The Ultimate Utah Travel Guide: Must-Visit Locations, Restaurants, and Accommodations
Utah is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States, offering a diverse range of outdoor adventures, from hiking through canyons to skiing on world-class slopes. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing getaway, this guide provides the perfect itinerary for each location in Utah, along with restaurant recommendations and accommodation options.
Zion National Park
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October).
Must-Try Restaurants:
Oscar’s Cafe - A local favorite for casual dining with hearty portions.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub - Enjoy craft beer and a variety of pub food.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub - Enjoy craft beer and a variety of pub food.
Accommodations:
Zion Lodge: The only in-park lodging with cabins and hotel rooms.Cable Mountain Lodge: Located just outside the park with modern suites.
Watchman Campground: Inside the park, reservations recommended.
South Campground: Also within the park, first-come, first-served.
Arches National Park
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November).
Must-Try Restaurants:
The Broken Oar - A classic spot serving hearty American dishes.
Desert Bistro - Known for its upscale, seasonal menu.
Desert Bistro - Known for its upscale, seasonal menu.
Accommodations:
Moab Springs Ranch: Offers bungalows and townhouses with resort amenities.
The Gonzo Inn: A boutique hotel with southwestern decor.
Devils Garden Campground: The only campground in the park with reservations.
Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground: Offers tent sites and RV hookups near Moab.
The Gonzo Inn: A boutique hotel with southwestern decor.
Devils Garden Campground: The only campground in the park with reservations.
Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground: Offers tent sites and RV hookups near Moab.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for the best weather.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Bryce Canyon Pines - A cozy spot with delicious pies and comfort food.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon - Offers a traditional dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon - Offers a traditional dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
Accommodations:
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: Historic lodge with rooms and cabins inside the park.
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel: Modern amenities just outside the park.
North Campground: First-come, first-served, open year-round.
Sunset Campground: Seasonal with reservations recommended.
Utah’s vibrant capital is a mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities. Explore Temple Square, hike Ensign Peak, or enjoy the city’s growing food scene.
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel: Modern amenities just outside the park.
North Campground: First-come, first-served, open year-round.
Sunset Campground: Seasonal with reservations recommended.
Salt Lake City
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October).
Must-Try Restaurants:
Valter’s Osteria - An upscale Italian experience with exceptional service.
The Copper Onion - A trendy American spot with locally sourced ingredients.
The Copper Onion - A trendy American spot with locally sourced ingredients.
Accommodations:
Grand America Hotel: Luxury accommodations with a spa and fine dining.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco: Boutique hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City KOA: Offers RV and tent camping with easy access to downtown.
Mountain Shadows RV Park: Located in Draper, offering full hookups and close proximity to the city. 
A world-renowned ski resort and outdoor recreation hub, Park City is perfect for adventure seekers. After a day on the slopes, enjoy the town’s lively scene with shops, galleries, and dining.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco: Boutique hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City KOA: Offers RV and tent camping with easy access to downtown.
Mountain Shadows RV Park: Located in Draper, offering full hookups and close proximity to the city.
Park City
Best Time to Visit: Winter (December-February) for skiing, or Summer (June-August) for hiking and festivals.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Riverhorse on Main - Fine dining with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and creative dishes.
The Eating Establishment - A historic restaurant offering a classic American menu.
The Eating Establishment - A historic restaurant offering a classic American menu.
Accommodations:
Stein Eriksen Lodge: A luxury resort with ski-in, ski-out access.
Park City Peaks Hotel: A modern hotel with mountain views.
Jordanelle State Park: Offers camping near the reservoir, just a short drive from Park City.
Rockport State Park: Provides campsites with scenic lake views.
One of the largest saltwater lakes in the Western Hemisphere, it offers unique wildlife, landscapes, and recreational opportunities.
Park City Peaks Hotel: A modern hotel with mountain views.
Jordanelle State Park: Offers camping near the reservoir, just a short drive from Park City.
Rockport State Park: Provides campsites with scenic lake views.
The Great Salt Lake
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) for ideal weather.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Mermaid Cafe - Located near Antelope Island, known for its seafood and casual atmosphere.
Salt Lake City’s The Copper Onion - A trendy, local favorite for modern American fare.
Salt Lake City’s The Copper Onion - A trendy, local favorite for modern American fare.
Accommodations:
Known for its breathtaking views of the Colorado River, this state park offers stunning desert landscapes perfect for photography and hiking.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport: The closest hotel to Great Salt Lake State Park.
- Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport: Offering modern amenities near the lake.
- Great Salt Lake State Park Campground: Limited primitive camping available.
Antelope Island State Park: Offers campsites with lake views and wildlife sightings.Here’s the expanded blog post with descriptions, best times to visit, restaurant recommendations, and accommodations for the additional locations:
Dead Horse Point State Park
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November).
Must-Try Restaurants:
The Spoke on Center in Moab - Casual dining with burgers and shakes.
Accommodations:
Dead Horse Point State Park Campground: Offers both yurts and tent sites with incredible views.
Hyatt Place Moab: A modern hotel with easy access to the park.
Canyonlands National Park
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October).
Must-Try Restaurants:
Moab Brewery - Perfect for craft beer and hearty meals.Accommodations:
SpringHill Suites Moab: Modern hotel with great amenities.Willow Flat Campground: A primitive campground within the park.
Antelope Island State Park
Located on the Great Salt Lake, this park is a haven for wildlife, including bison, antelope, and various bird species.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October).
Must-Try Restaurants:
Mermaid Cafe - Known for its seafood near the park.Accommodations:
Bridger Bay Campground: Offers tent and RV sites with beautiful lake views.
Hampton Inn Layton: A short drive from the park.
Hampton Inn Layton: A short drive from the park.
Monument Valley
A symbol of the American West, Monument Valley is home to stunning sandstone buttes and a rich Navajo heritage.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November).
Must-Try Restaurants:
The View Restaurant - Offers Navajo-inspired cuisine with panoramic views.Accommodations:
The View Hotel: Rooms with unparalleled views of the valley.
Goulding’s Lodge: Historic lodge with modern amenities.
Goulding’s Lodge: Historic lodge with modern amenities.
Goblin Valley State Park
Famous for its unique "goblin"-shaped rock formations, this park is a great destination for families and photographers.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October).
Must-Try Restaurants:
Red Rock Grill - Located in nearby Green River with classic American fare.Accommodations:
Goblin Valley Campground: Offers both tent and RV camping with nearby trails.
Holiday Inn Express Green River: A short drive from the park.
Holiday Inn Express Green River: A short drive from the park.
Mount Timpanogos
A towering mountain in the Wasatch Range, this area is popular for hiking and exploring Timpanogos Cave.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-September) for hiking, or Fall (October) for foliage.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Foundry Grill at Sundance Resort - Seasonal American cuisine.Accommodations:
Sundance Mountain Resort: Offers cozy cabins and world-class amenities.
Timpanogos Campground: A scenic camping option near trails.
Timpanogos Campground: A scenic camping option near trails.
Lake Powell
A man-made reservoir offering endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, and exploring slot canyons.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for water activities.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Antelope Point Marina Restaurant - Dine on the water with stunning views.Accommodations:
Lake Powell Resort: Offers lake-view rooms and boat rentals.
Wahweap Campground: Perfect for tents and RVs with lake
Wahweap Campground: Perfect for tents and RVs with lake
Bonneville Salt Flats
A surreal expanse of white salt crust, ideal for photography, racing, and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-September) for racing events or Winter (December-February) for unique photo opportunities.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Salt Flats Cafe - Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.Accommodations:
- Comfort Inn & Suites Tooele: A convenient hotel near the flats.
- Wendover KOA: Camping options in nearby Wendover
Capitol Reef National Park
Known for its striking Waterpocket Fold, ancient petroglyphs, and lush orchards in the historic Fruita district. Perfect for hiking and scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November).
Must-Try Restaurants:
Cafe Diablo in Torrey - Famous for its creative Southwestern cuisine.
Cafe Diablo in Torrey - Famous for its creative Southwestern cuisine.
Accommodations:
Capitol Reef Resort: Offers cozy rooms and luxury teepees.
Thousand Lakes RV Park: Great for camping near the park.
~utah.com
A lesser-known gem with stunning red rock formations, excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and photography.
Thousand Lakes RV Park: Great for camping near the park.
Red Rock Canyon (Near St. George)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall for mild weather.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Painted Pony in St. George - Known for upscale Southwestern dishes.
Painted Pony in St. George - Known for upscale Southwestern dishes.
Accommodations:
Inn on the Cliff: Offers breathtaking views of St. George.
Sand Hollow Resort: Convenient for outdoor adventurers.
~image by mlbeotch
Famous for the Pando Aspen Grove, the largest living organism on Earth, and its serene lakes perfect for fishing and camping.
Sand Hollow Resort: Convenient for outdoor adventurers.
Fishlake National Forest
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Big Rock Grill in Richfield - Casual dining with hearty options.
Big Rock Grill in Richfield - Casual dining with hearty options.
Accommodations:
Bowery Haven Resort: Lakeside cabins and RV spots.
Fish Lake Lodge: Rustic, comfortable lodging.
A world-class ski resort offering year-round activities, from skiing and snowboarding to summer hiking and mountain coasters.
Fish Lake Lodge: Rustic, comfortable lodging.
Snowbird Resort
Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing; Summer for hiking and alpine slides.
Must-Try Restaurants:
The Aerie - Offers fine dining with mountain views.
The Aerie - Offers fine dining with mountain views.
Accommodations:
Cliff Lodge: Luxury resort accommodations at the base of Snowbird.
Fremont Indian State Park
~Wikipedia
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Crazy Cow Cafe in Beaver - Delicious comfort food.
Crazy Cow Cafe in Beaver - Delicious comfort food.
Accommodations:
Beaver KOA Journey: Ideal for camping.
Comfort Inn & Suites Beaver: Convenient lodging nearby.
~utah.com
Explore the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics with activities like ziplining, bobsledding, and an engaging museum.
Comfort Inn & Suites Beaver: Convenient lodging nearby.
Utah Olympic Park
Best Time to Visit: Summer for activities; Winter for skiing.
Must-Try Restaurants:
High West Distillery in Park City - Known for whiskey and upscale dining.
High West Distillery in Park City - Known for whiskey and upscale dining.
Accommodations:
Hotel Park City: Luxury suites with mountain views.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park City: Budget-friendly option.
~Wikipedia
A serene mountain lake popular for trout fishing, kayaking, and camping. Surrounded by beautiful pine forests.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Park City: Budget-friendly option.
Panguitch Lake
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Bear Paw Cafe in Panguitch - Known for hearty breakfasts.
Bear Paw Cafe in Panguitch - Known for hearty breakfasts.
Accommodations:
Panguitch Lake Adventure Resort: Cabins and RV spots.
Blue Springs Lodge: Quaint and cozy lodging.
Blue Springs Lodge: Quaint and cozy lodging.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Twin Rocks Cafe in Bluff - Navajo-inspired dishes and local fare.
Twin Rocks Cafe in Bluff - Navajo-inspired dishes and local fare.
Accommodations:
Bluff Dwellings Resort: Upscale lodging nearby.
Natural Bridges Campground: First-come, first-served camping near the monument.
~Wikipedia
A sprawling forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives, with a mix of red rock deserts and alpine landscapes.
Natural Bridges Campground: First-come, first-served camping near the monument.
Manti-La Sal National Forest
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall.
Must-Try Restaurants:
Roys Pizza & Pasta in Ephraim - A local favorite.
Roys Pizza & Pasta in Ephraim - A local favorite.
Accommodations:
Skyline Mountain Resort: Quaint cabins and RV camping.
Manti Motel: Convenient and affordable lodging.
Manti Motel: Convenient and affordable lodging.
Best Times to Visit Utah
Utah’s diverse climate means there’s no bad time to visit, but specific seasons offer unique advantages:
• Spring (March-May): Ideal for hiking and desert blooms.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for water activities at Lake Powell or mountain escapes in Park City.
• Fall (September-November): Best for moderate weather and stunning foliage.
• Winter (December-February): Ski resorts like Snowbird and Park City come alive.
Utah’s diverse climate means there’s no bad time to visit, but specific seasons offer unique advantages:
• Spring (March-May): Ideal for hiking and desert blooms.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for water activities at Lake Powell or mountain escapes in Park City.
• Fall (September-November): Best for moderate weather and stunning foliage.
• Winter (December-February): Ski resorts like Snowbird and Park City come alive.
Budgeting Your Trip
• Entrance fees range from $10 (state parks) to $35 (national parks). Consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass for $80/year to cover all federal lands.
• Campgrounds start at $20/night, while hotels range from $100 to $300 per night, depending on the location and season.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're checking off your 2025 travel bingo or simply looking for the next great adventure, Utah offers something for everyone. From the iconic red rock formations to serene alpine lakes, you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Start planning today, and let this guide be your companion for an epic Utah journey!
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