Roam city guide

Jackson: what's actually worth it

Once a rugged fur trading post where mountain men braved the winter cold, Jackson retains that raw frontier spirit in its dusty streets and saloon doors.

Build my Jackson day

The town feels less like a tourist hub and more like a tight-knit community that proudly wears its western heritage on its sleeve, blending rustic charm with modern luxury. Today, it serves as the majestic gateway to Grand Teton National Park, offering travelers an authentic mountain experience where history lingers in every creak of the wooden boardwalks and every glance at the towering peaks.

Do Jackson the way locals do: start slow at Jenny Lake Overlook, eat where the regulars do at Persephone Bakery, let the evening run long at Gather in Jackson Hole for Food & Drink.

Top things to do in Jackson

Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.

1
Jackson Town Square
Park · ★ 4.7 (4,113 reviews)
Popular park with iconic elk antler archways at each corner & a grassy center with trees & benches.
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2
Bridger-Teton National Forest
National Park · ★ 4.8 (2,060 reviews)
Public lands with 3.4 million acres of wilderness, wildlife, trails & many outdoor activities.
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3
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Art museum · ★ 4.8 (1,756 reviews)
Red sandstone castle dedicated to wildlife art along with a collection of films & an on-site cafe.
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4
National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
Visitor Center · ★ 4.7 (1,970 reviews)
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5
Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
Visitor Center · ★ 4.7 (1,683 reviews)
Grand Teton information hub offering natural history exhibits, a video, maps & a book & gift shop.
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6
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram and Gondola Rides
Ski Resort · ★ 4.7 (1,592 reviews)
Aerial gondola rides over a picturesque valley to a peak with 3 restaurants, skiing & hiking trails.
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7
Jackson Lake Dam
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.7 (1,444 reviews)
Concrete dam completed in 1916, with panoramic views of Jackson Lake & the Grand Teton mountains.
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8
Jackson Lake Overlook
Landmark · ★ 4.8 (1,201 reviews)
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9
National Elk Refuge
Wildlife Refuge · ★ 4.7 (1,323 reviews)
Various wildlife inhabit this preserve where elk herds descend in winter & sleigh rides are offered.
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10
BrushBuck Wildlife Tours
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (669 reviews)
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Where to eat

Local favorites, not tourist traps.

11
Persephone Bakery
Bakery · ★ 4.6 (2,631 reviews)
Chic French nook with artisanal breads, pastries & coffee, plus select light fare & outdoor seating.
Website
12
Gun Barrel Steak and Game House
Steak House · ★ 4.4 (2,822 reviews)
Buffalo, venison & other exotic game are available at this unique steakhouse with cowboy artifacts.
Website
13
Bubba's Breakfast & BBQ
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (3,275 reviews)
Specialty barbecue dishes & homemade pies draw a crowd at this old-school joint with booth seating.
Website
14
Virginian Restaurant
Family Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,840 reviews)
Family-owned neighborhood spot with a cowboy motif & homestyle American eats for breakfast & lunch.
15
Liberty Burger
Hamburger Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (2,575 reviews)
Laid-back outpost serving artisanal, sustainable burgers, plus salads & sides in airy digs.
Website
16
Pinky G's Pizzeria
Pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (2,817 reviews)
Local hangout serving pizzas with unique topping combinations in a chill tavern-style setting.
Website
17
Corbet's Cabin Top of the World Waffles
Bakery · ★ 4.7 (1,221 reviews)
Made-to-order waffles, coffee & hot chocolate in cabin digs on top of a mountain.
Website
18
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant
Breakfast Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (2,352 reviews)
Cozy spot serves traditional American breakfast plus sandwiches, baked goods & desserts such as pie.
Website

Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Jackson

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Tours worth booking ahead

These sell out, so lock them in early.

19
Dave Hansen Whitewater
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (5,725 reviews)
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20
Lewis & Clark River Expeditions
tour_agency, travel_agency · ★ 5 (1,769 reviews)
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21
Teton Whitewater
Tour Agency · ★ 5 (1,145 reviews)
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22
Jackson Hole Backcountry Rentals
Services · ★ 5 (876 reviews)
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23
Triangle X Ranch - National Park Float Trips
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (993 reviews)
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24
Jackson Hole Whitewater
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (947 reviews)
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Get outside

25
Jenny Lake Overlook
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.9 (1,948 reviews)
Lookout point above a freshwater lake between glacier-formed canyons, named after a trapper's wife.
Website
26
Bridger-Teton National Forest
National Park · ★ 4.8 (2,060 reviews)
Public lands with 3.4 million acres of wilderness, wildlife, trails & many outdoor activities.
Website
27
Schwabacher Landing
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.8 (1,692 reviews)
Snake River scenic area with views of jagged Teton peaks, which are often reflected in the water.
Website
28
Jenny Lake Trailhead
Hiking Area · ★ 4.9 (813 reviews)
Trailhead for the 7.1-mi. route around Jenny Lake & other lakeside hikes, including Hidden Falls.
Website
29
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.8 (441 reviews)
Tranquil nature preserve with miles of hiking trails, a sandy lakefront beach & a visitor center.
Website

After dark

30
Gather in Jackson Hole for Food & Drink
American Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,263 reviews)
Inventive American menu, weekly specials & happy hour in an elevated but chill locale.
Website
31
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Bar · ★ 4 (3,187 reviews)
American chow & drinks come in a rustic space with memorabilia plus dancing & live entertainment.
Website
32
Silver Dollar Bar
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.2 (2,152 reviews)
Western-themed bar & grill at the Wort Hotel with traditional American eats & live music nights.
Website
33
Bin22
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,082 reviews)
Stylish wine bar serving Italian & Spanish small plates, plus a small market with gourmet items.
Website
Everything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.

The whole guide on one map

Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.

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Map of the best of Jackson, numbered to match the picks above

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