7 Towns in Utah With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Utah is a popular state to visit for its collection of amazing national and state parks within its borders, like Zion, Arches, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Canyonlands, and many more. Cities like Salt Lake City and Provo also make for some great urban adventures. But today, we will focus on some of Utah's smaller towns that are definitely worth visiting on their own. Whether you're just looking for somewhere to stay before heading out to a nearby park or truly want to explore one of this state's less populated downtown cores, these seven destinations are sure to make any trip a unique one.
Park City
Park City, is best known for its world-class ski resorts, conveniently located nearby, and its dynamic downtown area. The historic Main Street is the heart of the town, featuring numerous art galleries, like the Main Street Gallery, boutiques, and a diverse selection of restaurants. Many buildings here reflect the town's silver mining heritage, designed in the Victorian-era style that was popular around the town's founding. Here, you can check out the Park City Museum to learn more about the town's history dating back to the 1860s and beyond.
Nature is easily accessible from downtown in all seasons of the year. The town's location in the Wasatch Mountains provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. Nearby trails and parks, like the Jordanelle State Park, offer scenic views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Utah.
Moab
Moab serves as the gateway to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, like the famous Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The downtown area of Moab tries its best to reflect the town's connection to the surrounding desert and canyonlands too.
Historically, Moab has a rich past linked to Native American cultures and early settlers. The Moab Museum contains exhibits that highlight this history, providing visitors like you with a detailed look into the town's development and its role in this region of eastern Utah.
Downtown Moab is bustling with activity, primarily in the warmer summer and spring months. Outdoor adventure companies offer guided tours and equipment rentals for exploring the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Many of the town's shops sell everything from outdoor gear to local crafts and souvenirs, making it a convenient spot for visitors preparing for their outdoor adventures.
Cedar City
Cedar City, Utah, features a distinctive downtown area that blends commercial, natural, and historic elements. Notable landmarks include the historic Main Street and the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum, each offering insights into the town's pioneer heritage along with a number of amenities nearby. The Utah Shakespeare Festival, held annually in Cedar City's downtown core, attracts visitors from around the country to this remote town.
Nature is an integral part of Cedar City's appeal. The town is situated near several national parks, including the world-famous Zion Canyon and, just slightly further away, Bryce Canyon, offering spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing are popular activities that draw nature lovers to this region.
Heber City
Downtown Heber City contains notable landmarks and historic buildings like the Heber Valley Railroad Depot, a spot that highlights the town's close association with the railroad and provides historical context in regard to the economy of this town for visitors. Heber City is known for another thing, too, which is cheese. Enjoy some of the tastiest offerings here at the Heber Valley Artisan Cheese Factory, which both sells cheese and offers tours of the facility.
Heber City's natural surroundings are easily accessible from downtown. The town is nestled in the Heber Valley, surrounded by the Wasatch Mountain Range. Make sure to enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and even hiking at the nearby Deer Creek and Jordanelle State Parks.
Kanab
Kanab features key sites like the Parry Lodge, a former filming location for Western movies that now serves as a hotel, a [perfect place to stay during your trip to Utah. Downtown Kanab is also bustling with other activities and services, like the Kanab Heritage House Museum and the Little Hollywood Museum, both of which provide more cultural and historical information about this area and its place as a popular location for movie sets and its beginnings as a frontier town.
Kanab, like some of the other southern Utah entries on this list, is a gateway to several national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon North Rim. Enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing in these stunning and highly popular natural getaways. The nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park adds another dimension to the area's natural beauty, with its unique sandy landscape that can be explored on foot.
Springdale
Springdale is another town that serves as a hub for visitors to Zion National Park. Historical markers and local museums, such as the Zion Human History Museum, are worth visiting. They will provide you with additional info on the history of this area, which dates back well over a hundred years.
The downtown area has all the amenities a visitor could possibly need, including hotels of varying price ranges, restaurants, and outfitters to supply your outdoor adventures. The Red Rock Inn is an incredibly scenic and fairly affordable place to stay the night. For food, Oscar's Cafe is a highly-rated spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Nature is an integral part of Springdale's appeal. Again, being situated at the entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale will give you easy access to some of the most spectacular hiking trails and scenic drives in the region. Activities such as canyoneering, regular hiking, and photography are extremely popular here.
Helper
Helper's downtown area is characterized by a blend of commercial, historical, and natural attractions in the sparsely populated central portion of Utah. Its Main Street is the focal point, featuring a range of shops, cafes, and art galleries, like Canvas Alchemy, a gallery and art store that also hosts live music and sells locally made gifts.
The town's history as a coal mining community can be explored up close in its many old buildings that still stand to this day. Begin at the Helper Museum, which has a curated collection of artifacts and exhibits that will further shine a light on the storied past of this Wild West town.
The nearby Price River is a good spot for fishing and kayaking, while the surrounding mountains and canyons are ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing along its many trails.
Explore Utah's Best Small Towns Today
Whether it is the cultural draws of Kanab or the spectacular parks surrounding Moab or Springdale, any of the places mentioned on this list will make for a memorable road trip through the Beehive State. As many of these towns may have limited hotels and other amenities, definitely try to book your lodgings and other outings ahead of time if need be.
