One of my students asked me about things to do in Utah, so I have decided to write a post about it. I will cover some of my favorite things to do throughout the state both in northern and southern Utah.
Northern Utah
Eat Aggie Ice Cream in Logan
Utah State University's focus is in Agriculture. They have some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted.
Visit Park City in the fall
Park City is a high end place. Many celebrities visit park city, especially for the Sundance Film Festival. Vacation rentals and restaurants are more expensive. It's also a vacation place for many Utahans and people around the world especially in the winter because of all of the ski resorts. Many say that Utah has the best snow on earth. You can go ski if you want, or you can go in the off season and marvel at the leaves in the fall.
Walk around Temple Square or get a free tour at the Visitor's Center
It's especially fun to go around Christmas. They put thousands of lights in the trees surrounding the temple. Many people flock there to walk around at night and enjoy the sights.
Kayak at Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming gorge is only 3 hours away from Salt Lake, so you could easily spend a weekend camping at the nearby campsites.
Visit The Museum of Natural Curiosity
This is a great place for kids! They can experiment and learn as they go throughout the museum.
Visit Snowbird Resort in the summer
It's beautiful and a great mountain escape from the city. It's only a half hour from the city.
Go to The Hogle Zoo
This is another great one for the kids!
Hike to Cecret Lake
The hike itself isn't very long, but it is mostly uphill getting to the lake.
Swim in Bear Lake
Bear Lake borders the border of Utah and Idaho and the water is unbelievably blue! It is a popular vacation place for many.
Visit Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point has many activities and things going on throughout the year, but the most well-known event happens in the early spring. You can walk through thousands of tulips.
Southern Utah
Visit Pine Valley
Pine valley gets its name because of the many pine trees found there. It's a beautiful place to visit!
Go to Cedar Breaks
You can drive 45 minutes outside of Cedar City to Cedar Breaks. You can drive up to the lookout point. If you go at sunset, you can see the beauty of the sunset and the view.
Bike The Gooseberry Mesa trail
I would not recommend this for beginner bikers. I did it as one of my first trails and had a rough time! The lookout at the top is a great view!
Soak up the sun in sunny St. George
St. George is a very popular destination for people wanting warmer weather. It's a great place to swim, attend an outdoor musical at Tuacahn.
Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a great place to camp and hike. There are so many spectacular views throughout the park. The hikes vary from beginner to advanced and also vary in length.
Hike Kanarraville hike
The Kanarraville hike is a short hike in southern Utah. For much of the hike, you're hiking in a slot canyon through a shallow river. You have to climb up a ladder and eventually will find a natural water slide into a small pool of water. It's a great hike in the heat of summer.
Moab & surrounding areas
Go to Lake Powell
The ultimate Lake Powell experience is by houseboat. You can rent houseboats in Lake Powell and explore the lake by boat. It's a beautiful place with a lot of Red Rock.
Finally, visit temple square between Thanksgiving (the end of November) and the new year to see hundreds of lights on the trees surrounding the temple.
For a list of recommended restaurants in Utah, go here.
