Utah, a land of stunning contrasts, has captured my heart from day one. Living here my entire life has been an incredible journey, watching the seasons paint the landscapes in ever-changing hues. Each year, I find myself falling more deeply in love with this beautiful state. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a local seeking new adventures, this Utah Travel Guide is crafted just for you. I’m excited to share my personal recommendations for local gems, from must-try restaurants to unforgettable experiences, ensuring your Utah adventure is truly exceptional.
Let’s begin your journey the moment you arrive, at Salt Lake City International Airport.
Salt Lake City International Airport: Your Gateway to Utah
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) isn’t just an arrival point; it’s a destination in itself. Recently焕然一新, this state-of-the-art airport offers a welcoming first impression of Utah. If you find yourself with extra time before or after your flight, I highly recommend exploring the airport’s impressive amenities. For a taste of local flavors right within the terminal, be sure to check out the restaurant guide in collaboration with Visit Utah HERE. You’ll discover a fantastic selection of local dining options, perfect for starting or ending your Utah trip on a delicious note.
Inside Salt Lake City International Airport showcasing modern architecture and spacious walkways.
Passengers walking through the bright and clean concourse of Salt Lake City Airport, highlighting its new and modern design.
Check out the Salt Lake City Airport Restaurant Guide by Visit Utah
Now, let’s move on to what many consider the highlight of any trip: the food!
Food Adventures in Utah: A Local’s Guide to the Best Bites
A vibrant and colorful spread of various food items, representing the diverse culinary scene in Utah.
Close-up shot of beautifully plated dishes, showcasing the quality and presentation of Utah's restaurant offerings.
For an in-depth look at Utah’s food scene, my Instagram account @utahgrubs is your go-to resource! Start saving posts of places that catch your eye. You can also explore our location-specific hashtags like #ParkCityGrubs and #StGeorgeGrubs to narrow down your search and find local favorites in different areas of Utah. While some unrelated content might pop up under these hashtags, they are still excellent starting points for your culinary exploration.
To make planning even easier, I’ve compiled a comprehensive Google Maps list featuring all the recommendations in this guide and even more hidden gems. This visual map allows you to quickly identify restaurants near your location, making it incredibly convenient to plan your meals on the go.
Here’s a curated list of some of my absolute favorite Utah eateries:
- Thirst Drinks: A Utah staple! If you enjoy sparkling water, the “Thirsty Mom” is a must-try. Don’t forget to pair your drink with their delicious beignets.
- Pretty Bird Chicken: For Nashville-style hot chicken that truly delivers on flavor and spice.
- Vessel Kitchen: Healthy and delicious fast-casual dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Nielsen’s Frozen Custard: A classic Utah dessert destination, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with rich, creamy frozen custard.
- Beaumont Cafe: Indulge in their incredible chopped salad and fries, and be sure to sample their tempting array of pastries.
- Tulie Bakery: A charming bakery in a walkable area. The olive oil cake and almond croissant are highly recommended.
- Sweetaly Gelato: Authentic gelato with a must-try pistachio flavor.
- Cubby’s: A favorite fast-casual spot known for the wild rice + kale salad and sweet potato fries with chipotle dipping sauce.
- Mr. Charlie’s Chicken: A local alternative to Raising Cane’s, perfect for chicken finger lovers.
- Rich’s Bagels: Get the asiago bagel for a truly satisfying breakfast or lunch.
- Spilled Milk Bar: Creative and unique desserts in a fun atmosphere.
- Banbury Cross Donuts: A legendary donut shop serving up classic and inventive flavors.
- Sapa Sushi: Fresh and flavorful sushi in a stylish setting.
- Nomad East: Globally inspired dishes with a focus on wood-fired cooking.
- Pizza Nono: Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.
- Nona’s Bistro: Authentic Italian cuisine that’s simply amazing.
- Franklin: A restaurant with a fun and lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out.
- HHC: Known for their gourmet hot dogs and creative toppings.
- Pizzeria Limone: Delicious and authentic Italian pizza and salads.
- The Dodo: A Salt Lake City institution. Order the dirty bird salad and the banana cream pie – you won’t regret it!
- Bocata (City Creek food court): Delicious sandwiches and Mediterranean-inspired bowls.
- Sweet Biscuits & Limeade: Southern comfort food with a Utah twist.
- Pizzeria Tasso (Holladay): Another excellent pizza option in the Holladay area.
- Roc Taco: Creative and flavorful tacos with unique combinations.
- Chubby Baker: Delicious baked goods and custom cakes.
- Kitchen Eighty-Eight: Modern American cuisine in a stylish setting.
- Sobe Eats: Cuban and Latin American food – don’t miss the mojito!
- The Protein Foundry: Healthy and customizable protein bowls and smoothies.
- Lola’s on 9th & 9th: Eclectic American dishes in a cozy neighborhood spot.
- HSL (Handle Salt Lake): Refined American dining with a focus on local ingredients.
- Ruby Snap Cookies: Unique and delicious cookies with creative names and flavors.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Utah’s culinary scene. For more recommendations, explore Utah Grubs, check out Yelp reviews, and most importantly, support local restaurants during your visit. You’re sure to discover incredible flavors and dining experiences throughout the state.
Shopping in Utah: Unique Finds and Local Boutiques
A charming storefront with curated displays of clothing and accessories, representing Utah's boutique shopping scene.
Interior of a well-designed retail space with clothing racks and displays, highlighting the stylish shopping experiences available in Utah.
Utah offers a diverse shopping experience, from large malls to charming local boutiques. While this guide focuses more on experiences and food, exploring local shops can add a unique touch to your trip. Downtown Salt Lake City and areas like 9th & 9th are great for discovering local businesses and unique finds. Park City’s Main Street is also renowned for its upscale boutiques and art galleries.
Things to Do in Utah: Adventures for Every Season
A scenic view of a vibrant city skyline against a backdrop of mountains, showcasing the urban and natural attractions of Utah.
People enjoying outdoor activities in a park setting, representing the active lifestyle and recreational opportunities in Utah.
Utah is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with activities abound year-round. The best time to visit for specific activities largely depends on the season, but exploring the mountains is always a must.
Here are some ideas for things to do in Utah:
- Explore Downtown Salt Lake City: Visit City Creek Center, a unique outdoor shopping and dining destination. Explore Temple Square’s Visitors Center to learn about Utah’s history and culture. Rent scooters to explore the city and enjoy the sights. For a local grocery experience, visit Harmon’s, my personal favorite grocery store chain in Utah.
- Capitol Hill: Especially beautiful in late March when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, offering stunning photo opportunities.
- Albion Basin Wildflowers: Stroll through fields of wildflowers in Albion Basin during late July and early August for a breathtaking natural display.
- Sugar House Park: A fantastic park for families with kids, offering playgrounds, walking paths, and open spaces.
- Utah’s Hogle Zoo: Home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, perfect for a family outing.
- Discovery Gateway: An interactive children’s museum in downtown Salt Lake City, offering educational and fun exhibits.
- Catch a Game or Show: Enjoy a Bee’s Baseball game (minor league baseball), a Utah Jazz basketball game (NBA), or a performance at the Eccles Theater. Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition if you visit in December.
- Southern Utah Day Trips:
- Tibble Fork Reservoir: A beautiful mountain reservoir perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and scenic walks.
- Thanksgiving Point (Lehi): A complex with museums, gardens, and the Butterfly Biosphere, offering a variety of family-friendly activities.
Hotels in Utah: Comfortable Stays for Every Traveler
A modern and stylish hotel room showcasing comfortable bedding and contemporary design, representing Utah's hotel accommodations.
Exterior view of a charming hotel with inviting architecture, suggesting a welcoming and comfortable stay in Utah.
Utah offers a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. For Salt Lake City, consider hotels downtown for easy access to attractions. Park City boasts numerous resorts and hotels, including the Versante mentioned below. St. George also has a variety of hotels and vacation rentals to choose from. For unique stays, consider exploring boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts throughout the state.
Hiking in Utah: Explore the Majestic Trails
A scenic hiking trail winding through lush greenery and trees, showcasing the natural beauty of Utah's hiking landscapes.
Hikers pausing to admire a stunning mountain lake view, emphasizing the rewarding views from Utah's hiking trails.
Lake Mary to Lake Catherine via Brighton Trailhead
Hiking in Utah is an absolute must-do. While winter hiking can be challenging due to cold temperatures, spring, summer, and fall offer incredible hiking experiences. For summer hikes, start early to avoid the heat. I highly recommend using the AllTrails app AllTrails app to find trails, read reviews, and check trail conditions. You can even follow me on AllTrails to see my favorite hikes!
Here are some of my favorite Utah hiking trails:
- Millcreek Canyon (closest canyon to Salt Lake City):
- Pipeline Trail: A relatively flat and scenic trail, great for all skill levels.
- Grandeur Peak: A more challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views from the summit.
- Salt Lake Overlook via Desolation Trail: Offers stunning views overlooking Salt Lake City.
- Lake Blanche: A strenuous hike but incredibly rewarding, especially in the fall when the foliage is vibrant.
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail: A long trail with various access points. The “Z Trail” section in the Cove area is a favorite.
- Living Room Lookout Trail: A moderate hike leading to unique rock formations that resemble living room furniture, with great city views.
- Lake Mary (to Lake Catherine) via Brighton or Alta: A beautiful hike accessing alpine lakes in the Brighton/Alta ski areas.
- Donut Falls: An easy and family-friendly hike leading to a small waterfall cascading through a donut-shaped rock formation.
- Mount Timpanogos: A challenging full-day hike, best started early (2-3 AM) to catch the sunrise from the summit – an unforgettable experience.
- Silver Lake: Easy boardwalk trails around a picturesque lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, accessible for all ages and abilities.
- Bell Canyon Trail: Starts easy but becomes more strenuous as you ascend towards a beautiful waterfall.
- Bloods Lake: A moderate hike to a serene lake surrounded by forest.
Park City, UT: Mountain Charm and Resort Town Vibes
Main Street in Park City, Utah, bustling with shops, restaurants, and people, capturing the lively atmosphere of this mountain town.
A picturesque mountain scene with ski slopes and fall foliage, representing the scenic beauty and recreational activities in Park City.
Park City is a renowned mountain town offering a blend of outdoor adventure and upscale amenities. While a dedicated Park City guide could be much more extensive, here are a few of my favorite spots:
- Main Street Exploration: Stroll down Main Street to browse boutiques, art galleries, and enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere.
- FiveSeeds: A must-visit for breakfast or brunch – expect delicious and creative dishes.
- Nosh: Try the “fawaffle” (falafel waffle) for a unique and flavorful meal.
- Handle: Known for its innovative and seasonal American cuisine.
- Cafe Terigo: A cozy Italian restaurant with a charming ambiance.
- Versante: An excellent hotel option in Park City, known for its comfortable accommodations and great service.
Midway/Heber: Small Town Charm and Scenic Beauty
A quaint street scene in Midway, Utah, featuring historic buildings and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
People enjoying water activities at a lake surrounded by mountains, representing the outdoor recreation in the Midway/Heber area.
Midway and Heber are charming towns located in the Heber Valley, known for their scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere. They are particularly beautiful in the fall.
Here are some of my favorite spots in Midway/Heber:
- BelJar Home: A cute home decor boutique with unique finds.
- Lola’s Street Kitchen: Delicious and flavorful street food-inspired dishes.
- Midway Mercantile: A popular restaurant – reservations are recommended.
- Judy’s Donuts: A local favorite for classic donuts.
- Dottie’s Kolaches: Offers kolaches (savory pastries), Thirst Drinks, and Ruby Snap cookies – a great stop for a quick bite.
- Red Mango (inside a grocery store): Surprisingly delicious frozen yogurt – a personal favorite!
- Homestead Crater: Swim or soak in a geothermal hot spring inside a unique crater formation.
- Homestead Resort: A historic resort offering comfortable accommodations and various activities.
St. George/Zion: Southern Utah’s Red Rock Wonders
A panoramic view of Zion National Park's dramatic red rock formations and canyons, highlighting the stunning landscapes of Southern Utah.
People hiking through a red rock canyon in Zion National Park, showcasing the adventurous activities and natural beauty of the area.
St. George and Zion National Park are located in Southern Utah, known for their stunning red rock landscapes and warmer climate. While the food scene is still developing, the natural beauty is unparalleled.
Here are recommendations for the St. George/Zion area:
- Snow Canyon State Park: Drive through this park for incredible views and hiking opportunities. It rivals Zion in beauty and is less crowded.
- Veyo Pies (near Snow Canyon): A must-stop for delicious homemade pies.
- Zion National Park: Explore the iconic park – Angel’s Landing is a famous hike (be aware of safety precautions and permit requirements).
- Orange Peel: A local favorite for pizza and casual dining.
- Viva Chicken: Peruvian rotisserie chicken that’s flavorful and satisfying.
- Angelica’s Mexican Grill: Authentic Mexican food in St. George.
- Nielsen’s Frozen Custard: Another location to enjoy this Utah dessert classic.
- Swig: Similar to Thirst Drinks, offering customized soda drinks and sweet treats.
- Mad Pita: Mediterranean and Greek food with flavorful pita wraps and bowls.
I’m still exploring Moab and its foodie scene and plan to update this Utah travel guide with Moab recommendations soon!
Explore the full list of recommendations on Google Maps
Screenshot of a Google Maps list, visually representing the collection of recommended places in Utah.
I hope this Utah travel guide helps you plan your adventure in this incredible state! Enjoy your trip to Utah!
-Liv
