Utah is one of the most fascinating places on the planet. My first trip to Utah was decades ago and I've gone back many times since. From the shores of Bear Lake to red rock canyons, each stop is quite unique. I've always loved seeing the arches carved by time. I've stared at alien-looking rock spires lit up by the sun. I've camped under the incredibly clear night sky. I also like to leave plenty of time to visit museums and restaurants in Salt Lake City.
Best Places to Visit in Utah:
Moab: Red Rock Silence & Saddleback Views
“This place feels carved out of a dream,” I thought, staring across the rust-colored cliffs just after sunrise. Moab didn’t ease me into wonder—it struck like a hush. Even with the thrum of jeeps in the distance or mountain bikes carving dust, the land itself felt still, like it had no need to prove its beauty.
I started my morning at Arches National Park, walking under the golden light toward Delicate Arch. The sun hadn't burned off the morning cool yet, and the sandstone felt warm under my hands. I stood alone beneath the arch, wind brushing past my face, and felt small in a comforting way—as if the land remembered everything, so I didn’t have to.
What I Loved Most: The quiet stretches between stops—watching the cliffs shift colors, the scent of juniper, the soft scrape of boots on slickrock.
My highlights? A horseback ride through red rock canyons at Hauer Ranch. The horses were steady, the wrangler quiet and sure, and the views—burnt orange mesas framed by blue sky—felt like something out of an old western. I rode with my hand on the saddle horn, dust rising in soft clouds behind us, and thought, “This is what it feels like to listen to the land.”
Afterward, we drove into town and ate at Moab Diner. I had the green chile-smothered breakfast burrito, heavy and perfect, the chile smoky and sharp, the eggs soft and warm. It smelled like campfire and comfort. We sat in a red booth, sun slanting through the windows, legs aching in a good way.
Plan your Moab vacation:
- Drive Time from Salt Lake City: ~3.5–4 hours southeast
- Vibe: Rugged, reflective, adventurous
- Highlights: Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Hauer Ranch, Moab Giants, downtown shops
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for pleasant temps and fewer crowds
- Cost: Arches entry ~$30/vehicle; horseback tours at Hauer Ranch vary ($65+); meals ~$15–25
- Hours: Arches open 24/7; Moab Diner 6am–10pm; tours by reservation
Salt Lake City: Garden Paths & Buttermilk Calm
Between the wide streets and mountain silhouettes, there was a gentleness to Salt Lake City.
My morning began at Red Butte Garden, just as the gates opened. I followed the paths lined with native wildflowers. The scent of sage hung in the air. I paused to listen to the fountains beside the rose beds.
I paused on a shaded bench overlooking the foothills and felt still, like I’d stepped into a watercolor. “I could stay right here,” I remember thinking, “and let the day pass without needing anything else.”
We had brunch at Penny Ann’s Café downtown. I ordered their signature hotcakes. They were thin, buttery and very soft. I also had a plate of hash browns and eggs. The hash browns had the perfect crisp.
Later, I enjoyed my visit to Temple Square downtown, and stunning lake views from Great Salt Lake State Park.
Next day, we visited the Natural History Museum of Utah ($24.95 Adult admission), followed by a self-guided tour of Utah State Capitol.
My son enjoyed Hogle Zoo ($24.95) & Liberty Park on a warm day in the fall.
Plan your visit to Salt Lake City:
- Vibe: Scenic, quiet, refined
- Highlights: Red Butte Garden, Liberty Park, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Temple Square
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for blooms and cool temps
- Cost: Red Butte admission ~$16; Penny Ann’s brunch ~$12–20 per person
- Hours: Red Butte Garden 9am–9pm (seasonal); Penny Ann’s Café 7am–2pm
Chasing desert light in Monument Valley
Driving into Monument Valley felt like stepping into a movie. The buttes rose from the desert like ancient temples, and the silence was deep—the kind that makes you feel reverent. I paused on the scenic drive and thought, "This is the definition of vast."
What I Loved Most: Watching golden hour drape the sandstone spires in pinks and purples—pure magic.
My highlights? Navajo tacos at The View Hotel Restaurant, with fry bread, ground beef, beans, and fresh salsa. I sat near a window, and even the plate felt part of the landscape—earthy, bold, unforgettable.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Moab: ~2.5 hours south
- Vibe: Spiritual, cinematic, sacred
- Highlights: Scenic Drive, John Ford’s Point, sunrise or sunset photography
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for milder weather
- Cost: $8 per person entrance fee
- Hours: 6 AM–8 PM (varies by season)
- Address: US-163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
Midway: Alpine Calm & Geothermal Wonder
“This feels like a secret,” I thought, as we drove into Midway—green hills, Swiss-style chalets, and quiet streets tucked between mountain ridges. It didn’t shout for attention. It just welcomed you in.
I started the day at Homestead Crater, stepping into the round limestone dome where sunlight poured through an opening above. The mineral water below steamed gently, turquoise and still. I floated in the warm spring, arms outstretched, thinking, “This is the kind of silence that stays with you.”
What I Loved Most: That mix of alpine charm and geothermal mystery—you don’t expect it, but it fits.
My highlight? A cozy breakfast at Café Galleria on Main Street. I had the farmhouse skillet—eggs, potatoes, sausage, and caramelized onions. It came sizzling hot, smelled like pepper and herbs, and filled the small café with warmth. The coffee was smooth, and everything felt unhurried.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Salt Lake City: ~1 hour southeast
- Vibe: Alpine, peaceful, unexpected
- Highlights: Homestead Crater, Wasatch Mountain State Park, downtown shops
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer or winter for hot springs and snow
- Cost: Crater soak ~$15–20; breakfast ~$10–18
- Hours: Crater by reservation; Café Galleria 8am–2pm
Standing at the edge of forever in Canyonlands National Park
The view from Grand View Point hit me like a wave. Layer after layer of canyons stretched beyond the horizon—reds, oranges, shadows stacked like paper cutouts. I leaned on a rock ledge and thought, "This place doesn’t just show you scale—it humbles you with it."
What I Loved Most: Watching sunrise from Mesa Arch, where the world seemed to ignite for a few quiet minutes.
My highlights? Lunch in Moab after the drive out—Quesadilla Mobilla hit the spot. I ordered the “Fiery Fungus” quesadilla with sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, and pepper jack, served hot from the food truck. It was bold and exactly what I needed after a morning of awe.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Moab: ~45 minutes to Island in the Sky
- Vibe: Expansive, rugged, breathtaking
- Highlights: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, White Rim Overlook
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days)
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Address: UT-313, Moab, UT 84532
Following hidden trails in Grand Staircase-Escalante
There’s something wild and personal about Grand Staircase-Escalante.
I hiked into a slot canyon, just me and the sound of my breath. It felt like the world had peeled away. I remember thinking, "This is what untouched really means."
Plan your visit to Grand Staircase:
- Drive Time from Escalante: ~15–30 minutes depending on trailhead
- Vibe: Remote, adventurous, quiet
- Highlights: Slot canyons, scenic Byway 12, Calf Creek Falls
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: Free (some trails require permits)
- Hours: Open access; check conditions before hiking
- Address: Escalante Interagency Visitor Center, 755 W Main St, Escalante, UT 84726
Floating in warmth at Homestead Crater
I lowered myself into the warm, mineral-rich water inside a limestone dome and just...drifted. The steam, the soft echoes, the gentle buoyancy—it all felt otherworldly. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of relaxation that stays in your bones."
What I Loved Most: Floating under the crater’s skylight as sunbeams cut through the steam.
My highlights? Lunch at Café Galleria in Midway after my soak. I had a wood-fired Margherita pizza with fresh basil and a sparkling elderflower soda. Everything felt light, fresh, and deeply satisfying.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Salt Lake City: ~1 hour southeast
- Vibe: Peaceful, unique, rejuvenating
- Highlights: Geothermal swimming, scuba diving, scenic mountain views
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Cost: $15–$30 for crater swim or tour
- Hours: 10 AM–6 PM daily (check seasonal hours)
- Address: 700 N Homestead Dr, Midway, UT 84049
Embracing summer simplicity at Bear Lake
Bear Lake shimmered like a sapphire tucked between two states. Families splashed in the shallows at Ideal Beach Resort, boats drifted along, and the scent of fresh raspberries was everywhere. I leaned back on the beach and thought, "I could stay right here, right now, forever."
What I Loved Most: Renting a kayak and drifting across the turquoise water, with the sun warming my back.
My highlights? Raspberry shakes from La Beau’s Drive-In—creamy, fresh, and iconic. I paired it with a burger and fries and ate under an umbrella as kids giggled nearby. Pure summer.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Logan, UT: ~1 hour northeast
- Vibe: Breezy, nostalgic, summery
- Highlights: Swimming, boating, hiking, raspberry picking
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake activities
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Hours: Lake and shops open daylight hours
- Address: Garden City, UT 84028
St. George: Crimson Trails & Desert Ease
“Everything here glows,” I thought, standing atop red sandstone in Pioneer Park, the morning sun warming the cliffs around me. St. George was quiet and open, like the land itself was exhaling.
I admired the rocks along the trail, the scent of dust and juniper rising with each step. The city lay still below, framed by rust-colored hills.
What I Loved Most: The way the desert light changed the color of everything. It was soft gold at dawn and deep red by noon.
My highlight? Breakfast at Bear Paw Café—a crisp Belgian waffle topped with strawberries and cream, with coffee strong and warm beside it. It smelled like vanilla and maple, tasted like comfort, and made the morning feel even slower in the best way.
There are many great places to stay in St. George, from $67/night.
Plan your St. George vacation:
- Drive Time from Salt Lake City: ~4.5 hours south
- Vibe: Peaceful, sun-soaked, scenic
- Highlights: Pioneer Park, Snow Canyon, Bear Paw Café
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: Parks ~$10 or free; breakfast ~$12–15
- Hours: Café 7am–2pm; parks sunrise to sunset
Waking up early for wonder at Bryce Canyon
Sunrise at Bryce took my breath away. Hoodoos (those spiky rock towers) caught the morning light. I stood at Sunrise Point wrapped in a jacket and a little bit of awe, thinking, "This is a hidden gem that is just unreal."
What I Loved Most: Hiking the Queen’s Garden–Navajo Loop and descending into a forest of stone.
My highlights? Brunch at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill, complete with live cowboy music. I had pancakes with huckleberry syrup, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon. The vibe was cheerful and hearty—a great contrast to the stillness of the canyon.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Panguitch: ~30 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Ethereal, colorful, otherworldly
- Highlights: Hoodoos, Sunrise Point, Queen’s Garden Trail
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to early fall
- Cost: $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days)
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Address: UT-63, Bryce Canyon, UT 84764
Final Thoughts on Exploring Utah
Utah is where big landscapes meet deep stillness. Every destination on this list gave me something unique—whether it was wonder, rest, reflection, or adrenaline. What they all shared was a kind of quiet power. The kind that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Moab: Red Rock Silence & Saddleback Views
- • Salt Lake City: Garden Paths & Buttermilk Calm
- • Chasing desert light in Monument Valley
- • Midway: Alpine Calm & Geothermal Wonder
- • Standing at the edge of forever in Canyonlands National Park
- • Following hidden trails in Grand Staircase-Escalante
- • Floating in warmth at Homestead Crater
- • Embracing summer simplicity at Bear Lake
- • St. George: Crimson Trails & Desert Ease
- • Waking up early for wonder at Bryce Canyon