8 Best Downtowns In Utah
The stunning natural beauty of Utah conjures up images of vast canyons in Zion National Park, serene bodies of water like the Great Salt Lake, and the rocky terrain of the Wasatch Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in this majestic state. Ample opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing make Utah an incredible destination for fueling your active lifestyle. Utah, however, is more than just a pretty face. Many small towns in Utah have charming and historical downtown areas brimming with cozy shops, luxury boutiques, and food that you have to try.
Park City
Formerly a mining town, Park City is now a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding. You can easily spend the day wandering around downtown Park City and be enchanted by its charming and historic main street. Both accessible and walkable, get lost by immersing yourself in local art, history, and culture. See where it all began at the Park City Museum. Featuring permanent and changing exhibits. Wander through the museum's exhibits showcasing Utah's mining roots, vintage vehicles, and the Tozer Gallery. The vast collection of artifacts gives you a feel for Park City life over 100 years ago. If you find yourself in this serene city from the end of May to the end of October, support local vendors at the Park City Farmers Market. Nothing amps up a meal than some fresh produce from Utah.
Park City downtown has a booming art scene that is waiting to be discovered. Main Street is home to some top-rated and well-loved art galleries. Spend a quiet afternoon strolling through Trove Gallery, Gallery MAR, David Beavis Fine Art, or Meyer Gallery. All four of these beauties have received a solid five stars on TripAdvisor. After the day's adventures, grab a bite of Utah eats at No Name Saloon & Grill. You have to try one of their iconic Buffalo Burgers. If you still have energy left at the end of the day, take a short drive from downtown to the famous Park City Mountain Resort.
Moab
Sandwiched between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, you will find the endearing town of Moab. Located in the heart of Utah's scenic wonderland, Moab is a hub for outdoor adventures. Despite the area brimming with adrenaline-pumping activities, sometimes it's nice to kick back and leisurely explore the quaint downtown area. Relive Moab's rich past with a visit to the Moab Museum. Explore exhibits ranging from the first Native American settlers to the area to the present-day excitement in Moab. Afterward, take home a piece of Utah at Moab Made. Carefully select your favorite handcrafted masterpiece from art prints, jewelry, pottery, and other handmade gifts.
Despite the town only having a population of just over 5,200, according to worldpopulationreview.com, the downtown area of Moab has quite a lively food scene. Enjoy a refreshing pint at Moab Brewery. Try a classic like Dead Horse Amber Ale, or get adventurous with the Over the Top Hefeweizen. If your inner foodie is calling, Johnny's IPA Beer Can Chicken is a menu must-try. Satisfy your sweet tooth afterward. Indulge in gelato or get your caffeine jolt at Moab Coffee Roasters, proudly serving organic coffee beans. Another well-loved and cozy spot is the Love Muffin Cafe. This whimsical eatery offers healthy eats and in-house specialties, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Visitors state they love the homemade focaccia. After a long day of downtown adventure, dig into evening eats at The Blu Pig, a local favorite for indulgent and saucy barbeque. It's also Moab's only spot for daily live music.
Springdale
Springdale residents know the true meaning of a tight-knit community. This scenic town, just outside of Zion National Park, has just over 500 residents. Get up and close with Utah's terrain and gems at Zion Prospector, a unique retail store specializing in gems, minerals, and fossils.
The exterior architecture of DeZion Gallery perfectly captures and fits in with the surrounding Utah scenery and rugged terrain. DeZion Gallery houses local Utah art featuring gourd sculptures, paintings, textiles, and ceramics. Another incredible afternoon browse is the Tribal Arts Zion, known for its handmade Native American Art. Take home some jewelry, sculptures, sand paintings, or pottery. The local Utah artists appreciate your support.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Springdale Candy Company. Who can possibly resist handmade chocolates, salt water taffy, ice cream, and peanut brittle? To satisfy a bigger hunger, try mouthwatering dishes at King's Landing, with cuisine curated by Chef King & Chef Nguyen. Indulge in unique flavors such as Samoan Oka Poke, Buttermilk Fried Quail, or Huckleberry Pie Ice Cream. If fancy feast is not your thing, MeMe's Cafe is a delicious choice for American Fare. Visitors rave about the cafe's burgers and crepes. The eatery is all about convenience as MeMe's Cafe is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. No need to worry about missing a meal.
Heber City
Located about 15 minutes from Deer Creek State Park, the cozy city of Heber City is framed by the incredible Wasatch Mountains. Wander the delightful downtown area and be in awe of Utah's mountainous backdrop. Revel in many activities, all within walking distance.
Since 1914, The Ideal Playhouse has entertained visitors and locals with fantastic productions. Open year-round, catch a concert, live play, or movie for a fun night out. See Anthony's Magic Show, an Eagles tribute, or a Taylor Swift tribute. To continue through historical Heber City, engage yourself in Utah's pioneer history at the Cache Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum. The building boasts an impressive collection of exhibits and artifacts displaying life back in the day. Check out photos of Cache Valley pioneers, newspaper clippings from 1930-1960, vintage housewares, and carriages. After a long day of adventuring, stop by the Main Street Park, right by the museum. Let the kids play on the playground while you stretch out on the bench.
Take care of yourself with healthy eats at Mountain Wellness Kitchen, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Try the Vegan Buddha Bowl or a Keto Green Smoothie and feel your body and soul recharge. For heartier fare, Dairy Keen will satisfy your hunger with sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken. If you prefer to be in the kitchen, grab inspiration for your next dish at Harward Farms. From tomatoes to watermelons, nothing beats a taste of Heber City's farm-fresh delights. Utah is all about that fresh produce. It will turn your dishes into next-level creations.
Brigham City
Brigham City is a seamless blend of a small-town feel with a booming downtown area. According to the city's website, Brigham City takes the crown for one of the most beautiful historic downtowns in America. Step back in time and catch a flick at Capitol Theatre. You will love the vintage atmosphere, both inside and out. Continue your historical journey with a pitstop at Idle Isle Cafe. The eatery has been satisfying hunger since 1921, and the old-fashioned interior adds coziness to your meal. Idle Isle Cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in the state and gives you that heartwarming Utah cooking. For a quick photo op, check out the Thompson-Hansen House, built around 1860 and had an extension added in 1880. The home is a remarkable work of art and an iconic landmark in Brigham City's history.
Main Street has a bunch of unique boutiques for thoughtful gifts and souvenirs. Satisfy your sweet tooth with handmade chocolates from Idle Isle Candy. Pick up a bath bomb or jewelry for that special someone from The Peach Tree. Fill your home Utah style with a knickknack from Meraki Gift Boutique.
If you are in the area around Memorial Day weekend, check out Art on Main. Past events include an art show, live music, a chalk art contest, and Birds of Bear River Photography Exhibit. Summertime visitors will also love the Box Elder County Fair. This fun-filled event is a blast for all ages. Nothing beats a heartwarming carnival paired with the most delicious kettle corn. Check out the rodeo, goat show, and tractor display. Maybe you will even bring home a new friend from the Livestock Auction. The experience is unbeatable and unique. You will remember the farm-town fun at Box Elder County Fair for years to come.
Monticello
On the eastern side of the majestic Abajo Mountains, you will find the old-world town of Monticello. The surrounding area is an activity gateway for rock climbing, camping, fishing, and hiking. Downtown Monticello is perfect for those seeking a more slow-paced and quiet retreat. Explore Monticello's incredible pioneer history with a visit to the Frontier Museum. Travel back in time and see day-to-day life 100 years ago. Housed in a beautifully restored barn, the museum features an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. See olden-day clothing, vintage housewares, and antiques from ancient natives. Best of all, the museum is completely free to check out.
Nothing truly hits the spot like a good old slice of pizza. Make a stop at Wagon Wheel Pizza during your Monticello downtown journey. Another top-rated hotspot for Utah eats is the High Desert Cafe. Grab a sandwich, hamburger, or delectable burrito.
If you are looking to stay longer in Monticello, have a unique stay at the Atomic Blue Motor Inn. This 1950s-style accommodation is like traveling back in time. You will love the brightly colored rooms, quirky and funky decor, and the convenient downtown location.
Bountiful
Welcome to Bountiful, Utah, where the downtown area is quite bountiful in terms of activities. The city is Utah's second settlement and has been homing residents since 1847. Discover Bountiful's incredible heritage at the Bountiful Historic Museum. Before you leave the museum, pay your respects at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial. Adults and children alike will love the model train exhibit, which shows the Bamberger Railway gracing the Bountiful area around 1935. After exploring the past, see modern-day culture at the Bountiful Davis Art Center. The changing exhibitions range from local and national artists. See everything from paintings, photography, and performing arts. Get the whole gang together for Family Art Night, or try your hand at one of the classes and workshops. Have you ever wanted to learn pottery, watercolors, or botanical art? Now is your chance! Afterward, journey to Whisperwood Boutique for a souvenir. Purchase home decor, body care, jewelry, or a gorgeous fashion piece to remember your Utah travels.
Grab your new favorite read from The Book Garden. You will always remember Bountiful as you are cozying up with your new book from this magical bookstore. Afterward, have some food at Vito's, which is a short walk from the bookstore. You can not go wrong with the Philly Cheesesteak or an Italian Sausage Sandwich. According to an article from Deseret News, these two items contribute to 90% of the business's income. If you are feeling more south of the border, El Matador Restaurant will have you saying olé with its delicious Mexican fare. Indulge in a chicken quesadilla, beef enchilada, or a bean and cheese burrito. Pair it with a margarita or pina colada for an authentic experience without having to travel all the way to Mexico. Finish off your foodie adventure with a sweet treat from Blacksmith Ice Cream Co. Many adore the hand-churned, artisan ice cream, and the ice creamery boasts a solid five stars on TripAdvisor. Try a permanent flavor like berry cheesecake, a seasonal flavor like sweet potato, or a dairy-free treat like snickerdoodle.
Helper
Helper received its name from its crew of helper trains that assisted freight trains over the Soldier’s Summit back in the coal mining days. To learn more about Utah's coal mining heritage, check out the Western Mining Railroad Museum on South Main Street. Walk through exhibits and learn about the mine workers between 1880 and 1950. Give a salute to Big John, a fiberglass statue watch guarding the area since the 1960s. Big John and his pick axe are an incredible photo opportunity while exploring Helper's rich mining history.
Have an artsy afternoon in downtown Helper. Make a stop at Kilpatrick Art Garage or Steven Lee Adams Fine Arts Gallery. Both intimate galleries offer beautiful collections of fine art. After, browse antiques at Bug & Bird Mercantile. The boutique has the most adorable kitchenware. After a long day of walking, get your energy fix with a delicious coffee from Happiness Within. This quaint coffee spot is ideal for meeting your daily caffeine intake with its cozy atmosphere. Try a scone, pastry, or a seasonal delight like pumpkin white hot chocolate. Support local talent and catch an event at the Rio Theater. From opera, comedians, youth orchestra, and the Helper Arts, Music, and Film Festival, there is always something to experience in this lively theater.
Utah is a hotspot for fueling an active lifestyle with its diverse landscape. The rugged terrain and vast scenery are welcoming to many outdoor journeys. Sometimes, you want to kick back and have a more relaxed and slow-paced adventure. Ditch the car because Utah has many downtown areas waiting to be explored. Satisfy your inner foodie with an iconic Buffalo Burger from Park City, or have a unique brew at Moab Brewery. Step back in time to experience pioneer and Native American history in Monticello and Heber City. Venture through the lively downtown in Bountiful or traverse through a renowned historic downtown in Brigham City. Catch the best local art in Springdale or explore the rich mining heritage in Helper. Utah is overflowing with incredible small towns, each with its own interesting bit of history and culture.
