Places to Visit in Utah
Living in Salt Lake City, you might not realize how many breathtaking places are just a few hours away. But once I started exploring all of Utah, I quickly discovered its deserts, mountains, and multiple cities. You'll find that Utah offers an incredible offering of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural wonders that are completely unique. As I found on our four week road trip, "The Beehive State" truly has something for every kind of traveler. Here are the places I recommend, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
The dramatic sandstone arches that surround Moab are perhaps the most photographed scenery in Utah, and one of my favorite places. I loved discovering winding canyons and miles of otherworldly desert trails.
You can walk on the epic Slickrock Trail and explore the surreal landscapes of Arches National Park (just 10 minutes from Moab). I think that Delicate Arch is totally worth your time, but the park actually has over 2,000 natural stone arches. Just remember to leave no trace (including not marking on rocks). Also I have to warn you that you'll be at an elevation of 4,026 feet (1,227 meters) with very strong sun, so be sure to wear UV clothing and bring lots of water!
Also nearby, you can hike in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky (about 30 minutes from Moab) for sweeping views.
The town of Moab itself has an outdoorsy vibe with plenty of great coffee spots, breweries, and food trucks to refuel between adventures.
Don't miss a visit to Hauer Ranch which feels like traveling back in time. You'll be surrounded by red cliffs and amazing canyons of the Southwest! It's a must-stop for anyone who loves horses and truly one of the best things to do in Moab!
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was stargazing in some of the clearest night skies I’ve ever seen.
A downside? The campground in Arches National Park fills up so far in advance that it's extremely difficult to get a spot.
Local tip: I think that Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground is just as lovely as Arches and in our experience it's easier to get a spot. Just be sure to get there early because it has just 12 sites, first-come, first-served ($15 per site). The park entrance fee is $30 USD per vehicle, or free with an America the Beautiful pass.
If you want to really understand the geology and hidden viewpoints without worrying about navigation, I recommend a guided 4x4 or a full-day tour. These tours take you down rugged backcountry roads you couldn’t safely access on your own and often include stops at remote overlooks, short hikes, and detailed explanations of the landscape. Prices typically range from $150–$200 USD. I the experience is well worth it, especially for first-time visitors.
Salt Lake City
We absolutely love Salt Lake City. It's an amazing place to live and use as a starting point for exploring Utah. If you are flying in, hop on the TRAX light rail from the airport straight into downtown (about 20 minutes, $2.50).
Nicknamed "The Crossroads of the West", the city has the coolest urban energy with the added benefit of quick access to nature. Since there are heaps of unique things to do here, joining a guided tour with a local guide on your first visit can save you time.
Now, first things first, head downtown to explore Temple Square with its manicured gardens, then browse vintage shops and cafés in the Sugar House neighborhood. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge! Take public transportation and ride shares to save yourself the hassle.
When you get hungry, Penny Ann Cafe is a great family-friendly breakfast and brunch spot to start your day, serving amazing pancakes, burgers, wraps and salads. It does get busy on weekends so get there early if you can get the kids up!
I also loved Caputo’s Market & Deli with its awesome selection of cheeses, chocolate, and charcuterie.
After lunch, tour the Natural History Museum of Utah (my son said it's teenager-approved), and enjoy panoramic views from the Utah State Capitol.
For an outdoor adventure, you can hike along the trails at Big Cottonwood Canyon, and bike along the Jordan River Parkway.
Midway, UT
Looking for an easy day trip from Salt Lake City that will make you feel like you've traveled all the way to Switzerland? Check out Midway in the Heber Valley, a real standout just 50 minutes from Salt Lake City.
You'll find Swiss chalet-style architecture surrounded by mountain peaks. This is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Utah. Why? Now, first things first, it gives you this dramatic shift in atmosphere without having to drive far. In addition, you'll also find the Homestead Crater here, a stunning natural wonder.
I love booking a 40 minute soak in the 10,000-year-old Homestead Crater hot spring (90–96°F year-round). True, it's a bit pricey at $28 for just 40 minutes but it's truly one-of-a-kind experience in a hidden cavern that I recommend you don't miss! They welcome all ages, and the price of admission includes a life jacket rental.
If you decide to turn your day trip into a longer vacation, Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa is the most iconic place to stay here. If you don't want to spend the night, you can relax for a while at the resort's European-style day spa.
In summer, You can bike on the scenic Provo River Parkway, fly fish and hike. Wasatch Mountain State Park is another great spot for camping (heads up, there is no water to the campsites from November 1st until May 1st). I also love that in the winter, Midway transforms into a snowy playground with cross-country skiing and tubing.
Grand Staircase-Escalante - 4 hours from Salt Lake City
I thought this place was one of the most untamed landscapes I've ever visited and it quickly became one of my favorite places to visit in Utah. We enjoyed the plateaus, canyons, and hidden waterfalls.
While driving along Scenic Byway 12 (one of the most beautiful highways in America), we stopped at overlooks to admire the colorful cliffs far into the horizon. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
You can camp under star-filled skies, hike into the famous slot canyons of Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch. I think it's fascinating that some sandstone corridors are so narrow you actually have to get through sideways.
Boulder’s Anasazi State Park Museum is a cool local stop that will give you a glimpse of ancient Puebloan life.
What I loved best:
Don't miss Lower Calf Creek Falls, aa stunning 126-foot waterfall cascading into a pool surrounded by ferns, my personal highlight.
St. George and Zion National Park
When visiting Zion National Park, we love basing ourselves in St. George because of its amazing scenery and modern conveniences available in town.
Downtown St. George has cozy cafés, local restaurants, and a historic vibe. We even treated ourselves to a couples’ spa experience at a nearby resort, which felt especially indulgent after long days of hiking. The contrast between rugged outdoor adventure and quiet relaxation made the trip feel perfectly balanced.
You can look forward to evenings that are especially magical with soft breezes, picture-perfect sunsets, and starry skies
What I loved best:
My favorite hidden gem was hiking through Snow Canyon State Park, where lava tubes, red petrified dunes surrounded us along the way.
Local tip:
If you are planning a day trip from Las Vegas, you can catch shuttle from Las Vegas to St. George (about 2.5 hours, $45) instead of driving.
Bryce Canyon
This was another super unique stop on our road trip through the American Southwest. It was a last minute decision to drive out here and we didn't regret it. You will reach it in about two hours from Zion National Park, and it feels super remote and peaceful.
We were completely blown away by the "hoodoos", the rock spires that you see in the photo.
You can catch a sunrise at perfectly-named Sunrise Point, hike along Queen’s Garden Trail, and visit Bryce Point to take lots of photos. Bryce Canyon is known as an International Dark Sky Park and it's one of my favorite places to visit in Utah for stargazing.
Park City
I loved the way this city was the ultimate mountain escape in August with crisp alpine air, historic charm, and a creative energy that comes alive every summer weekend. Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City, it’s the kind of city where I can hike in the morning, browse art galleries in the afternoon, and end the day with live music on Main Street. We spent seven asctive days in an affordable vacation rental.
On Sundays, the town transforms for the Park Silly Sunday Market — an open-air street festival that runs June through September. Main Street shuts down to cars and fills with local artists, food vendors, musicians, and families strolling with coffee and dogs in tow. I sampled fresh lemonade, watched a bluegrass band play under the mountain sun, and browsed handmade jewelry and vintage finds. It felt less like a market and more like a community celebration — colorful, quirky, and wonderfully “silly.”
Between market weekends, Park City offers endless outdoor adventures: mountain biking and wildflower hikes on the resort trails, scenic chairlift rides, and peaceful paddles on nearby Jordanelle Reservoir.
What I loved best:
Rooftop cocktails, farm-to-table dinners, and art strolls through the historic district were all amazing.
Monument Valley
I completely fell for this place on our road trip through Utah, home to one of the most iconic landscapes I’ve ever seen! We adored the towering sandstone buttes glowing red at sunrise, endless desert horizons, and a sense of timelessness that felt almost spiritual.
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.
Driving the 17-mile Valley Drive, I stopped at overlooks with views so familiar from classic Western films they felt surreal in person. We stayed at the 3-star View Hotel for two days, perched right on the rim.
You can join a Navajo-led tour into the backcountry, explore hidden arches, petroglyphs, and sacred sites not accessible on your own.
What I loved best:
Incredible stargazing here was my personal highlight.
Bear Lake
The lake, for me, was pure magic, a vast alpine lake so turquoise it’s nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” The water sparkled under the sun, framed by rolling mountains and small lakeside towns that made the whole place feel both lively and laid-back.
From Garden City, I rented a kayak and paddled across the glassy surface, watching the colors shift from sapphire to deep aquamarine. I relaxed on sandy beaches, biked the 50-mile loop road around the lake, and sampled the famous local raspberry shakes (worth every calorie!).
In summer, Bear Lake is all about water sports, hiking, and fresh fruit stands. In winter, the area transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. Either way, it feels like a year-round escape.
What I loved best:
For me, Bear Lake is one of the best places to visit in Utah because it's scenic and unique!
In the evening, I watched the sky turn pastel pink as the lake reflected the fading light.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
