Things to do in Utah

We recently took a road trip to Utah and these were our favorite stops along the way. If you’re planning to visit Utah soon, the list below is complete with our favorite sights, attractions, and places to visit while you’re in the great Beehive State. If you know of any great spots we missed, let us know in the comments below!

Best Utah Tourist Attractions:

1. Hike Ensign Peak

Kick start your Utah experience by hiking the Ensign Peak and enjoying the panoramic view of Salt Lake City. It’s a short 10-minute hike to the summit from the State Capitol building. Embark on the short hike in the early morning or later in the evening to avoid the summer sun. Oh, and don’t forget to take a picture next to the iconic Ensign Peak monument.

2. Try Provo River Tubing

Rent an inflatable tube and go tubing down the Provo River. Not only is it a great way to cool down in summer, but it’s also an uncommonly good way to experience Utah’s beautiful outdoor scenery. If you’re an adrenaline seeker you’ll particularly enjoy the rapids, low hanging branches, and various obstacles you need to maneuver your way around.

3. Moab Helicopter Tour

See Moab from above by going on a scenic helicopter tour. Take pleasure in the breathtaking aerial views of Dead Horse Point, Kane Creek Canyon, Corona Arch, the Colorado River and many picturesque sights of Moab.

4. Visit Lagoon Amusement Park

Your Utah experience won’t be complete until you visit one of its most exhilarating amusement parks – the Lagoon. Bring out the daredevil in you by taking a ride on the thrilling rollercoaster and the four giant waterslides. While you’re here, experience the 19th century Wild West by exploring the Pioneer Village which is home to rustic buildings characteristic of this time.

5. Ride the Polar Express

Every year from the November 27 to December 24, the Heber Valley Railroad offers one its most popular themed rides – The Polar Express. It’s a fun, 90-minute round trip to the North Pole complete with hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies. There’s no better way to awaken your Christmas spirit so add it to your bucket list.

6. Tour the State Capitol

One of the most prominent state landmarks, the State Capitol building has both modern and historical significance. Its interior and exterior are filled with original artwork, historical monuments and treasured artifacts. You can plan your own tour or sign up for a scheduled one. The State Capitol is open every day of the week including holidays.

7. Participate in Salt to Saint Relay

The Salt to Saint Relay is a huge annual cycling event that sees cyclists race across a 400 mile route starting in Salt Lake City and finishing in St George. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced cyclist or hopping onto the bike for the first time in ages, this is an event you should definitely take part in. The cycling route passes through stunning Utah scenery and small towns so you can sightsee while you peddle.

8. See a Play at Tuacahn Center

Located in the mouth of a canyon, the Tuacahn Center for the Arts is nationally recognized by its unordinary setting. The outdoor amphitheater is surrounded by red cliffs and sits 1920 people at a time. If you’re a fan of the arts and the outdoors, you should combine the two by seeing a live performance. You won’t find anything like the Tuacahn Center anywhere else.

9. Ride an ATV in Sand Hollow State Park

The Sand Hollow State Park has the most popular ATV trails in Utah which run all over the sand dunes. Go on one of the many tours to explore and learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. The experience will leave you lost for words and you’ll definitely come back for an encore.

10. Wander through the Goblin Valley State Park

What makes the Goblin Valley State Park a must-see Utah site is its out-of-this-world rock formations. Its red sands and mushroom-shaped hoodoos (referred to as ‘goblins’) make the Goblin Valley State Park feel like you’re on another planet. Go hiking on the three marked hiking trails or examine the many walls scribbled with ancient petroglyphs and pictographs.

Red Rock Butte: Utah Tourism Attractions

11. Attend the Twilight Concert Series

Having celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, the Twilight Concert Series has become a summer music tradition. Large crowds gather at Pioneer Park daily to listen to local and national talent perform live on stage. The lineup gets bigger and better each year and attracts visitors from all over the country so be a part of this Utah tradition.

12. Swim in the Homestead Crater

The Homestead Crater is a natural hot spring where you can go swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling. It’s most famous for being the only warm water diving site in the United States. If you’re not that into water activities you can always just lounge in its warm crystalline waters. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

13. Snowshoe Donut Falls

Donut Falls is a spectacular hiking destination all year round. It is surrounded by mountains and greenery galore. However, there is something particularly special about Donut Falls in the winter. Maybe it’s the sight of white pine trees, the crunching of the snow or just the smell of winter. Whatever it is, it will leave you in awe. Therefore, put on your snowshoes and hike to a frozen Donut Falls.

14. Trek through the Narrows of Zion National Park

Trekking through the Narrows of Zion National Park should be a bucket list goal for any daring adventurer. What makes this place so special is the narrow trek that’s just 20 feet wide and the surrounding canyon walls that reach up to 2,000 feet in height. This contrast makes the trek all the more exciting. Just be wary of higher water levels in spring due to the snow melting.

15. Stopover at Grafton Ghost Town

Exploring a ghost town is a great bucket list idea for those who enjoy a bit of mystery. Grafton is a long abandoned ghost town that has been featured in several movies. You can visit some of the remnant buildings, including an old church and a few houses. Just seven miles outside Zion National park it’s the perfect stopover on your way to the national park.

16. Drive the Alpine Loop

Imagine if you could take in all the beautiful scenery of Utah without even stepping out of your car? Thanks to the Alpine Loop you can. It’s a 20-mile scenic drive that has amazing views of Mount Timpanogos, American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon. Despite being a gorgeous sight all year round, the fall colors make it the best season to hit the road.

17. Stand at the Four Corners Monument

Not many people can boast to have stood in four states at one time. The Four Corner Monuments is a landmark where the states of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado meet. This is the only place where four states intersect in the USA so it’s worth making the trip there.

Have you tried any of these bucket list ideas while in Utah? Or maybe you have some other ideas to add? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below :)