Day Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah

Location:

Park City, UT

Highlights:

Coming from Salt Lake City? You’re in for a treat—this nearby mountain escape is perfect year-round. We always recommend Park City for its blend of outdoor fun and small-town charm.

We Recommend This For:

Skiers, snowboarders, film lovers, mountain bikers, and anyone who enjoys lively mountain towns with a historic twist.

What we Love:

Top-tier ski resorts, scenic bike trails, Sundance energy, and preserved 19th-century architecture on Main Street.

• Shred the slopes at Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the U.S., or glide through the pristine runs at Deer Valley.
• Explore vibrant Main Street, dotted with galleries, eateries, and historic buildings from its mining town days.
• Bike award-winning mountain trails when the snow melts, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
• Shop northern Utah’s largest collection of factory outlet stores for major brands and local finds.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

Just about a 45-minute drive—super easy for a day trip or weekend getaway.

How to Get to Park City:

Head east on I-80 from Salt Lake City. Take Exit 145 toward Kimball Junction, then follow UT-224 into town. Simple and scenic!

Location:

Ogden, UT

Highlights:

Need a quick escape from Salt Lake City? Ogden is just a half-hour away and packed with history, charm, and adventure for all ages.

We Recommend This For:

Families, history buffs, skiers, art lovers, and travelers looking for a unique blend of heritage and fun.

What we Love:

Historic 25th Street’s speakeasy roots, top-tier skiing nearby, and museums that kids and adults both love.

• Ski the slopes at Snowbasin, Nordic Valley, or Powder Mountain—three world-class resorts just outside the city.
• Wander 25th Street for art galleries, Prohibition-era stories, lively bars, and standout restaurants.
• Explore Historic Union Station’s museum complex featuring trains, firearms, cowboy heritage, and more.
• Bring the kids to the Treehouse Museum or Eccles Dinosaur Park for hands-on fun and dinosaur discoveries.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

Only a 35-minute drive north—ideal for a full day or weekend getaway.

How to Get to Ogden:

Take I-15 North from Salt Lake City straight into Ogden. Use Exit 341 for easy access to downtown and 25th Street.

Location:

Antelope Island State Park, UT

Highlights:

If you’re in Salt Lake City and craving wild views and wide-open skies, Antelope Island is a quick escape that feels like another world. We always tell friends it’s one of the best places to see bison roam free just an hour from the city.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, campers, photographers, and anyone seeking scenic solitude close to Salt Lake City.

What we Love:

Sweeping lake views, incredible wildlife sightings, and trails that make you feel a million miles away.

• Hike or bike along 25 miles of rugged backcountry trails through terrain that’s equal parts dramatic and peaceful.
• Spot wildlife including bison, antelope, and coyotes—especially near the Fielding Garr Ranch living history museum.
• Swim or paddle from sandy beaches, or dock at the marina for a different view of the Great Salt Lake.
• Stay overnight at RV or primitive campgrounds for epic sunsets and stargazing away from city lights.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

Around 1 hour by car, depending on traffic and entry point to the causeway.

How to Get to Antelope Island:

Drive north on I-15 and take Exit 332 to Antelope Drive in Syracuse. Follow the signs to the seven-mile causeway that leads directly to the park entrance.

Location:

Bear Lake, UT/ID

Highlights:

Looking to escape the city heat? Bear Lake is our go-to summer spot for crystal-clear water, fresh berries, and lake-town charm just a few hours from Salt Lake City.

We Recommend This For:

Swimmers, boaters, fishing fans, families, festival-goers, and anyone chasing that perfect lakeside day.

What we Love:

The unreal turquoise water, beachy state park vibes, and fresh raspberries in summer—especially during Raspberry Days.

• Swim or sunbathe at Rendezvous Beach or Cisco Beach, both equipped with marinas and boat ramps for easy lake access.
• Fish for native species like Bonneville cutthroat trout and the rare Bear Lake sculpin in pristine freshwater.
• Pick raspberries in the surrounding valley or join in the fun at the annual Raspberry Days festival with parades, rodeos, and more.
• Explore nearby Garden City and Laketown, where cozy cabins, lakeside dining, and raspberry shakes await.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car, depending on your route and stops along the way.

How to Get to Bear Lake:

Head north on US-89 from Salt Lake City. Pass through Logan Canyon for stunning views as you descend toward the lake and Garden City.

Location:

Brigham City, UT

Highlights:

If you’re up for a peaceful day away from Salt Lake City, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise tucked where the river meets the Great Salt Lake. It’s one of those places we love to escape to when we need nature, quiet, and incredible views.

We Recommend This For:

Birders, photographers, families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a tranquil, educational outdoor experience.

What we Love:

Spotting bald eagles and swans, the peaceful 12-mile driving loop, and the hands-on Wildlife Education Center.

• Drive the 12-mile auto tour loop—open sunrise to sunset—and listen to an audio guide about the refuge’s unique wetland ecosystems.
• Visit the James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center to learn about the region’s birds and explore its wetland trail.
• Look out for seasonal migrations of tundra swans, shorebirds, and bald eagles across the refuge’s 74,000 acres.
• Enjoy photography, walking, or peaceful observation along easy-access paths perfect for families and casual explorers.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes north by car—an easy nature day trip.

How to Get to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge:

Head north on I-15, then take Exit 363 toward Forest Street in Brigham City. Follow Forest Street west straight to the refuge and visitor center.

Romantic Day Trips from Salt Lake City:

Location:

Bonneville Salt Flats, UT

Highlights:

Craving otherworldly views just a drive from Salt Lake City? The Bonneville Salt Flats are like stepping onto another planet—flat, gleaming, and surreal in the best way.

We Recommend This For:

Road trippers, photographers, geology buffs, race fans, and travelers seeking epic landscapes off the beaten path.

What we Love:

That mirror-like salt crust, the peaceful silence, and catching a glimpse of world-speed record attempts in action.

• Marvel at the vast salt crust left behind from prehistoric Lake Bonneville—stretching across 30,000+ acres of open flats.
• Stop at the I-80 viewing area near Wendover, where you can walk onto the salt and take in endless panoramic views.
• Watch land speed races during Bonneville Speed Week in August or other major speed events held throughout the year.
• Respect the delicate ecosystem—avoid driving or walking during wet conditions, and stay on designated areas to protect the crust.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

Around 1 hour and 45 minutes west by car on I-80.

How to Get to the Bonneville Salt Flats:

Drive west on I-80 from Salt Lake City toward Wendover. Use the signed Bonneville Salt Flats exit for the viewing area and speedway access.

Location:

Cedar City, UT

Highlights:

Need a weekend escape from Salt Lake City? Cedar City is your perfect basecamp for national park hopping and award-winning theater in one charming small town.

We Recommend This For:

Road trippers, national park explorers, theater fans, families, and anyone craving both outdoor beauty and cultural buzz.

What we Love:

Access to Zion and Bryce, the jaw-dropping views at Cedar Breaks, and summer nights under the stars with Shakespeare.

• Explore nearby national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef are all within a few hours’ drive, plus the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
• Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument for stunning high-altitude views and wildflower-filled meadows just 30 minutes away.
• Catch a world-class play at the Utah Shakespeare Festival or laugh along with the Neil Simon Festival’s summer lineup.
• Stroll through downtown Cedar City, filled with local shops, friendly cafes, and the vibrant Southern Utah University campus.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

Around 4 hours by car—ideal for a long weekend getaway.

How to Get to Cedar City:

Head south on I-15 from Salt Lake City all the way to Exit 59. Follow signs into Cedar City’s historic downtown district.

Location:

Cove Fort, UT

Highlights:

History buff or road tripper from Salt Lake City? Cove Fort is a quick detour that offers a rare glimpse into Utah’s pioneer past—perfect for stretching your legs and your curiosity.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, families, road trippers, and anyone interested in pioneer-era stories and architecture.

What we Love:

The fort’s volcanic rock construction, period-furnished rooms, and stories of Pony Express and telegraph days.

• Tour the fully preserved 1867 fort with all 12 rooms furnished just like they were in pioneer times.
• Learn about its role as a 19th-century waystation, complete with blacksmith shop, telegraph office, and Pony Express stop.
• Appreciate the rare volcanic rock construction that’s kept this place standing through more than a century of Utah history.
• Enjoy free guided tours daily—led by friendly, knowledgeable volunteers from the LDS Church.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

About 2 hours and 30 minutes south by car on I-15—easy to add to a southern Utah road trip.

How to Get to Cove Fort:

Take I-15 south from Salt Lake City to Exit 135. Merge onto Highway 161 and follow signs to the fort, located between Fillmore and Beaver.

Family Day Trips from Salt Lake City:

Location:

Honeyville, UT

Highlights:

Need a little R&R just north of Salt Lake City? Crystal Hot Springs is a natural wonder that’s all about soaking, sliding, and relaxing—with a fascinating history to match.

We Recommend This For:

Families, wellness seekers, campers, road trippers, and anyone looking for a warm dip in a natural setting.

What we Love:

The mineral-rich pools, jetted hot tubs, waterslides, and the WWII-era healing legacy of the springs.

• Soak in the world’s largest natural hot springs, with pools ranging in temperature from 65°F to 134°F.
• Swim in the Olympic-sized pool or relax in one of three jetted hot tubs open year-round.
• Slide down two 360-foot water slides that add some splashy fun to the hot springs vibe.
• Camp under the stars at over 100 shaded campsites with fire rings, restrooms, and even a carp pond for fishing.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

Just about 1 hour and 30 minutes north by car—an easy half-day or weekend getaway.

How to Get to Crystal Hot Springs:

Drive north on I-15 to Exit 372 (UT-38). Head east into Honeyville and follow signs to the entrance at 8215 UT-38.

Location:

Eden, UT

Highlights:

Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Eden is our favorite hidden gem for epic skiing in winter and jaw-dropping mountain views year-round. It’s peaceful, scenic, and packed with adventure.

We Recommend This For:

Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the crowds and breathe in alpine air.

What we Love:

Powder Mountain’s legendary slopes, scenic gondola rides, and summer hot-air balloon views over Pineview Reservoir.

• Ski or snowboard at Powder Mountain, one of Utah’s most laid-back and expansive ski resorts.
• Ride the Needles Express Gondola to 8,800 feet and dine with a view at Needles Lodge.
• Hike or bike the South Skyline Trail—9.5 miles of stunning terrain with year-round views.
• Soar in a summer hot-air balloon and take in panoramic views of the Ogden Valley and mountain peaks.

Distance from Salt Lake City:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car—easy for a day trip or long weekend stay.

How to Get to Eden:

Drive north on I-15 to Ogden, then follow UT-39 east through Ogden Canyon. Take Highway 158 to reach Eden and the surrounding resorts.