Are you looking for a great weekend getaway? Fortunately, Utah has a myriad of recreational activities to get your heart racing, as well as many locations where you can kick back and take it all in. You can get away, experience an adventure, and recharge your batteries without ever taking a day of vacation leave! Check out these great suggestions divided up by region.
Northern Utah
At the tip-top of the state we find stunning, mountainous scenery and quaint valleys that will take your breath away. If you live in the northern part of the state, look into these locations for your weekend getaway.
- Cache Valley: Nestled in the northeastern corner of the state, Cache Valley offers the charm of a small town, along with college sports, theater productions, summer festivals, and many great eating establishments. Its close proximity to multiple canyons also offers the opportunity for outdoor recreation.
- Bear Lake: Nicknamed “the Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its dazzlingly blue waters, Bear Lake covers the state line between Utah and Idaho. There is plenty of opportunity for camping along with cabins available to rent. You can spend your time on one of many beaches, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, or wind sailing.
- Ogden: Pineview Reservoir: Tucked back in Ogden Canyon you will find the Pineview Reservoir. This body of water provides irrigation for about 25,000 acres of land. For someone looking to get away for the weekend, it provides a scenic location for camping and fishing.
Wasatch Front
For those along the Wasatch front, running from Davis county all the way down through Utah county, a quick getaway spot might be closer than you think.
- Antelope Island: Camping is always available in any of the canyons so consider going to Antelope Island for a different experience. Surrounded by the Great Salt Lake, you can see many different wildlife species and enjoy great hiking, running, and biking trails. It’s also a great location for teardrop trailer camping, as there are plenty of good spots for micro camping.
- Park City: If you have not been to Park City in a while, this could be the perfect getaway destination. From luxury hotels, mountain recreation, and zip lines to cuisine and art on Historic Main Street, Park City is sure to help you relax and rejuvenate.
- Midway: Home to the Zermatt Resort, the Homestead Resort, vacation rentals, and B&Bs, Midway has something for everyone. Enjoy time at the spa or go scuba diving in the naturally warm Homestead Crater.
- Heber Valley: Take a train ride on the Heber Valley Railroad, play a round of golf, enjoy a zip line through Provo Canyon, or just take deep breaths of fresh mountain air.
- Sundance Resort: Home to the Sundance Film Festival each year, the resort takes on a new feel during the summer as concerts and plays fill the amphitheater. You might also enjoy fly fishing, mountain biking, or hiking while you are there!
Central and Eastern Utah
As you head farther south, you will find additional opportunities for exploring the unique landscape and history found in the Beehive State.
- Little Sahara Recreation Area: This desert location offers many outdoor recreation activities including ATV trails, hiking, and fishing.
- Vernal: Eastern Utah gives us Vernal and its surrounding wonders in Flaming Gorge, the Green River, and the Uinta mountains. You can explore the wildlife refuge, go hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and even boating.
- Mining Ghost Towns: If you want to add a little spice to your weekend trip, you may enjoy the ghost towns of Eureka, Silver City, and Mammoth. Learn a little bit about the people who once lived there and take a step back in time as you look around the towns they left behind.
- Manti: Located in central Utah, Manti has all the charm you could want from a small town. During the summer, you can come and experience the Mormon Miracle Pageant, a production that tells of the story of a couple as they search for religious truth. Experience the beauty of the Manti temple while enjoying foods from the area.
Southern Utah
Utah’s Dixie is roughly a six-hour drive from the top of the state, making it an easy destination, regardless of your starting location. The red rock and the natural splendor will have you wanting to call in sick.
- “Mighty Five”: Southern Utah is home to five national parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Each has its own beauty and offers the chance to camp or stay nearby, hike, and explore its many wonders. It’s also a great place to take your RV for a while!
- Utah Shakespearean Festival: Cedar City is home to the Utah Shakespearean Festival, where you can see William Shakespeare’s plays come to life. In addition to attending performances, there are also seminars, tours, and other activities available for those interested.
- Lake Powell: A favorite for many Utahns, Lake Powell is a wonderful place to bring your boat and explore canyons, slots, inlets, coves, and even see Native American ruins. Stay on your houseboat or bring your camping gear. Enjoy boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, and swimming in the lake.