There are so many things to see and do in the Beehive State that it could take a lifetime to get to all of them. Every day, we bring you a new attraction, restaurant, or hiking trail to explore, but there are some spots that we think every Utahn should see before they die. Here are some of our favorite Utah day trips and 15 awesome outings to put on your bucket list.
1. Check out Utah's most distinctive natural wonder.
Delicate Arch is Utah's iconic natural wonder. There's a reason it's on our license plate - it's truly amazing. Visit Arches National Park to see how huge it is in real life.
2. Visit Utah's most famous outdoor art installation.
Artist Robert Smithson created the Spiral Jetty in 1970, and though it was covered by water from the Great Salt Lake for several years, it's been visible since 2002. To fully appreciate this gem you have to see it in person.
3. Ride the rails on Utah's historic train.
A ride on the Heber Valley Railroad is an outing you won't soon forget. Choose from several scenic routes and watch for special trips like the princess and pirate train, chocolate train, cowboy train, and more.
4. Spend a day at this incredible Utah museum.
The Utah Museum of Natural History first opened in the 1960s on the University of Utah campus, but it got a brand new building in 2011. See everything from geology to paleontology, and watch real scientists at work here.
5. Set aside an entire day for this popular Utah attraction.
Thanksgiving Point has something for everyone! Stroll through 55 acres of gardens, visit the Museum of Ancient Life to see a huge collection of dinosaur bones, enjoy 400 interactive experiences at the Museum of Natural Curiosity, visit the butterflies at the Butterfly Biosphere, play a round of golf, and enjoy a meal.
6. Get up early to take this short hike to an amazing arch.
The hike to Mesa Arch is a short 0.7-mile trail, and if you wake up early, you can catch a beautiful sunrise through the arch. Mesa Arch is located at Canyonlands National Park and you'll want to see it!
7. Drive a scenic highway to a majestic waterfall.
Take the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway to see Upper Provo River Falls. The road closes during the winter, but in the summer months, the falls are easily seen right from the parking lot — no hiking needed.
8. Take this unrivaled canyon hike.
Zion National Park is a treasure that every Utahn should visit and The Riverside Walk is accessible to everyone. The 2.2-mile trail is paved and mostly flat, but if you want to continue on, you can enter the Narrows and continue right down the middle of the Virgin River.
9. Get your thrills at Utah's amusement park.
Lagoon is Utah's only amusement park. It's over 130 years old, and it's the perfect place to make family memories that last a lifetime. From Pioneer Village to Lagoon-A-Beach to the thrilling rides for all ages, there's something for everyone here. It is truly the perfect
10. Play all day in the Caribbean of the Rockies.
Bear Lake is known as the Caribbean of the Rockies and you'll see why the moment you lay eyes on it. It's a deep blue color due to the minerals suspended in the water. Located on the Utah/Idaho border, this is one lake you need to visit.
11. Take a hike and explore an unforgettable cave.
The hike up to Timpanogos Cave is steep and strenuous, but the cave is a cool 45 degrees. A park ranger will take you on a tour to see stalagmites, stalagtites, and helictites. You'll also hear the story about the Great Heart of Timpanogos.
12. Soak in this warm spring.
The Homestead Crater is fed by a geothermal spring that maintains a constant 96 degrees, so it's a perfect place to soak throughout the entire year. This unique destination is a relaxing day trip in Utah that you'll love.
13. Catch a sunrise at one of several overlooks in this national park.
The amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park is absolutely stunning and you can view it from one of several overlooks. Get up nice and early to capture a sunrise here — it's a photo every Utahn should capture.
14. Tour this beloved Utah ghost town.
Grafton is the most photographed ghost town in the West and it's absolutely charming. Several of the buildings here were renovated in the 1990s and the little cemetery holds as many as 84 graves and a lot of history.
15. Head to Utah's most well-known island.
Explore Antelope Island, a 42-square-mile island in the Great Salt Lake where you can say hello to a herd of bison, play on the beach, and catch some killer lake views.
What do you consider the best day trips in Utah? Tell us in the comments and tag the friends and family members you want to bring with you!
If you are searching for even more unique day trips in Utah, visit Viator for even more ideas.
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