You can never run out of thing to do in Utah! If you are planning a Utah vacation or a Utah family vacation and want some fun things to do in Utah, there is a lot for you to see and experience while in this beautiful state. From desert landscapes to large cities and more, there is so much to do and see in Utah.
To help you decide what to do while in Utah, here are 30 places to go and things to do in Utah:
1) Go to Park City
Going to Park City is one of the must-do things while in Utah, especially during the snowy winter. If you are in Utah during the winter, there is no excuse not to go snowboarding or skiing on the slopes of Park City.
Fun fact, these slopes were even the home of the 2002 Winter Olympics! If you are not a fan of skiing or snowboarding but still want to experience Park City, you can go to one of the film festivals that are held there throughout the year. But if you are looking for what to do in Utah, this should be on your list. Park City is one of the best things to do in Northern Utah.
2) Walk Through the Narrows
In the most famous Utah National Park, Zion, there is a beautiful hiking trail that is completely underwater. That’s right, you hike through a shallow stream through the mountains. While this sounds intimidating, it is actually some of the most beautiful views that you will ever see. Remember to wear shoes that are okay for hiking, and you may want to purchase a hiking stick to prevent you from slipping on the rocks. Also, before you go, check the flood warnings because the Narrows is shut down when there is a risk of flooding. This is one of Utah’s attraction you won’t want to miss.
3) Go to the Goblin Valley State Park
One of the very best and most beautiful places to visit in all of Utah is the Goblin Valley State Park. This park got its name due to the geological formations being shaped like goblins themselves.
People that live in Utah and travel to Utah all agree that this is one of the most loved and highest-ranking parks in the state. Just being around these interesting rock formations is enough to leave you in awe and wonder. We think this is one of the best places to see in Utah, certainly should be on your list of what to do in Utah.
4) Go to Angel’s Rest
The Narrows aren’t all that Zion National Park has to offer. Rather, there is also a very dangerous, yet very interesting point known as Angel’s Rest. Rather than walking through a stream far below the cliffs, this hike takes you above the cliffs to a very tall viewpoint. The trail itself is relatively safe but be warned that there are areas on the hike where the cliffs are exposed, so if you are scared of heights, this may not be the best choice for you. However, when you make it to the end, all of the fear would be worth it for the breathtaking views. So, if you’re still wondering about what to see in Utah or cool things to do in Utah, you should check out Angel’s Rest!
5) Visit Moab, Utah
While Moab is a popular place to visit in Utah in general, what is even more recommended is going to the Dead Horse Point. This way, you still get to experience something cool while also avoiding paying the entrance fee into the national park.
The Dead Horse Point is known for some of the most beautiful Utah desert landscapes that you can stare at all day long. This is a famous Utah tourist attraction and one of the fun stuff to do in Utah.
6) Go to Bonneville Flats
Because Utah gets some rain throughout the year, there are some days that are simply too rainy to spend in town. If you experience this, you should try heading to Bonneville Flats instead to spend that rainy day in a fun and exciting way. There, you will find a large salt flat this turns into what looks like a giant mirror in the middle of the desert. This is not only an amazing sight, but also an extraordinary photo opportunity. We’d like to tell you it’s one of the hidden places in Utah, but as you can imagine, a place that beautiful will be on most people’s top things to do in Utah.
7) Look at the Stars in the Summer
Because Utah is such a big and vast desert landscape, it also gives way to some of the most beautiful views of the stars at night.
If you just need some time to relax and settle down after a long day of travelling and adventuring, simply grab a blanket, get some snacks, and stare up at the beautiful night skies. During the summer months, you may even be able to see the Galactic Center. This by far is one of the coolest things to do in Utah, if not the best stuff to do in this state.
8) Find the Hidden Canyons in Escalante
If you and your loved ones are down for an adventure, you can always go to try and find the hidden places in Utah. For example, in Escalante, Utah, there are a bunch of hidden canyons that you can find. This can keep you busy for hours on end as your search for the famous Zebra Canyon and more. Once you find a canyon, you won’t want to stop. So this is where you can find hidden places in Utah if you’re trying to stay away from the crowd, and we think this is a must see place in Utah. And if you’re ever in Utah and wondering what fun things to do in Utah this weekend, head out to the hidden Canyons for an adventure of a lifetime.
9) Visit St. George, Utah
If you want to adventure through a city rather than the desert one day, you can take a trip down to St. George, Utah. In St. George, you can find dunes, trails, cliffs, reservoirs, and more.
On top of that, you can also learn about the town through the museum or simply walk around the town and look at the sights. This place makes our list of our must see in Utah and is truly one of the best places to visit in Utah. And while you’re there, look for unusual things to do in St George to make your stay even more exciting
10) Watch the Sunrise in the Morning
Because Utah has very little air pollution, this makes way for some of the most beautiful sunrises you will have ever seen. If you are an early bird, take your coffee outside, grab a chair, and watch the sun rise over the cliffs. It will be the best start to your day of Utah adventures. And of course, you can also plan to watch the sunset much later in the day. So. if you’re in Utah and asking yourself what is there to do in Utah, do this, do nothing and just relax!
11) Be Brave Enough to Hike The Maze
If you are an avid hiker and are not afraid of anything, one challenge for you would be what is known as The Maze. The Maze has been voted as one of the most dangerous hikes in all of the United States due to its very narrow passages and sudden dead-ends.
If a hiker is not paying attention, these dead ends can lead to them being lost without knowledge of how to get back. Because this area is so uncharted, it is a dangerous yet thrilling adventure to take if you have the courage to do so. Something you’ll find only in Utah and certainly one of the top things to do in Utah for daredevils. We probably won’t encourage families with young children to hike this – there are so many other sites to see in Utah!
12) Stand in Awe at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is often stated to be one of the most beautiful places in all of the world, so it is definitely a must-see. In the middle of the Utah desert, you can find this beautiful place with amazing geographical formations along the canyon walls. It almost feels as if you stepped into another world entirely. If you want to see this canyon in all of its beauty and wonder, you should stop by either at sunrise or sunset. So, if you need to add something to your Utah sightseeing list, Bryce Canyon should be on it and should be one of the top things to do in Utah with family.
13) Look at the Art at Nine Mile Canyon
If you are into art and history, the Nine Mile Canyon has both wrapped into one. It is often referred to as the world’s largest art gallery because it is the home of polygraph drawings that stretch across nine miles of rock.
Sadly, there are many invasive people and forces that are trying to get rid of these beautiful pieces of art, so go and see them while you still have the chance. This is one place that’s a gem but we wish it was a hidden gem to preserve the history it holds. But, it’s still a place that should be on your Utah destinations guide.
14) Climb up King’s Peak
Along with The Maze, King’s Peak is another hike that is not for the faint of heart. This hike is located on Utah’s tallest mountain. While it is less than 14,000 feet high, it is a very remote location that is hard to get to. Because of this, if you are planning on taking the risk with this hike, make sure that you either go on an expedition or have someone experienced with the terrain with you. So, if you’re thinking about Utah places to visit and what is in Utah to see, the King’s Peak should satisfy your appetite for adventure – Utah adventures.
15) Visit the Rare Pando Trees
The Pando Trees in Utah are a grove of Aspen Trees. These trees are unique in that they share the same root system, so they are essentially one giant working organism.
Credits: Wikimedia CommonsThis is not only the largest organism of trees, but they are also the oldest. Sadly, scientists believe that the Pando are beginning to die, so they are unsure of how much longer they will exist. Because of this, if you do choose to visit them, do not leave the trails because this can cause harm to the trees. This might be cool for a roadside attraction in Utah, but it goes beyond that as we think these are the coolest things to see in Utah.
16) Visit the Desert Arches
One thing that Utah is famous for are their arches in the middle of the desert. These shapes attract a lot of tourists and locals alike because of their beauty and magnificence. These formations were created from years and years of wind and snow, and now they can be found scattered all around the Arches National Park and beyond. You can even see the beautiful Rainbow Arch in Lake Powell. So if you need a Utah point of interest or want to see some beautiful places in Utah, visit the Desert Arches.
17) Kayak in Lake Powell
Lake Powell, a large lake found in Utah, attracts people from all around for kayaking and more. You can rent kayaks from a place nearby and take the family out, kayaking through the canyons.
This beautiful lake will not only be cool and refreshing, but will also provide you with amazing views and rock formations. During the summer, don’t forget your sunscreen though, because the lake’s reflection can be a killer for sunburns. This we think will make a list of top 10 things to do in Utah if we had to pick just ten best places in Utah or famous places in Utah. This is also one of the best things to do in Southern or Southwestern Utah.
18) Walk Through a Ghost Town
Utah has a rich history with a variety of wanderers and explorers which resulted in a lot of what is currently known as ghost towns. These ghost towns, which were previous home of the wanderers, now serve as places that tourists and locals can visit and learn the history of the town. In many of the towns, all of the buildings are completely abandoned, giving you that true feeling of stepping into the past. So want to visit weird places in Utah? Maybe you’ve been looking for off the beaten path Utah – well this is it. A ghost town is an interesting place in Utah for sure.
19) Go to Capitol Reef
Because Utah has five different national parks, the attention is divvied up between them. With this being said, however, Capitol Reef definitely gets the least amount of attention in comparison to the others.
However, just because it gets less attention doesn’t mean that it is any less beautiful and breathtaking. In Capitol Reef, you can find some primary landmarks as well and interesting rock formations. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for outdoor activities in Utah or fun things to do in Utah on a weekend or Sunday. Things will be even much calmer and you can enjoy the sight in peace.
20) Backpack in Buckskin Gulch
A gulch is a narrow ravine that is caused by water or streams. One of the longest and largest gulfs in the world is Buckskin Gulf in Utah. However, there are the downsides to this gulf as well. Though it is highly attractive for its length, it can also become scary for the same reason. If a storm or flash flood were to hit while you were in the ravine, this could be deadly, so if you do choose to backpack down in the ravine, make sure that you check the weather consistently. If you do find a day to go where there are no risks, the geology and landmarks that you will see down there are some of the most beautiful in the world. This is an amazing place in Utah and certainly one of the tourists attractions in Utah.
21) Go to One of the Temples
Looking for things to visit in Utah or best places to visit in Utah? And possibly best place in Utah to relax? Being the hub of Mormonism, Utah has a lot of temples that are both beautiful and spiritual. One of the largest temples can be found in Salt Lake City which stands about as tall as the Notre Dame in France. Just looking at this temple from the street is enough to leave you in awe. It almost looks like a castle in real life!
22) Walk Through Springdale, Utah
If you want another town day in Utah, you can take a drive to Springdale, Utah which has a mere population of just over 500. It is just outside of Zion National Park which renders it a lot of tourist attention. If you have finished at the park and need a place to relax, eat some food, and take a breather, Springdale is the place to be. We think it’s one city that is considered one of the best places in Utah for low-key adventure, even though it’s a tourist spot.
23) Camp at a Canyon
There are many canyons around Utah; in fact, one of the things that Utah is known for is their canyons. If you are planning to camp in Utah, why not do it on the rim of one of these magnificent canyons?
There are plenty to choose from, just be safe with the placement of your tent and make sure that it is a place that is legal to camp in. A lot of people choose to camp at the False Kiva, though good luck finding it since it is a hidden gem in Utah. This place is one of the best sites in Utah and a tourist hot spot.
24) Admire the Roots of Knowledge
The Roots of Knowledge, otherwise known as a large stained-glass installation, can be found at the Utah Valley University in Orem. This beautiful stained-glass masterpiece took over 12 years to complete and reaches over 2,000 square feet. You can stand there for hours just admiring all of the details and different elements that make this piece stand out among the rest. Once you’ve visited here, you’re never going to wonder about Utah’s best places to visit as you’d have gone to one of them.
25) Skydive Through the Sky
With the beautiful sights all around, the bright blue summer sky, and the clean air, what better way to experience Utah in its fullest than through skydiving?
Since there are so much desert landscapes and different places to see and experience, you can see them all while soaring through the sky. There are many places to go skydiving in Utah, you just have to find the perfect one for you. This is one of the interesting and fun outdoor things to do in Utah.
26) See the Lush Vegetation
Looking for free things to do in Utah and not sure where to start and what to do? While most people think that Utah is just desert landscapes, there are also some very green and lively areas as well. Though the red rocks are cool to see, sometimes you need to add a little bit of green to the picture. Some places where you can experience the greenery and vegetation is at La Sal Mountains in Moab or the Wasatch Range. This is also a great place to go to escape the burning heat of the desert summers. This is something to see in Utah in the summer.
27) Experience Rock Climbing
If you are an adrenaline junkie and need something that is going to excite you and get your adrenaline pumping, you can go rock climbing.
After all, there are no shortages of rock in Utah. In fact, rock climbers from every corner of the Earth come to Utah to rock climb in their vast deserts and canyons. If you don’t want to actually rock climb yourself, you can always watch others rock climb in front of you. But rock climbing allows you to see the most scenic places in Utah.
28) Go see the Monoliths of Monument Valley
If you don’t know what the monoliths are, odds are that you have seen them in a movie or game of some sort. This beautiful landscape is one that many people love to drive through and experience. In fact, it is one of the top things to do in Utah. And also, a Utah vacation spot for people looking for places of interest in Utah. So, add the Monoliths to your list of cool and fun things to do in Utah and go have fun.
29) Explore the Great Salt Lake
While in Northern Utah, you can go and explore the Great Salt Lake. Here, you will not only find the lake, but you will also find things to do for everyone with a variety of attractions and games.
If you are traveling with your family, this is the perfect place to go to make everyone happy. So, if you’re traveling to Utah, consider exploring this lake as one of the top things to do in Utah!
30) Visit Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is the most popular city in the entire state. This city takes a step away from the desert landscapes and moves into a large city such as Los Angeles and New York. Here, you can find food, shopping, and more. And what to do in Salt Lake City? We can’t even begin to list things you can do in Salt Lake City but we think you should just visit and discover yourself. A lot of people ask what to do in Salt Lake City this weekend, or what to do in downtown Salt Lake City, what to do in Salt Lake City tonight, what is there to do in Salt Lake City – and so forth. You can’t visit Utah without going to Salt Lake City so we say to find all the top things to do there and spend some day in the city. We have ranked Salt Lake City Utah as on the best vacation spots in the USA.
Overall
Overall, if you are in Utah, there is definitely no shortage of what to do. From hiking to kayaking and more, there is plenty to do for everyone, you just have to find it.
