7 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In Utah
Many travel to Utah, sometimes referred to as the Beehive State, for a break from the hustle and bustle they might find in neighboring states. While the region is known for colossal metro areas like Salt Lake City, relaxation and tranquility await travelers seeking accommodation in Utah’s smaller communities like Springdale and Hurricane. Whether you want the splendor of nature that you can access in Torrey at the Capitol Reef National Park or the art you are likely to discover and love in Helper, there is always something new to explore and find traversing the wild and rugged terrain of Utah on the hunt for your next peaceful retreat.
Hurricane
In the southern portion of Utah, you will find Hurricane. This is one of the many locations throughout the Beehive State that showcase a wealth of natural beauty and recreational potential, especially with Zion National Park (one of the state’s most iconic attractions) only twenty miles away. Sand Hollow State Park is another amenity, housing a vast reservoir ideal for paddleboarding, fishing, and kayaking.
Hurricane is also filled with local favorites and community events that make this easygoing town worth visiting. Among the dining options, visitors can sample the homemade flavors of Main Street Café or take in authentic ethnic food at Las Lupitas Mexican Grill. If you plan your trip around annual events like Peach Days or the Washington County Fair, you get even more bang for your buck, even if you lose some of the relaxed environment.
Helper
Helper is a location in the Price River Valley that the locals would tell you is literally famous for being laid-back and relaxing. With a population barely exceeding two thousand, the little town is quaint and calm, with its main attractions centered around the region's rich history, like the Helper Western Mining and Railroad Museum. For nature lovers, Nine Mile Canyon is on the doorstep and is known locally as the "World's Longest Art Gallery"; it presents a stunning array of ancient petroglyphs and sceneries.
Other famous restaurants and shops line Helper's Main Street, adding a great deal to the town's beauty. Among the food favorites in this town is the Balance Rock Eatery & Pub, which specializes in hearty meals in an old rustic setting. The place is no less alive in August during its annual Helper Arts, Music & Film Festival, which showcases local artists and musicians amidst the town's historic architectural structure.
Springdale
Many come to Springdale first for its closeness to Zion National Park. It is positioned at the foot of the edge of this sprawling attraction, so there is plenty to do when you visit. The town itself is only home to around six hundred people, but that helps to push the calm and tranquil feeling of the community. Exploration of the region is at a premium here, with The Zion Canyon Visitor Center offering an entry to the National Park that gives an excellent overview of the striking land. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is an icon only a short drive from Springdale and allows panoramic views of the diverse geology found within the park.
From Oscar's Cafe, serving Southwestern-style food in a casual setting, to King's Landing Bistro for fine dining while taking in canyon views, there is something for every taste and budget. The local Springdale Candy Company is also worth a stop for some homemade sweets to satisfy your cravings. On the first weekend in September, thousands come to the area for the Zion Canyon Music Festival, which features local and national talents showcasing their craft.
Cedar City
Cedar City is also fondly called "Festival City, USA," a charming fairytale destination. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the town perfectly fits both the adventurous and relaxed. This is one of the larger towns to still be considered tranquil and relaxed, with 34,000 residents and the campus of Southern Utah University. There is much to explore nature-wise here, with the Cedar Breaks National Monument nearby offering spectacular natural amphitheater views and stargazing programs.
Downtown Cedar City is full of local treasures, from the perfectly brewed coffee at The Grind Coffeehouse to the specialty artisan pizzas at Centro Woodfired Pizzeria. The highlight is the Utah Shakespeare Festival, which runs annually from late June to early October. For those looking to blend cush accommodations with recreation, book the Brian Head Resort, which offers skiing and mountain biking activities.
Torrey
Nestled in the heart of Utah, Torrey is a welcome retreat from the heavily constructed cities and towns throughout the Beehive State. The community is only around two hundred and fifty residents, allowing nature to be the main star of this tranquil and slow-paced setting. Serving as the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey offers excellent access to magnificent landscapes, including the breathtaking Fruita Historic District, where orchards and rustic barns create this picturesque view.
Amenities within the city limits include The Pioneer Kitchen, which has a reputation for hearty Southern cuisine, and Rock Reef Café, where you can get homemade cooking with red cliffs looming thousands of feet above you. If your tastes run to art, try the Entrada Institute's Cowboy Music and Arts Festival, a showcase for talented musicians and artists in the serenity of Torrey's outdoor pavilion.
Santa Clara
Santa Clara is the place to visit when you are in the southwest and looking for a quiet and calm environment. With little over seven thousand people, this town is named for the river it sits against. This access to the water provides plentiful options for recreation and fishing. History is also a prevalent part of the culture here, with protected properties like the renowned Jacob Hamblin Home, which was constructed in the 1860s and allows one to envision pioneer life.
Adding to that warm atmosphere is the local dining, which offers big, juicy burgers and fries at George’s Corner Restaurant and more delightful ethnic options with popular spots like Lamy’s Mexican Grill. If you plan your fall visit, check out Santa Clara for the Swiss Days Festival in September, commemorating the region's heritage with music, food, and entertainment.
Beaver
Beaver is a quaint town of three thousand residents, offering a quiet retreat among scenic beauty and historic charm. Established in 1856, Beaver contains the Beaver County Courthouse, an imposing building from 1882, protected and preserved to commemorate the community’s history permanently. You can also take advantage of the Beaver Territorial Courthouse Museum exhibits for the life and contributions of Philo T. Farnsworth - the inventor of television.
The relaxed environment shines in the local favorite eateries, such as El Bambi Café for American comfort foods and Maria’s Cocina for delectable Mexican fare. Nature enthusiasts should be sure not to miss stopping by Eagle Point Resort here, as you can indulge in recreation year-round, from hiking and mountain biking to skiing in the winter months. At the end of the summer, Beaver hosts the County Fair, complete with carnivals, vendors, entertainment, and rodeos.
No matter where you end up in Utah, there is something wild and exciting to explore and discover, from the festivals that make Cedar City famous to the cozy historic districts of Beaver. When you can slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of Utah, you can understand each small town as a unique piece of the puzzle that makes up a veritable quilt of cultures, history, indigenous influence, and unspoiled splendor.
