Everyone In Utah Should Check Out These 11 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals
By Courtnie Erickson
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Published April 05, 2024
Utah’s tourism industry is thriving and with so many incredible places to visit, it’s easy to see why. From charming towns to breathtaking national parks, art-focused attractions, museums, and more, the list of things to do in Utah is certainly not small. While we write about numerous destinations to visit every single week, the following are favorite tourist attractions in Utah that every individual — whether you have lived in our great state your whole life or are just visiting — should add to your bucket list. How many of the following tourist attractions in Utah have you visited?
1. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park, UT-313, Moab, UT 84532, USA
Dead Horse Point State Park is home to one of the
most photographed overlooks in the world . Here, you can capture views of large canyon walls, deserts, and more. And while the overlook can’t be missed, there are also multiple hiking trails to help you explore. Plus, this is an International Dark Sky Park and you’ll witness some breathtaking star shows on a clear night.
2. Park City
Park City is a small resort town in Utah with it all — fabulous ski resorts, unforgettable restaurants, the most charming city life, and beauty that is hard to compare. Outdoor lovers, history buffs, foodies, families, and so many others will find something that captures their interest in this Utah town. Plus, any season here is magical but we are particularly
fond of the winter .
3. Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
Thanksgiving Point, 3003 Thanksgiving Wy, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
Thanksgiving Point in Lehi is one attraction that has something for everyone and is hard to explore in a single day. Take a walk in the gorgeous Ashton Gardens, which truly comes to life during the annual Tulip Festival each spring. Head into the Museum of Ancient Life to step back in time. The Museum of Natural Curiosity features hundreds of interactive experiences that will delight both children and adults and even get up close to all types of butterflies and insects in the Butterfly Biosphere. And that’s just the beginning …
4. Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Temple Square, 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA
Temple Square is a favorite tourist attraction for many individuals in the Salt Lake Valley. Walk around the grounds and the gardens, take a tour of the many historic buildings, and even attend one of the live performances. The holidays are particularly magical when Temple Square comes aglow with thousands of lights. Keep in mind that the Salt Lake Temple is currently closed for renovations and areas of Temple Square may be closed.
5. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Zion National Park may be one of Utah’s most well-known tourist attractions and for good reason. This breathtaking national park is where you can capture gorgeous views and the most extraordinary hiking trails (Angels Landing, anyone?). I recommend you visit this national park during the winter months to avoid the crowds and the scorching southern Utah heat.
6. Dinosaur National Monument
Quarry Visitor Center, 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035, USA
Dinosaur National Monument is one of those destinations that may seem out of the way but you’ll never regret a visit. Here, you can enjoy a plethora of activities but we recommend visiting the
Quarry Visitor Center and checking out the extensive collection of dinosaur bones. The wall of dinosaur bones is pretty impressive so make sure you have a camera handy.
7. Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Ivins
Tuacahn Center for the Arts, 1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USA
It doesn’t matter if you love the arts or you simply want something entertaining and unforgettable to do on an evening in southern Utah,
Tuacahn is a must-visit attraction. This destination features an incredible outdoor theater tucked away in the red rocks just outside of St. George. You can enjoy all types of shows at this attraction from theater productions to concerts. Just make sure you arrive early to walk around the grounds — it’s gorgeous here.
8. Any of Utah’s Ski Resorts
Utah is home to more than a dozen ski resorts, including
Park City Mountain , one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Ten of these ski resorts are located within an hour of the Salt Lake City Airport. While most locals have their favorite resorts, you’ll never go wrong with a visit to any. Remember, Utah is home to the greatest snow on earth!
9. Aggie Ice Cream, Logan
Aggie Ice Cream @ The Creamery, 750 N 1200 E, Logan, UT 84321, USA
I may be biased (I'm a Utah State University graduate), but Logan is where you will find Aggie Creamery, the
best ice cream in Utah . Located on USU’s Logan campus, this creamery dates back to 1888 and was originally established in the northeast basement of Old Main. Today, you can visit and enjoy items such as flavorful ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and more. If you are looking for ice cream recommendations, Aggie Blue Mint is a local favorite, but I personally am a fan of Aggie Space Debris, which is huckleberry ice cream with huckleberry and raspberry swirls plus white chocolate and fudge flakes.
10. Arches National Park
Arches National Park, Utah, USA
Utah’s national parks draw in millions of people every single year. And while we could certainly place every national park on this list, Arches is one destination that tends to stand out. In fact, it is so popular with locals and visitors alike that reservations are required for entry. During your time in this national park, give yourself a challenge and count how many natural arches you see. This park is home to the
largest concentration of natural stone arches in the world and there are more than 2,000 documented arches in the park.
11. Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park, 3351 Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737, USA
If you want a day in the sun,
Sand Hollow State Park will not disappoint. This state park not only features a 1,300-acre reservoir but it also has impressive dunes for playing on the sand. You certainly won’t want to rush home after a day at Sand Hollow and fortunately, you will find some of the best campgrounds in Utah here.
What other tourist attractions in Utah would you add to this list? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And, if you plan to visit these attractions on a road trip, make sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list and some of our favorite car-friendly snacks before you go.
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