Visiting Utah can provide a lifetime of memories. However, what makes Utah unique is its expansive natural beauty and what makes Utah a destination for people looking to enjoy outdoor activities and meet fabulous eateries and modern metropolitan life. While most people think of Utah as sparsely populated and associate the state with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in fact, there is so much more to the state than just that.
Salt Lake City
As the center of commerce and government, Salt Lake City is the most populous city and is the center of government in Utah. While most people associate Utah with the Mormons, Salt Lake City is also a winter sports destination, having hosted the Winter Olympics, hosts the Utah Jazz, and Real Salt Lake of the MLS.
Moab
Moab provides the outdoor enthusiast with a paradise of activity. From hiking, riding, rafting, hiking, and other outdoor activities, Moab is one of the best destinations in all of the western United States for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hikers can take in the scenic wonder that is the famous Delicate Arch, a 52-foot tall free-standing archway. However, the hike is more challenging than it may first appear. There is little to no shade, no water, and occasional steep inclines that are difficult for even the most experienced hiker.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Just outside Moab is the Dead Horse Point State Park, considered one of the best lookout points in all of Utah. On top of a bluff shouldered by 2,000 high cliff walls, the lookout is perched above a gooseneck of the Colorado river. The final scene in the movie Thelma and Louise was shot onsite at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Ski Resorts
Utah provides some of the best ski spots under the radar. While California and Colorado steal the headlines, Utah skiing is on par with some of the best in the world. The largest ski resort in the United States is located in Utah. Choose between Snowbird, Alta, Deer Valley, Sundance, and Park City.
Park City
Speaking of Park City, the mountainous town is home to some of the best ski resorts in Utah. Additionally, Park City is home to the annual Sundance Film Festival and becomes a bustling city abuzz with energy and excitement that time of year.
Things To Do In Salt Lake City
- Shopping: One of the United States mixed-use redevelopment projects in a downtown area is the City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake City. The sprawling outdoor mall boasts world-class shopping from brands such as Michal Kors, Tiffany & Co, Coach, and more. With a fully retractable roof that opens and closes is entirely unique to any mall in the United States.
- Salt Lake City Temple: Of course, headlining our list of places to go and things to see in Utah include the Salt Lake City Temple. As the centerpiece of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, the temple is in the 19th century and may only be entered by church members. The architecture and layout of Temple Square are breathtaking, as an example of American-style gothic.
- The South Lake Tabernacle: A wonder of the acoustic world, the South Lake Tabernacle is home to the world-famous organ that is comprised of 11,623 pipes. The architectural marvel was designed to amplify sound so well that if a pin were to drop in the foyer, it could be heard throughout the artifice.
- Utah State Capitol: The Utah State Capitol is an exact replica of the center of power in the United States. The artifice is a smaller version of the United States Capitol building and is open to the public for tours and visitations.
One thing to know about Salt Lake City and Utah as a whole is that it still has some version of the blue laws in effect. Alcohol sales are limited to state-run liquor stores with limited hours and days of operation. For example, Sundays are considered “dry” days meaning that liquor is illegal to be bought or sold throughout the state. Another limitation is that beer and liquor are strictly regulated by ABV.
Also, cannabis is illegal for recreational use in the state of Utah without a medical marijuana card issued by a state-regulated doctor in the state. Therefore, finding a government-approved dispensary in Utah is a little more complicated than in states that allow legal recreational use. Still, if you’re visiting and are able to get a prescribed card from a local doctor, there are a few highly[rated dispensaries to consider.
The top dispensary in all of Utah is the cannabis dispensary in Springville, Utah. Springville is a short 50+ minute drive from Salt Lake. For visitors looking at other dispensary options, Beehive Farmacy is one option in Salt Lake City, while in Provo, your best option is with Deseret Wellness.
Visiting Utah is one that is filled with incredible scenic vistas and plenty of shopping, skiing, and dining to make your time in Utah as outstanding as anywhere. While there, be sure to check out everything that it has to offer!
