Utah Gardens
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International Peace Gardens
Along the banks of Salt Lake City’s meandering Jordan River lies the International Peace Gardens. The property is comprised of 28 small garden plots, each representing a different nation’s plants, architecture and history. Visit Switzerland’s 8-foot-tall replica of the Matterhorn, traditional lion guardians at China’s Plum Pavillion and marble columns in Greece’s gardens. The International Peace Gardens has been bringing locals and visitors together since its inception in 1952. The diversity represented by the garden is mirrored by its visitors, as the park hosts many international events including the Swedish Midsummer Festival, Norwegian Independence Day parade and many more. To extend the fun, visit the newly completed Three Creeks Confluence park located only one block away.
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Red Butte Garden
Sprawled across 100 acres in the foothills above Salt Lake City sits Red Butte Garden, home to Utah’s official arboretum. Twenty-one acres of manicured gardens, extensive hiking trails and the popular outdoor concert amphitheater are open to visitors nearly year-round. Red Butte is a true botanical garden, where botanists and researchers study, preserve and propagate both rare and native flora. Stroll through themed gardens to see their efforts in action, and use the interactive plant map to locate specific species. Favorite spots include the herb, medicinal, fragrance, water conservation, children’s and rose gardens. Sweeping views accompanied by luscious gardens make Red Butte a popular spot for weddings and events. During the summer months, classes, workshops and day camps welcome plant enthusiasts of all ages.
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Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens
The biggest draw for Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens is the annual Tulip Festival, a spring event featuring millions of tulips in full bloom. However, the Ashton Gardens are open seasonally from early March to late October, and well worth the trip any time. The stately 50-acre garden hosts trees, blooms, hardscapes, sculptures and the largest man-made waterfall in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can walk (or rent a golf cart or electric scooter) through the estate’s 15 gardens, including the Monet, rose, fragrance, parterre, waterwise and Italian gardens. Events are hosted nearly every day of the week, so you can join discussions with the Secret Garden Book Club or bring your four-legged friends to Dog Walk Wednesday.
Protecting Our Forests — One Branch at a Time
When it comes to preserving forests, University of Utah ecologist Nalini Nadkarni believes in the cumulative power of small acts of goodness.
More Gardens in Utah
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Conservation Garden Park
Enjoy free entry to peruse localscapes and gardening examples for irrigation, design and rain gardening.
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Greater Avenues Water Conservation Demonstration Garden
A neighborhood plot transformed into micro terrains, including a desert plant community, shrub steppe and mountain meadow.
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Jordan River Nature Center
A new extension of the Tracy Aviary, this nature center offers daily activities, playscapes and nature trails.
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Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm & Distillery
The Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm and Distillery in Mona, Utah, is one of the world’s largest privately-owned essential oil distilleries, spanning nearly 1,700 acres.
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Ogden Botanical Gardens
A large botanical garden on Utah State University’s grounds with 12 themed gardens, offering tranquility in an urban setting.
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Ogden Nature Center
A year-round nature preserve situated on 152 acres offers a variety of activities from walking trails to educational programs.
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Red Hills Desert Garden
Utah’s first interactive desert garden showcasing water-efficient landscapes, endangered species and prehistoric tracks.
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Sego Lily Gardens
Only native plants are used at Sandy city’s Sego Lily Gardens so you can explore vegetation that has adapted to Utah’s environment.
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Temple Square
Tidy flower gardens in the heart of Salt Lake City with extensive Christmas lights and displays during the winter season.
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The Boilers
Opened in October 2020, this water conservation garden features a natural spring swimming area, playground and walking paths.
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The Garden at Tonaquint Park
Situated in a popular 33-acre community park, this demonstration garden educates visitors on water-efficient landscapes and climate-appropriate vegetation.
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Utah State University Botanical Center
A genuine botanical garden with fun research-based educational experiences that promote resource conservation.
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Weber Basin Water Conservation Learning Garden
A learning garden with resources, information and classes about water-wise gardening in Utah.
Read the Stories
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11 Utah Scenic Byways for Leaf Peeping
Explore 11 Scenic Drives in Utah for some serious leaf peeping. Utah is one of the best places to see fall foliage, visit great attractions, events and festivals.
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8 Utah Hikes for Leaf Peeping and Natural Splendor
When the leaves change, road trips through Utah’s mountains and forests take on a colorful new glow. Unlike their well-trodden counterparts on the East Coast, Utah’s fall foliage and trails are less well known among the broader leaf-peeping community.
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Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
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Downtown Farmers Market
The Salt Lake City farmers market is a Saturday tradition, bringing thousands of people together for local food and art.
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Eating Up Mount Timpanogos
Learn about the Utah farms near Mt. Timpanogos that produce luscious lettuce and artisan cheese. Make your own plans to “eat up” Mt. Timpanogos!
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Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
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Utah’s Fruit Way: Harvest Time Along Old Highway 89
Headed to Bear Lake, Golden Spike National Historical Park or the Bear Lake Migratory Bird Refuge? Stock up with fresh road-trip snacks and dinner provisions direct from family-run farm stands, all within a stone’s throw of the region’s many historic farms and orchards.
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
