Utah Bucket List

There are so many cool things to do in Utah. I was thinking of all the fun things we have done and decided to write this blog about what can be on your bucket list for Utah. There are things I haven't tried yet which are still on my own bucket list, but there are tons of things I have already marked off too! Some of these things are very affordable, while others may need to be saved up for to do. Utah has a lot of neat free things to do, a lot to do out in nature and some fun spots that do cost. See what things you have already checked off or add it to your list, too! I check marked all the things I have been able to check off my Utah bucket list within this list. 

Arches National Park: ✔ I didn't mark this off my bucket list until about two years ago! My husband and I drove and stayed in Moab for a couple of days. Arches National Park is breathtaking. It has so much to do, but we didn't feel overwhelmed and we were able to mark all the stops we wanted to do off our list. The Delicate arch was our favorite. This is the arch that the Utah license plates have pictured on it. The hikes are manageable and even with a lot of people there is plenty of room. 

Zion National Park: ✔ If you are looking for a smaller park with just as pretty views then Zion National Park is the place to go. We drove through the whole park and then stopped for a hike at the Emerald Pools. There are some pretty tough hikes like Angel's Landing at this park, but also very manageable hikes as well. The scenery is beautiful and just worth it for a drive. I have seen people ride bikes through the park, take kids on hikes, and get guides for the harder hikes. This could be a couple of days kind of place or just an afternoon like we did. 

Park City: ✔ Park City is about a half an hour drive from Salt Lake City. It is known for skiing resorts, a fancy Main street, and the Olympic parks. We love to go to the outlet stores, walk main street, and some food spots. There are some fancy restaurants and treat spots to go try. Our favorites are Ritual Chocolates for a hot chocolate, 11 Hauz for Jamaican food, and I Love Moo for smoothies,. They have the Olympic parks with sledding, skiing, ropes course, and a bob sled. This is a beautiful spot all year round to visit. 

Lagoon: ✔ Utah has their own amusement park called Lagoon. It isn't the biggest park in the United States, but it is still fun and known for a few big rides. I love the atmosphere there. My favorite rides are Jetstar, The Spider, The Bat, and the Swings. There are really crazy rides like the Colossus, Wicked and the Cannibal. I am not a rollercoaster lover, but I have tried a few of the more intense rides and have been glad I tried them. There is an old Pioneer Village inside the park that is really neat to walk through. There is a water park that has some fun slides and a lazy river. This is a must during summer months to visit in Utah. 

Raspberry Shakes at Bear Lake: ✔ Yes, there is a place in Utah that we drive two hours to just get a raspberry shake. Bear Lake is located very North of Utah. There is a lake and a few little restaurants in the area. The city is known for their Raspberry shakes. All the little shops have them and all taste yummy. The lake is pretty cool, it has a long shoreline so you can walk pretty far out before the water is too deep for you. We have rented a ski-doo and rode out on the lake which was so much fun. 

Great Salt Lake: ✔ I grew up very close to the Great Salt Lake, but I didn't visit it very often. I took my husband to the lake on our second date and then he proposed to me there later on. It isn't the craziest thing, but it is a Utah staple to visit. The lake goes on and on and on. There is an art piece more up north along the salt flats that is called The Spiral Jetty. It is a spiral made of rocks that goes in towards the lake from the shore line. I have the Spiral Jetty on my bucket list still since I haven't gone to it yet. 

Downtown Salt Lake: ✔ There are so many cool things to do in the downtown of Salt Lake City. There are tons of food options that we love like: Gourmandise, Moochie's, Grove Market, Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Diner, and so much more. Utah has a lot of bakeries which some of the best one's are located in Salt Lake. Ruby Snaps cookies is a must when you are downtown. The state Capitol building is beautiful and surrounded by a really cool walk way. Temple Square is a must see if you are in Salt Lake City. City Creek is a beautiful outdoor mall where you can shop and eat at. It's indoors during the winter and outdoors during the summer. Downtown is a fun spot for sure!

Temple Square: ✔ Speaking of downtown Salt Lake City the very center of the city is Temple Square. If you hear of Utah, you most likely hear about temple square. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have a big presence in Utah and the main headquarters is located right along side Temple Square. The whole area is immaculate with the grounds kept so well, the buildings are stunning and of course the temple is breathtaking. During the Christmas season the grounds are covered with millions of lights and is a big attraction for everyone who lives there, but also for tourists. 

Canyonlands National Park: ✔ Canyonlands is another park near Moab, Utah. We did both the Arches National Park and Canyonlands on the same trip when we went. Canyonlands is a bit more driving around and less hiking than the Arches Park. We went for the Mesa Arch trail which was only .5 miles so very easy. The view though is worth it to go just for that hike. We went for sunrise which is a very popular time there, but the people all were kind and there was enough room to see the sun shine through the arch. I would put this at the top of my list if you can only pick one thing! 

Four Wheeling in the desert: ✔ There are plenty of places to go four wheeling in Utah. We rented a side by side in St. George at the Sand dunes there. It was so fun to ride through the dunes with the air flying through your hair and the sand on your face. All joking aside, it really is a fun activity. The areas are beautiful and it is a fun way to explore the earth where you other wise wouldn't be able to. 

Skiing: Okay, yes I live in Utah with the greatest snow on earth and I have only gone skiing once in my life. It was in fourth grade. Never been back since, but it's on my list. My husband has never gone so he's on board to go too. It takes me a little extra motivation and convincing to get me out into the cold to do things. I know people who love it so much and I am sure we would love it, too. There are tons of ski resorts nearby all along the mountain areas in Utah. The mountains really do get a lot of good snow and it is what Utah is all about. We have rode the ski lifts at Sundance, but only in the spring and fall seasons. Don't try to book a hotel in the mountain cities during ski season thought they get very pricey! 

Four Corners Monument: This is on my to-do list for sure! We live about six and half hours away so we haven't done the drive yet. It is a spot where all four states touch which are: Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. I don't know really what is out there to do other than the monument, but that is my kind of thing so I am up for it. 

Horse Back Riding: ✔ If you are looking for a nice quiet, peaceful moment in nature, but without the exercise aspect then horse back riding is what you are looking for. My husband and I went horse back riding in Midway, Utah for an anniversary one year. It was so neat to be on a horse for one, but the area we roamed around through was gorgeous. I felt so much peace and awe while I was there. The earth is beautiful and there are so many hidden treasures that you wouldn't be able to find without others help. There are tons of places in Utah that offer horse back riding tours and lessons. 

Grove Market: ✔ This is an iconic little market that has been in Utah since 1947. I love this place so much. My parents would go to it when I was younger and now it's my mom and I's thing to go. They have the best sandwiches in town. The market has old time sodas in glass bottles, any kind of hot sauce you want, sandwiches from the deli, and a few grocery items. There is always a line to get sandwiches, but it goes quick and is well worth the wait. 

Crater in Midway: This should get a partial check mark for me. We have gone to the crater during the middle of winter and my husband climbed the steps above the crater, but we never went inside. I have only seen pictures and videos of others inside. It freaks me out a tad bit to be swimming in a deep enclosed area, but it really is bucket list worthy. Who knows if I will be brave enough, but I won't be taking that off my bucket list until its been done. 

Cherry Blossoms at the State Capitol: I have lived in Utah most of my whole life and I have yet to make it up to the state Capitol during the spring to see the Cherry Blossoms. It's funny to think of the things you miss out on in your own state and then realize at how cool it is. So many people go to get their family pictures taken at the Capitol during that short span of time that the trees start to blossom. It is beautiful and I see why it is on so many peoples lists to do in Utah. It is on mine! The state capitol in general is a great spot to see in Utah. The whole inside is marble and open to the public. There is a really fun walk way right by the capitol building that is a great spot for families to walk or ride bikes around. 

Sundance: ✔ One of my most favorite places! We have never gone during the summer, but we have hit fall and spring times and its been wonderful, so I can only imagine what Summer would be like! There are a few restaurants, a ski lift, hiking trails and a little resort where you can go and stay. We have rode the ski lift to the top of the mountain for the views, but also for the restaurant up there. There are walkways throughout the area with streams running along the walks which make the scenery and sounds so beautiful. The little café has some good warm drinks, too. During the fall season Sundance is located right off of the most popular canyons for fall foliage scenery for drivers, called the Alpine Loop. It is great to do the drive and then stop for a snack or to sit by the fire at Sundance afterwards. 

Hale Centre Theatre: ✔ Best place for a show! I have only been to a couple of performances at Hale Centre Theatre, but they have all been done so well. I know a lot of people who have season tickets to the shows, too. The theater just opened a new building with multiple stages and they made it really fancy. Even my husband enjoyed going to a show there with me. Every year they do the Christmas Carol for Christmas time which gets close to sold out or sold out every day they perform it. I have that on my to do list still. 

Ballet at the Capitol Theatre: ✔ Here is another awesome theater to go see shows at. I have been to the ballet here for the Nutcracker and Aladdin. The theater is very elegant and fancy. You can see anywhere you sit in the theater well. The ballet dancers are so talented and do such a great job portraying the story through dance. I would highly suggest trying out a ballet at Capitol Theatre. 

Largest Costco in the World: ✔ Well, maybe not everyone is obsessed with Costco like me, but if you are, Utah has the largest Costco in the world located right in downtown Salt Lake City. We use to live right by it and went all the time without knowing that it was the biggest location. We still like to go to it every once in awhile now. It's just cool to see and mark off your bucket list for Utah. They seem to have way more options of things and the isles are wider and the store does feel like it goes on forever. There are extra areas that other Costco's don't have like walk in freezers and fridges, isles of drinks, restaurant items in bulk and the snack section is way cooler there. 

See the Local Artists perform: ✔ There are concerts and performances all year long with Utah performers. We got to go to David Archuleta's Christmas concert one year which was so fun! We also went to an Alex Boye suicidal prevention concert that ended up being really cool. There are multiple venues in Utah for events like this. There are also a lot of neat speakers that live in Utah that we have been able to attend like Al Carraway, Josie Solomon, and a few others. There are always free concerts in the parks during the summer. There is a place called USUNA that has singers come and perform all summer long in West Valley City. The Maverick Center is another big building that hosts a lot of concerts and events in Utah. 

Temples all over Utah: ✔ There are 17 operating temples as of now, but there are about eleven more that are in the process of getting built in Utah. When I was younger I had the goal to visit every temple in Utah. I was able to go to all but the Vernal temple. It was really a cool project for me. Each temple is so unique and beautiful. You are able to go walk the grounds at any of the temples. If you are wanting to go inside you do have to be a member and have a recommend. They have a couple of months of open houses when a new temple is built. If you aren't a member than those are great opportunities for you to go into a temple to see what is inside. We have done a couple of open houses and have loved seeing the beautiful structures. 

Ice Castles in Midway, UT: ✔ Every winter there is a place in Midway that creates ice castles. We went one year in January and thought it was really neat. We went before it got dark which was just fine still to see everything. I have seen pictures of them in the dark where it is all lit up, making it look really neat too. I am glad we went and would definitely go again! There is also a bakery called Bakery on Main that is really good in the Midway area. There are some really neat resort areas out that way as well. 

Gallivan Center Ice Skating: In the middle of downtown Salt Lake there is an ice skating rink. I have heard all about it and have been there during the summer months. We haven't made it down there during the winter season when the ice skating is happening yet. I feel like this is so festive for the holidays and winter months. 

Ensign Peak: ✔ This is my most favorite hike in Utah. It is very short and isn't too hard, but it has the best views of the Salt Lake City area. It is easy to get to and free to do. You do go pretty much straight up the mountain, but it does go quick. When you get to the top there are little areas you can sit and relax and soak in the views. It's a little windy usually up top so be prepared for that. There are tons of beautiful hikes in Utah. (see my favorite's hike blog here) 

Lake Powell: I have never been to Lake Powell, but know tons of people who have. Everyone loves it that I have heard. It is a beautiful lake in Southern Utah. It would be neat to go visit and check it out in real life. You can rent a house boat, go boating, or find a spot to play in the water along the rocky/sandy shorelines. 

Utah Gymnastics Meet: ✔ The University of Utah has some of the greatest gymnasts! Just the past few years we have had two Olympians come from the Utah Utes. We try to go to a meet every year to support. They have really cheap upper bowl tickets which is what we always do. You can see just fine from anywhere in the stadium. They are always very upbeat and fun to attend. We went to "The Best of Utah" meet this year to see all of the Utah college teams which was really neat. Utah is very talented with gymnastics! 

Tuacahn Theater: This is an outdoor theater that has performances all year long. I have heard so many good things and have wanted to go for quite some time. It is located down south in St. George, Utah. They have tons of different performances throughout the year that you can get tickets to. 

Gardner Village: ✔ This village is one of my favorite spots in West Jordan, Utah. It has a bunch of local shops, a few restaurants and a yummy treat shop. For Halloween, it is decorated with witches and they have all sorts of fun activities. For Christmas, they have it decorated with elves all throughout the village. We love the caramel apples from the Chocolate Covered Wagon. The stores are all very unique and have some fun things in them. If you choose to go, Halloween time is the best time in Gardner Village in my opinion. 

Utah Jazz Game: ✔ I am not a sports fan, but the feelings you get at a in house sports game is so much fun! I have gone to a couple of Jazz games in downtown Salt Lake. My husband loves basketball so we went for his birthday one year. There are often times you get free or very cheap tickets from companies so we have gone for that reasoning, too. The seats are all great and the atmosphere is so fun. The Jazz is a pretty a good team and we are proud to support them. If you get a chance to go I would say do it! 

Get Out on the Lakes: ✔ Utah has a lot of beautiful lakes that you can ski doo, boat, fish, and swim in. The cool thing about Utah lakes are that you usually have to drive into a mountain to find a good lake. We love Bear Lake, Daybreak lake, and Sand Hollow. There are manmade lakes closer to the city limits and lots of reservoirs and lakes throughout Utah. We had a canoe growing up so we fished a lot with that, we had friends with boats so we got to go boating, my mom loves paddle boarding and we have tried kayaking. My most favorite time is when we rented a ski doo at Bear Lake. There are lots of pretty spots in Utah. 

St. George, Utah: ✔ If there is one spot to visit in Utah, St. George would be what I would say. There is so much to do in St. George. There is hiking, water, National Parks close by, Las Vegas is close, fun parks and good food. We go at least once a year to get out of town. The drive isn't too bad and there are some really neat hotels and resorts to stay at. We love Snow Canyon. We have done every hike there. There are some yummy food spots and treats. You can bike, go four wheeling, get out on the water, walk through fun kid parks, climb rocks, and enjoy the sun almost all year round. 

Haugen Flag: ✔ This only happens in July, but there is a star during the Christmas season there as well. There is a family here in Utah that hikes up this mountain and hangs the American Flag every July. It makes you appreciate the U.S. even more when you know someone cares so much about it. I have been able to go see it hanging in between the mountains. It is just a neat experience. It is located at Little Willow Canyon and is easy to get to. 

What did I miss for the Utah Bucket List? What are your own states bucket list items?