However, you don't have to spend all your time hiking, fishing, or pursuing other fitness-heavy activities. For instance, many travelers love to lounge in the Granite Hot Springs, which serves as a natural hot tub. Temperatures range from 96 to 112 degrees, so you can always ease sore muscles and enjoy some rest and relaxation before you take off on your next adventure. Plus, it's a great way to meet locals and other tourists.
There's also the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, both of which cater to people who love culture. History and art can tell you plenty about the Jackson and Jackson Hole areas, from their roots to present day. You won't want to miss the Jackson Hole Playhouse, either. It's a theater venue that has hosted some of the most iconic plays and musicals in theater history.
You can show up for dinner before the show. The cast will serve your meal and sing while they act as wait staff. After your meal, you'll settle in for the main event, which can last until 11:30 p.m., depending on the material. It's a great way to relax after a long day and to fit some passive entertainment into your trip.
Jackson features a Town Square, which provides space for local business owners, including those who own restaurants, clothing stores, antique shops, and other venues. It's a quaint area that often stages "stagecoach robberies," which can prove highly entertaining — especially if you've never seen one before. In the center of the Square, you'll find a small but beautifully landscaped park where you can picnic, take photographs, or enjoy a leisurely stroll.
If you want to see more of Jackson but you're not fond of hiking or biking, consider booking a bus tour. You can sit in a comfortable seat while you enjoy the scenery, and most services will stop several times so customers can debark and take photographs or simply soak in the scenery.
As you can see, Jackson should shoot to the top of your vacation bucket list. It's a beautiful area that still offers plenty of creature comforts. Just choose a hotel that meets your expectations and fits into your budget, then book your reservations.
Best Time to Visit Jackson, WY
Winters in Jackson grow bitterly cold, so you'll only want to visit between November and February if you're looking forward to strapping on a pair of skis. Even then, you'll want to shoot for January and February to get the best powder and to avoid the icy streets that often develop during early winter. Expect highs in the 20s and lows below zero, so don't forget to pack plenty of warm clothing to protect yourself.
If you're interested in seeing animals, shoot for an April or May vacation. You'll get to see the animals emerge from hibernation, and many local fauna have spawned and produced baby animals. You'll get to see all stages of wildlife if you visit the right destinations, and the temperatures will have warmed up enough to step outside without a ski jacket.
Most people visit Jackson in the summer because of the weather and convenience, but this increased tourist traffic drives up hotel rates and increases crowding. You're better off visiting during the shoulder seasons if you're interested in rest, relaxation, and quietude. Just as a spring vacation offers animal sightings, a fall vacation brings beautiful color changes on the local foliage. The tourists have fled the region, so you'll enjoy plenty of the town to yourself.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Jackson, WY:
Jackson, WY: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Jackson, WY. Browse these charts to calculate the most cost effective time to stay in Jackson during the year.
Best Luxury Hotel Options in Jackson, WY
4 Star Average Prices: $284.96
Billed as "the best address in Jackson Hole," The White Buffalo Club is a luxurious hotel that offers plenty of amenities and creature comforts. The rooms feature traditional decor with modern touches. You'll get a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, a pillowtop mattress covered with triple-sheeted bedding, and a spacious bathtub. If you want the best of the best, spring for the penthouse suite. You'll enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, getting a few relaxing treatments at the spa, and splashing around in the indoor heated pool.
If you're looking for a more boutique experience, the Hotel Jackson will do nicely. It's a gorgeous hotel that somehow marries rustic and modern furnishings and decor to create an entirely unique brand of interior design. The exposed wood beams, metallic accents, and muted color palettes create a serene atmosphere when you return to your room or suite to go to sleep. In-room amenities include refrigerators, safes, L'Occitane toiletries, gas fireplaces, 48-inch flat-screen televisions, Nespresso coffeemakers, and bathrobes.
Best Affordable Hotel Options in Jackson, WY
3 Star Average Prices: $218.12
If you're looking for a budget-friendly choice, consider the Ranch Inn Motel. It's a little outdated in terms of decor, but it offers comfortable, clean guest rooms and baths. A standard room comes with either one king or two queen beds as well as a television, toiletries, climate control, and a bureau. You'll also have a closet equipped with an iron and ironing board. If you upgrade to a luxury room, you get a microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker. You can also choose a tower room, which is more expensive. However, it might be worth it because of the private balcony.
The Parkway Inn also offers inexpensive rooms. You'll find the traditional decor charming and reflective of the town's atmosphere. The guest rooms offer the most budget-friendly choice and feature comfortable beds, televisions, plenty of pillows, spacious baths, and gorgeous views. You can upgrade to luxury and superior suites if you prefer, which will add a separate seating area, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The property amenities include an indoor pool and spa, Starbucks coffee service in your room, and a sauna. You'll also get a free continental breakfast every morning.