My Summer Guide to Big Sky Montana
Where to eat, where to stay, and what to do during some of our best months of the year.
There is something about Big Sky in the summer that feels entirely different than it does any other time of year. The winters are great, but the summers are special. And QUIET. The wildflowers begin to take over the mountainsides. The Gallatin River runs cold and fast from the snowmelt. Mornings still call for a sweater and a hot cup of coffee, while evenings somehow stretch long enough that dinner outside at nine o'clock still feels early. The pace softens a bit.
I've spent plenty of time in Big Sky over the years, but this summer has been different. Over the past few weeks, I've spent nearly two weeks here, primarily working with clients, staying in different places, trying restaurants I'd somehow never made it to before, and settling into a routine that felt less like visiting and more like living here. That's usually how I decide whether somewhere is actually worth recommending. And I’m excited to finally share!
What follows isn't a complete guide to Big Sky. It's simply my selection. The places I've returned to this summer, the restaurants I've found myself recommending, the hotels I'd happily book again, and the little moments that, to me, define a few days well spent in the mountains.
One note before we begin. Summer is Big Sky's busiest season, and the places that make this list are popular for a reason. If you're planning a trip, book your hotel, dinner reservations, horseback rides, and rodeo tickets as early as you can. The best experiences here rarely come together at the last minute.
WHAT TO DO
A few moments I'd specifically make time for.
A Morning with Cowboy Coffee + Town Center
If I'm spending a few days in Big Sky, this is almost always how I start a morning. Throw on a sweatshirt, grab a coffee, and wander through Town Center before everything gets busy. Summer mornings here feel slower, and it's one of my favorite times to explore.
Note: I always pop into Bluebird, where they carry brands like The Great, then walk over to Belle Shops. It's the perfect place to pick up beautiful tabletop pieces, hostess gifts, or something small to bring back for wherever you're staying.
My order: Iced matcha with almond milk and honey. If I'm hungry, I'll add the breakfast burrito.
A Hike at Beehive Basin
If you only have time for one hike, I'd make it this one. The scenery feels almost alpine, and it's one of the most beautiful trails in the area.
Note: You don't have to hike all the way to the lake to appreciate it. Even twenty to thirty minutes in, the views have already opened up enough to make the morning worthwhile. Don't forget bear spray.
A Stop Into Montage Coffee Bar
Even if you're staying elsewhere, I think it's worth stopping by Montage for coffee. The patio overlooks the mountains, making it a peaceful place to ease into the day or answer a few emails before heading out.
My order: Almond milk matcha with honey and a gluten free Morning Glory muffin.
Note: Grab a seat by the fire pits if they're open. It's one of my favorite places to work for an hour before the day begins.
Tuesday Night Rodeo at Lone Mountain Ranch
This feels entirely different than a traditional rodeo. It's smaller, tucked into the trees, and framed by Lone Peak, making it one of the most unique evenings in Big Sky.
Note: Reserve tickets well in advance. They sell out quickly. Dinner and drinks are included, and afterward it's worth walking over to Horn & Cantle for live music.
The Lone Peak Tram: Introducing Kircliff
One of the newest additions to Big Sky and well worth experiencing in the summer.
Note: Go early before temperatures climb. Once at the top, don't miss the glass viewing platform. The views stretch for miles in every direction.
One of those experiences that never feels overly produced. Reservations are still made over the phone, which somehow feels fitting.
Note: Call well ahead of your trip, especially if you're visiting during July or August.
An Evening Golfing at Spanish Peaks Club
If you're lucky enough to know a member, don't pass up the invitation.
Note: Plan your afternoon around golf, then stay for drinks at Tom's Ten. It's one of my favorite places to spend a summer evening in Big Sky.
An Early Morning Drive into Yellowstone National Park
Even if you don't dedicate an entire day to the park, it's worth driving in for a morning.
Note: Stop at Hungry Moose beforehand for road trip snacks, expect traffic, and remember that seeing wildlife often means slowing down. Bring binoculars if you have them.
One of my favorite ways to spend a summer evening. Surrounded by mountains, it's one of those settings that reminds you why Montana summers are so special.
Note: If you're driving back to Bozeman afterward, remember it's about an hour drive and plan your evening accordingly.
WHERE TO STAY
The places I truly have loved staying and would happily book again.
This continues to be one of my favorite places to stay in Big Sky. Sitting directly on the Gallatin River, it feels quieter than many of the newer properties and has a warmth that immediately makes you slow down. This feels like old school Montana and that’s why I love it. It’s not pretentious, it’s quiet.
Breakfast is included, and almost every morning I'd throw on a baseball cap, grab a coffee, and sit outside listening to the river before the day started. Lisa, Peter, and the entire team make the experience feel incredibly personal.
Note: If you're looking to truly unplug for a few days, this is where I'd book. It's close enough to Town Center to be convenient, but far enough away to feel peaceful.
We've now stayed here several times, and every visit reminds me why I love it so much. Located within Spanish Peaks, it's one of those homes where every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
One morning I looked up from my coffee to see hot air balloons floating outside the windows. Evenings were spent around the fire pit while deer wandered through the property, and one night we invited Chef Allison Fasano to prepare a Montana inspired dinner before taking a walk through the neighborhood.
It became the perfect balance of getting work done while still feeling like we had escaped.
Note: If you're traveling with family or another couple, this is an incredible home base. It's just as enjoyable staying in as it is heading out to explore.
Montage offers a completely different experience than many of the more traditional Montana properties. The service is exceptional, the restaurants are wonderful, and every detail feels intentional.
I especially love spending a summer afternoon by the pool before moving outside for cocktails around the fire pits later in the evening.
Note: The coffee bar is worth stopping at even if you aren't staying here. Also, don't underestimate the Montana sun at this elevation. Pack more sunscreen than you think you'll need.
If you have room in the budget for one memorable stay, I'd make it this one.
Everything about Lone Mountain Ranch feels distinctly Montana. Historic cabins, horseback rides, coffee delivered to your cabin each morning, hiking trails, incredible dining, and the Tuesday night rodeo all make it one of the state's most iconic places to stay.
Note: Book as early as possible. Cabins, dining reservations, and Tuesday Night Rodeo tickets all fill up quickly during the summer months.
WHERE TO EAT
The spots I always recommend.
This is a local favorite, casual stop after arriving in Big Sky. It's easy, consistently good, and perfect if you're traveling with kids or a larger group. Grab a picnic table outside and settle in for lunch before wandering around Town Center. This is definitely a spot you walk into.
My order: Greek salad with chicken, fries, and an ice cold Coke.
The view alone is reason enough to make a reservation. If you can, book dinner around 7:00 p.m. so you catch the light changing over the mountains. Even if you're only stopping for cocktails, it's worth making the drive. You’re definitely going to need a reservation to eat, but if there’s just two of you it may be worth driving up there around 4pm to try and get a cocktail to see the view.
My order: Yellowtail Serrano, Tuna Pizza, and a spicy margarita.
Note: Request a table outside if the weather cooperates.
One of my favorite lunch spots in Big Sky, especially after spending the morning at Lone Mountain Ranch. It feels relaxed in the best way, and I almost always find myself lingering longer than planned. You’re definitely going to want a reservation to eat dinner, but if you' wander into the bar around 2pm-4pm it’s a great time to grab a burger and a drink.
My order: Skinny margarita with a Tajín rim, cheeseburger without the bun, fries, and a side of ranch.
If you're meeting a larger group, this is usually where I'd suggest. It's right in Town Center, has a great patio in the summer, and the menu has something for everyone. I would recommend dinner reservations!
My order: Tuna tartare, French onion dip with potato chips, cheeseburger without the bun, fries, and a side of ranch.
This is one of my favorite places to spend a summer evening. The setting is beautiful, kids have plenty of space to play on the lawn, and adults can settle in around the fire pits while waiting for dinner. This you are usually able to walk into and eat at the bar, especially if there’s just two of you.
My order: Swedish meatballs, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and fries.
This is one of those dinners I continue to think about long after I've left. The menu feels distinctly Montana without leaning too heavily into it, and the deck overlooking the Gallatin River makes it easy to settle in for the evening. I always recommend making reservations, but this also usually can be a last minute option if you need pending on group size.
My order: Charcuterie and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to start, the huckleberry brined chicken for dinner, followed by homemade ice cream and a decaf coffee.
Note: If the weather allows, ask to sit outside. Dinner overlooking the Gallatin River is one of my favorite ways to end a summer day in Big Sky.
A Final Word
A Montana summer rewards a certain kind of planning. Book the rooms, make the reservations, hire the guide. But it also rewards the opposite, a late-night detour to a roadside drive-in, a sunset you almost did not chase, a Tuesday that turns into a rodeo and a slow drive home through ten o'clock light.
Do both. That is the real secret. If you take one thing from this guide, take this: the valley is at its best when you let it set the pace. The light will stay. The rivers will run. The mountains will hold their snow a little longer than they should. All you have to do is show up, and book early.
If you have made it this far, you are clearly serious about your trip, and I love that. Five years in, I am still learning new corners of this place, and I would genuinely love to help you plan yours. Send me a DM on Instagram with any questions: the best week to come, the dinner I would book first, the hike that fits your group. I answer every one.
A Few Other Treats For You…
A selection of all of the things I’m finding that I love. You can shop My Montana Summer Collection here.
You can find my Montana Summer Playlist here— full of so many of my favorites. Perfect for windows down, sun going down, backroad drives.
See you out there. xx
