50 Things to Do in Utah (Free Printable Utah Bucket List)

Utah is such a great state to visit there is so much to do and so many different places to visit. If you haven’t made a Utah Bucket list with things to do in Utah you should.

I love using bucket lists to remember places I want to visit and as an idea list for when we are planning trips or just looking for something to do. My bucket lists include everything from big attractions to parks, hiking trails and restaurants.

Even though both Jared and I grew up in Utah, and spent our first year of married life in Utah there are still so many things to do in Utah that we have never done!

Now that we live on the other side of the country it’s a lot more difficult to cross things off of our Utah bucket list. But each time we visit we have tried to slowly check off one or two things from our list of things to do in Utah.

Things to Do in Utah

This list of things to do in Utah has grown and grown while I have been writing. I included some of our favorite places as well as some places we haven’t visited yet. If we miss any of your favorite things to do in Utah please let us know in the comments so we can add them to our list!

#1 Temple Square

Temple Square is one of the most iconic Utah landmarks. With the large Salt Lake Temple, tabernacle, and beautiful grounds, temple square is a great place to explore with the whole family if you’re visiting northern Utah.

One of my favorite times to visit temple square is during the holidays, there are so many Christmas lights it really is magical.

#2 Alpine Loop Scenic Drive

The Alpine Loop is a scenic drive that goes from Provo to Alpine. The drive starts by going up Provo Canyon on U.S. 189 then turning at Sundance and going through Uinta National Forest and then taking Highway 92 down American Fork Canyon. (Obviously, the drive can be done from Alpine to Provo as well)

The scenery is beautiful and typically there is very little traffic on this scenic drive. The roads are closed part of the year due to snow, so don’t plan on taking this drive in the winter!

#3 Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a large lake that is located in both Utah and Arizona. It’s a beautiful lake with red rocks and sandy beaches.

Both Jared and I have been to Lake Powell several times. Jared to the Arizona side (Wahweap) and I grew up going to the Utah side (Bullfrog) every year. But we haven’t been together and our kids have never been so it’s a must on our bucket list.

For the ultimate experience at Lake Powell stay on a houseboat in an area without cell service. It makes for an amazing vacation.

#4 Utah Creamery

The Utah Creamery in Beaver is a fun road trip stop. The Utah Creamery was previously known as the Cache Valley Cheese Factory.

When Jared was growing up his family always stopped at the Cache Valley Cheese Factory in Beaver when they would drive to St. George. My first time visiting the cheese factory was after getting married.

Now anytime we drive between Utah County and St. George we try to stop and get a bag of squeaky cheese. It’s also a great place for a bathroom break and to let the kids get some wiggles out.

#5 This is the Place Heritage Park

This Heritage Park is a fun way for families to step back in time and experience things as they would have been in the past. Many activities at This is The Place Heritage Park are hands-on like panning for gold and arts and crafts.

#6 Nebo Loop

The Mount Nebo Loop is a scenic byway that crosses the Uinta National Forst connecting the towns of Payson and Nephi. This drive is breathtaking with little traffic and lots of fun overlooks. When we were first married the Nebo Loop was one of our favorite places to go on motorcycle rides.

#7 Kneaders

If you’re not from out west you probably have no idea what Kneaders is. It’s a bakery and cafe with several locations in Utah and other states. Kneaders is known for their chunky cinnamon french toast breakfast but one of my favorites is a turkey sandwich on Asiago cheese bread with cranberry sauce.

Random Fact: Jared and I met while working at Kneaders and even talked about opening our own store.

#8 Hogle Zoo

The Hogle Zoo is located in Salt Lake and is Utah’s only zoo. The Hogle Zoo has changed a lot since I was growing up. There have been a number of improvements made, new exhibits, and additional animal shows.

The one constant from my childhood to now is the bird show, it is a must when you visit. This is a show I remember going to as a kid and they have just improved on it since then. It really is amazing!

Related Post: 10 Things You Need to Do at The Hogle Zoo

#9 Explore Soldier Hollow

Soldier Hollow is a cross-country ski resort located near Midway Utah in the Wasatch Mountain State Park. This resort was built to host a number of events for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Now there are a number of outdoor activities to participate in the area. With winter tubing hills and Summer bike trails to name only a couple.

#10 Snowboarding and Skiing

Utah is home to a large number of ski resorts. People travel from all over to ski in Park City and other surrounding resorts. Both Jared and I have been to several of the different ski resorts, Jared to snowboard and me to ski.

#11 Zions

Zions is Utah’s first national park. Zions is known for amazing sandstone cliffs, hiking trails, slot canyons, and beautiful views, it is located in southern Utah, near St. George.

There are a number of trails throughout the park some are family-friendly (Lower Emerald Pool Trail) and others are more on the extreme hiking side of things (Angels Landing). Be sure to do some research to find out which trails you want to explore!

If you’re driving through Zions the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel gives access from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon.

#12 Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is another of Utah’s national parks. According to the National Park Services, “it is home to the largest collection of hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion.)” in the world.

#13 Arches National Park

Yet another national park in Utah that is known for its beautiful red rock arches (over 2,000 of them!). Delicate Arch is probably the most well-known arch.

#14 Antelope Island

Antelope Island State Park is located along the Great Salt Lake. Antilope Island is a fun place to drive around and explore. With free-range Antilope and bison among other animals, the whole family will enjoy the adventure.

#15 College Football Game

Brigham Young University (BYU), The University of Utah (The U), and Utah State are all universities with Football teams. Utah and BYU are major rivels and a big part of Utah culture.

The “holy war” that happens each year is a major event for college football fans in Utah.

#16 Zupas

Cafe Zupas has delicious fresh soup, salad, and sandwiches. We love eating here when we visit Utah. Each order also comes with a slice of bread and a chocolate-covered strawberry. Yum!

Tip: Get a combo and a side so you can try all three the soup, salad, and sandwich.

#17 Heber Valley Railroad

The Heber Valley Railroad is home to the Heber Creeper. This is a historic railroad that still offers rides throughout the year. The Provo Canyon Limited is a 3-hour scenic ride down Provo Canyon.

When I was in college my roommates and I went on the polar express and had a great time even though we were a little old. I can’t wait to take my kids on a train raid here sometime.

#18 Spend a Day at the Lake

Utah is home to (500+) lakes. Since Utah is a landlocked state and a long drive from the ocean playing at the lake is a great summer activity and in the winter Ice fishing on the lake is also very popular.

#19 Golden Spike National Historic Site.

the Golden Spike site is a fun place to visit in Utah with kids. Not only will your trip be educational it will also be fun and makes history come alive.

A little history: On May 10, 1869, the Union and Central Pacific railroads met at Promontory Summit in the Utah Territory. This site often referred to now known as Promontory Point is the place where the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed.

At the Golden Spike National Historic Site, you can see steam train demonstrations and reenactments of driving the last spike ceremony along with an auto tour. During the summer the entrance fee is $7 per car.

#20 Hike Mount Timpanogos

Mount Timpanogos is one of Utah’s most well-known mountains and a popular hiking destination. There are 2 trails that lead to the top of Mount Timpanogos the aspen grove trial (8.3 miles one way) and the timpanooke trail (2.5 miles one way)

#21 Snowbird Tram

The Snowbird tram is a 10-minute ride to the top of hidden peak. Once you reach the top you can ski down in the winter. In the summer you can explore the peak and enjoy the views before riding the tram back down. You can also hike or mountain bike down the mountain.

#22 Mountain Biking

There are Mountain Biking trails for all skill levels spread throughout the state. Jared really enjoyed mountain biking before we got married and would love to spend time doing it again sometime.

#23 Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance film festival takes place yearly in Park City. It is the largest independent film festival in the United States. If you want to attend any of the events at the festival be sure to plan ahead.

#24 Four Corners

Four corners is the area where 4 states (Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico) meet. At this point, there is a monument that shows the state lines. Stand in the middle and you are in 4 states at the same time.

#25 Hale Center Theater

The hale center theater in Orem has a stage in the middle of the theater with seats surrounding it. This stage setup makes for a unique theater experience.

#26 Lagoon

Lagoon is one of the oldest amusement parks still in operation in the United States. It first opened under a different name in 1886 and is still in operation today. At Lagoon you will find old amusement park favorites as well as new and thrilling (or terrifying) rides.

#27 Spiral Jetty

The Spiral Jetty is an earthwork created in the 1970s located in the Great Salt Lake. It’s a really unique place to visit in Utah and it’s free.

#28 Dairy Keen

This family-owned restaurant is home of the train. It’s the perfect place to get a burger and shake in Heber City.

#29 Jazz Game

Salt Lake City is home of the Utah Jazz. Utah’s only major league sports team, so if you want to attend a professional sports game a Jazz game is where it’s at.

#30 Church History Museum

This museum has information about the history of the LDS church as well as the pioneers who settled the Salt Lake Valley. The museum is free and has a number of fun children’s activities.

#31 Bonneville Salt Flats

The salt flats cover more than 30,000 acres and are the setting for many films and a favorite for photographers.

#32 Canyonlands National Park

With countless canyons and buttes to explore, Canyonlands National Park is the place to explore the wilderness.

#33 Timpanogos Cave

Timpanogos Cave is a national monument located in American Fork Canyon. It’s a fun thing to do in the American Fork area and perfect for the whole family.

#34 Brigham Young Winter Home

Tour Brigham Young’s Winter home and learn about early life in St. George for Free. The home is a great place to learn about the settling of the St. George area as well as one of the most influential men when the area was first being settled.

#35 Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park in St. George is a great place to let the kids run, explore and get covered in red dirt. It’s a free park with a lot to do.

#36 Thanksgiving Point

Located in Lehi, Thanksgiving Point hosts many different festivals and is home to animals you can visit year round as well as many events. The Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point is always a big spring event.

#37 Town and City Festivals

Throughout the state, there are tons of different festivals. Midway has Swiss Days in September, Pleasant Grove has Strawberry Days and Payson has Onion Days just to name a few.

#38 Stadium of Fire

The Stadium of Fire is a 4th of July celebration at BYU. It is known for its live entertainment and spectacular fireworks display.

#39 Bridal Veil Falls

The waterfall is hard to miss as you drive up Provo Canyon. The Provo Canyon bike trail runs along the base of the waterfall where a little pool of freezing cold water can be played in.

#40 Thunder Junction

This is an all-abilities park in St. George, Utah. The park is huge with activities for the whole family. See how we spent our time at Thund er Junction here.

#41 Tucanos

This Brazilian Grill is a place you need to eat at least once. They have amazing Churrasco (grilled) meats and the pineapple is amazing!

#42 Dinosaur National Monument

See dinosaur remains embedded in the rocks of Dinosaur National Monument in Jensen, Utah.

#43 The Crater

The Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah is a geothermal spring hidden inside a limestone rock. This is a great place to soak in the warm water or go scuba diving. It’s where I did both of my scuba certifying dives when I was in high school.

#44 Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument is located in southern Utah it sits at over 10,000 feet and has views into a 1/2 mile deep geological amphitheater.

#45 Grand Staircase – Escalante

The Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument was the last place to be mapped in the continental United States. It has a very diverse landscape with slot canyons, natural bridges, arches, and a coniferous forest.

#46 Hells Backbone

This scenic drive is a 38-mile loop. According to Utah.com “it’s a winding route that follows ridges and mountain contours through the area.”

#47 Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is located in Moab Utah. It is situated 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado river giving beautiful and unique views to its visitors.

#48 Monument Valley

Monument Valley is located along the Utah – Arizona border. It is known for being the filming location for many western movies and the sandstone buttes through the park.

#49 Angie’s

Located in Logan Utah Angie’s is home to the famous Kitchen Sink Dessert. If you can Clean the sink, you get a bumper sticker!

#50 Capitol Reef National Park

This park is situated in the south-central part of Utah it is filled with cliffs, canyons, and more to enjoy.

#51 Natural Bridge National Monument

Natural Bridges was Utah’s first National Monument. It is home to 3 bridges named Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu.

#52 Tuacahn Theatre

The Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah is an outdoor theater set among the red rocks. This theater puts on a number of musical productions each year and also hosts a number of concerts and events.

#53 The Real UP House

There is a real UP House (from the Disney- Pixar Movie) in Herriman, Utah. This is a family home so when visiting please be respectful. There are guidelines for taking photos on the property at The Real Up House website.

Utah has so many wonderful places to explore I’m sure this list is missing quite a few fun activities. If I missed any of your favorites let me know in the comments! We are always looking for more places to explore!

Utah Bucket List Free Printable

Get your Utah Bucket List Printable here. Page 1 includes some of the ideas listed in this post, page 2 is blank for you to make your own list of things to do in Utah.