Utah Vacation Spots To Add To Your Bucket List
Planning a trip to Utah and not sure where to start? These Utah vacation spots will give you ideas of destinations to visit and things to do in Utah. This Utah Vacation Guide is a good place to start when planning your trip to Utah.
Utah is home to five national parks, sparkling blue lakes, and ski resorts that are a slice of heaven. The state is packed with places that will make you whip out your camera at every turn.
So, get your wanderlust gears turning, because we’re about to dive into some of the top spots in Utah that you’re gonna want to add to your bucket list You’ll find a list of Utah vacation destinations, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay!
We have lived in Utah for over 20 years and get to explore the state often. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to take in some breathtaking scenery, there are plenty of places to visit in Utah that will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Our number one tip is to pack for the Utah weather and temperatures you’ll experience for the time you’ll be visiting! That way you’re prepared for the clothing and gear you need to enjoy the outdoors year-round!
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in any time of the year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
List of Utah Vacation Spots
Utah is a beautiful state that has many vacation spots. It is filled with the great outdoors, natural beauty and rich history.
The state of Utah is home to many national parks, monuments and historical sites. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure, Utah has something for everyone.
Check out our resource for the best time to visit Utah so you know what to expect when in the spring, summer, fall, and winter!
Here’s our list of places to visit in Utah and things to do at each vacation spot!
Utah National Parks
Utah National Parks are the biggest draw for many Utah vacations. If you are looking for some outdoor activities then these are perfect destinations for you!
Check out this Utah National Park road trip itinerary to plan your trip to visit all five parks!
We also have travel guides for each park that details everything you need to know to plan your National Park vacation: best time to visit, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay!
- Arches National Park travel guide
- Bryce Canyon travel guide
- Canyonlands National Park guide
- Capitol Reef National Park guide
- Zion National Park travel guide
Where To Stay At Utah National Parks
- Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
Utah State Parks
Utah is home to a variety of state parks that offer everything from camping to biking. The 60+ Utah State Parks offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and boating.
We’ll share the best state parks to visit by area in this article, but here’s a list of Utah State Parks you should also add to your bucket list:
- Anasazi State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Great Salt Lake State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Utah Lake State Park
Cache Valley
As with many vacation spots in Utah, the Logan area provides ample opportunities for hiking in the summer, and skiing in the winter. There are also many historic sites, museums, and family fun activities in the greater Cache Valley area.
In the summer be sure to drive through Logan Canyon to beautiful Bear Lake State Park to cool off and enjoy water sports like waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and more!
For all the train-lovers and history buffs, visiting Golden Spike National Historical Park outside Tremonton, Utah is a must-see!
Where To Stay In Logan
Salt Lake City
Not only does the Salt Lake City area have an international airport, making it the perfect jumping off point for the other Utah destinations on this list, there are plenty of things to do nearby as well.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip near Salt Lake City, Utah, you’ll find fun things to do Antelope Island State Park
If you’re looking for a unique day trip, check out the Bonneville Salt Flats!
Salt Lake City also has amazing museums, theater, shopping and dining!
- Things To Do In Salt Lake City
- Hikes Near Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City Ski Resorts
- Salt Lake City Museums
- Shopping in Salt Lake City
- Best Salt Lake City Restaurants
Where To Stay In Salt Lake City
Park City
At Park City in the winter you can enjoy world-class skiing, snowmobiling, and the Sundance Film Festival. Some of the fun Park City Utah summer attractions include hiking, horseback riding, golfing and alpine slides!
- Park City Skiing and Snowboarding
- Utah Olympic Park
- Park City Winter Activities
- Park City Family Activities
- Park City Arts and Culture
Where To Stay In Park City
Heber Valley
Rent an ATV, ride the history Heber Valley Railroad, or check out the incredible Homestead Crater hot springs. In the winter, Heber Valley is home to the Midway Ice Castles, and great family snow tubing at Solider Hollow.
In the fall the Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is a must-do activity that can be accessed from Heber!
- Heber Valley Attractions
- Homestead Crater
- Midway Ice Castles
- Soldier Hollow Tubing
- Wasatch Mountain State Park
Where To Stay In Heber
Vernal
Northeastern Utah doesn’t get much press, but the proximity to Dinosaur National Monument makes this small town worth a visit. Here’s a list of fun things to do in the Vernal area.
- Family-Friendly Things To Do In Vernal
- Vernal Museums
- Vernal Hiking Trails
- Winter Activities in Vernal
Where To Stay In Vernal
Moab
In Moab, outdoor lovers can hike, mountain bike, rock climb, kayak, paddleboard, or ride a Jeep or ATV along trails in the area. Any time of year is the best time to visit Moab!
Enjoy day trips to Arches, Canyonlands Island in the Sky, and Canyonlands Needles National Parks. Dead Horse Point State Park is also a must-see location while in Moab!
- Things To Do in Moab
- Kid-Friendly Things to do in Moab, Utah
- Moab Utah Hiking Trails
- Jeep Trails in Moab
Where To Stay In Moab
- Where to stay in Moab
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab
- Purple Sage
- Red Cliffs Lodge
- Moab Vacation Rentals
St. George Area
Nestled in the southwestern part of the Beehive State, this gem of a city is a gateway to some of the most gorgeous natural wonders you’ll find anywhere.
With its stunning red-rock landscapes, world-class golf courses, and proximity to national parks like Zion National Park, it’s a paradise for adventurers and chill-seekers alike.
It’s also home to several amazing state parks such as Snow Canyon State Park and Sand Hollow State Park.
Where to Stay Near St. George
Kanab
Kanab is a small town in southern Utah near the Arizona border. It’s surrounded by the spectacular red rocks of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument where you can enjoy hiking, biking, off-roading, and camping.
There are amazing Kanab photography spots all around the area, especially at sunrise and sunset!
One of our favorite places to visit in the area is the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. You can ride ATVs, sand sled, or hike along the dunes.
If you’re looking for a unique adventure, check out White Pocket. It’s a must-see gem in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona. Known for its striking resemblance to its Utah counterpart, The Wave, visiting White Pocket boasts equally fascinating rock formations!
Where to Stay in Kanab
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is located in southern Utah and northern Arizona and it stretches for 186 miles. There are a variety of things to do at Lake Powell like hiking, boating, fishing, swimming and more. Nearby Page, Arizona has amazing things to do as well like explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Where to Stay in Page, Arizona
Utah Bucket List
To help make your trip planning easier, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of must-do activities that belong on every Utah bucket list: things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!
