Summer’s in full swing here in the Salt Lake Valley – and people are vacationing all over the place. If you’re schedule (or budget) doesn’t allow you to travel somewhere exotic, your summer doesn’t have to be a bust. We live in one of the most adventurously-versatile and beautiful states in the nation. You don’t have to let time or finances hold you back from having an amazing summer – you just have to venture outside your back door. Without further ado – here’s our list:
TOP 10 UTAH STAY-CATION LOCATIONS
Over-Nighters & Day Trips
1. Bear Lake, Utah
If you’re a local, chances are Bear Lake holds a little bit of your childhood in it’s hands. Nestled the very furthers point of Northern Utah, it straddles the border between Utah and Idaho, and has something for everyone – year round. For your summer staycation, you can plan on good food, good shakes, hours on the lake, and a whole slew of extras sprinkled in. Fishing, horseback riding, paddle-boating – or evening spelunking through Minentonka Cave, if that’s your thing.
2. Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for luxury meets adventure in a quick weekend getaway, this hidden gem in Southern Utah is for you. The Ranch features all the spa amenities you could hope for with quick access to the outdoor fun of Moab and the National Parks in Southern Utah. Offroading, river rafting, hiking, biking, and more.
3. Alaskan Inn Bed & Breakfast
Located just north of Salt Lake City in Ogden Canyon, The Alaskan Inn is a secluded piece of Alaskan wilderness right in the middle of Utah’s very own bit of wilderness. Whether you’re just looking for a quick & quiet getaway, a spa, or even some outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing or horseback riding, the Alaskan Inn is something everyone should experience.
4. Sundance Resort
Sundance is something that everyone should experience – particularly those local to Utah. It’s a stay and play vacation experience that encompasses the magic and beauty of Utah in one location. From a beautiful lodge experience to mountain homes for rent, there’s a place to stay for everyone. You’ll have the option to experience the wellness spa, art classes, zipline tours, lift rides, art exhibits, and exceptional food, all in one beautiful location.
6. Marriott’s Mountainside
One of Utah’s key attractions – for both locals and tourists – is Park City. Park City is a tourists dream, with something for everyone for every season. Marriott has created a year-round oasis within minutes of everything that Park City has to offer. Individual villas with a kitchenette, pool access, fireplace, and more provide a place to crash after spending the day exploring Park City’s historic Main Street, the venues of Sundance, the Alpine Slide, and of course – the outlet shopping.
Half & Full Day Excursions
6. Hop On & Off Bus Tours
Want to test your knowledge about your state- or even discover some things you didn’t know that you didn’t know? Take a hop on and off bus tour with a buy-one-get-one tickets for local residents and see Salt Lake City through the eyes of a tourist.
7. Segway Tour of Salt Lake City
Same idea as above – but on a super cool segway that can take you to a whole bunch of places that a bus can’t even imagine. Good balance and a hankering for some adventure? This is a cool way to bring some summertime vacation to your day off.
8. This is the Place State Park
You don’t get much more Utah than This is the Place State Park. An interactive history lesson, This is the Place offers not only museum-like exhibits and education, but hands on lessons that will take you and your children back to the days when our state was in it’s infancy.
9. Timpanogas Cave National Monument
Located 10 miles off I-15 in American Fork Canyon, Timpanos Cave is a national monument, with a steep 1.5 mile hike leading to it’s entrance. For those feeling adventurous, the round trip through the cave and back to the trailhead is approximately 3.5 miles.) Inside the cave, the temperatures are a chilly 45 degrees, but don’t let the temperature deter you. You’ll have enough to keep your attention away from the cold as you walk from room to room and discover the beauty and magic of the formations and cave exploration.
10. Thanksgiving Point
Thanksgiving Point, located in Lehi Utah, is a full day of all kinds of fun. Take your children to visit the Museum of Natural Curiosity and the Museum of Ancient Life, then stop by Farm Country and the Butterfly Biosphere to experience . Walk through the Ashton Gardens and finish the day with a 3D adventure on the Mammoth Screen!