Utah is known for its natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. The state is home to some of the most magnificent national parks in the country, and millions of visitors every year descend on the state to hike, climb, and just take in the glorious views. If you’re not outdoorsy, don't worry. There’s still plenty of things to do in Utah, from listening to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performances to learning about our planet’s past and present at the Natural History Museum of Utah.
The best time to visit most of Utah is during the spring or autumn, when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold and the national parks aren’t crowded with summer vacationers. If you’re coming to skiing hot spots such as Park City, you’ll find the best powder during the winter. Movie fans may want to consider a January visit, when the annual Sundance Film Festival takes place in Salt Lake City, Park City, and at the Sundance Resort near Provo.
Like much of the United States, Utah is very much a driving destination. Unless you plan to limit your visit to Salt Lake City, you’ll need a car to get around, especially if you want to visit natural areas and parks. If you aren’t fond of driving but want to see the parks, you can take a multi-day tour of the state or fly into Moab and take taxis to nearby parks.
Just off Scenic Byway 12, between Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce, Kiva Koffeehouse serves up baked goods and hearty lunchtime treats in a sepia-hued structure that camouflages beautifully with the surrounding rocky landscapes. Fill up on freshly steamed tamales or treat yourself to a delectable eclair filled with rich chocolate ganache. You can even stay the night at the on-site Kiva Kottage, which offers simple but chic rooms with views out over the colorful surrounding landscape.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MDT (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 60 | Tours 579 | Reviews 35,029 |
Zion National Park is one of the top things to do in Utah and is the state’s most-visited national park, though Salt Lake City does get more visitors overall (including business travelers and tourists). Popular attractions within Zion include Angels Landing and the Narrows, while Salt Lake City highlights include Temple Square and the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
...MoreA great way to have fun in Utah is by taking advantage of its seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Fun things to do in Utah include hiking, rock climbing, and paddleboarding in state and national parks, photographing rock formations and slot canyons, and hitting the ski slopes in Park City.
...MoreCultural attractions in Utah that you won’t want to miss are the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA), which houses over 20,000 works of art; the Latter-day Saints Family History Library (an excellent place for genealogical research for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); and Temple Square. All three are located in Salt Lake City.
...MoreUtah is popular for its landscapes and outdoor activities. The state’s five national parks are among its biggest draws. Many people come to hike in Zion National Park, check out the rock formations in Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park near Moab, and Canyonlands National Park, and stargaze in Dead Horse Point State Park. The otherworldly Bonneville Salt Flats, located west of the Great Salt Lake, are another popular attraction to see while in Utah.
...MoreYes, much of Utah is moderately expensive for tourists, especially near the national parks. Gas prices tend to be on the high side, and dining options near national parks aren’t generally cheap. Accommodations near the parks are also expensive, but there are lots of affordable options in Salt Lake City.
...MoreDetermining the prettiest place in Utah is subjective, but many people would argue that Zion National Park offers some of the best scenery. If rock formations are more your thing, you’ll find them in great numbers at Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Goblin Valley State Park.
...More
