7 of the Friendliest Towns in Utah
Utah is a scenic state nestled within the Western United States. This state is a treasure trove of outdoor opportunities, boasting a range of fabulous natural sights such as the Great Salt Lake, Arches National Park, and Zion National Park. To this end, visitors are drawn in from all over the world to unique locations in Utah. However, one thing that many people don't take into account is Utah's fantastic culture and friendly environment. With a booming economy and great small towns, it houses some of the friendliest places to make new friends and have fun conversations.
Moab
The county seat of Grand County, Moab, is one of Utah's most famous tourist destinations. Surrounded by natural scenery like canyons, hills, and mesas, people flock to the town to enjoy the unique sights. Thanks to this, the small town of 5,400 is always full of interesting people willing to talk and have fun. Speaking of fun, Moab houses an array of opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy.
Start your trip with a visit to the 76,000-acre Acres Arches National Park, where you'll find 2,000 natural sandstone arches! While climbing on the arches is not allowed, you can go on a hike, cycle, or even enjoy some camping with these massive geographical formations in the backdrop. If this park isn't to your liking, you'll be glad to know that the Canyonlands National Park is also located right around the corner. Boasting 330,000 acres of beautiful landscape, you can spend days roaming this park with a small group. However, be careful, as the park is home to hundreds of animals and plants, including the common kingsnake and prairie rattlesnake. With these and dozens of other natural landmarks nearby, there is no end to the outdoor enjoyment at Moab.
If you're not into the outdoors, there's no need to fret, as the town has some great indoor spots to chill out and relax. For example, you can learn about the local culture at the famous Moab Museum. This quaint establishment showcases the town's history, including cowboys, oil, settlers, and spirits. So, you can stock up on your cultural knowledge to impress the people you meet in downtown Moab. The downtown area is always full of life and tourists and has a range of quirky stores, microbreweries, cafes, and restaurants.
Midway
A short distance from both Heber City and Salt Lake City, Midway is a great reprieve from these major cities. Encompassed by Utah's Wasatch Back region, the town provides a backdrop of majestic mountains which attract people with their alluring aura. Specifically, people from nearby cities often stop by looking for an escape into the state's natural beauty. So, if you are an outdoor person, you won't have trouble finding people to enjoy the wilderness with you. A great place to start is the nearby Wasatch Mountain State Park which provides plenty of trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. Set against the backdrop of massive mountains, you can enjoy a game of golf at the park's 18-hole course or set up camp to spend the night under the stars. A fun fact about this state park is that it was one of the 2002 Winter Olympic venues, which garnered loads of international recognition.
While the mountains are amazing, many people also opt for the beautiful waters of Deer Creek State Park. This bustling park is home to the shimmering Deer Creek, where you'll find people windsurfing, boating, or fishing for a lovely dinner of Trout. Rent a rod and head out with some of the locals to catch yourself a hearty meal that everyone can enjoy. End the day back in town, where you'll be surrounded by Swiss-themed architecture and quaint shops. From spas to bars and everything in between, head into any establishment to be greeted with a smile! Or, watch a play at the High Valley Arts Outdoor Theatre for a fun time in Midway!
Torrey
A home away from home, Torrey is a lovely place that exudes small-town vibes. With a population of less than 200 people, everyone knows everyone in town, and you'll always feel like a welcome guest. Whether you're grabbing a bite at Capitol Burger or enjoying a drink at The Rim Rock Patio, there are always friendly faces and fun interactions. Apart from this, Torrey also has some lovely hotspots in town where you can find loads of people. For example, the Torrey Trading Post shopping area features quirky stores selling clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and other items. Or, spend an evening enjoying the local art at the quaint Gallery 24. No matter what you plan on doing, you'll have good company and a relaxed vibe to go along.
Take a look outside of town, and you'll be met with miles of beautifully preserved landscapes. One of the prime attractions nearby is the Capitol Reef National Park. Boasting an area of more than 240,000 acres, this park is a massive expanse of beautiful desert. Take a hike along the 22-mile (35 km) Halls Creek Narrows trail, which has many canyons, creeks, and scenic viewpoints. Or, set up camp at the Fruita campground, which has restrooms, picnic areas, and more for a comfortable time out in the wilderness. With tourists always ready to help, you can enjoy the friendly vibe inside and outside of Torrey.
Spring City
Spring City is a laid-back farming town in Sanpete County that is home to rich culture and history. First settled in the 1850s by the Allred Family, the town was then known as "Allred Settlement." While conflicts with the local Ute people led to the settlement being disbanded, it was re-established soon after and boomed with Danish settlers. To this end, you can spot a range of historical establishments throughout town which have been well-preserved by the hard-working locals. A great place to start is the Spring City Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area is the town's commercial hub boasting stone homes, small stores, and cute eateries that exude history. For example, the Spring City Old City Hall and Old Jail are both must-visit buildings in town.
With such a rich past, the town's culture is palpable no matter where you are. Whether this is meeting amazing people in the local stores or grabbing a drink with a new friend, Spring City's hospitality is second to none. Parallel to the history, you'll also find amazing celebrations and authentic cuisine in town. For some Danish specialties, head over to the "Little Denmark" area in town, a slice of Danish tradition in Utah. If not Danish food, check out the Das Cafe for some German dishes or The Coffee Depot for a quick drink. End the day taking in the beautiful sunset for a lovely trip in Utah.
Brigham City
Nestled at the slope of the Wellsive Mountains of the Wasatch Range, Brigham City is a verdant wonderland in Utah. This stunning town is home to a bustling group of 20,000 residents and is always full of lively activities. Drawing in tourists with its urban amenities, small-town charm, and intriguing past, Brigham City is the perfect friendly town to visit on vacation. But before getting into all that, let's take a look at the town's famous peaches. With some of the best peaches in the country, the townspeople hold an annual Peach Days celebration which is a booming event. Closing off part of the town, you'll see people parading around, driving cool cars, and offering delicious peaches to taste and purchase. To this end, Peach Days get more than 50,000 visitors and is a great place to mingle with new people and make some peachy friends!
While peaches are amazing, there's a whole lot more to see and do in the lovely town of Brigham City. For outdoor people, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a great destination nearby. With an area of 79,000 acres, this refuge protects hundreds of animal species within the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, including the Tundra swan, American avocet, and White-faced ibis. There are also some great recreational opportunities on offer, like hiking, wildlife photography, hunting, and fishing to take in the outdoors! Once you've tired yourself out, end the day with some relaxing sights in town. Brigham City's cultural attractions, such as the Brigham City Museum-Gallery and Box Elder Museum, are perfect to end the day right!
Kanab
The town of Kanab in Kane County beckons travelers from all over with its natural charm and desert scenery. Located within the "Grand Circle" area, Kanab is a prime rest stop for a plethora of natural attractions, including the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Zion National Park, and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Each of these sights offers a unique outdoor experience that you'll rarely find elsewhere. For example, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a 3,700-acre expanse that boasts unique pink-hued sand dunes. Surrounded by these stunning formations, you can camp, hike, and even off-road drive in this amazing environment. The welcoming tourists are also open to help you explore the scenery so you can try your hand at sandboarding and get some memorable photos here!
While the natural retreat side of Kanab is stunning, the town's friendliness comes from its strong heritage. Settled in the 1860s, Kanab was initially the location of a base for defense against the local Indian tribes. To this end, it has been a pivotal town in many major events and showcases much of this culture to this day. One can roam through town only to hear magnificent stories only to have dozens of interactions regarding the local culture and people. If you're interested in this, head over to the Kanab Heritage Home Museum or Kanab Visitor Center. These sights tell the town's tale and put into perspective how such a community came to be.
Park City
If you're into winter sports, Park City is the perfect Utah town for you. Home to Deer Valley Resort, one of the country's top ski resorts, this town is a treasure trove of snowy fun! So, head on over to the resort where you can enjoy 2,000 acres of skiable area which are divided into more than 100 runs! From easy to advanced, these runs boast unique terrain, obstacles, and speeds for a new experience each time you go down. The resort also has 24 lifts and a vertical elevation of 3,000 feet (910 m) for a lifetime skiing experience down the Wasatch Mountains. If you're not skiing, you can relax, take in the amenities, and meet all the lively people who come to enjoy the snow. Grab a bite at the fine dining restaurant or get a room at the lovely lodge where people are always discussing their latest run or coolest trick. All in all, if finding topics for conversation was ever a problem, Park City's skiing wonderland works as a great starter.
While you could spend weeks skiing in Park City, there is also a lot more to see and do in town. Always filled with thousands of tourists, this small town has an urban vibe which makes it a fun place to walk and hang out in. The Main Street Historic District is one of the best localities for a day out. With more than 40 buildings from the past few centuries, the street is lined with Victorian and Spanish Revival architecture styles. Along with this, many buildings are now used as stores, cafes, shops, and bars where you'll always find lovely people enjoying themselves. Stop by the Kimball Art Center to appreciate the local art scene to take in all Park City has to offer.
When it comes to towns in Utah, you can expect welcoming smiles and lively hospitality. Surrounded by natural beauty and filled with amazing activities, these towns are all ideal spots to visit and make some new friends. Moreover, with an array of unique and quirky attractions, you'll never get bored of these friendly towns in Utah. In fact, you may find yourself coming back for more!
