Top 10 Must Do's in Utah!

Here are the top 10 things I would suggest to do in Utah. Utah has so many great things to do, so sometimes it's hard to decide what to pick. I hope this list helps narrow down your list of things to do while you are visiting or just trying new things while you live here.

1. Sundance: Sundance is one of our most favorite outdoor spots. We love the drive through Provo Canyon and Alpine Loop. The parking is free in the Sundance parking area. There are streams and walkways all around the resort. There are a few restaurants which are all very fancy. A fire pit sits right by the water and has a gorgeous view of the mountain and ski lift. Sundance has an art shop and some merchandise shops. 

The ski lift up to the top of the mountain is our favorite thing to go and do. It is about a forty minute ride all the way up. There are beautiful views up at the top. The restaurant called Bear Claw is delicious. We got nachos with chicken and pulled pork with the toppings on the side which ended up being our favorite nachos we have had. There are fold up lounge chairs that you can use to sit along the views. It is a great escape from the city life which isn't that far.  

2. Gardner Village: If you love cute holiday themed places then Gardner Village is a great spot for that. I always try to go every fall since it is decorated so cute. They have a witch theme and do activities like a witches night out every Halloween season. During Christmas there are little elves around the village. We love the chocolate shop called Chocolate Covered Wagon for a caramel apple. There are little boutiques, old toy store shops, and some restaurants. 

3. Ensign Peak: The best view of Salt Lake City with the quickest hike is Ensign Peak. My husband and I hike this a few times a year. It is our favorite spot to go and feel at peace, see the whole valley, and its a free activity. The hike is under a mile and pretty much straight up the mountain. There are plenty of spots to pull off to the side to stop if needed. The first part of the hike are steps and then it turns into all dirt the rest of the way. 

4. St. George Trip: St. George is a three and a half hour drive from Salt Lake City. The scenery is so different, but you are still in Utah. There are red rocks everywhere, palm trees and the sun shines almost all year round. There is hiking, biking, playgrounds, shopping and lots of good food. 

Snow Canyon is easy to get to from St. George and is very affordable. My husband and I have done almost every trail in the park. Our favorites have been the Lava Tubes, Scout Cave Trails, and the Red Sands trail. Be sure to bring water and snacks since it gets very hot. 

We have a lot of favorite food spots in St. George. There is a cookie place called Sloth Cookies that have yummy sugar cookies with raspberry frosting. Tropical Smoothie Café is our go-to for a smoothie. For breakfast we love First Watch. We use to have a favorite Acai Bowl and cupcake shop, but they have closed now. 

5. Park City Outlets & Main Street: If you love shopping then Park City Outlets are a good spot. There are a good variety of stores to shop at. We have found awesome deals at the Nike outlet and Old Navy. We have a favorite smoothie shop called "I Love Moo." They have ice cream, too. The Main Street is very cute and a good spot to go and walk, shop, and eat. 

6. Hale Centre Theatre: There is a beautiful new Theater building in Salt Lake. Hale Centre Theatre is a very talented Theatre group. They have lots of shows all year long. I have seen The Murder on the Oriental Express, Aerial and a few local group plays. The stage is so cool with the special effects, they have the stage move, have tons of things coming out of the ceiling and the costumes are awesome. I would suggest going to see a play if you get the chance. 

7. Temple Square: This is a free activity in Downtown Salt Lake. Temple square is the very center of the city and has a lot of grounds surrounding it. You can tour the visitors centers right there and walk the grounds with fountains, flowers and of course the beautiful temple. Right across the street is a mall that is indoors in the winter and outdoors during the summer. The temple is under construction for a couple of years, but it is still neat to go see the grounds and the areas around it. 

During the Christmas season temple square is known for their lights display and the nativity set up on the reflection pond. The trees are covered with thousands of lights with each branch covered. There are a few different nativity spots set up. The Temple is covered in white lights so it's illuminated so pretty. 

8. Lagoon: I am not a amusement park person, but Lagoon is a fun spot. I love the atmosphere there and there are some good rides. If you love rides then there are tons to go on. The food options are good there. Lagoona Beach is an outdoor water park located within the amusement park. There is a Pioneer Park set up with old time shops, church buildings, and stores set up with ice cream and pictures today. 

9. Ballet West Capitol Theater: I love the ballet in Utah. The feeling at the Capitol Theater is so great. The whole theater is covered in red velvet seating and floors the stage is a good size and can be seen just fine from anywhere you sit. I have seen the Nutcracker during Christmas and Aladdin. Both ballets have been amazing. The dancers are so talented and it just takes you back in time with a fancy show. 

10. Moab: Another must in Utah is Moab Utah. It is about three hours from Salt Lake City. You enter into a whole new world it feels like when you get there with all the red rocks and canyons formations. There are a couple of national parks out that way with hiking, four wheeling and camping areas. The famous Arch that is on the license plates is located in Arches National Park. There are great food spots in town and some really neat hotels and camping spots. 

What would you put on the "Top Must Do's" list in Utah or your own home state?