Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience: The Ultimate Bucket List For You

Dec 20, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 7, 2025

Travel Blog

Utah has the greatest natural treasures, it has 46 state parks and 5 national parks. In addition, Utah is known for the high urban energy of Salt Lake Park. In addition, the 15 world-class ski resorts promise the best adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. 

So, even if you are not biased about the wonders of Utah, you have to admit that tourism is huge in this part of the world. The market data also looks very promising for tourism in the state. 

With endless things to do in Utah, the state has recorded a direct visitor impact of $12.71 Billion in 2023. Furthermore, the total tourism-related tax revenue in the year was $2.35 Billion. 

Moreover, 159,800 jobs were created in the market thanks to travel and tourism in Utah. 

So, in the current bustling market scenario, do you also want to visit Utah? Here are the things you can try for a once in a lifetime experience. 

Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience | A Complete Bucket List For You 

Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience

April to May is the best time to visit Utah. These months are the springtime and thanks to sunny days and a mild temperature, you can enjoy hiking and exploring the national parks. Furthermore, the wildflowers are in full bloom during this season. 

However, if you want to avoid the rush, September to November is the best time for your Utah visit. 

Irrespective of the time you are traveling to Utah, you can try the following activities for a lifetime experience.

1. Visit The Zion National Park

Visit The Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the crown jewel if it’s about tourism in Utah. The Zion Canyon scenic drive here is 57 miles long. You can stop at the pullouts to explore the spectacular landscape of the park and its surroundings. 

Moreover, the park has many trailheads and the Angel’s Landing is of course the most challenging among them. Explore it if you are looking for some serious adventure. 

2. Explore The Canyonlands National Park

Explore The Canyonlands National Park

The Grand Canyon of Utah, Canyonlands National Park, is home to many beautiful hiking trails. You will especially love the Murphy Point Trail and Mesa Arch Trail.

If you don’t have the time for a hike, you can take a drive around the park to enjoy spectacular views. 

3. Visit The Arches National Park

The dusty red landscape of the Arches National Park looks all the more dramatic with more than 2000 stone arches. If you are not ready to explore the park on your feet, you can take a drive and see many of the arches from the car.

Otherwise, you can plan a hike to the Delicate Arch and other rock formations. Sunrise views are amazing at Arches National Park. So, don’t forget to capture photos for your socials. 

4. Spend Some Time At Bryce Canyon National Park

Spend Some Time At Bryce Canyon National Park

A day at Bryce Canyon National Park is indeed a once in a lifetime experience with the vibe of being in the land of Hoodoos. The geological formations here look otherworldly. The irregular-shaped columns here stand close to each other, making it appear like an escape you cannot miss.

Further, make it a point to visit the following viewpoints when you are at Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Inspiration Point
  • Bryce Point
  • Sunrise Point
  • Sunset Point

Two other highlights of the park are the Navajo Loop Trail and Queen’s Garden. Hike through the trails and make memories. 

5. Enjoy The Remote Beauty Of Capitol Reef National Park 

Enjoy The Remote Beauty Of Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is one of the mighty fives in Utah. The petroglyphs and geology here are amazing. Further, thanks to a remote location, this land of red rocks usually experience less rush.

The geological wonders at this park include the following features:

  • Warp in the Earth’s crust
  • Domes
  • Cliffs
  • Canyons
  • Waterpocket fold

You can explore the geological versatility of the park on a bike, or car. You can even hike through the trails.

However, for me, stargazing at Capitol Reef National Park is one of the greatest things to do in Utah. In addition, you must not miss visiting the Gifford Homestead here to try some homemade pie and icecreams. 

6. Enjoy Boating At Lake Powell

Enjoy Boating At Lake Powell

There are debates about Lake Powell being a lake or not. Let’s not get into this because even if it’s a manmade reservoir, its allure is hard to avoid. 

Located in Southern Utah, Lake Powell is on the Colorado River. Further, it is a place to try different outdoor pursuits. Visit Lake Powell for boating, hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. 

7. Explore The Monument Valley 

Explore The Monument Valley

In Navajo, the “valley of the rocks” or the Monument Valley flaunts mesmerizing geological features. It has sandstone buttes and the towers over the sandy terrain stand as eternal witnesses of time. 

If the American West had a quintessential pictorial depiction, it surely would have been the Monument Valley. Many films and TV commercials are filmed here. The classic My Darling Clementine by John Ford has been the most celebrated one among them.

8. Plan A Stay At Yonder Escalante 

If you are looking for luxurious things to do in Utah amidst the company of nature, Yonder Escalante will be your go-to place. Close to the Bryce Canyon National Park, this place has more than 60 RV sites and 22 modern cabins.

You can plan a stay here to enjoy bonfires at night, watch movies in restored cars and take outdoor showers. 

9. Visit The Goblin Valley State Park

Visit The Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park attracts visitors with its quirky geological formations. The formations here look like goblins, imparting the park an eerie vibe.

During the daytime, you can play disc golf or hike in the park. Furthermore, it is a great spot for mountain biking. 

The State Park is also designated as the International Dark Sky Park. So, you are going to have a once in a lifetime stargazing experience here. 

10. Explore The Dead Horse Point State Park

Explore The Dead Horse Point State Park

Do you want to see the most beautiful sunset in Utah, you can visit the Dead Horse Point State Park. Seeing and capturing the sunset views are some of the best things to do in Utah.

Located between the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, the Dead Horse Point State Park offers the best sunset views because of the 2000-feet elevation above the Colorado River. 

Moreover, it is a great place to stop in the afternoon for soaking in some warm light. 

So, these are things to do in Utah for a once in a lifetime experience. If you want to explore more of the state, you can visit the Mystic Hot Springs, Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Natural Bridges National Monument.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Sibashree Jul 21, 2025

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READ MORE Maine national parks

A Complete Guide To Maine National Parks

BY  Mashum Dec 29, 2021

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READ MORE Uncover Hidden Gems

Local Experiences: Uncover Hidden Gems With Vacation Rental Stays

BY  Ankita Apr 12, 2024

As travellers increasingly seek unique and memorable experiences, vacation rentals have emerged as the go-to accommodation for those looking to immerse themselves in local cultures far removed from the well-trodden paths of mainstream tourism.  Staying in a vacation rental, whether it's a cozy rental apartment in the heart of the city, a quaint cottage in the countryside, or a beach house with sweeping ocean views, offers a unique opportunity to live like a local and uncover hidden gems that can make your trip truly unforgettable. This article discusses the main reasons why a vacation rental is a great choice for you. We tell you how vacation rentals are better than hotels when renting out as a local or as a traveller, both for you and as a traveller. Here, you will also find some top tips for finding a good vacation rental to enhance your stay and experience. A Gateway To Authenticity For an authentic vacation experience, hotels do not do justice to vacation rentals. Vacation rentals often have local decor, and the architecture of the property feels more personalized and local. On the other hand, a hotel experience is more sterile and lacks personality. This way, a vacation rental environment differs from any hotel and enhances the overall experience of the stay. You get to immerse yourself in a new experience by cooking with local ingredients found in neighbourhood markets. You can try new ways to cook food in the new place, just like the locals.  Again, you can dine at local-favourite eateries that you might not find in guidebooks, but only locals can tell you about. Try new dishes and immerse your taste buds in a variety of flavours. Enjoying leisurely strolls in lesser-known areas can offer new experiences in a new place. Furthermore, the personal spaces in vacation rentals allow travellers to experience daily life as locals do. They can wake up to the sounds of the neighbourhood, maybe a local street market or the morning chatter of residents, offering a daily rhythm and pace that hotels shield their guests from. This is especially a priority for the younger generations of travelers, including Gen Zs, who are looking for authenticity in their adventures. Tailored Local Insights One significant advantage of vocational rentals is the personalized insights provided by hosts. Many hosts are keen to share their love for their city or town, offering recommendations not typically featured in tourist guides.  From the best local coffee shop where residents grab their morning brew to hidden alleys with the best street art, these recommendations allow travellers to explore areas off the beaten path and experience the locality as natives do, not as tourists.  The freedom to explore new places and areas when interacting with locals while staying in local rentals during vacation is beyond immersive. You experience not only the new food and language but also the local community. Often, while travelling, when you interact with local people, they tend to suggest the best local places and events. Don't miss these local events as you get to taste a new culture and where you can also make deeper connections. If a local family invites you to visit their home, be gracious enough to attend it if you can. You will get a lot of cultural insights from them, and cultural exchanges happen, too. You can also get new opportunities to participate in local traditions. Economic Benefits To Local Communities Opting for a vacation rental over a hotel also increases the local economy. Hotels are expensive, as you already know; on the other hand, vacation rentals are relatively cheaper. Hotels come with restaurants and room service, while vacation rentals do not, so you have to do all your cooking and shopping.  That might seem hectic while traveling, but when you are on a budget, it's the best option. You get to shop in the local farmer's market and enjoy new produce local to the area. You interact more with the locals and increase your exposure to new cultures.  The bright side of vacation rentals is that you get to enjoy local homesteads and architecture. If you don't wish to cook them, go exploring local restaurants and take suggestions from locals. This also helps uplift the local economy as most of the local restaurants are run by local families. Engaging with local services helps you distribute your money more evenly and sustain small businesses. You also get to interact with more locals, providing you with deeper cultural insights. You would be wrong if you think opting for a residential neighbourhood rental will help the locals.  Instead, stay in vacation rentals outside tourist-heavy areas where more than the high price of the rental fee is put on. Staying in less touristy locations will benefit the local communities, especially financially. Sustainable Travel Vacation rentals can also contribute to sustainable travel practices. Many rentals are established in residential areas, which spreads out the impact of tourism and reduces overcrowding in popular tourist centers. Additionally, the ability to cook and manage waste more efficiently in a rental can decrease the ecological footprint of your stay.  Renters can also engage more directly with local recycling and sustainability initiatives, becoming part of the community's environmental solutions. This can be especially impactful in regions where sustainability is a community priority, allowing travellers to contribute positively to the local environment. Uncovering Hidden Gems Other than the sustainable and economic advantages of opting for vacation rentals is discovering hidden gems. It can be a new dirt road to a river bank or a secluded beach only the locals know about. You can also find hidden gems like a family-run vineyard that offers you private tastings. Or a historic site that hasn't made it to any tourist guide yet. These new hidden gems heighten your memory of the place and make your vacation special. If you love adventure, you can ask locals for hiking trails that lead to amazing views that only locals know about. You can also visit artisans' workshops where traditional crafts are made. These unique spots often provide the most cherished memories of travel, as they offer a sense of discovery and personal connection to the place. Tips For Finding The Best Local Vacation Rentals Finding the perfect vacation rental can be the key to unlocking a local experience. These are some of our practical tips to help you discover the best spots that connect you with the heart of your destination. Research Thoroughly Research is essential to find the best local vacation rentals. You must do a thorough research on the area you are planning to visit. Look beyond the typical vacation rental platforms, like searching for local forums that offer information on rental properties to tourists.  You can always search social media groups and blog posts that offer insights into the best local vacation rentals. You can also search platforms where the particular local residents are active and what they have to say about the place. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are great, but you should also check out local rental websites and agencies that might offer unique listings not found on the larger platforms. Read Reviews Carefully Reviews are crucial information that previous guests of vacation rentals leave for future guests. So, if you have to check the vacation rental reviews before you select one for your trip, see what your predecessors have to say about the host of the rental and the local community.  You get a clear picture of the locals from previous renters who stayed at the place. Reviews can reveal a lot about the authenticity and convenience of the location and the quality of the living experience. Communicate With Hosts Once you narrow down your choices, reach out to potential hosts with any questions you have about the property and the area. A good host will be eager to provide information and may share insights into local gems. Their responsiveness and willingness to offer advice can be a good indicator of the kind of experience you'll have. Consider Location And Accessibility Choose a location that balances tranquillity with accessibility. Want to experience the lifestyle of a local when visiting a place? Then, try to find vacation rentals in locations that are easily accessible to local communities. If you find a rental in a tourist-centric area you might not get much interaction with locals. However, considering how you will access the attractions and amenities of the place, you can always use public transport to visit the key attractions. You can rent a local car to reach distant places. Still, the local markets, cafes, and sites of interest locally can greatly enhance your stay. Check For Amenities Check for vacation rentals that offer amenities for your comfortable stay. Even if there is no food available in a vacation rental, see to it that they offer a proper kitchen. You must check all the amenities like gas, stove, and utensils, which should be included in the rental. You might also check for proper bathrooms, water, and internet to connect with the outside world when needed. Some people also work while vacationing, so the internet becomes essential for them in this situation. Ensure that the rental has all the amenities you'll need to enjoy your time there without hassle. Verify Safety And Legal Considerations Lastly, ensure that the rental is in a safe area and that all local laws regarding vacation rentals are observed. Some areas have regulations on short-term rentals that might affect your stay. It's also wise to verify this information to avoid any legal inconveniences. Wrapping It Up In conclusion, vacation rentals are more than just a place to stay; they are a gateway to deeper cultural immersion. You get a chance to live like a local while enhancing sustainable tourism. By choosing local vacation rentals you discover the heart and soul of that particular destination. After all, people make a place special, not monuments. So next time you travel to a new place, opt for a vacation rental in the local area instead of a hotel in a touristy area. This choice could transform a standard trip into a unique exploration of the local way of life, leaving you with rich and rare memories. Learn More About: Travelocity Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences Tips For Planning The Perfect Getaway In A Rental Villa In Italy Jackson Hole Luxury Rentals: The Inside Scoop On The Most Desirable Properties