10 Loveliest Small Towns To Visit In Utah This Summer
Utah boasts some of the most striking landscapes in North America, with around 70 percent of its landmass reserved as public land. This landmass incorporates nine million acres of national forests and five stunning national parks defined by dazzling canyons, mesas, sandstone arches, cliffs, and other breathtaking natural sights. There’s no better place to explore all those beauties than the small towns spread out across the state. And the attractions aside, these towns are incredibly charming and feature downtowns that can keep visitors busy the entire summer. Set aside enough time because these ten lovely towns in Utah will consume it all and still have so much to offer.
Torrey
Torrey is a small town with a tiny population, making a summer vacation here tranquil and intimate. This pretty little town sits on the north bank of Fremont River in Wayne County, just eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park. Thus, the town can serve as a base camp to explore the iconic national park full of mesas, buttes, colorful canyons, sandstone cliffs, and slot canyons. Blind Lake is also around 10 miles from the town, and it is worth the extra trip as this blue alpine lake sits 10,250 feet in Boulder Mountain, which is lavish with fishing opportunities. For visitors in the town on Saturdays, the Wayne County Farmer’s Market is open every evening and lots of fresh foods and other products are available. To wrap up, grab fast food at the Capitol Burger or Curry Pizza and snack en route to the Scenic Byway 12, one of America’s most scenic roads, linking Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Green River
Green River is a small town with a population of below 900 people, situated along the river of the same name in Emery County. Here, an exciting summer vacation can start from the Green River State Park, with marinas for boating and campgrounds for prolonged stays. Next, the John Wesley Powell River History Museum invites visitors to learn about the region’s natural history and some of its first explorers. For more adventures, visitors can head out 10 miles to Swasey’s beach to dip or paddle in the shallow waters and hold picnics on its banks. Elsewhere, the best restaurants in town to dine after exploring are Tamarisk Restaurant overlooking the Green River and Ray’s Tavern. If there’s still time, visitors can hit the road to Goblin Valley State Park, less than an hour away, to immerse in a world of hoodoo wonders.
Panguitch
Panguitch is an alluring town in the Sevier River Valley of Garfield County, surrounded by prime outdoor attractions to keep summer visitors busy and excited. First off, Utah’s 122-mile Scenic Byway 12 begins just outside the town and winds its way through Dixie National Forest, where the Red Canyon sits with its incredible rock formations. The national forest also features Panguitch Lake, offering boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking adventures. Riding further on the byway, visitors will be ushered into Bryce Canyon National Park - one of Utah’s prime attractions lavish with things to see and do. In addition to all of these, downtown Panguitch is also exciting with attractions like Smoking Hot Antiques, Panguitch Gem Theater, and Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe. Historic Buffs can also explore the town’s historic district to see its red brick buildings and houses that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Midway
Midway is a quaint mountain town in the Rocky Mountains where visitors can easily lose track of time in the summer. The town is home to Wasatch Mountain State Park, offering great opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Midway also hosts the Homestead Crater, a unique geothermal hot spring 55 feet deep in a limestone cave. Visitors can head to this natural wonder created 10,000 years ago to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the waters. Art lovers can visit the Midway Art Gallery to see its art collections and enjoy Italian food later at Food Galleria. Meanwhile, history buffs can head to scenic Memorial Hill, dedicated to Wasatch County citizens who have served in many military assignments in the US.
Heber City
Heber City in Wasatch County has all the draw cards to make a summer vacation fun-filled. Perhaps its number one appeal is the fact that it is surrounded by amazing waterbodies, including the Jordanelle Reservoir, Deer Creek Reservoir, and Strawberry Reservoir. These water bodies all offer endless opportunities for water adventures which visitors will appreciate a lot when it gets scorching. The town also features the Heber Valley Railroad, offering scenic train rides across Wasatch County. For entertainment, Avon Theatre and Timpanogos Valley Theatre are always available in summer to serve guests sensational shows. Meanwhile, history buffs can admire pioneer artifacts and peek at the town's past at the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum.
Monticello
Monticello is a naturally stunning town nestled in the Abajo Mountains near Moab. A part of the town is within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, home to Monticello Lake, renowned for its abundant fishing opportunities. Loyds Lake is another outdoor paradise in town for swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and hiking. Monticello also features the Frontier Museum, where visitors can learn about the town's early days. For road trip enthusiasts, the beautiful Harts Draw Road starts from town and stretches 43 miles through the stunning Abajo Mountains and into Canyonlands National Park. If there’s still time, visitors can also head out to Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument, 28 miles away, to see some of the world’s largest collections of petroglyphs on a rock’s surface.
Kanab
Visit Kanab this summer and spend the entire season marveling at its spellbinding landscapes and magical scenery. This picturesque town in Kane County has the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park just outside its borders to explore. The park invites visitors to hike and marvel at its pink-hued dunes at the base of sandstone cliffs. The Buckskin Gulch is another prime attraction in Kanab, defined by gigantic red and pink Navajo sandstones. Tourists can explore this attraction on day hikes from Wire Pass Trail, hiking between towering walls of dramatic sandstones not more than ten feet in width. Elsewhere, history buffs can head to the Kanab Heritage House Museum to learn more about the area’s interesting past. After the adventures, be sure to cool off at Crescent Moon Theatre and enjoy blockbusters.
Garden City
Garden City is famed as the Caribbean of the Rockies and stands out as one of the finest summer destinations in Utah. The town sits at the shores of the seductive Bear Lake in Rich County, renowned for its picturesque turquoise blue waters, resembling an ocean in the Caribbean. Visitors can spend ample time at Bear Lake State Park enjoying the lake’s splendor via boating, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and scuba diving adventures. The lake also has a sandy beach for relaxation and sightseeing. With the family, it’s all about fun and excitement at the Bridgerland Adventure Park, which features activities such as axe throwing, picnicking, and ziplining. Away from outdoor adventures, the Pickleville Playhouse offers interesting shows, and for those visiting in late July/early August, the Bear Lake Raspberry Days is one event not to miss out on.
Moab
Moab is one of the most popular towns in Utah that are worth visiting in summer as it is close to two major national parks - Arches and Canyonlands. Visitors can begin with Arches National Park to explore over 2,000 natural arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock. Canyonlands is also a thrilling destination, featuring canyons created by the Green and Colorado Rivers for millions of years. Activities in both parks range from hiking and biking to camping, stargazing, sunset watching, and horseback riding, among others. For even more adventures, visitors can patronize the Moab Zipline Adventures for thrilling rides above the town’s breathtaking scenery. For history buffs, the Moab Museum does a great job of preserving and interpreting the area’s natural and cultural history. Meanwhile, the Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum is also historic and fun, featuring a 3D theatre, a 5D prehistoric aquarium, and a dinosaur trail that hosts over 100 life-size dinosaur figurines.
Springdale
Springdale is a summer resort town in Washington County, nestled in the Zion Canyon, flanked by mountains to its east and west ends. More remarkably, Springdale is a gateway to Zion National Park, one of Utah’s prime summer attractions. The park comprises dramatic slot canyons, red sandstone formations, rivers, mesas, canyons, monoliths, and natural arches to explore all summer via over 90 miles of trails. The park also features the incredibly beautiful Zion Canyon Scenic Drive - one of the best in America, stretching for seven miles through the area’s most iconic red sandstone formations. Away from the park, Springdale features other attractions like Springdale Town Park (featuring sports facilities and picnic tables) and Zion Rock & Gem (featuring interesting mineral stones). Before leaving, visitors can relax and enjoy culinary delights at Whiptail Grill and Meme’s Café. And for art lovers, DeZion, David J. West, and Worthington art galleries are always open in summer.
One thing nobody can take away from Utah is its spectacular scenery. With its surreal landscapes characterized by unique rock formations, alpine lakes, and rivers, it always feels like a vacation on a different planet here. In summer, all of the state’s features become more captivating and beckon tourists from all over the world for indulgence. Visit the small towns of this naturally enchanting state to explore these landscapes and also enjoy the small-town vibes, serenity, warmth, and history within them.
