Weekend Getaways & Day Trips
A family-friendly guide to Utah's best quick trips and staycations.
When in need of some weekend R&R or a quick change of scenery, there’s no better place than close to home. Gather the crew and take a quick outing to find new urban hotspots or disappear into the mountains for the perfect weekend escape. Better yet, load up the car with family or friends, and drive south through some cherished small towns to rediscover yourself amongst the red rocks.
City Escapes
Sometimes getting out of town just means the next one over. A quick change of scenery does wonders for a quick family or group getaway, and these Utah cities offer plenty of ways to make a weekend feel special.
A Locals’ Weekend Getaway in Salt Lake City
A Salt Lake City staycation is the perfect excuse to experience the city like a visitor. Gather the family, round up some friends and take advantage of downtown hotels offering discounts or deals for Utah residents, especially during the shoulder seasons.
Book something boutique for the whole group, like the Evo Hotel, bouldering gym and skate park included, ideal for group activities and active families. While you're in the area, take a stroll through some of Salt Lake City's neighborhoods for local dining, arts, entertainment and shopping. (Read: Insider's Guide to Salt Lake City Neighborhoods)
Grab a bite at Red Iguana for famous Mexican or Squatters Pub Brewery, where there's something for everyone. For even more group variety, try food halls like Woodbine Food Hall, HallPass and Sugarhouse Station.
Take advantage of the foothills. Take the kids and the dogs to walk or bike City Creek Canyon, Memory Grove or the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for fresh air without leaving the city.
Catch a game with the group! The Delta Center in Salt Lake is home to the Utah Jazz basketball and Utah Mammoth hockey teams.
Plan an arts-focused day. These core museums provide something for every age and interest. Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art or Natural History Museum of Utah.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Park City Main Street
Memory Grove Park
Trade the Valley for a Park City Staycation
A Park City staycation whisks the whole crew away from the daily grind to a world of "Life Elevated" luxury and Main Street charm. Take a day trip or make it a full weekend getaway with family or friends.
Looking to get social? Check out the Park City Hostel and meet global travelers.
Properties like Westgate Park City and Stein Eriksen Lodge frequently offer Utah resident rates and midweek locals' discounts, especially during spring, summer and fall.
Main Street is free to explore, and the charm alone is worth the drive. Browse the shops, grab a casual bite and let the kids take in the mountain town energy.
In the summer, the free Silly Market and community events around town keep the itinerary full without touching the budget.
Make dinner an event for the whole crew. Versante at Hotel Thaynes offers happy hour from 4-5. Boneyard Saloon & Grill delivers a classic family-friendly vibe. High West Saloon serves up American gastro-pub favorites.
Get outside and make the most of Park City's trail system; it's free and endlessly fun for all ages and skill levels. Bloods Lake, Bald Mountain and Armstrong Trail are crowd favorites that reward the whole family with stunning views.
Take advantage of Park City’s dog-friendly atmosphere, offering a blend of luxury pet-friendly lodging and over 400 miles of accessible terrain.
Weekend-ing in the Wilderness
Utah offers a variety of adventures in the wild, from luxury mountainside lodges to rugged wilderness escapes. In Utah, wild comes in every size.
Alpine Escapes for a Two-Day Reset
Summer staycations are meant to be at Utah mountain resorts, where lodging and activity discounts go hand in hand, offering fun for the whole family. Stay and play at a discount with Snowbird’s Stay & Save, Solitude’s Stay Longer, Play More and Deer Valley’s Mountain Activities Package.
Take the group up the hillside, visiting scenic trails like Cecret Lake, Lake Blanche and the Albion Basin area during the off-season to discover alpine lakes and stunning valley views.
Slow things down with a day trip of hiking, biking or paddling along the Weber River, or check into a cabin with friends and make it a weekend.
Destinations like Ogden Valley, Heber Valley and Bear Lake are especially dog-friendly, with pet-welcoming cabins, trails and open space to roam.
Experience even more seclusion by taking advantage of Utah’s ample camping opportunities.
Ditch the National Park crowd for one of our state parks like Antelope Island, Bear Lake, Red Fleet or Palisade State Park.
Affordable weekend escapes under canvas and close to home can be found in the state park yurt system. Wasatch Mountain, East Canyon and Rockport offer cozy heated yurts between $75 and $150 per night.
A Locals’ Guide to Southern Utah Weekends
Consider weekend trips to lesser-visited state parks like Antelope Island, Kodachrome Basin, Goblin Valley or Dead Horse Point, where dramatic scenery presents without the crowds.
Experience unique camping options like Under Canvas Zion, Open Sky or the luxury yurts at East Zion Resort.
Enjoy a locals’ discount at Red Mountain Resort, a modern and all-inclusive resort in St. George.
Take a leisurely trip down the Green River near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area on a kayak, canoe or even a rented raft with the whole crew.
Explore the stunning red rocks of Snow Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, Dead Horse Point or Goblin Valley, with unique stays like stargazing domes in Cannonville or yurts right inside the parks.
Road Trip North to South
Wind through the slickrock waves of Scenic Byway 12 to savor the legendary farm-to-table flavors of Hell’s Backbone Grill or cruise Capitol Reef Scenic Drive for a slice of heritage at the Gifford Farmhouse. Agricultural sweetness is found along The Fruit Highway, while Alpine Loop leads right to Sundance’s doorstep. Weaving between the Mighty-5? Find the best bite here.
Bear Lake State Park
Dairy farm tour at Heber Valley Cheese
Desert Rose Labyrinth & Sculpture Garden at the Kayenta Art Village in Ivins
Slow Weekends in Small-Town Hidden Gems
These five lesser-populated towns offer the perfect 48-hour local getaway without the crowds of major tourist hubs.
Torrey
Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef and a three-hour drive from Salt Lake City, is a wild west town with epic scenery. No matter the season, one can’t help but fall in love with the small-town charm and the starry night skies. Western dining and red rock hiking offer a weekend getaway everyone in the group can get behind.
Kanab
Kanab, colloquially known as "Little Hollywood," is famously the setting of western films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Its famous slot canyons and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes are just five hours from Salt Lake, but look like another world.
The Utah Film Trail invites visitors to experience these filming locations firsthand. Featuring a series of physical markers around the state, the trail guides travelers off the beaten path to discover the real-world locations featured in their favorite films and television shows.
Garden City
Garden City sits on the beaches of Bear Lake in northern Utah, two hours from SLC. Locals call it the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its deep green-blue waters. (Read: Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake) Pet-friendly rentals like Bear Lake Premier Cabins allow furry friends to come along the adventure.
Helper
Helper is a rising star for art lovers. This historic mining town is lined with galleries, antique shops and indie studios while maintaining a gritty, authentic Western soul that’s totally photogenic. Socialize after art tours at the Balanced Rock Eatery and Pub and Helper Beer.
Vernal
Vernal is home to Fantasy Canyon, a severely underrated state park and a world-renowned quarry featuring over 1,500 prehistoric dinosaur bones. Kids and adults alike can geek out over prehistoric bones, making for an educational and entertaining weekend. (Read:
A sweet treat in Torrey
Fantasy Canyon
Toadstool Hoodoos near Kanab
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The Best of Bear Lake
Bear Lake offers a vibrant escape with its stunning turquoise waters and an array of activities.
Highlights
- Bear Lake State Park
- Garden City
- Bear Lake Golf Course
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Floating, Flying & Free-Falling in Utah’s Amusement Capital
Get ready for family fun in Davis County with Antelope Island, Lagoon Amusement Park and the Hill Air Force Base Museum.
Highlights
- Salt Lake City
- Antelope Island
- Lagoon Amusement Park
- Hill Aerospace Museum
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High Country Highlights: Exploring Heber Valley in 48 Hours
From riding the iconic Heber Valley Railroad to biking top-rated trails and swimming in a 10,000-year-old crater, Heber Valley is an alpine escape with a laid-back pace.
Highlights
- Heber Valley
- The Crater at Homestead
- Heber Valley Railroad
- Utah Film Trail
- Wasatch Mountain Golf Course
- Wasatch Mountain State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
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Park City Classy Warm-Weather Weekend
There are many ways to build a magical weekend in Park City. Three days can easily include artistic experiences, spa time, boutique browsing, food, live entertainment and historic tours.
Highlights
- Kimball Art Center
- High West Saloon
- Spa Treatments
- Park City Nighlife
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Base Camp Kanab
From the vermilion, white and pink cliffs and wide expanses of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, to the twisting sandstone bottlenecks of Buckskin Gulch, even the vertigo-inducing views of Zion National Park if you've never been, this six-day itinerary will show you why Kanab is the perfect base camp for adventure.
Highlights
- Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
- Lake Powell
- North Rim Grand Canyon
- Zion National Park
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3-Day Itinerary: Ski Under the Stars
Trade the daytime buzz for the quiet enchantment of night skiing in Northern Utah's Wasatch Mountains. This three-stop journey reveals the unique nighttime offerings of Brighton, Powder Mountain and Sundance, each nestled within distinct Northern Utah landscapes.
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Ski City Downhill + Downtown
Big city amenities support 10 different resorts within an hour of SLC International, which means the best in downhill meets the best in downtown.
Highlights
- Craft coffee, dining and spirits
- Alta Ski Area or Snowbird Ski Resort
- Solitude Mountain Resort or Brighton Ski Resort
- Performing arts, après-ski and live music
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#Utahisrad: The Cool Kids’ Guide to Salt Lake City
Meet the locals, see the weird stuff, try the local beer, see the bands and discover why #utahisrad.
Highlights
- Farmers Market and GREENbike Tour
- Local Brews and a Show
- Natural History
- Otherworldly Utah
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Weekender Ski Park City
So you've decided to ski in Park City for a weekend. That decision alone will be rewarded with three resorts that eclipse over 9,000 acres of Utah's renowned skiing and riding.
Highlights
- Ski City Urban Lifestyle
- Park City Mountain
- Deer Valley Resort
- Park City Experiences
Stories To Inspire Your Travel
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AndShesDopeToo's Insider's Guide to Ogden
AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains.
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Arrive by Train
Follow author Tim Sullivan and his eight-year-old daughter as they travel by train, bus and bike on a "pilgrimage" to Golden Spike National Historic Site.
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The Spiral Jetty, Utah’s Most Iconic Land Art Sculpture, Keeps Drawing a Crowd
In April 1970, it took six days, 625 man-hours, 292 truck-hours, $9,000, and 6,500 tons of basalt, limestone and mud for Robert Smithson to construct the Spiral Jetty. His work still stands today. Visit and be inspired by this iconic piece of Utah's land art.
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8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
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15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
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The Hunt for Tavaputs Ranch
Spectacular skies, off-road adventures and abundant wildlife in remote central Utah at Tavaputs Ranch.
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Explore Antelope Island's Fielding Garr Ranch
Volunteers Beth and Dennis Simonsen show visitors around the historic Fielding Garr Ranch complex on Antelope Island State Park in Northern Utah.
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11 Family-Friendly Activities Near SLC
From roller coasters to ski slopes, discover 11 fun family activities in and around Salt Lake City.
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A Stroll Up Bear Lake's Limber Pine Trail: A Quick-Hit Classic
The Limber Pine Nature Trail is an easy, 1.2-mile loop is perfect for families and beginner hikers. This short hike is one of the best ways to get expansive views of the Bear River Range.
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Legacy and Craft
Three of Glen Thompson’s custom leather horse saddles are fitting examples of craftsmanship and a Utah folk art tradition. See more at the Chase Home Museum.
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Time Traveling at Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
Many have dreamed of exploring jungles and forests only to discover a land filled with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes? The George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is the place to bring that dream to life, with 100-plus exhibits and realistic, full-sized dinosaur replicas, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.
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Utah’s Scenery Offers A Backdrop for Inclusive Family Camping
While Utah is known for its amazing outdoors, it also has resources that ensure that families and individuals of all abilities can access these places.
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Dinosaurland Top 5
Vernal, Utah, is an adventure base camp to the best of eastern Utah. Uintah County around Vernal — called Dinosaurland — is home to diverse outdoor recreation and natural history at three state parks, Dinosaur National Monument and countless trailheads to the Ashley National Forest.
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Utah's Kid Ski Culture
Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.
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7 Skiing Tips for More Fun on the Mountain
Skiing is one of the most exciting sports on earth, especially with the right gear, a good attitude and some lesson time.
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The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
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Strawberry Reservoir: Ripe for All Kinds of Anglers
With trophy-sized cutthroats and rainbows, large populations of aquatic insects and ample wade fishing opportunities, Strawberry Reservoir — affectionately called "the Berry" — really does have something for every angler’s tastes.
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5 Reasons to Hire a Guide to Run Utah’s Rivers
While we eat and splash in the river to escape the early morning heat, the four guides will wash the dishes, break down camp, load our bags on the rafts and discretely stow the toilet.
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When to Ski and Eat and Play in Utah
From Thanksgiving to Memorial Day, travelers come to Utah to enjoy all that Mountain Time offers, but when is the best to time visit? The answer is: OFTEN!
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Salt Lake City’s Must-See Street Art
Salt Lake City, Utah has more than 80 murals and art installations to discover. Come and see how these urban street artists showcase their own flavor and perspective.
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A Grand Tour of the San Rafael Swell
This grand tour goes into the heart of Utah's Swell from north to south, connecting the uplift’s spectacular views with playful slot-canyon hikes, bike excursions, rock art, dinosaur bones, and soft-serve cones in town.
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A Matter of Geological Consent
A billion years of geological history surrounds Salt Lake City, where a modern landscape reflects ancient constraints.
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Hiking Southern Utah with Younger Children: Tips for Family Friendly Adventure
Find safety tips, side activities and kid-friendly hikes in Utah with our special guide to hiking Southern Utah with children. Read now!
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Journey Through Utah's History at This Is The Place Heritage Park
This Is The Place Heritage Park has a major place in Utah’s history — quite literally.
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Field Notes: Backpacking With Children
Author Tim Sullivan shares his tips and tricks on backpacking with his young children.
