Planning a weekend in Jackson Hole in early spring? This is one of the most underrated times to visit. You still get snow-capped mountains and wildlife in the Tetons, but with fewer crowds, easier reservations, and a slower, more relaxed pace. This guide maps out exactly how to spend a weekend in Jackson Hole, with a mix of outdoor adventure, cozy moments, and elevated dining. Let me just tell you that this place was magical. It completely lived up to the hype and was the best getaway I’ve had in a long time.
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole
Choosing the right hotel sets the tone for your entire weekend in Jackson Hole. Here are three options depending on your vibe:
$$$$: Hotel Yellowstone
A more intimate, design-forward take on luxury in Jackson Hole. This is less of a large resort and more of a curated, boutique experience — it’s where you go when you really want to disconnect. Perched on top of East Gros Ventre Butte, the whole vibe is luxury retreat, full stop.
- Distance from Town Square: Roughly 5–10 minutes, depending on exact location
- Key Amenities: Adult-only, full spa, onsite dining
- Stay here if: you’re planning a cozy, slower-paced weekend in Jackson Hole and want to truly unplug
$$$: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa
(where I stayed!) This is the sweet spot — it balances location, amenities, and that classic Wyoming feel. The best way I can describe it is an elevated summer camp. You get that tucked-away, country feel without being far from anything. I loved being able to explore town and then come back and curl up with a book along Flat Creek. Genuinely one of my favorite parts of the trip.
- Distance from Town Square: About a 10–15 minute walk
- Key Amenities: Full spa, fire pits, walking paths along Flat Creek
- Stay here if: you want on-site amenities but still want to feel close to town and a little removed from it all
$$: The Anvil Hotel
The Anvil Hotel is centrally located and actually affordable while still feeling elevated. I ended up here twice — once for dinner at Glorietta Trattoria (a chic Italian spot with great pasta and a wine menu worth lingering over) and again the next morning for coffee at Anvil Mercantile & Coffee. It’s that kind of place.
- Distance from Town Square: About a 5-minute walk, right in the center of Jackson
- Key Amenities: On-site restaurant (Glorietta Trattoria), complimentary bike rentals (seasonal)
- Stay here if: you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring Jackson and just need a great home base
Itinerary for a Weekend in Jackson Hole:
Here’s the deal: your itinerary will look really different depending on when you visit. Winter means most of Grand Teton National Park is closed, and skiing is the main event. Summer opens up hiking, water sports, and all the classic outdoor activities. But this is the early spring edition — so keep that context in mind as you read through!
Friday: Arrive + Explore Town
Lunch: Persephone Bakery
Start your weekend in Jackson Hole the right way: at Persephone Bakery. Order the grilled cheese (or whatever sandwich is calling your name), grab a cold brew, and take your time. The café aesthetic is adorable and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to sit in longer than you planned.
Explore Jackson Town Square
After lunch, wander over to Jackson Town Square. The elk antler arches are iconic and absolutely worth a photo — they’re one of those things that look almost too perfect to be real. From there, weave through the western storefronts and make sure you find Gaslight Alley, a hidden little stretch of shops tucked off the square that most people walk right past.
Shopping Loop (all near Town Square)
Early spring is honestly a great time to shop in Jackson. The stores aren’t slammed, and you can actually browse. Meander around and see what you find, but here are some of my favorites.
- MADE — Locally made gifts, art, jewelry, ceramics.
- Kemo Sabe — The cowboy hat destination. Even if you don’t buy one, you need to go in. Western belts and turquoise jewelry too.
- Altitude — Cool boutique fashion with some designer pieces mixed in. A good stop if you’re into elevated, interesting finds.
- WomenFolk – Vintage designer and consignment pieces with a western aesthetic
- Diamond Cross Ranch – Vintage style tees and hats from local ranch Diamond Cross. (Where I bought quite a few souvenirs).
- Midnight Lunch – Statement pieces and a “design your own” merch bar!
Early Evening: Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Depending on the vibe you’re going for, head to the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar before or after dinner. This place is exactly what it sounds like — saddle bar stools, western everything, total Jackson institution. Have one cocktail (the martini is a solid move) and go on the earlier side, around 6–6:30 PM, before it fills up. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a evening party vibe, head there after dinner around 8/8:30 PM.
Dinner: Glorietta Trattoria
For dinner, head to Glorietta Trattoria at the Anvil Hotel. Chic Italian, homemade pasta, and a wine menu worth exploring. It’s a vibe shift from all the Western cowboy energy of the day, in the best way. I absolutely fell in love with the “fusilli gigante.”
Saturday: Grand Tetons Tour + Relaxing
Morning: Grand Teton Wildlife Tour (8 AM – 12 PM)
This is the anchor of your weekend in Jackson Hole, and honestly, one of the best things I’ve done on any trip. Early spring is a genuinely incredible time for wildlife in the Tetons — you’re catching animals that have just come out of winter, and the landscape still has that dramatic, snow-heavy look to it. Book a guided tour and just show up ready to be amazed. I booked via Backcountry Safaris and had the best time with my tour guide, Buffalo!
Lunch: Café Genevieve
Post-tour, head to Café Genevieve for lunch. It’s a cute western house restaurant right in town — order the elk bolognese if it’s on the menu (the menu changes often), grab a salad, and get a glass of wine. Another alternative? They also had a delicious trout niçoise salad on the menu that was incredibly memorable!
Afternoon: Spa at Rustic Inn
I personally booked a little spa afternoon at the Rustic Inn, but there are various resort/spas in the area. It’s the perfect way to unwind after lunch!
Dinner: Snake River Grill
The most famous restaurant in Jackson Hole, and for good reason. The steak tartare is a must, and the trout and steak are both excellent. If you’re solo or just want a more casual feel, grab a seat at the bar — it’s a great way to experience it. Reservations fill up, so book ahead.
Backup options if Snake River Grill is booked: Bistro at Cloudveil, Orsetto, Bin22, or Local for a great burger.
Sunday: The Last Hoorah
Breakfast/Coffee: Cowboy Coffee Co.
Get up early and grab a coffee and a breakfast burrito at Cowboy Coffee Co. This is the kind of low-key local spot that feels right for a Sunday in Jackson. It tends to get extremely crowded, so I’d recommend going early (and that way you can also take photos in front of the famous Million Dollar Cowboy bar sans cars and people).
Morning Walk: National Elk Refuge Overlook
Before you head out, take one more walk. Swing by the National Elk Refuge overlook for one last big view of the mountains and, depending on the time of year, a chance to spot elk in the refuge below.
Alternatively, head to the National Museum of Wildlife Art — this one is walkable (about 20–25 min from Town Square, or a quick rideshare) and genuinely worth it. The building itself is built into the hillside overlooking the Elk Refuge. Great way to spend a Sunday morning, especially if weather turns.
The Last Lunch
For a last lunch before heading to the airport, I’d opt for Bin22 (elevated-but-casual) or Thai Me Up which was a local recommendation!
Looking for more travel ideas? Head to the archives!
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