11 Best Utah Towns To Visit In 2025

One of the most scenic states in America and home to The Big Five National Parks, Utah is a magnet for millions of tourists from all over the world. The state is famous for its incredible red-rock scenery, top-notch ski resorts with some of the best snow in the United States, and rich pioneer history.

But beyond its famous national parks and sweeping scenery, there are charming small towns where you can learn the state's history and enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle.

If you are looking for a getaway that combines natural beauty, a slow-paced lifestyle, and vibrant local culture, these Utah towns should be at the top of your travel list in 2025.

Moab

Moab is Utah’s gateway to adventure that offers access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, one of the top spots in the heart of the state's red rock country. Home to many outdoor opportunities, including hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, and off-roading, Moab welcomes more than 3 million visitors per year.

One of the most scenic drives in Moab is the Colorado River on Highway 128, also known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway. Several campgrounds are located in the area, so you can camp in nature instead of spending hundreds of dollars on hotels.

One of the best things to do in Moab is hiking to the Delicate Arch at sunset or take a white-water rafting tour on the Colorado River. In addition to the outdoors, Moab also boasts a thriving arts scene. Check out Moab Museum, a small museum with fun and informative exhibits about the town’s history.

Park City

Famous for its world-class ski resorts and the Sundance Film Festival, Park City is a perfect year-round for the adventurous. Spend some time learning local history at the Park City Museum. Park City was a thriving mining town, attracting thousands of prospectors, but as silver prices declined during World War II, local leaders embraced skiing and other winter sports to sustain the local economy. Since then, Park City has transformed into a world-class skiing destination with an average snowfall of over 320 inches per year.

While Park City is known for winter sports, summer offers mountain biking, hiking, and scenic gondola rides. After a day of outdoor adventures, stop by Grappa, the best Italian restaurant, where you can try classics like Calamari Fritti with a glass of wine. Or check out Handle, where the menu always involves local seasonal produce.

Springdale

Springdale is the gateway to Zion National Park, one of the busiest national park in the United States, which had close to 5 million visitors in 2024.

With fewer than 1,000 residents, this small town offers a perfect retreat from the crowds in Zion. In recent years, Springdale exploded in popularity, so if you want to stay here, don't forget to book your accommodations ahead of time.

After hiking Angels Landing or The Narrows, visit the Zion Human History Museum, where you can learn about the Indigenous tribes and early pioneers who shaped this region. You can also check out the banks of the Virgin River, which flows through town and offers good opportunities for tubing.

Midway

Utah's Little Switzerland, Midway, is known for its stunning alpine landscapes and Swiss heritage. It has a strong Swiss influence, which is reflected in its architecture, events, and local businesses. Visit Midway in early September to participate in the annual Swiss Days Festival, where the town has parades, themed events and markets to celebrate its heritage.

Another attraction of Midway is its hot springs. The town is in Heber Valley and is home to the famous Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring inside a beehive-shaped limestone rock.

During winter, the Midway Ice Castles provide a truly special experience, with illuminated ice sculptures and tunnels, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center (a 2002 Winter Olympics venue) offers cross-country skiing, tubing, and biathlon.

Kanab

Kanab, a small town along the Utah-Arizona border, is nicknamed Little Hollywood because of its history as a filming location for Western movies like One Little Indian, Daniel Boone, Duel at Diablo, and The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. Movie buffs will enjoy the Little Hollywood Museum, which showcases memorabilia from films shot in the area.

But Kanab is more than just a movie town. The town is an excellent base for traveling between the two states, but it also offers tons of outdoor adventures. One of the most popular places to visit near Kanab is the Wave, a stunning, remote red-rock formation that you can reach via a 5-mile hike.

Another place in the area worth your attention is the White Pocket and Coyote Buttes, which boast incredible colors. However, you will need a high-clearance vehicle to access these places because the route is pretty rough.

Photographers will also have a great time in Kanab because it is a gateway to some of the Beehive State’s most incredible natural wonders, including Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and Buckskin Gulch.

Helper

Once a booming mining town at the base of Price Canyon, Helper has transformed into a thriving arts community just 110 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, and now makes a fun stop on a a classic Utah road trip.

The local Western Mining and Railroad Museum tells the story of Helper’s rich history, while nearby Nine Mile Canyon, often called the "world’s longest art gallery," has thousands of petroglyphs that date back thousands of years.

In recent years, Helper has become one of the most interesting small towns to visit in Utah. Its annual Christmas Light Parade brings the community together.

Escalante

Escalante is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts along Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful drives in America in the heart of Grand Staircase Escalante National Park, where slot canyons, waterfalls, and breathtaking desert landscapes await.

Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, a stunning 126-foot waterfall, or explore the Devil’s Garden, a group of unique rock formations perfect for photography. Another fun activity in the area is exploring narrow, winding canyons like Peekaboo and Spooky Gulch, two of the most famous and fun slot canyons in the region.

Torrey

Torrey is a quiet town just outside Capitol Reef, the most remote of Utah’s national parks. It is one of the best places to visit in the Beehive state if you want to unplug for a couple of days and check out scenic trails in one of Utah's most remote regions.

The park’s towering cliffs, domes, and Petroglyph Panels make it a fascinating place to explore. After a day of adventures, don't forget to look up at the sky—the area boasts perfect opportunities for stargazing because of its remote location and minimal light pollution.

Capitol Reef National Park boasts unparalleled landscapes and plenty of space to roam around. The park is dominated by sharp cliff walls, arches, and gigantic sandstone walls above the Fremont River. One of the main features of the park is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, where many hiking trails begin.

Cedar City

Cedar City is Utah’s hidden gem located along Interstate 15. Nicknamed "Festival City, USA" because of its numerous festivals and events, including the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Utah Summer Games, Cedar City is a perfect detour from the nearby national parks like Zion and Bryce. But if you make it here, check out Cedar Breaks National Monument, a natural landmark overshadowed by its more famous sibling, Bryce Canyon National Park.

Cedar City and surrounding areas put on a stunning display of colors from late September through early October. The area is surrounded by gorgeous canyons, mountains, and forests that burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. A scenic drive through Dixie National Forest is a perfect place to see colorful trees, and Kolob Canyon, which is part of Zion National Park, is another scenic area where you can hike amid the fall scenery.

In winter, this town offers great opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing near Brian Head Resort.

Morgan

Morgan is a perfect spot for outdoor recreation in a scenic valley along the Weber River. The drive through Weber Canyon is stunning, especially in the fall, so if you want to go leaf-peeping in Utah, don’t miss this popular spot.

One of the highlights is the nearby East Canyon State Park where you can camp and spend lazy days on a boat, while the Union Pacific Depot showcases the town’s railroad history. If you are drawn to unique sights, Morgan won't disappoint. The Devil's Slide rock formation is a must-see geological marvel, while the historic Train Bridge at Taggart's remains a favorite destination for those touring the area.

Boulder

Boulder is one of Utah's most remote and beautiful small towns that offers an escape from crowded national parks and big cities. Boulder has just over 200 people and is perfect for a quiet retreat under clear, dark skies. It sits in the heart of Grand Staircase Escalante National Park, which means outdoor opportunities for hiking, camping, and canyoneering abound.

Boulder is also home to the Anasazi State Park Museum, where visitors can explore ancient Puebloan ruins. Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm, a local farm-to-table restaurant, is a real culinary gem that was named one of the best restaurants in the country.

Utah is home to many authentic towns where you can learn pioneer history, get outside, and savor local flavors. From the Swiss charm of Midway to the red rock beauty of Springdale and the historic appeal of Park City, each top destination offers a unique experience. No matter the season, Utah’s best small towns offer rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, so make sure to put them on your bucket list for 2025.