No matter where you live in Utah, you’re always surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of recreation opportunities, but sometimes it’s fun to get away for a weekend escape. Hop in your car and head to one of these nine small towns in Utah, where you’ll find plenty to see and do.
- Kamas
By An Errant Knight - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Kamas is home to just 2,500 or so residents, and it’s a pretty, rural town that’s located right at the bottom of the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Grab a bite to eat at Mirror Lake Diner, then hit the road to the High Uintas. Make sure to stop at the Samak Smokehouse & Country Store for some fresh jerky, then check out Provo River Falls, fish in one of the dozens of little lakes, and take an easy hike around Mirror Lake. Kamas, UT 84036, USA
- Parowan
Wayne Hsieh/flickr Often overlooked, the tiny town of Parowan is located along I-15 just 20 miles north of Cedar City. Its charming Main Street offers some good dining options, and the town proclaims itself as having the best cinnamon rolls in the state. Take The Sweet Tour to find out for yourself, then check out the Parowan Gap petroglyphs just west of town - they’re at least 1,000 years old. Parowan, UT 84761, USA
- Bicknell
Carl Berger Sr./flickr If Capitol Reef National Park is on your bucket list, pay a visit to the small town of Bicknell - it sits right at the park’s doorstep. While you’re there, you absolutely must stop into the Sunglow Restaurant and Motel to try the pickle pinto bean pie. It’s one of the most unique things you’ll ever eat, and it’s surprisingly delicious. Bicknell, UT 84715, USA
- Duchesne
Pam Falcioni/flickr If boating and fishing top the list of your favorite things to do, a trip to Duchesne is a must. Nearby Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation Reservoir offers pretty beaches and a beautiful lake full of trophy-sized walleye. Known as the “Gateway to the Uintah Basin,” there’s plenty of hiking and outdoor recreation near this little town. Make a stop at Cowan’s Cafe for some tasty comfort food while you’re there. Duchesne, UT 84021, USA
- Kanab
By P199 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia You’ll never run out of things to do in Kanab. Known as “Little Hollywood,” this town represents the spirit of the Wild West and filmmakers have flocked to the area for decades. Check out the Little Hollywood Land for a dose of history and a delicious chuckwagon dinner. You’ll also want to pay a visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is home to around 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, rabbits, pigs, and more. Kanab, UT 84741, USA
- Oakley
Tom Kelly/flickr Oakley is known for its incredible rodeo, which takes place every year around the Independence Day holiday. You’ll want to get your tickets and book your lodging well in advance for this popular event. The rest of the year, enjoy a visit with farm animals at RunDown Ranch Kids Farm, then grab a meal at the Road Island Diner - a charming little restaurant inside a vintage dining car. Oakley, UT, USA
- Panguitch
Clive Moss/flickr Panguitch is home to fewer than 2,000 people, but don’t let its size fool you - it offers plenty of recreation. This town is literally surrounded by Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Dixie National Forest. Hiking, mountain biking, and fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities available. Check out the Panguitch Balloon Rally every summer in June, when the skies fill with brightly-colored hot air balloons. Panguitch, UT 84759, USA
- Marysvale
Quadyak/Tripadvisor If riding through the mountains on an ATV, surrounded by a beautiful forest is your cup of tea, then you’ll want to put Marysvale on your small town getaway bucket list. It’s right in the heart of the Paiute ATV Trail, which offers 275 miles of trails, branching out from town in every direction. Stay overnight at the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort, which offers a campground, motel, cabins, and caboose suites.
- Brigham City
DenisTangneyJr/iStock via Getty Images Plus The largest town on our list, Brigham City sits right in the middle of all kinds of cool outdoor spots. Head west to see the Golden Spike National Historic Park and Spiral Jetty, head south to take a tour along Utah’s Fruit Way and go north to hike in the Wellsville Mountains. Or, stay right in town for Peach Days (held in September) and grab a bite to eat at Maddox Ranch House, which serves some of the best fried chicken in the state.
Which of these small towns in Utah is your favorite? Are there any small towns in the Beehive State that you particularly love to visit? Do you live in one of the small towns mentioned above? Let us know in the comments!
By An Errant Knight - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia
Kamas is home to just 2,500 or so residents, and it’s a pretty, rural town that’s located right at the bottom of the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Grab a bite to eat at Mirror Lake Diner, then hit the road to the High Uintas. Make sure to stop at the Samak Smokehouse & Country Store for some fresh jerky, then check out Provo River Falls, fish in one of the dozens of little lakes, and take an easy hike around Mirror Lake.
Kamas, UT 84036, USA
Wayne Hsieh/flickr
Often overlooked, the tiny town of Parowan is located along I-15 just 20 miles north of Cedar City. Its charming Main Street offers some good dining options, and the town proclaims itself as having the best cinnamon rolls in the state. Take The Sweet Tour to find out for yourself, then check out the Parowan Gap petroglyphs just west of town - they’re at least 1,000 years old.
Parowan, UT 84761, USA
Carl Berger Sr./flickr
If Capitol Reef National Park is on your bucket list, pay a visit to the small town of Bicknell - it sits right at the park’s doorstep. While you’re there, you absolutely must stop into the Sunglow Restaurant and Motel to try the pickle pinto bean pie. It’s one of the most unique things you’ll ever eat, and it’s surprisingly delicious.
Bicknell, UT 84715, USA
Pam Falcioni/flickr
If boating and fishing top the list of your favorite things to do, a trip to Duchesne is a must. Nearby Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation Reservoir offers pretty beaches and a beautiful lake full of trophy-sized walleye. Known as the “Gateway to the Uintah Basin,” there’s plenty of hiking and outdoor recreation near this little town. Make a stop at Cowan’s Cafe for some tasty comfort food while you’re there.
Duchesne, UT 84021, USA
By P199 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia
You’ll never run out of things to do in Kanab. Known as “Little Hollywood,” this town represents the spirit of the Wild West and filmmakers have flocked to the area for decades. Check out the Little Hollywood Land for a dose of history and a delicious chuckwagon dinner. You’ll also want to pay a visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is home to around 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, rabbits, pigs, and more.
Kanab, UT 84741, USA
Tom Kelly/flickr
Oakley is known for its incredible rodeo, which takes place every year around the Independence Day holiday. You’ll want to get your tickets and book your lodging well in advance for this popular event. The rest of the year, enjoy a visit with farm animals at RunDown Ranch Kids Farm, then grab a meal at the Road Island Diner - a charming little restaurant inside a vintage dining car.
Oakley, UT, USA
Clive Moss/flickr
Panguitch is home to fewer than 2,000 people, but don’t let its size fool you - it offers plenty of recreation. This town is literally surrounded by Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Dixie National Forest. Hiking, mountain biking, and fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities available. Check out the Panguitch Balloon Rally every summer in June, when the skies fill with brightly-colored hot air balloons.
Panguitch, UT 84759, USA
Quadyak/Tripadvisor
If riding through the mountains on an ATV, surrounded by a beautiful forest is your cup of tea, then you’ll want to put Marysvale on your small town getaway bucket list. It’s right in the heart of the Paiute ATV Trail, which offers 275 miles of trails, branching out from town in every direction. Stay overnight at the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort, which offers a campground, motel, cabins, and caboose suites.
DenisTangneyJr/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The largest town on our list, Brigham City sits right in the middle of all kinds of cool outdoor spots. Head west to see the Golden Spike National Historic Park and Spiral Jetty, head south to take a tour along Utah’s Fruit Way and go north to hike in the Wellsville Mountains. Or, stay right in town for Peach Days (held in September) and grab a bite to eat at Maddox Ranch House, which serves some of the best fried chicken in the state.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Small towns in utah September 22, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best small-town getaways in Utah? When searching for the best towns in Utah to visit, the list is quite long. The Beehive State is home to some of the most charming and beautiful small towns. In the northern part of the state, you have the town of Brigham City. This historic town is just a short drive from many historic landmarks and must-see attractions like Golden Spike National Monument and the Spiral Jetty. Drive down the charming main street and admire the beauty of the Box Elder Tabernacle, which was built in the late 1800s. Also, make sure you plan a visit in September, during the annual Peach Days Festival. If you are in the southern part of the state, there are many small towns to visit. Springdale is definitely one charming town that you must check out. In fact, this town is located just outside of Zion National Park and is considered one of the best small-town vacations in the entire country! There are fabulous places to eat and cozy accommodations, and the scenery is incredible. This is one small town that is perfect for a weekend escape with the entire family! Are there any historic small towns in Utah I should visit? Yes! One of our favorite historic towns is Eureka. Located west of Santaquin, this town is home to approximately 700 people. It may not seem like it has much to offer but the entire town is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. As you drive or walk around town, believe us, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped back in time!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Small towns in utah
September 22, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best small-town getaways in Utah? When searching for the best towns in Utah to visit, the list is quite long. The Beehive State is home to some of the most charming and beautiful small towns. In the northern part of the state, you have the town of Brigham City. This historic town is just a short drive from many historic landmarks and must-see attractions like Golden Spike National Monument and the Spiral Jetty. Drive down the charming main street and admire the beauty of the Box Elder Tabernacle, which was built in the late 1800s. Also, make sure you plan a visit in September, during the annual Peach Days Festival. If you are in the southern part of the state, there are many small towns to visit. Springdale is definitely one charming town that you must check out. In fact, this town is located just outside of Zion National Park and is considered one of the best small-town vacations in the entire country! There are fabulous places to eat and cozy accommodations, and the scenery is incredible. This is one small town that is perfect for a weekend escape with the entire family! Are there any historic small towns in Utah I should visit? Yes! One of our favorite historic towns is Eureka. Located west of Santaquin, this town is home to approximately 700 people. It may not seem like it has much to offer but the entire town is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. As you drive or walk around town, believe us, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped back in time!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When searching for the best towns in Utah to visit, the list is quite long. The Beehive State is home to some of the most charming and beautiful small towns. In the northern part of the state, you have the town of Brigham City. This historic town is just a short drive from many historic landmarks and must-see attractions like Golden Spike National Monument and the Spiral Jetty. Drive down the charming main street and admire the beauty of the Box Elder Tabernacle, which was built in the late 1800s. Also, make sure you plan a visit in September, during the annual Peach Days Festival.
If you are in the southern part of the state, there are many small towns to visit. Springdale is definitely one charming town that you must check out. In fact, this town is located just outside of Zion National Park and is considered one of the best small-town vacations in the entire country! There are fabulous places to eat and cozy accommodations, and the scenery is incredible. This is one small town that is perfect for a weekend escape with the entire family!
Are there any historic small towns in Utah I should visit?
Yes! One of our favorite historic towns is Eureka. Located west of Santaquin, this town is home to approximately 700 people. It may not seem like it has much to offer but the entire town is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. As you drive or walk around town, believe us, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped back in time!
