffee), long but reasonably fast moving line. Also has an outlet in the town of Wilson.
Eat Rendezvous Bistro
Authentic French bistro food. Excellent. One of the most popular restaurants in town. [same ownership as Osteria and Q Roadhouse]
Eat Trio
Classic American cuisine. Very popular with locals.
Eat Gather
Creative local entrees like the popular elk Bolognese. Also small plates like delicious steamed pork buns and Korean ribs. Half-priced drinks daily from 5PM to 6PM.
Eat Palate
Locally inspired lunch dishes with great views of the National Elk Refuge. Located in the National Museum of Wildlife Art and offers beer, wine, a kid's menu, and an outdoor patio.
Eat Jackson Drug
Old-fashioned restaurant. Try the ice cream flight and Cattleman's Special.
Teton Village (base of Jackson Hole ski area)
Eat Mangy Moose
pizza and bar. Great après ski.
Eat Teton Thai
A short walk from the tram building, where the locals go for excellent Thai food at a reasonable price.
Drink
Drink Silver Dollar Bar & Grill
Corner of Glenwood and Broadway, inside the Wort Hotel. Offers great drinks and food in an Old West saloon-style setting.
Drink Snake River Brew Pub
A good place to go for an excellent microbrew at the end of a long hike or ski. Award winning beer and a boisterous atmosphere.
Drink Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
The landmark Jackson Hole bar--not to be missed; dancing nightly, saddle bar stools, good restaurant in basement.
Sleep
Generally speaking, hotel prices and availability in Jackson can fluctuate wildly by the season. During the summer months (and especially summer weekends) hotel rooms can be very difficult to obtain without a reservation or without a lot of money. During the wintertime, there are typically always rooms available; however, prime rooms near the ski resorts may require advance planning and additional funds. On the other hand, during the off-season, many hotels in town close due to lack of demand.
Budget
Stay The Hostel
Teton Village. Perhaps the best deal in the best location in Jackson Hole. Hostel X is right in Teton Village at the base of the mountain. Sweeping views, cheap rooms and a big rec room make this a nice choice for folks who want a good location at a good price. You can also have dogs in your room, though you should ask about this first.
Mid-range
Stay Angler's Inn
Splurge
Camping
Camping, of course, abounds on the nearby National Forest, National Park, and BLM lands, and can range from isolated dispersed camping to highly sought-after sites reserved months in advance. Most camping spots, however, will require at least a half-hour drive from Jackson town proper.
Go next
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park, just north of Grand Teton
- Alpine, a town 30 miles south
Nearby
Driggs
City / town · 22 listings · 24 mi away
Alpine
City / town · 3 listings · 25 mi away
Grand Teton National Park
Park · 35 listings · 25 mi away
Afton
City / town · 3 listings · 52 mi away
Ashton
City / town · 19 listings · 53 mi away
Rexburg
City / town · 8 listings · 56 mi away
Dubois
City / town · 22 listings · 57 mi away
Idaho Falls
City / town · 22 listings · 63 mi away
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