Whether you’re looking forward to spring break, or just getting ready to take a few extra days off work, a long weekend can be just what need to relax and recharge. Here are 9 places around the Beehive State to consider; each has plenty of things to keep you busy, and a few ideas for idle relaxation, too.
- Moab
Kelly Marcum/flickr Moab is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Spend some time exploring Arches National Park, then take a day trip down to Canyonlands for more scenic adventures. There’s plenty of slickrock hiking and biking to do here, and for some wild fun, take a whitewater tour down the Colorado River on a raft.
- Park City
Chris Dodson/flickr Park City is the perfect getaway, year-round. In the winter you’ll enjoy skiing and boarding; in the summer, hiking and mountain biking. Main Street offers plenty of excellent restaurants, breweries and entertainment. When it’s time to slow it down a bit, find a spa for a massage, or just chill on the deck with a local brew and enjoy the scenery.
- Ogden
Visit Ogden/Facebook Start on Historic 25th Street, where you’ll find Wiseguys Comedy Cafe, and lots of local dining. Catch an Ogden Raptors game, go surfing at at Flowrider, and take a stroll through Ogden Dinosaur Park. Spend at least one day up in Ogden Valley, where you can boat, fish and swim at Pineview Reservoir, and grab a beer at Utah’s oldest bar, Shooting Star Saloon.
- Kanab
Richard Schneider/flickr Kanab makes a great hub when you want to visit Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. In town, you’ll want to pay a visit to Best Friends Animal Society, the Little Hollywood Movie Museum and Moqui Cave.
- High Uinta Mountains
Howard Ignatious/flickr Get away from city life and head to the High Uinta Mountains, where you’ll find fresh air, fragrant pines and pretty alpine lakes. This area of the Beehive State has something to offer everyone: car camping for young families, and backpacking for the more adventurous. The fishing, hiking and stargazing up here is unparalleled.
- Lake Powell
Bernard Spragg. NZ/flickr The best way to explore Lake Powell is on a houseboat. Once you’re out on the lake, you’ll find tons of shoreline and lots of little coves to play in, and you’ll have even more fun cruising around on personal watercraft. Don’t miss Rainbow Bridge, and make sure to visit Glen Canyon Dam while you’re there.
- Salt Lake City
Garrett/flickr A staycation in Salt Lake City? Why not! There’s something here for everyone: Hogle Zoo, Clark Planetarium, and the Museum of Natural History are just a few kid-friendly attractions. Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a scenic view of the city, take a scenic drive up Emigration Canyon and grab some brunch at Ruth’s Diner. Catch a show at the Eccles Theater or grab a beer at one of the many breweries and pubs here.
- St. George
Ken Lund/flickr St. George is a vibrant little city surrounded by lots of natural attractions. It’s close to Zion National Park, but you also don’t want to miss Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Nature Conservation Area, or Quail Creek and Sand Hollow State Parks. For relaxation, a game of golf on a world-class course sounds nice, and there are plenty of spas so you can enjoy a relaxing massage or facial.
- Bear Lake
Aaron Hawkins/flickr Bear Lake is one of Utah’s most scenic spots, and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore all it has to offer. They call this lake Caribbean of the Rockies because of its rich, blue color, and you’ll love swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and boating here. Drop a line and catch a fish, go for a hike and don’t forget to indulge in at least one raspberry shake while you’re here.
What’s your favorite spot in Utah to go for a long weekend? Tell us in the comments!
Kelly Marcum/flickr
Moab is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Spend some time exploring Arches National Park, then take a day trip down to Canyonlands for more scenic adventures. There’s plenty of slickrock hiking and biking to do here, and for some wild fun, take a whitewater tour down the Colorado River on a raft.
Chris Dodson/flickr
Park City is the perfect getaway, year-round. In the winter you’ll enjoy skiing and boarding; in the summer, hiking and mountain biking. Main Street offers plenty of excellent restaurants, breweries and entertainment. When it’s time to slow it down a bit, find a spa for a massage, or just chill on the deck with a local brew and enjoy the scenery.
Visit Ogden/Facebook
Start on Historic 25th Street, where you’ll find Wiseguys Comedy Cafe, and lots of local dining. Catch an Ogden Raptors game, go surfing at at Flowrider, and take a stroll through Ogden Dinosaur Park. Spend at least one day up in Ogden Valley, where you can boat, fish and swim at Pineview Reservoir, and grab a beer at Utah’s oldest bar, Shooting Star Saloon.
Richard Schneider/flickr
Kanab makes a great hub when you want to visit Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. In town, you’ll want to pay a visit to Best Friends Animal Society, the Little Hollywood Movie Museum and Moqui Cave.
Howard Ignatious/flickr
Get away from city life and head to the High Uinta Mountains, where you’ll find fresh air, fragrant pines and pretty alpine lakes. This area of the Beehive State has something to offer everyone: car camping for young families, and backpacking for the more adventurous. The fishing, hiking and stargazing up here is unparalleled.
Bernard Spragg. NZ/flickr
The best way to explore Lake Powell is on a houseboat. Once you’re out on the lake, you’ll find tons of shoreline and lots of little coves to play in, and you’ll have even more fun cruising around on personal watercraft. Don’t miss Rainbow Bridge, and make sure to visit Glen Canyon Dam while you’re there.
Garrett/flickr
A staycation in Salt Lake City? Why not! There’s something here for everyone: Hogle Zoo, Clark Planetarium, and the Museum of Natural History are just a few kid-friendly attractions. Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a scenic view of the city, take a scenic drive up Emigration Canyon and grab some brunch at Ruth’s Diner. Catch a show at the Eccles Theater or grab a beer at one of the many breweries and pubs here.
Ken Lund/flickr
St. George is a vibrant little city surrounded by lots of natural attractions. It’s close to Zion National Park, but you also don’t want to miss Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs Nature Conservation Area, or Quail Creek and Sand Hollow State Parks. For relaxation, a game of golf on a world-class course sounds nice, and there are plenty of spas so you can enjoy a relaxing massage or facial.
Aaron Hawkins/flickr
Bear Lake is one of Utah’s most scenic spots, and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore all it has to offer. They call this lake Caribbean of the Rockies because of its rich, blue color, and you’ll love swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and boating here. Drop a line and catch a fish, go for a hike and don’t forget to indulge in at least one raspberry shake while you’re here.
If you find yourself on Route 6 between Helper and Spanish Fork, you should definitely stop at this quaint rest stop for a break.
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