36 Fun Things To Do In Utah in 2024

36 Fun Things To Do In Utah in 2024

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Utah is a state of fun, sun, and stunning scenery. Traditionally known for its five national parks, Utah has spectacular hiking trails and natural attractions. In this guide, we invite you to explore the best things to do in Utah, a state where nature’s artistry meets human adventure and is a land of endless wonder and exploration.

Here, the red-rock vistas of the south blend seamlessly with the snow-capped peaks of the north, creating a canvas that invites awe at every turn. Utah is equally brilliant for those wanting cultural city breaks and small-town getaways. You can visit free museums or funky restaurants when you aren’t in the mountains or national parks. In short, there are hundreds of fun things to do in Utah.

Fun Things to Do in Utah

Fun Things to do in Utah

With great efforts, we’ve managed to whittle down all these hundreds of best things to do in Utah to just 36 top-tier entertainment options. These are the ultimate fun things to do in Utah – the attractions you should build an entire itinerary around. Are you ready for some serious Utah inspiration?

1. Monument Valley

Things to do in Utah Monument Valley

Get ready for another Arizona/Utah border straggler. Monument Valley is technically in Arizona, but it is smack bang on the border and a super scenic drive to reach, so we’ll include it as one of the honorary most fun things to do in Utah. Monument Valley is where that iconic Forest Gump scene was filmed, and you’ll likely recognize it if you’ve watched some old west movies. It is an expanse of desert with craggy buttes, one of which is named after a Hollywood director. Monument Valley is located in the Navajo Nation and is a worthy detour from Utah. Better yet, it is less than 10 minutes over the border. When we say it is close, we really mean it.

Monument Valley is the perfect scenic drive. Stay in southeast Utah and drive down to Monument Valley for a few hours, perhaps indulging in a hike or guided tour. You can then head north to visit the parks, like Arches National Park.

Suggested Tour: Monument Valley Tour led by Navajo Guide

2. Natural Bridge National Monument

Natural Bridge National Monument in Utah

If you can, definitely visit Natural Bridges National Monument. This small park is located just under Canyonlands National Park, where you can find three spectacular sandstone bridges. These include Sipapu Bridge, Owachomo Bridge, and Kachina Bridge, and all three are attached via a circular loop on Bridge View Drive. It is one of the most convenient ways to explore a park and is essentially a trail of natural bridges you can drive – perfect, right? It is easy to see why it is one of the most fun things to do in Utah. Natural Bridges National Monument makes sightseeing easy.

3. Arches National Park

Rock Sculptures in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most famed national parks in the US, and chances are, you don’t need us to introduce you. Even a scenic drive through Arches National Park will treat you to views of an otherworldly landscape. The mixture of sandstone cliffs and natural arches seemingly at every turn makes it a unique spot. And you can drive to most of the arches – especially Double and Turret Arch, which are just a minute’s walk by the roadside.

Arches National Park is in eastern Utah, next to the Colorado border. If you plan to complete the classic road trip via Route 70, a detour to Arches National Park is an absolute must. Make sure to check out these 15 Best Hikes In Arches National Park.

Suggested Tour: Arches National Park from Moab by 4×4

4. Zion National Park

Observation Point in Zion National Park Utah

Who doesn’t love Zion National Park? It is easily one of the best things to do in Utah, full of slot canyons, vast canyons stretching as deep as 2000 feet and 30 feet wide, and archaeological sites. It is also home to some of the largest natural arches in the US. If you want a different hike, visiting Zion National Park should be at the top of your list. Its geology is just spectacular.

The park is located in southwestern Utah and is popularly combined with visits to the nearby towns of St George and Hurricane. It is easy to reach on a day trip when you base yourself in these towns, although you could also camp. This Where To Stay In Zion National Park – The Complete Guide will help you decide.

Tour: Zion Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure

5. Canyonlands National Park

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park Utah

Canyonlands National Park is one of the best national parks in the US, not just among the best things to do in Utah. When choosing a park to spend time in and visit, Canyonlands should be at the top of your list. The park is split into four different zones, each offering a different scenery and fun element. The Island in the Sky mesa is a firm favorite, as are the sandstone spires and iconic Needles District. Two rivers are also cutting through Canyonlands National Park, merging beautifully at Confluence Overlook.

Canyonlands National Park is easy to reach in eastern Utah, right next to the Arches National Park. In fact, the two are well combined, as is nearby Dead Horse Point State Park. If you are a hiker, check out our post on the 15 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park.

6. Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument

Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah

Visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is easily one of the most fun things to do in Utah. This more than 1.8 million-acre park has the largest land area of all the US national monuments, and it has really made the most of its space – it is brimming with slot canyons, waterfalls, and stunning geological attractions. It got its name from the escalating plateaus that gave Clarence Dutton (a visiting geologist) the idea of a giant staircase.

Now, you can take a scenic drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You can also enjoy the numerous biking and hiking trails.

Tour: Guided audio tour

7. Bryce Canyon National Park

Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is hardly a difficult pitch. Regarding fun things to do in Utah, this national park consistently ranks amongst the top options. It is famed for its hoodoo rock formations – beautiful, colorful spires. It also has stunning canyons and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, just in case you wondered if it could get more geologically impressive. Bryce Canyon National Park is a treat for sore eyes and is about chasing the next perfect view or trek. It is also ideal for horseback riding, with many scenic trail riding excursions.

Bryce Canyon National Park from Sunrise Point in Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is easily accessible by car. Its entrance is just 1.5 hours north of Kanab. Make sure to visit Sunset Point and Inspiration Point. All of these 11 Best Hikes In Bryce Canyon National Park are worth checking out.

8. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park in Utah

Capitol Reef is another stunner when it comes to national parks in Utah. The park famously houses part of the Colorado Plateau’s geologic strata, colorfully reflecting millions of years of history through different rock types – all viewable in a physical cross-section of history. You can see this at Capitol Reef by visiting Fremont River Gorge or the Mummy Cliffs.

If you fancy an adventure and spectacular geology, Capitol Reef National Park is your match made in heaven. In summer, Capitol Reef is much more peaceful than other Utah parks, as it is chronically overlooked and, therefore, sees fewer visitors. You won’t be complaining, though, with fewer hikers on the trails and fewer travelers to crane your neck and peer over at leading attractions.

Tour: Cathedral Valley/Capitol Reef National Park 4X4 trip

9. Ashley National Forest

Flaming Gorge in Ashley National Forest Utah

Ashley National Forest is a stunning area of natural beauty, and if you love hiking, it is one of the most scenic and fun things to do in Utah. It has 23 different campgrounds if you want a complete camping experience. Or you can use it as a day trip destination and enjoy trails like the Uinta Highline Trail or Red Cloud Loop. With over 1,300,000 acres of scenery to explore, there are over 1,000 miles of trails to hike and bike. Pick your favorite and get going – because there’s lots to cover.

Ashley National Forest is a special place to spend quality time outdoors and excellent for anyone wanting to get active. You must spend time by lakes and mountains under the shade of pines and aspen, especially on a summer afternoon. Ashley National Forest is just under a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City and is near the Colorado border.

10. Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a beautiful national park known for its striking rock formations – a half-mile-deep amphitheater. This geological feature attracts floods of tourists, who also go on to hike through the nearby pine woodlands and wildflower meadows. The amphitheater is the main draw, but Cedar Breaks National Monument has plenty of trails to enjoy. In the winter, it becomes a hot spot for winter sports like snowmobiling and snowshoeing. You can even enjoy cross-country skiing. Cedar Breaks National Monument is great fun.

The park is in southwestern Utah, again in that action-packed corner near St George and Hurricane. It is a fabulous half-day attraction, ideal for a quick hike, a viewpoint over the amphitheater, or snow sports in winter.

11. Manti-La Sal National Forest

Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah

Manti-La Sal National Forest is a stunning 1.4 million acres of protected woodland. If scenic woodland trails are up your street, Manti-La Sal National Forest is easily one of the top Utah attractions. You could spend weeks hiking the trails and camping here, but you can also choose one trail and visit on a day trip. And in winter, you can go cross-country skiing here. It has it all. Manti-La Sal National Forest is one of the best year-round things to do in Utah.

So, for camping, skiing, and hiking, Manti-La Sal National Forest has some of the most scenic woodland in Utah. Location-wise, the forest is situated smack bang in the middle of the state – right underneath Provo and Salt Lake City. It is easy to reach so long as you have a car.

12. Moab

Fun things to do in Utah Visit Moab

Moab is everyone’s favorite, whether you want a hotel base that will give you easy access to Arches and Canyonlands National Park or just a fun desert getaway. This city packs a serious punch. You pay for location when it comes to visiting Moab, but it is also fun to do in its own right. The Museum of Moab is one of the best museums in Utah, offering dinosaur bones and local archaeological artifacts. There are also beautiful inner-city parks and nearby recreation areas like Sand Flats and Slickrock Bike Trail. Moab is great as a romantic adult getaway or a family place to visit with kids.

Visiting Moab should definitely be on your list and is easily one of Utah’s best things to do. It is excellent that combining with other attractions, like the surrounding national parks, is so easy. Eastern Utah is just such a hotspot location. Discover all of the Best Things to Do in Moab here.

Tour: Canyonlands half-day tour from Moab

13. St George

View from Pioneer Park, in St. George, Utah

Let’s get one thing straight – it is absolutely impossible not to love St George. This is possibly the best place to visit in Utah, especially if you have a few days to kill. Why? Because it is a launchpad for everywhere. Fancy a day trip to Las Vegas? Don’t worry, as St George is just across the border. What about a national park like Zion National Park? Just a short drive away. A massive concentration of attractions and day trips is scattered around St George, making the small town a hotspot and a worthy place to visit.

In St George itself, there’s also the Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, St George Children’s Museum, and Brigham and Amelia Young Home. It is an action-packed town and one of Utah’s great things to do.

Suggested Tour: Sunset ATV tour in Sand Hollow

14. Park City

View of Park City Utah at dusk

Park City is one of the top attractions in Utah, especially if you want fun in the snow. Just type in pictures of the Park City ski slopes and hit search. This Utah resort town is world-renowned for its skiing, and while snow and skis might seem a far cry from the stereotypical desert Utah most have in their head, it is one of the most popular places to visit in the state. The spot hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and hosts thousands of skiing tourists each season today.

Its main resorts are Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort. These have ski-in and out access and all the best facilities.

Tour: Snowboard Rental Package

15. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Utah at sunset

Spending time in Salt Lake City is a firm favorite regarding things to do in Utah. As the state’s capital, Salt Lake City has big shoes to fill – which, admittedly, it does with ease. It is surrounded by snowy mountains, hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, and has many museums, including the Natural History Museum of Utah. Salt Lake City is where to go if you want a big city experience, with galleries and museums at every corner and nightlife and hospitality to match. Don’t forget to visit the Utah State Capitol, one of the best free things to do in Utah. Red Butte Garden is also a pleasant place to spend a shady morning.

Salt Lake City is situated in northern Utah – ideally combined with Great Salt Lake or even a venture into Wyoming or Idaho.

Tour: Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour

16. Provo

Provo, Utah downtown on Center Street at dusk.

Provo is best known for its Mormon links, aka the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. As such, visiting Provo is ideal for anyone interested in religious history and culture. However, Provo is also an excellent general city break, with attractions like the BYU Museum of Paleontology and Brigham Young University Museum of Art. It also has access to beautiful alpine scenery, like the Alpine Scenic Loop in the American Fork Canyon and South Fork Park.

If you want a city break experience, Provo is one of Utah’s best destinations. Just south of Salt Lake City, you can reach Provo in under an hour. It also works well with Great Utah Lake.

17. Logan

Downtown Logan Utah

Logan is one of the more unusual places for tourists in Utah, but if you’re in the know, you won’t be surprised to see it here. Located right in the north of Utah, Logan is a small city underneath the Idaho border. It is home to Utah State University, so naturally, it has quite a buzzy, studenty feel. It is also next to Canyon Entrance Park and Elk Ridge Park – stunning alpine-type scenery. There’s also the American West Heritage Center, where you can learn about early pioneer life.

You can take a day trip to Logan, but we’d suggest staying overnight. There’s lots to do, and visiting is one of the leading Utah things to do.

18. Beaver City

Things to do in Utah Beaver City
Photo courtesy of Visit Utah

Visiting Beaver might have been off your radar when it comes to fun things to do in Utah. However, this is easily one of the most delightful destinations you can pick; the small town has just over 3,000 residents, but its beautiful location is the real draw. You’ll experience rural town living amidst the Tushar Mountains, and you can admire traditional stone houses that date back to the late 19th century – constructed using black igneous rock from nearby quarries. Beaver has tons of local history, including the Farnsworth Cabin and Monument. It is also plain pretty, which is a good enough reason for a day trip.

Beaver is an easy addition to this list of things to do in Utah. It provides a fantastic insight into rural living and lets you experience a different side of the state than you’d experience just visiting Salt Lake City or Provo.

19. Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah

Most people have heard of Dead Horse Point State Park. Despite its – slightly morbid – strange name, this is a beautiful place to visit and covers over 5,000 acres of dramatic scenery. You can head to the Rim Overlook, Meander Overlook, and hike to Marlboro Point. There’s lots of canyon scenery and viewpoints over the Colorado River below. Dead Horse Point State Park is also an internationally recognized Dark Sky Park, formally recognized in 2016 and now widely hailed as one of the most accessible stargazing points in Utah.

The park is best accessed from Moab, just over 30 minutes away by car. Dead Horse Point State Park is next to Canyonlands National Park, so combining the two into a single trip is worth considering.

20. Goosenecks State Park

Goosenecks State Park in Utah

Goosenecks State Park is where you’ll find a Horseshoe Bend lookalike with the San Juan River. If you fancy a less touristy version, we’d definitely recommend it. The park is located around a deep river canyon, which is curved in the shape of a gooseneck, where the park gets its name. Despite its small size, Gooseneck State Park packs a real punch with gorgeous canyon views. Visiting this park is ideal if you love viewpoints and want a brilliant canyon experience with fewer crowds.

Goosenecks State Park is located in the southeastern corner of Utah, right next to the border with Arizona near Monument Valley. It is a perfect destination for a road trip to east Utah, where you can continue north to visit Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park.

21. Quail Creek State Park

Quail Creek State Park in Utah
Photo Courtesy of Visit Utah

Quail Creek State Park is a peaceful little recreational reservoir popular amongst predominantly locals for boating, fishing, and swimming. Apart from these most popular trio of water entertainment, Quail Creek State Park is also fabulous for kayaking and paddle boarding, and camping facilities are onsite. It is serene, with reddish-tinged sand in a rather desert-seeming environment that starkly contrasts the bright blue water. Quail Creek State Park is an ideal tourist attraction on a hot day and easily one of the most refreshing, fun things to do in Utah.

The park is easy to reach, just a 20-minute drive from St George. It is also situated right underneath the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and above Sand Hollow State Park – both can be combined with a dip in Quail Creek.

22. Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park in southern Utah

Kodachrome Basin State Park is a beautiful park of bright red stone. Its 67 monolithic spires (rocky points that jut from the dust in dramatic geological displays) bring it to fame. Kodachrome Basin State Park is one of the lesser-trodden state parks in Utah, but that doesn’t make it any less eye-catching, and those who know of it absolutely adore the natural beauty of this park. You can enjoy hiking or biking on numerous trails around Kodachrome Basin State Park. You can also enjoy horseback riding if you fancy something a little more adventurous.

Kodachrome Basin State Park is located on the edge of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It is straightforward to reach from towns like Kanab.

23. Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park Utah
Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park is eye-catching to different levels. The park is bright red, and we mean bright red. Expect orange dust and red sandstone natural attractions and structures. There are even volcanic lava flows that you can spot. Snow Canyon State Park is stunning and a really photogenic park to visit if you want an active thing to do in Utah that rewards you with plenty of scenery. Snow Canyon State Park requires minimal effort and maximum reward. And who doesn’t love that on a hot day?

You can go hiking, climbing, or even horseback riding. Whatever specific activity you choose, make sure to bring a camera. The dunes and cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park are just something else.

24. Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park near Hanksville Utah

Goblin Valley State Park is as unusual as its striking name. Why? Because you will be walking between sandstone mushroom formations and eroded cliffs. The state park is famed for these rocky mushrooms, and you can choose between three different trails to see them on foot. Goblin Valley State Park is tiny and well suited to a day trip. Goblin Valley State Park is your ideal candidate if you want a bitesize sample of Utah’s unusual rock formations.

The park is in central Utah, just south of Route 70 and off the 24. It is well-combined with nearby Capitol Reef National Park and Manti-La Sal National Forest.

Tour: Goblin Valley State Park canyoneering

25. Gunlock State Park

Waterfall at Gunlock State Park in Utah

Gunlock State Park is stunning – as in seriously stunning. The recreational reservoir is a serene body of water popular for swimming and boating, with a beautiful red rock backdrop. You can enjoy the refreshing water activities and should definitely pack swimwear. Gunlock State Park is also popular among paddleboarders, kayakers, and jet skiers. Rather than a more formal reservoir, Gunlock State Park is just holding water for good fun, which is excellent for locals and tourists alike.

There’s a campground onsite if you want a Utah camping experience. However, otherwise, you can visit Gunlock State Park for a few hours on a day trip from St George. The park is located in the southwestern corner of Utah.

26. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Utah at sunset

How does 1,200 acres of shifting dunes sound? Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of the most photogenic places you could ever visit in Utah. This park is almost entirely sand, with camping facilities and plenty of room to enjoy dune buggies and off-roading. You can enjoy the exhilaration of either of these activities. You can also learn about the formation of dunes – which requires high winds, volumes of sand, and unique channeling and influences on the wind. And finally, you can just enjoy snapping photos and experiencing a Sahara-style desert in miniature. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of the leading parks in Utah, and you can easily see why.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is near the Arizona border in southern Utah. It is easily reached from St George or Cedar City and complements Zion National Park or other attractions in that southwestern corner.

27. Bluff Fort Historic Site

Things to do in Utah Bluff Fort Historic Site
Photo courtesy of Matt Morgan

Bluff Fort is in the southeastern corner of Utah and is a fabulous immersive historic site that gives visitors an insight into the early pioneer experience. You can admire the Barton Cabin, an original cabin from Bluff Fort’s founding days. You can also see an original wagon used in the founder’s Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. Bluff Fort is an incredible place to really embrace history with excitement. Better yet, admission is totally free, making visiting Fort Bluff one of the best free things to do in Utah.

The immersive nature of Bluff Fort makes it really suited to families with children. It is also a fun activity for anyone interested in history and how modern-day Utah was formed.

28. Moqui Cave

Entrance sign to the Moqui Cave in Utah

Moqui Cave is a fascinating natural history museum that you must visit anywhere near southwestern Utah. The museum is situated inside a sandstone cave naturally formed centuries ago, immediately creating a unique element to this experience. Moqui Cave showcases dinosaur tracks and ancient artifacts depicting local history. There’s also a fluorescent mineral display, which is really cool. If you are interested in Native American history, then Moqui Cave is a must-visit.

It is relatively easy to reach despite a remote location. It is around a 10-minute drive north of Kanab on Route 89 or an hour and 40 minutes from St George.

29. Kanab

Old western saloon in Kanab Utah

Kanab is an absolute hub. Originally a Mormon pioneer town, Kanab is now known as a launchpad for Zion National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The town is surrounded by stunning scenery, from volcanic remains to dunes and deep canyons. Kanab is an ideal base if you love hiking, biking, or just pretty viewpoints and scenic drives. However, Kanab is also worthwhile in its own right as a town getaway. There’s the Little Hollywood Land: Museum, Trading Post & Chuckwagon Cookout, and Kanab Dinosaur Tracks to visit. There are also tons of traditional bars, restaurants, and inner town parks.

Kanab is a fantastic place, and visiting is one of the best things to do in Utah. The town is set in the mid-south, right above the Arizona border.

Tour: Campfire smores and stars

30. Jordan River

Sunset over the Jordan River in Utah

The Jordan River is one of the most significant rivers in Utah and stretches a whopping 51 miles in length between Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. Specific stretches of the river are safer for water activities than others, so it’s worth researching a little first. However, you can kayak, swim, and fish in much of the river – especially the area around Davis. The Jordan River is also a vital area for migratory birds making the journey between Central America and Canada, placed essentially on the North American Migratory Bird Flyway. So, you may want to bring some binoculars if you are into bird watching.

The Jordan River is great for water sports and wildlife watching, particularly for birds. Just pick a suitable spot and enjoy all the river has to offer. It is easily one of Utah’s best natural attractions.

31. Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake, in the Uinta Mountains, Utah

Mirror Lake is a scenic lake on the outskirts of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in eastern Utah. It is just a 1.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, so it is hardly a remote attraction to squeeze into your itinerary. The lake is heavenly for boating and fishing – an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon or morning on the water, totally unplugged from the stressors of inner-city living. You can also enjoy the Mirror Lake shorelines with camping and picnic facilities. The whole place was practically created for peacefulness. And if you want a relaxing thing to do in Utah, this is our top recommendation.

It is one of the best free things to do in Utah and pretty at all times of the year. However, we’d recommend visiting in summer when the temperatures rocket or fall when the fall foliage makes Mirror Lake even more stunning.

32. Crystal Hot Springs

Crystal Hot Springs in Utah

Crystal Hot Springs is one of the most fun things to do in Utah. The vast water park complex overlooks snow-capped mountains and is heated by natural thermal water that reaches 120 to 134 degrees Fahrenheit. You can enjoy three hot tubs, a soaking pool, a lap pool, and a selection of waterslides. There’s also a large freshwater swimming pool that’s a little cooler – ideal for taking a refreshing dip to cool off and enjoy cold water therapy after the hotter pools.

The springs are in north Utah, and you can easily purchase a day pass to visit the complex. It is just over an hour’s drive north of Salt Lake City.

33. Great Salt Lake

Antelope Island at Great Salt Lake in Utah

Great Salt Lake is one of the most popular Utah tours and most famous natural landmarks. It is the western hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake, and because of the high salt concentration, it often forms white, crusted salt pavements. If you’ve never swam in high concentrations of salt water, it is an unmissable experience, too. Forget about water sports; Great Salt Lake keeps you entertained and floating. It’s noteworthy that it is popular amongst migratory birds, too, so bring binoculars if you enjoy bird-watching.

Great Salt Lake is about an hour-long return trip from Salt Lake City. You’ll need a car unless you purchase a guided excursion.

Tour: Great Salt Lake Wildlife and Sunset tour

34. Antelope Island

Antelope Island State Park Entrance Sign. Utah

Antelope Island might be located on the edge of the Great Salt Lake. However, it is such a fantastic place to visit that we will include it as a standalone thing to do in Utah. The vast island welcomes floods of visitors to its free-roaming wildlife reserve. Antelope Island is particularly famous for being home to bison, although you can also spot abundant numbers of deer. Stop by the museum at the little visitor center before enjoying the network of hiking trails. Or opt to drive around Antelope Island so you can admire wildlife from the safety of your car.

Antelope Island is the largest island on Great Salt Lake but is connected to the mainland by a causeway, so you won’t need to catch a ferry. Still, it does take a little longer to reach Salt Lake City; allow around 2 hours to reach Antelope Island.

Tour: Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island Wildlife tour

35. Dinosaur National Monument

Entrance to Dinosaur National Monument in Utah

Dinosaur National Monument is a slightly cheeky addition to this guide, as the park straddles the Colorado and Utah borders. The Dinosaur National Monument Quarry Visitor Center is in Jensen, Utah, so we class it as one of Utah’s best attractions. For those who are happy to venture deep into northeastern Utah, this park rewards them with rare collections of fossilized dinosaur remains. You can go rafting, hiking, or camping, but the dinosaur remains are the biggest draw.

If you are visiting with kids, stop by the visitor center. With replica dinosaurs and interactive exhibits, it makes everything ten times more engaging. Dinosaur National Monument is easily a full-day attraction and easily accessible from places like Vernal.

36. Lake Powell

Lake Powell in Utah

We’ll admit that Lake Powell is actually in Arizona, a sneaky addition. However, Lake Powell is fed by Waheap Bay, which is in Utah. It is an easy drive to head down to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam from Waheap Bay, taking less than 15 minutes by car. We’d suggest treating the whole ‘complex’ as a singular trip. You can visit Lone Rock Beach before driving down to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam via the multiple viewpoints on Lakeshore Drive. It is the perfect day out and for fun in Utah, especially if you love water views.

As you’ve likely guessed, Lake Powell sits just over Utah’s southern border. The natural complex of water attractions is located between the Utah town of Big Water and the Arizona town of Page.

Tour: Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell Flight

Things to Do in Utah: FAQs

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Utah. In truth, wherever you go, you’ll be spoiled for choice by the sheer volume of beautiful scenery, towns, and cities with distinct characters. Before you head off and enjoy these, though, check out these essential FAQs – these should give you the edge.

What Cool Things Does Utah Have?

Utah has many cool things to do, including hiking the terrifying Angels Landing, hiking The Narrows, and learning about Mormon history in Provo. Whatever you are interested in, Utah has an extraordinary attraction to spike your interest even further.

What is Utah Famous For?

Utah is famous for its dramatic national parks, with canyons, arches, and red butte scenery. It is where you’ll find hiking trails like Angels Landing, and if you are a hiker, there’s no better US destination for you than Utah. Utah famously packs a punch, whether through its scenery and trails or its cities’ sense of individualism and culture.

What’s so Special About Utah?

Utah is really special as it makes the ideal road trip state. There is the perfect mixture of towns, cities, and areas of natural beauty. You can visit one of the five fantastic national parks to enjoy world-renowned hikes or head to one of its towns for a cultured ‘city’ break.

When Should I Visit Utah?

Utah is beautiful all year round, although if you want to visit the national parks, it’s best to avoid summer. The shoulder seasons are best – April to May and September to October.

Why We Love Utah

Long road in Monument Valley Utah

Utah is something special. You only have to look at all these fun things to do in Utah to figure that out. You will have fun if you head to Salt Lake City or go hiking in Canyonlands National Park. You can’t love Utah – it has some of the best national parks in the US and some of the most exciting history in the states.

Once you’ve visited Utah, consider looking at some of the neighboring states. Utah is one of the best states for road trips, so why not combine a few states in one trip? You could visit Las Vegas in Nevada, head to Colorado, or drop into Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon. Your options are endless, and one of the best things about Utah is its excellent location for spreading your wings further and experiencing even more.

Plan your trip to Utah with these travel guides.

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