7 Ideal Utah Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024
Utah, a Western US state famed for its distinctive natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and epic outdoor recreation, is a wonderful place to spend a three-day weekend. Rugged red rock landscapes and unspoiled prairie vistas set the backdrop for five of the most spectacular national parks in the country. Dotted among these world-class destinations are some of Utah’s most charming small towns—bustling yet cozy destinations on the doorstep of the Beehive State’s best activities. From national park-adjacent towns like Springdale and Kanab to historic havens like Vernal and Blanding, these picturesque Utah small towns are world-class destinations for any traveler looking for an unforgettable weekend escape.
Kanab
Kanab is located in what is known as the “Grand Circle.” Encompassing destinations in both Arizona and Utah, the cozy community is near some of the region’s most popular attractions, including Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, the Grand Canyon (North Rim), Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. Its central location near many of the West’s best attractions makes it the perfect base camp, with epic outdoor recreation, unparalleled natural beauty, and opportunities for adventure all within reach during a three-day weekend. For shorter treks, visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument or Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, both less than 30 minutes away. A scenic accommodation close to all the action, The Grand Circle Lodge makes exploring even easier.
Kanab is also known for its spectacular Western vistas, and its towering sandstone cliffs and vast, rugged landscapes have drawn filmmakers to the area for decades. Affectionately nicknamed “Little Hollywood,” the small town’s cinematic past can be seen everywhere, from its Little Hollywood Museum to abandoned film sets at nearby Johnson Canyon and Paria Canyon. For even more Wild West fun, visit Kanab in the summer for its Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival, a two-day event celebrating everything Western—from cowboys to rodeos and everything in between.
Springdale
Known as a gateway town to Southwest Utah’s Zion National Park, Springdale is an ideal base camp for exploring the area. Shuttling to Zion from downtown is a snap, and makes it easy to explore the recreational activities on Springdale’s doorstep—from avid outdoor adventurers to nature lovers seeking relaxation, there’s something for everyone. However, there’s more to Springdale than its proximity to Zion National Park. An hour away, Snow Canyon State Park’s rugged landscapes and dramatic sandstone cliffs are the perfect backdrop for many outdoor adventures, including hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, biking, horseback riding, and exploring local petroglyph sites.
The scenic surroundings of Springdale also provide a stunning backdrop to its bustling downtown area. In addition to its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, the lovely Utah town also has many entertaining attractions. Top spots include The Shunesburg Ghost Town and Cemetery and DeMille Rock House. After all the fun, one can head to cozy accommodations like Driftwood Lodge.
Vernal
Vernal is a community in the picturesque Uintah Basin, a Northeastern Utah area famed for its wide open spaces and dramatic mountain borders. One of the largest towns in the region, Vernal also has plenty of rugged outdoor beauty—however, the small town’s claim to fame is not just its scenery. Known as “Dinosaurland,” Vernal visitors can take a trip back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, mining for fossils and exploring dinosaur bones at Dinosaur National Monument and Red Fleet State Park. A day trip to the nearby Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum also offers a glimpse into ancient history with collections of dinosaur bones and replicas, interactive exhibits, and virtual tours. The Dry Fork Petroglyphs are another can’t-miss attraction showcasing the area’s distinctive culture and primitive past.
Vernal’s location in the heart of the Uintah Basin makes it a great place to spend a three-day weekend exploring the surrounding area. Outdoor attractions abound, with places like nearby McCoy Flats and Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex offering activities for every outdoor enthusiast. Additionally, Steinaker State Park offers fishing, watersports, and wildlife watching. Granted international dark sky park status in 2018, Steinaker is also a great place to camp out and enjoy a panoramic view of the night sky.
Blanding
Located in Utah’s Four Corners Region—the only geographic area in the US where four states meet. Visitors interested in this side of town can stop by sites like the Edge of the Cedars State Park & Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past and present-day culture. At the same time, can’t-miss attractions like The Dinosaur Museum combine quirky roadside charm with prehistoric-era history. The Blanding Visitor’s Center is also a great stop to learn more about Blanding.
Blanding is also a great base camp for exploring nearby outdoor attractions during a three-day Utah weekend. The start of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway is just over one hour away, offering a unique road trip full of wonderful outdoors. Another spot nearby is Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which boasts over 1.2 million acres of spectacular natural beauty. After spending some time outdoors, travelers can return to Blanding to spend the night at the eclectic Stone Lizard Lodge.
Cedar City
Boasting around 35,000 residents, Cedar City is the largest town in Iron County. However, the south-central Utah town maintains a welcoming small-town atmosphere because of its bustling artistic vibes and tight-knit college feel. Home to Southern Utah University, Cedar City is a bastion for area arts and culture, hosting attractions like the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. For more of Cedar City’s bustling arts scene, head downtown to enjoy the Southern Utah University Sculpture Stroll, which showcases a variety of artifacts in and around the college campus. The city also hosts many festivals, such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Neil Simon Festival.
Often called the “gateway to Utah’s National Parks,” Cedar City is a beautiful place to start any Beehive State adventure. Those spending the weekend can tour some of Utah’s best parks with a road trip loop to Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument, and there are plenty of places to stay along the way, including the Zion National Park Lodge.
Moab
Centrally located near top Utah destinations Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab is known for its rugged, red rock landscapes and distinctive natural beauty. However, a location near two of the state’s best parks means more than just a pretty backdrop. In Moab, epic outdoor opportunities are around every corner. Whether it is miles of mountain biking on Slickrock Bike Trail, hiking natural landmarks like Delicate Arch or one of the town’s many trails, or rafting nearby Cataract Canyon, there’s something for every outdoor thrill-seeker. Moreover, while its dark skies make it ideal for camping under the stars, Moab has many luxe accommodations, like the award-winning Gravity Haus Moab.
While Moab may be known for its proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, travelers can also explore Moab’s walkable downtown area. Those feeling hungry can stop by El Tapatio for a Mexican meal or Zax for some fresh American food. Whatever the activity, from laidback exploring to adrenaline-packed adventure, Moab has it all.
Park City
Located in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains and less than an hour from Salt Lake City, Park City is a bustling Utah destination famed for its outdoor recreation and laidback, mountain-town vibes. A town for every season, Park City has activities for every outdoor enthusiast, from epic skiing to mountain biking—and everything in between. Popular attractions include Park City Mountain, the largest resort in the US, and Utah Olympic Park, the 2002 Olympic Winter Games site. The perfect place to spend a three-day weekend, Park City also has a variety of beautiful accommodations, with everything from lodges at Park City Mountain Resort to charming stays at Marriott's Summit Watch.
As the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City has its share of history. However, the cozy town’s arts and culture scene is equally diverse as its historic reputation as a sports mecca. Historic and charming, the city’s Old Town area hosts attractions like the Egyptian Theatre and the Park City Museum. At the same time, its eclectic neighborhoods host events like the Park City Song Summit and the annual Sundance Film Festival.
Wrapping Up
With a total of five national parks—Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Capital Reef National Park, Zion National Park, and Canyonlands National Park—Utah has no shortage of incredible vacation destinations. The best way to enjoy the Western state’s dramatic beauty is with a three-day weekend in one of its scenic small towns. Set to picturesque natural backdrops, these cozy communities are top destinations in their own right—and their cultural attractions, rich history, and distinctive Western charm showcase the best of the Beehive State.
