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Where To Stay In Jackson Hole: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Jackson Hole is a valley surrounding the city of Jackson, Wyoming in Teton County. It lies near the Wyoming/Idaho border and is home to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the National Elk Refuge.

Visitors flock to the area in droves for shopping, exploring, dining, skiing, and wildlife spotting. If you’re wondering where to stay in Jackson Hole, there are options throughout the valley for every taste.

Jackson Teton Pass
image by Kim Magaraci/ViaTravelers

While Jackson was first settled in the late 1800s, it was not incorporated as a city until 1914. Native Americans were the first to take up permanent residence in the area, with European fur trappers and then homesteaders being quick to follow.

Though the soil was not ideal for growing crops, the lush grass and wide open spaces of the valley were excellent for cattle. This eventually led to a very popular form of tourism as people visited “Dude ranches” to experience a taste of Old West cattle herding and homesteading.

Today, Jackson Hole provides a wealth of opportunities for visitors from around the world. Dude ranches, rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, and hiking invite outdoor lovers to explore Wyoming’s unique beauty.

For those interested in Jackson’s history, culture, and art scene, places such as the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Jackson Hole Historical Society, and Museum, and the Legacy Gallery offer hours of immersive experiences. Many indigenous artists and local photographers have their wildlife-inspired art on display, which makes for a wonderful cultural experience.

During the winter months, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, and Snow King in town both offer countless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and a host of other winter activities. In order to accommodate the large number of tourists that come through Jackson Hole each year, the area now holds some of the top hotels, vacation rentals, and resorts in the state.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Jackson Hole, we have plenty of suggestions for you to check out. When you’re looking for hotels in Jackson Hole, keep in mind that the valley encompasses the towns of Jackson, Moose, Wilson, and Teton Village.

Getting around Jackson Hole is easy if you have your own transportation. Traffic is pretty minimal, and the roads are easy to navigate. Be sure to rent a car regardless of your hotel or campsite location, because getting around town using public transit or rideshare services can be tricky to arrange. Many people do visit in the summer months with only a bicycle, and there are miles and miles of bike paths that can help you get around, too.

The easiest way to get to Jackson is to fly into Jackson Hole Airport, but many other visitors fly in through the nearby Idaho Falls airport or Salt Lake City, which is just over 5 hours away.

TL;DR

Areas to choose in the Jackson Hole Valley

  • Best area for first-timers/tourists – Town Square
  • Best area for budget travelers – Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds
  • Best area for luxury travelers – Teton Village
  • Best area for safety – Teton Village
  • Best area for families – Snow King Mountain Resort
  • Best all-around area – Jenny Lake
  • Best area for food – Town Square

1. North of Town

Jackson Hole, Wyoming Welcome Sign
image by Kim Magaraci/ViaTravelers

The northern end of Jackson town is a great spot for budget-conscious visitors who hope to get out to see the wonders of Grand Teton National Park without having to sleep under the stars. It’s also a bit closer to the Jackson Hole airport, though the airport is just a short drive from anywhere in the valley. This area encompasses a few blocks north of Town Square all the way up towards the National Elk Refuge, along Cache Street.

The National Elk Refuge sits on more than 24,000 acres of land and is just a short drive from Downtown Jackson. It provides a safe habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including elk, wolves, bison, bighorn sheep, swans, and trout. This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is the perfect place to relax surrounded by nature and the idyllic Jackson Hole scenery.

There are plenty of restaurants north of Town Square, with Liberty Burger, Orsetto, and the Bunnery being three that stand out. Many locals will tell you that the cinnamon rolls at the Bunnery are the best they have ever had — get there early before they sell out for the day.

The town itself is extremely walkable, so even if you’re staying “close to the Creek” near Flat Creek, you’re still within a few blocks of the town’s famous art galleries and boutique retail shopping.

You’ll find a variety of the most popular hotels in Jackson Hole up this way, and the area is still within walking distance of world-class shopping and dining. Staying North of Town helps visitors get a jump on the morning traffic going into the park in the summer, and it is close to the Ranch Parking Lot, where shuttles take travelers to Teton Village for skiing in the winter.

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, you’ll enjoy a stay at the Alpine Cottages. If you want to be within walking distance of all of the action, the elegant Lexington Hotel is sure to make you feel right at home. If you don’t mind a bit of a hostel-like experience, the unique Cache House is a budget-friendly experience close to everything you’ll want to explore.

Things to do North of Town

  • Looking to get out on the water? It’s easy to get to Teton Floats from the northern area of Jackson. Stop in and chat with a guide who will help you arrange your dream fishing trip or a scenic whitewater rafting trip down the mighty Snake River.
  • The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum provides a glimpse of Jackson Hole’s historic town past. The museum features artifacts, archaeological finds, stories, and artwork that all highlight what the Jackson Hole area was during its days as a fur-trapping hub. It also contains a research center and a museum store.
  • For an artistic view of the area’s wildlife, visitors can tour the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Even if you don’t have time to browse the galleries, drive up the cliff to catch the view from the parking lot, and walk through the outdoor exhibits and statues.

Where to stay North of Town

See Related: Best Restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

2. Town Square

Jackson Town Square

The Town Square is the central hub of the town of Jackson. The Square itself is marked by four world-famous elk antler arches, and it is used to orient anyone walking around. You’ll hear “Go past Town Square two blocks” or “cut across the square and it’s right there!” more times than you’ll be able to count! You can’t go wrong staying in downtown Jackson anywhere near the square.

Jackson Town Square is not only home to the famous antlers, but it is also the starting point for walking tours given by the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum. The tours take place during the summer and are free. You’ll also find wild west re-enactments, horse-and-buggy rides, festivals, street performers, and a weekly outdoor market. During the winter, the Town Square is transformed to hold an ice skating rink and provide a stopover for Santa to spread all of his holiday cheer.

The downtown area of Jackson is home to several fine arts galleries including the Diehl Gallery, the Tayloe Piggott Gallery, and Astoria Fine Art. Visiting the lovely art galleries in the area is a great way to take a break from outdoor adventures and unwind before heading back out for more sightseeing. Explore each gallery and boutique and you’re sure to walk away with an appreciation for the region’s incredibly talented artisans.

After a day of viewing fine art, finish things off with fine dining at The Blue Lion. For a more relaxed atmosphere, travelers can opt for Gather in Jackson Hole or Hatch Taqueria & Tequilas. The Silver Dollar Bar and Grill located in the Wort Hotel is another area favorite.

No matter your tastes, the restaurants around Town Square are sure to please. Local is a gourmet steakhouse that’s truly a carnivore’s dream come true, and Jackson Drug is a timeless soda fountain that’s an ideal place to stuff your face with a burger and a shake.

Accommodations include excellent vacation rentals, luxury boutique experiences, and some of the best hotels in the area. Many of these lodging options include a fitness room, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and views of the surrounding scenery, plus any place in proximity to the antler arches is within walking distance of just about any place you will want to be.

One thing that’s convenient about the hotels in Jackson Hole is that most are more than happy to help you book a sightseeing or wildlife-spotting tour. While you may be tempted to explore on your own, taking a short guided tour at the beginning of your trip can help you get the most out of your stay in Jackson Hole.

Things to do in the Town Square

  • Miller Park is a great place to visit for families wishing to enjoy the picnic areas, playground, climbing wall, pickle ball courts, and splash pad. It can serve as a break between sightseeing excursions or can be turned into a day trip with a picnic lunch and lots of playtime.
  • The Jackson Hole Playhouse is located just a block from the park and features seasonal and year-round shows that are always crowd-pleasers. Book your ticket in advance and be sure to get there on time to enjoy dinner with your entertainment, right in downtown Jackson.

Where to stay in the Town Square

3. Snow King

Snow King Gondola Ride

While much of the dining, shopping, and nightlife in Jackson takes place in the historic central area of the city, there is still much to explore a short walk from downtown. The area around Snow King is a bit quieter, while still providing plenty for visitors to enjoy.

Snow King itself offers year-round fun – including ski slopes, a mountain coaster, and the fastest and steepest zipline in the country. In the winter, Snow King’s steep trails are never crowded, which makes it a great spot for a low-key day on skis or a snowboard.

With a learning area at the base of the mountain and at the summit, Snow King is a great spot to try snowsports for the first time. Experienced skiers will appreciate a break from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort crowds, as well as the challenging and steep terrain that this smaller mountain offers.

Mogul-hounds will love testing their skills on the “Exhibition” trail, a double-black diamond that faces town for all to see. In 2021, Snow King opened a brand new gondola and a lift on the sunny south-facing side of the mountain. Many of the thrilling attractions stay open into the winter, so you can cruise down the mountain on a coaster in the snow for a magical experience.

Things to do in the Snow King area

  • Grab breakfast at Persephone Bakery, or Pearl Street Bagels, both a quick walk from Snow King, close to downtown Jackson. After your day on the mountain, stop by StillWest Brewery & Grill for apres-ski dinner and drinks overlooking the “town hill.”
  • If you’re visiting in the summertime, try out the mountain coaster, the steepest zipline in North America, a challenging treetop adventure course, or go for a hike to the summit and catch a stunning view of Jackson Hole from above. The scenic gondola is worth a ride, too!

Where to Stay in the Snow King area

See Related: Best & Fun Things to Do in Casper, Wyoming

4. Teton Village and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

If you’re researching where to stay in Jackson Hole, chances are you’ve come across lodging in Teton Village. Teton Village, located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is an excellent place to stay any time of year, but it is not within walking distance of downtown Jackson. Shuttles run from the Ranch Lot in the northern part of the town of Jackson, though, so it’s not completely cut off. It is an area centered around the world-class mountain resort, and there is plenty to do between the Village and Grand Teton National Park.

Though many tourists enjoy taking a ski vacation — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the world’s best ski resorts — there are plenty of activities and adventures during the other seasons as well.

In the summertime, a stay in Teton Village provides access to the backcountry trails and campsites of Grand Teton National Park and the area around Teton Pass. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is home to an aerial tram that provides stunning views of the valley, and during the summer and fall, the mountain is open for biking and hiking adventures.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village is an excellent location for a ski vacation. It is known for its amazing ski conditions as well as the many other winter sports activities that are offered. Guests can enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, winter bike tours, and even more extreme sports like Heli & Cat Skiing.

After a long day on the ski slopes, guests can return to a luxury hotel with spacious rooms, lovely mountain villas, or a cozy ski lodge. Many of the lodging options at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort feature amenities such as ski-out access, an indoor pool, an infinity pool, a hot tub, heated floors, and quick access to the slopes.

Some of the best food in the valley is hiding where you may not expect it, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! The food truck outside of Bodega serves up delicious tacos and sloshies, and you could easily walk right by without noticing it’s hidden around the side of the gas station. Corbet’s Cabin is located at the top of the tram, 10,000 feet in the air, and serves up world-famous waffles to skiers and visitors. Piste is a gorgeous restaurant at the top of the Gondola (a more reasonable 9,000 ft)and offers gourmet meals and more casual bar bites.

Things to do in Teton Village and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

  • Taking the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram between Teton Village and the mountains above provides breathtaking views of the entire valley. The Jackson Hole Gondola leaves travelers at the top of the Teton Range where they can enjoy hiking trails, sightseeing, or nature walks before riding the tram back down to the village.
  • During the spring, summer, and fall months, guests can still enjoy these Teton Village accommodations while also taking part in activities such as fly fishing, visiting one of the nearby national parks, paragliding, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
  • For guests who enjoy shopping and dining experiences, Teton Village offers a variety of excellent stores, shops, restaurants, and pubs. Many of the hotels in the area also provide guests with the opportunity to stay inside and order room service for a cozy and private dinner.

Where to Stay in Teton Village/Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

See Related: Ski & Sip: Best Bars In Jackson, Wyoming

5. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park Scenery
image by Kim Magaraci/ViaTravelers

The town of Jackson, as well as the greater Jackson Hole valley, is located just below Grand Teton National Park. The park encompasses over 300,000 acres of protected landscape, including alpine lakes, glacial lakes, towering peaks, tumbling cascades, and wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, pronghorn, bison, and pica.

Grand Teton National Park is a wonderland for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to spot bison or wolves on a sunrise tour, hike into the otherworldly Cascade Canyon, pitch a tent under the stars, or dine in a world-class lodge overlooking the majestic Teton Range, there’s something here for everyone.

There are visitor centers at several waypoints within the park, and it’s easy to enjoy the sights whether you want to explore them on an auto-tour or get out and hit the trails. Keep an eye out for signs that mark turnouts and viewpoints and you’ll be sure to enjoy the sights!

Places like the Signal Mountain Campground provide rustic nature lovers an opportunity to take in the fresh air, sit beneath the breathtaking nighttime sky, and enjoy the views of the northern Teton Range and Mount Moran.

Additional lodging options are also available throughout the park. The elusive Jenny Lake Campground offers just a few dozen primitive tent sites just steps from the beautiful namesake lake. Colter Bay Village is the largest campground in the park and offers a central base camp for visitors to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, plus laundry, showers, and other guest amenities.

If you’re looking for a unique stay, The Triangle X Ranch is a working dude ranch within the park boundaries that offers guests the chance to participate in horseback riding, hiking, old-fashioned cookouts, and square dancing. The ranch does not have internet access or television to help guests take a break from the rush of daily life.

Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

  • Jackson Lake is an excellent place to enjoy boating, fly fishing, picnicking, hiking, and camping. The Signal Mountain area offers opportunities for dining, shopping for essentials and souvenirs, and refueling, making it a great stop between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone adventures further north.
  • One of the most beautiful buildings in the park is the Jackson Lake Lodge, which was constructed in 1950 after John D. Rockefeller and his family spent several days in the Jackson Hole area. Though it’s hard to book a room here, dining in the Mural Room should be on your bucket list.
  • Other must-see buildings in Grand Teton National Park include the barns of Mormon Row, the Cunningham Cabin, the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, and the Chapel of the Transfiguration.

Where to stay in Grand Teton National Park

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Cheyenne, Wyoming

FAQs

What are some additional hotels in Jackson Hole that offer luxury accommodations?

Luxury is easy to find in Jackson. You can spoil yourself at Spring Creek Ranch with its saltwater hot tubs, enjoy a truly relaxing getaway at the Snake River Lodge with its amazing amenities, vacation like royalty at the Four Seasons in Teton Village, or enjoy a getaway to the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort with its amazing scenery and remote vibe. If you prefer to be in the middle of the action, the Wort Hotel and the White Buffalo Club are both luxury hotels in Jackson’s downtown area.

Where is the best place to stay in Jackson Hole for families with young children?

Jackson Hole is a great place for families on vacation. If you’re traveling with teenagers, a stay near Town Square will provide plenty to keep them occupied. Kids of all ages would like the outdoor adventures at Snow King Mountain, and families who enjoy camping can sleep under the stars at a campsite or lodge in Grand Teton National Park.

What are some of the best outdoor activities in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole is home to many excellent outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, fly fishing, skiing, sledding, snowboarding, touring the national parks, and watching the local wildlife. Some of the best hikes include the moderate trek into Cascade Canyon, the challenging hike up to Delta Lake, and the easy, peaceful walk around Jenny Lake. In the winter, Jackson Hole is home to world-class skiing at Snow King Mountain and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

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