7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Utah

Utah's mountains, canyons, and high desert plains draw much attention, but beyond these stunning landscapes are charming towns with incredible downtowns that deserve a closer look. From vibrant art that seems to dance along Cedar City's main streets to the enchanting Swiss Alps-inspired architecture of Midway to lush greenery and meandering paths that wind through a historic park in Ephraim, these communities offer picturesque main streets that will take your breath away. Escape from the hustle and bustle of large cities, such as Salt Lake City and St. George, and discover these hidden gem towns, which have some of the prettiest downtown strips in the Beehive State.

Cedar City

Cedar City, one of Utah's most picturesque downtown districts, boasts a variety of historic buildings, vibrant murals, local restaurants, and a top-notch winery, all within easy walking distance of each other. On Center Street, eat and drink at Centro Woodfired Pizza and The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen before stopping to take a picture in front of the colorful mural with the words Cedar City hand-painted on it. Across the way, it's hard to miss the impressive artwork on the exterior of I/G Winery & Tasting Room. While there, savor flights of locally crafted red or white wines, enjoy live music, or take a cocktail class where you become the mixologist.

On Main Street, the Coal Creek Walking Trail's mural captures the beautiful spirit of Utah as the Beehive State, while the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum's three-panel mural features Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Midway

Midway, situated within the Heber Valley, is a quaint mountain town often referred to as "Little Switzerland." Stay at the Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa for a Swiss-inspired luxury retreat near downtown. Beyond its lavish suites and villas, dine at one of the restaurants for a taste of the Alps or hit the slopes for a snowy adventure.

Nearby, Midway Mercantile Restaurant offers New American fare with a Swiss-influenced atmosphere, while Café Galleria serves up Italian cuisine in a rustic setting. The Homestead Crater, a natural spring within a 55-foot-tall limestone rock dome, is well worth exploring. Located at Homestead Resort, this hidden gem is perfect for taking a dip, snorkeling, scuba diving, or enjoying a therapeutic soak.

When it comes to events, Midway hosts Swiss Days, a cultural celebration honoring its Swiss heritage. The annual event, held at Town Square, located just off Main Street, features a traditional parade, vendors, and a variety of food options.

Moab

While Moab may be the gateway to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, its downtown area is the real heartbeat of the town. Stroll along Main Street to discover Desert Dreams, a popular souvenir shop. Before stepping inside, stop to check out the window display, which is filled with quirky shirts featuring sayings and designs. To see everything it offers, browse the selection of collectible mugs, keychains, postcards, and beautiful artwork.

For further shopping, directly next door are boutique stores Indigo Alley and Desert Wild, as well as Back of Beyond Books, a bookstore featuring rare titles and books that focus on the American Southwest and the Colorado Plateau. On the opposite side of Main Street are incredible eateries, from the breakfast spot Moab Garage Co. to Trailhead Public House and Eatery, which has some of the best burgers in town.

Springdale

After exploring Zion National Park, the top attraction in Springdale, travel along Zion Park Boulevard, one of Utah's most picturesque downtown areas. Discover hidden gems, such as the David J. West Gallery, which showcases stunning photography of Zion and the surrounding southern Utah area. Next door, the Worthington Gallery features breathtaking artwork, ranging from wind sculptures to watercolor paintings. For shopping in the area, Zion Outdoor has everything you could ever need for the great outdoors, from hiking gear to camping equipment.

Once you have found everything you need, order pizza or your favorite pasta dish at the adjacent Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. Nearby, the Zion Pioneer Lodge offers plenty of rooms for a comfortable stay, along with amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and an on-site restaurant, while the Zion Park Motel, although smaller, has remodeled rooms, a complimentary breakfast, a picnic area, and a playground.

Helper

Although downtown Helper is lined with historic buildings and structures, that shouldn't stop you from exploring everything nearby. Retreat to Balanced Rock Eatery and Pub on Main Street to taste the dining scene. Named after a rock formation in Arches National Park, the cozy pub offers huge portions in an artsy atmosphere. A few steps down, Canvas Alchemy showcases local art, hosts live music, gives workshops, and features handmade gifts in its vibrant art gallery.

On the other side of the street, the chic coffee shop Happiness Within spreads joy seven days a week with its variety of espressos, teas, and baked goods. A major highlight in the area is the Helper Museum, which transports you back to the town's heyday as a thriving mining community.

Kanab

Beyond its proximity to national parks, Kanab's downtown hub offers just as much adventure. You can't miss the standalone store, Willow Canyon Outdoor, with a sign that says 'gear, books, apparel, and coffee,' indicating everything it sells inside. Just down the street, Wild Thyme Café is a delightful place to dine, offering a variety of dishes from steaks to seafood. Passing by and seeing the horse installation, part of the restaurant's logo, out front is enough to draw anyone in—request to sit outdoors during your meal to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

Vermillion 45, also nearby, offers a French and Italian bistro-style atmosphere for those seeking alternative dining options. A few blocks down are attractions, such as the Little Hollywood Museum and the Kanab Heritage House Museum, that make Kanab stand out as one of the best small towns in Utah.

Ephraim

Ephraim's downtown area, which is home to Snow College, boasts a youthful vibrancy complemented by the history of Old Town Utah. At its heart lies Ephraim Pioneer Park, a memorial park dedicated to the pioneers who settled in the region. Its stunning natural landscapes make it an ideal place to stroll, host an outdoor picnic, or relax. Beyond its scenery, the park is home to the Ephraim Heritage Museum, a historic site that offers a unique opportunity to learn about the town's past.

Nearby on Main Street sits Granary Arts, a nonprofit art center housed in a historic stone granary building. A few steps down is the Ephraim Co-Op Mercantile Association, a two-story building that once operated as a co-op store and a meeting hall. Further along the streets is Willow Creek Inn, a quaint place to stay while in town.

Discover Utah's Most Scenic Downtown Areas

There is much more to see and do in Utah than exploring its famous national parks and natural attractions. Picture yourself strolling the streets of Cedar City, encountering intricate art, such as the Cedar City Mural, in all its vibrant glory in the heart of downtown, or vacationing in Midway, near snowcapped mountains that may remind you of the Swiss Alps. Or perhaps the Ephraim Pioneer Park in Ephraim, a peaceful spot to take in scenic views and learn about Utah's pioneers, will captivate you. Whether you are into colorful art, wintery atmosphere, or love hearing about local history, these communities offer it all in and around their downtown areas.