Best Places to Visit in Utah

For me, Utah isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about the unique landscapes, the favorite experiences, and the best underrated gems that make the state unforgettable.

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.

What makes Utah so special is its variety. You can hike through unique red rock landscapes, explore historic pioneer towns, or relax in underrated mountain valleys with cozy lodges and endless views. Each destination feels different, giving travelers plenty of favorite places to return to again and again.

From the iconic Mighty 5 national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef) to the lively energy of Salt Lake City, Utah blends scenery, adventure, and culture in unforgettable ways. Add in starry night skies, scenic byways, and friendly towns, and it’s no wonder Utah is considered one of the best states to explore.

The best places to visit in Utah are some of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in the American West. They’re easily among my favorite spots for natural wonders, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. From world-famous national parks to underrated hidden gems, Utah offers some of the best travel experiences in the U.S.

Moab: Red Rock Silence & Saddleback Views

We drove 3 hours 45 minutes southeast from Salt Lake City to Moab, a small town surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Southwest.

Moab, Utah, is one of my favorite places to visit because it feels both spectacular and adventurous. Every time I go, I’m struck by the magical red rock scenery that surrounds the town and the endless ways to explore it with family or friends.

We started in Arches National Park, and I loved the joyful feeling of hiking beneath Delicate Arch and wandering past unusual rock formations that looked like something from another planet. The trails were exciting without being overwhelming, making it easy to spend the whole day exploring.

Canyonlands National Park offered a completely different perspective, with vast overlooks that made me feel small in the best possible way. Standing on the edge and taking in the deep canyons and winding rivers was absolutely spectacular.

A hidden gem near Moab was our stop at Hauer Ranch, where we saddled up for a horseback ride through the red rock country. It was such a cool way to see the landscape, and riding where western movies were once filmed gave the adventure an unusual and unforgettable twist.

For me, Moab is one of the absolute best destinations in Utah. With two national parks, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences like Hauer Ranch, it offers a joyful blend of natural beauty and excitement that always makes me want to come back.

Check availability at Hauer Ranch

Salt Lake City: Garden Paths & Buttermilk Calm

I hopped on the TRAX light rail from the airport straight into downtown (about 20 minutes, $2.50). With over a million people in the metro area, the city blends urban energy with quick access to nature.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of my favorite destinations because it blends spectacular mountain views with a lively, welcoming city atmosphere. Every time I visit, I’m reminded how joyful it feels to have nature, culture, and great food all wrapped into one trip.

We started at Red Butte Garden, and I loved wandering through the themed gardens and trails overlooking the valley. The colorful blooms and peaceful paths felt magical, and the views of the Wasatch Mountains made the experience even more unforgettable.

Later, we stopped for breakfast at Penny Ann’s Café, a hidden gem that locals rave about. Their “heavenly hotcakes” lived up to the hype, and sharing a big, hearty meal there felt cool and comforting—exactly the kind of food that makes you feel at home in a new city.

Downtown Salt Lake City offered plenty more to explore, from historic Temple Square to lively neighborhoods filled with shops and cafés. I loved how unusual it felt to find both deep history and a growing modern vibe side by side.

For me, Salt Lake City is one of the best places to visit in Utah. With beautiful gardens like Red Butte, delicious comfort food at Penny Ann’s Café, and spectacular mountain scenery just minutes away, it’s a city that always feels joyful and worth returning to.

Chasing desert light in Monument Valley

From Page, it was a 2-hour 15-minute drive northeast to Monument Valley, where the desert spreads wide under endless sky. The Navajo Nation manages this 92,000-acre park, home to sacred sites and cinematic landscapes.

Monument Valley, straddling the Utah–Arizona border, is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever visited. Every time I see its towering sandstone buttes rising out of the desert floor, I’m struck by a joyful mix of awe and peace—it feels like stepping into a scene I’ve carried in my imagination for years.

We drove the scenic 17-mile Valley Drive, and I loved how each turn revealed a new and unusual rock formation with names like The Mittens, Elephant Butte, and Three Sisters. It felt magical to see landscapes I’d only known from western movies come alive right in front of me.

One of the coolest parts of the trip was joining a guided tour led by a Navajo guide. Hearing the cultural stories and history behind the formations gave the day much deeper meaning, turning a beautiful drive into a truly unforgettable experience.

We paused often just to soak in the silence. That wide-open desert horizon, painted with red rocks and endless sky, felt like a hidden gem of calm in a world that’s usually so busy.

For me, Monument Valley is one of the absolute best places to visit in Utah. It combines natural wonder, cultural depth, and pure, breathtaking beauty into a destination that feels both unusual and timeless.

Midway: Alpine Calm & Geothermal Wonder

I caught a regional shuttle from Salt Lake City to Heber City, then a short 10-minute ride (3 miles) west into Midway. With fewer than 7,000 residents, it’s small but full of character.

Midway, Utah, tucked in the Heber Valley just an hour from Salt Lake City, is one of my favorite hidden gems in the state. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how joyful and peaceful it feels, surrounded by mountains and filled with small-town charm.

We started at Homestead Crater, and I loved the unusual experience of swimming and even snorkeling inside a warm geothermal spring hidden beneath a limestone dome. It felt magical to float in water that stays a comfortable 95 degrees year-round—it’s unlike anything else I’ve done in Utah.

Downtown Midway had a cool, Swiss-inspired vibe with chalet-style buildings, bakeries, and shops that gave the town a unique character. Strolling the streets and sampling local pastries made the afternoon feel relaxed and joyful.

In winter, the Midway Ice Castles were absolutely spectacular. Wandering through glowing tunnels, frozen towers, and sparkling caverns felt like stepping into a fairy tale, and it was a highlight for the whole family.

For me, Midway is one of the most underrated places to visit in Utah. With natural wonders like the Homestead Crater, seasonal magic like the Ice Castles, and a welcoming Swiss village atmosphere, it’s a destination that always feels refreshing and unforgettable.

Standing at the edge of forever in Canyonlands National Park

From Dead Horse Point State Park, it was just a 20-minute drive deeper into Canyonlands.

Canyonlands National Park, near Moab in southeastern Utah, is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever explored. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how vast and otherworldly it feels—like stepping onto another planet shaped by rivers, cliffs, and endless desert skies.

We started in the Island in the Sky district, and I loved how joyful it felt to stand at overlooks like Mesa Arch and Green River Overlook. Watching the sunrise through Mesa Arch was absolutely magical, with the stone glowing orange as the canyons stretched endlessly below.

Driving deeper into the park, I was amazed at how unusual each district was. The Needles, with its colorful spires and hidden trails, felt like a hiker’s dream, while the Maze remained remote and mysterious—a true hidden gem for those seeking solitude.

What stood out most for me was the way the Colorado and Green Rivers carved such dramatic landscapes. From cliffs hundreds of feet high to winding river valleys, the views felt both humbling and unforgettable.

For me, Canyonlands is one of the absolute best destinations in Utah. It combines raw natural beauty, quiet solitude, and a sense of adventure into a joyful experience that always makes me eager to return.

Following hidden trails in Grand Staircase-Escalante

We drove 1 hour 15 minutes east from Bryce Canyon into Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, a vast wilderness spanning nearly 1.9 million acres.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in southern Utah is one of the most unusual and spectacular landscapes I’ve ever visited. Every time I explore it, I’m struck by how vast and remote it feels, like stepping into a hidden world of canyons, cliffs, and desert plateaus that stretch on forever.

We started with a hike through the slot canyons, and I loved the joyful sense of discovery as we squeezed between towering sandstone walls in places like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. It felt magical and adventurous, the kind of experience that makes you feel like a kid exploring nature’s playground.

Driving along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, I was amazed by the spectacular views and unusual rock formations. The landscapes constantly shifted—from slickrock domes to colorful cliffs—making every stop along the way feel like a hidden gem worth exploring.

What stood out most was the solitude. Unlike Utah’s national parks, Escalante felt uncrowded and wild, giving us space to connect with the desert in a peaceful, almost timeless way.

For me, Grand Staircase–Escalante is one of the best places to visit in Utah. It blends adventure, natural wonder, and quiet beauty into a joyful experience that always feels unique, unforgettable, and absolutely worth the journey.

Floating in warmth at Homestead Crater

I drove 1 hour southeast from Salt Lake City to Midway, home of the Homestead Crater, a 55-foot tall limestone dome hiding a natural hot spring. The mineral-rich water stays a balmy 90–96°F year-round.

Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah, is one of the most unusual and spectacular natural wonders I’ve experienced. Every time I visit, I’m amazed at how magical it feels to step inside a dome of limestone and discover a warm, blue geothermal spring waiting below.

We descended into the crater through a tunnel, and I loved the joyful surprise of seeing steam rise from the 95-degree mineral water. Slipping in for a swim felt like a hidden gem of relaxation, especially knowing this pool has been forming for thousands of years.

What made the experience even cooler was the variety of activities. Beyond soaking, we tried snorkeling and even saw divers training in the crystal-clear water—it’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can scuba dive inside a geothermal hot spring.

I also appreciated how accessible and family-friendly it was. The staff shared stories about the crater’s history, and the calm atmosphere made it easy to just float and enjoy the natural warmth.

For me, Homestead Crater is one of the best hidden treasures in Utah. It blends relaxation, adventure, and unique geology into a joyful experience that feels both soothing and unforgettable.

Embracing summer simplicity at Bear Lake

I drove 2 hours northeast from Salt Lake City to Bear Lake, a 20-mile-long lake straddling the Utah–Idaho border. Nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise water, the lake shines in the mountain light.

Bear Lake, straddling the Utah–Idaho border, is one of my favorite summer getaways in Utah because it feels both spectacular and family-friendly. Every time I visit, I’m struck by the lake’s unusual turquoise-blue water, which locals fondly call the “Caribbean of the Rockies.”

We set up on the sandy beach, and I loved the joyful feeling of wading into the clear, shallow water that stretched out for what seemed like miles. It was perfect for kids to splash and swim safely, while adults could relax and take in the stunning mountain backdrop.

One of the hidden gems here was renting a kayak and paddling along the shoreline. Seeing the lake from the water gave the day a cool, adventurous twist and reminded me just how vast and beautiful this place really is.

Of course, no trip to Bear Lake is complete without trying its famous raspberry shakes. Stopping at a local café for one of those sweet, creamy treats felt magical and added a tasty tradition to the day.

For me, Bear Lake is one of the best family destinations in Utah. With its spectacular water, fun activities, and welcoming small-town vibe, it offers a joyful escape that always feels refreshing and unforgettable.

St. George: Crimson Trails & Desert Ease

I caught a shuttle from Las Vegas to St. George (about 2.5 hours, $45).

St. George, tucked into Utah’s red rock country near the Arizona border, is one of my favorite destinations in the state because it blends spectacular desert scenery with a welcoming, small-city vibe. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how joyful it feels to be surrounded by such colorful landscapes while still having all the comforts of a lively town.

We started at Snow Canyon State Park, just minutes from downtown, and I loved hiking among the unusual lava flows, sandstone cliffs, and petrified dunes. It felt like a hidden gem compared to Utah’s national parks, with scenery that was every bit as magical but far less crowded.

Downtown St. George also surprised me with its charm. We wandered through local shops, art galleries, and cafés, and the relaxed pace made it cool and easy to spend the afternoon exploring. The historic sites, like the old pioneer buildings, added another layer of meaning to the visit.

What stood out most was how close St. George is to so many adventures—Zion National Park is just under an hour away, and the city itself has trails, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions that make it a year-round destination.

For me, St. George is one of the best places to visit in Utah. It combines red rock beauty, outdoor fun, and small-town warmth into a joyful getaway that always feels spectacular and refreshing.

There are many great places to stay in St. George, from $67/night.

Waking up early for wonder at Bryce Canyon

I drove 1 hour 45 minutes northeast from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon. Famous for its hoodoos (tall, thin spires of red and orange rock) Bryce feels like another planet.

Bryce Canyon National Park, in southern Utah, is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen. Every time I visit, I’m struck by the joyful sight of thousands of hoodoos—those unusual, spire-shaped rock formations—glowing in shades of red, orange, and pink under the sun.

We started at Sunrise Point, and I loved watching the first light spill over the amphitheater of hoodoos. It felt magical, almost like the landscape was alive with color and shadow, and it set the perfect tone for the day.

Hiking the Navajo Loop Trail was another highlight. Descending into Wall Street, surrounded by towering rock walls, gave me the cool and unusual perspective of standing among the hoodoos instead of just looking down on them. It was a hidden gem experience that made the canyon feel even more immersive.

I also appreciated the family-friendly overlooks along the main road. Each viewpoint offered a new, spectacular angle of the formations, making it easy to enjoy Bryce whether hiking or just stopping to take in the views.

For me, Bryce Canyon is one of the absolute best destinations in Utah. With its unique geology, magical sunrises, and joyful hiking experiences, it’s a place that always feels unforgettable and worth returning to again and again.

Final Thoughts on Exploring Utah

After exploring so many destinations, I’ve realized that Utah is one of the most spectacular states to visit in the USA. From red rock deserts to alpine lakes, every corner of the state offers something unusual, beautiful, and unforgettable. Each trip feels like a joyful discovery of landscapes and experiences you can’t find anywhere else.

We found magic in the national parks—Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Monument Valley—where hoodoos, arches, and vast canyons created views that felt almost otherworldly. Hidden gems like Homestead Crater, Hauer Ranch near Moab, and the charming Swiss-inspired town of Midway added unique twists that made Utah feel even more diverse and exciting.

I loved how places like Bear Lake, St. George, and Salt Lake City offered cool mixes of outdoor adventure, family fun, and welcoming small-town or city vibes. Whether it was hiking, horseback riding, soaking in hot springs, or enjoying local cafés, Utah combined natural beauty with memorable experiences at every stop.

For me, the absolute best part about Utah is its variety. In one state, you can hike beneath red arches, ski snow-covered mountains, ride through desert ranches, or float in a geothermal spring. It’s a dream destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and adventure, and every visit leaves me eager to return and explore more.

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