Utah is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and breathtaking western vistas; its stellar state and national parks; and its top-notch opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation.
And while many travelers associate the grandeur of this scenic western state with its capital Salt Lake City, there’s no better way to appreciate the sweeping splendor of the Beehive State than with a visit to one of its splendid small towns—many of which are on the very doorstep of the state’s most spectacular sights.
10 Midway
With a location adjacent to the rugged Wasatch Range, the small town of Midway is both quaint and undeniably beautiful.
Known for its recreational opportunities, any fan of the great outdoors will find every kind of activity to suit their adventure-loving fancy—from skiing to water sports (and even scuba diving!)
- Activities: Homestead Resort; Deer Creek Dam & Reservoir; Wasatch Mountain State Park; Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
- Dine: Heirloom Common; Lola’s; Midway Mercantile
- Stay: Homestead Resort; The Blue Boar Inn
9 Moab
The breathtaking scenery around Moab has been featured on the big screen a countless number of times—and for good reason. Breathtaking, beautiful, and just a stone’s throw away from some of the state’s best national parks, this stunning small-town gem is definitely worth a visit.
- Activities: Arches National Park; Canyonlands National Park; Dead Horse Point State Park; Colorado Riverway Recreation Area
- Dine: Trailhead Public House & Eatery; Moab Food Truck Park; Desert Bistro
- Stay: Moab Sage Creek; Hyatt Place Moab
8 Garden City
Its location near the turquoise-hued Bear Lake has given the small town of Garden City an auspicious nickname: “The Caribbean of the Rockies.”
And despite its tiny size (less than 1,000 residents!) this Utah haven draws large crowds who want to spend time by the scenic lake and bask in the area’s beauty.
- Activities: Bear Lake; Raspberry Days (August); Beaver Mountain Ski Area; Pickleville Playhouse
- Dine: Cody’s Gastro Garage; Bear Trapper Restaurant; Firehouse Pizzeria
- Stay: Water’s Edge Resort at Bear Lake; Sunrise Resort & Event Center
7 Mount Pleasant
A quaint, charming spot complete with a historic main street, Mount Pleasant is the perfect small-town getaway for those looking for a trip back in time—complete with 19th-century architecture, stately homes, and a schoolhouse museum.
- Activities: Wasatch Academy Museum; Fairview Museum of History & Art; Skyline Drive; Maple Canyon (20 minutes)
- Dine: Cavalier Pizza; Wheeler’s Drive-In; Leticia’s El Sabor Latino
- Stay: Horseshoe Mountain Lodge; Willow Creek Inn (20 minutes)
6 Park City
Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, Park City’s less than 10,000 resident population gives it a charming small-town feel—however, the cozy gem remains a hive of activity, especially during the tourist season, when visitors come from far and wide to enjoy its world-renowned winter sports.
- Activities: Park City Mountain Resort; Sundance Film Festival; Utah Olympic Park; Deer Valley Resort; Guardsman Pass Scenic Drive
- Dine: Aprés Pendry; Butcher’s Chop House & Bar; Chimayo
- Stay: Treasure Mountain Inn; The Lodge at Blue Sky
5 Panguitch
A picture-perfect example of a western small town, Panguitch has no shortage of quaint charm and main street U.S.A appeal.
And with a location close to top Utah outdoor attractions (including state parks, national parks, and monuments), it’s the perfect place to set up camp to explore the surrounding area and get lost in the tiny town’s many treasures.
- Activities: Bryce Canyon National Park; Zion National Park; Red Canyon; Panguitch Lake
- Dine: Kenny Ray’s; Backroads Bistro; C Stop Pizza
- Stay: Panguitch Lake Resort; Two Sunsets Hotel
4 Kanab
Nestled among dramatic sandstone cliffs and a breathtaking landscape, Kanab looks straight out of a western movie—no surprise, since it has been featured throughout both film and television over the years.
With myriad nearby hiking and canyoning opportunities, this small-town stunner is so much more than a scenic backdrop.
- Activities: Buckskin Gulch; Wire Pass Trailhead; Coyote Buttes; Coral Pink and Sand Dunes State Park; Little Hollywood Museum
- Dine: Sego Restaurant; Rocking V Café; Vermillion 45
- Stay: Basecamp 37; Canyons Boutique Hotel
3 Huntsville
What Huntsville lacks in residents, it makes up for with its picturesque beauty—and its prime location near the lush Ogden Valley makes it the perfect starting point for some major outdoor appreciation.
Think boating and fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter; all with a side of stellar scenery.
- Activities: Pineview Reservoir; Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO); Snowbasin Resort; Ogden Canyon Overlook Trail;
- Dine: i.d.k. Barbecue; Restaurants @ Snowbasin Resort; Carlos & Harley’s TexMex Cantina
- Stay: Compass Rose Lodge; Atomic Chalet Bed and Breakfast
2 Torrey
The tiny town of Torrey is a tree-lined treat whose proximity to a number of top outdoor attractions, makes it the perfect cozy haven for setting up camp.
High above sea level, Torrey has no shortage of stunning natural landscapes—making it an ideal place to soak up the small-town vibes and distinctive Utah charm.
- Activities: Thousand Lake Mountain; Capitol Reef National Park; Dixie National Forest; Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival (summer)
- Dine: Capitol Burger; The Wild Rabbit Café; The Pioneer Kitchen
- Stay: Red Sands Hotel & Spa; Capitol Reef Resort
1 Springdale
Beautiful views, small-town vibes, and a location close to the breathtaking Zion National Park make Springdale one of Utah’s coolest tiny towns.
And with dramatic cliff views all its own, there are plenty of local photo-ops—and places to eat, drink, and spend the night, too.
- Activities: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway; Zion National Park; Virgin River; Grafton Ghost Town (20 minutes)
- Dine: Switchback Grille; Zion Brewery; Camp Outpost Co.
- Stay: Cable Mountain Lodge; Desert Pearl Inn