11 Serene Utah Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Utah is one of the Four Corners States, sharing borders with Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Often nicknamed “The Mormon State” due to its prominent Latter-day Saint heritage, Utah was largely settled by pioneers seeking religious freedom along the historic Mormon Trail. Today, it is defined by breathtaking natural contrasts, from the deep canyons and sandstone arches of the Colorado Plateau in the south to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the north.
With meandering rivers, red-rock landscapes, and alpine forests, Utah offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you enjoy hiking through narrow slot canyons, casting a line in a trout-filled lake, or simply unwinding in a rustic lodge under the stars, these serene Utah towns provide the perfect weekend retreat. You might find yourself strolling art galleries in Springdale near Zion’s cliffs or kayaking the turquoise waters of Bear Lake in Garden City. So pack your bag and let Utah’s small-town charm work its magic.
Springdale
Springdale is adjacent to Zion National Park's boundaries and was originally settled as a Mormon farming community. In the park, visit The Narrows to hike through the Virgin River, flanked by the 2,000-foot walls of Zion Canyon, giving you a unique experience of hiking through the water. Take one of the scenic trails leading there to see the extraordinary Emerald pools and waterfalls.
Enjoy walking downtown, visiting the various art galleries to admire the work of local talent. You can visit the boutiques for souvenirs and crafts made locally. If you want to grab lunch, stop at Oscar’s for a mouthwatering burger and a slice of homemade pie. Before retiring for the night, take time to look up at the starry night sky from your balcony at DriftWood Lodge.
Kanab
Kanab is an outdoor lover’s paradise for hiking at Zion National Park, about 30 minutes away. There are easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes, most of which are only accessible by the park shuttle. One unique hike is to see the Toadstool Hoodoos, rocks that look like toadstools. At one time, the town was known as Little Hollywood, so a must-see is Little Hollywood Land: Museum & Trading Post. Here you can see real sets from Western movies filmed in the area.
Plan to book lodging at Parry Lodge, a historic hotel built in the 19th century, which has hosted many celebrities when filming movies. End your day off with breakfast from Kanab Creek Bakery and lunch at Big Al’s Burger at the Junction.
Moab
Moab is the gateway to massive red rock formations found in Arches National Park. While there, you can also visit Canyonlands National Park. In these parks, you can mountain bike, go river rafting on the Colorado River, hike, and go off-roading. On the Colorado River, you can enjoy a picnic, kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding in the calmer water. A fun family adventure is the Moab Giant Dinosaur Park, wandering among 100 life-size giants and imagining what their footprints might have looked like. For more history, check out the Moab Museum, where one can explore exhibits that tell the archaeology, geology, and paleontology of Moab. Stay at The WorldMark Motel, a lively spot with plenty of open space to explore.
Torrey
Visiting Torrey puts you eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park. Here you can do self-guided or ranger-led tours, with plenty of opportunities for camping, backpacking, hiking, and rock climbing. Those planning on exploring should visit the Visitor Center to get a lay of the land and routes. For a fee, you can harvest peaches, apples, pears, and more from the orchards planted there by Mormon pioneers.
Instead of staying at a traditional motel, stay at Capitol Reef Resort, where you can glamp in a teepee or Conestoga wagon and enjoy breakfast at the Pioneer Kitchen. Meanwhile, at the Flute Shop, check out Native American-style pine flutes and other unusual gifts.
Park City
Park City is bordered by Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, both ski resorts. If you select this as one of the serene Utah towns for a weekend retreat in the winter, you can ski, go snowboarding, snow tubing, or sit in front of the fire sipping hot chocolate. Main Street, downtown Park City, is lined with buildings that were built in the 19th century during the silver boom. During the summer, there are many hiking trails to explore or just enjoy a cool walk on Main Street at night, gazing at the stars.
Shop on historic Main Street at the many galleries and shops like Park City Souvenir Co. to look at authentic handmade Native American pottery and jewelry. Indulge your craving for homemade fudge at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. After taking in all the town has to offer, stay at Marriott's MountainSide hotel for a scenic night.
Panguitch
If you want a break from hiking and mountain biking, visit Panguitch for year-round boating and fishing at the many lakes there. That said, even if you want to hike, there are many picturesque trails. The name of the town means “Big Fish,” a Southern Paiute word because of the plentiful rainbow trout in the area’s lakes. It also has some of the most breathtaking landscapes, such as those in the nearby Dixie National Forest. This 1.8 million-acre expanse of wilderness houses endless landmarks, from forests to lakes, making it ideal for boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming.
Back in town, one can enjoy shopping downtown at the locally owned shops to find just that right memento of their trip. Smokin’ Hot Antiques & Collectibles, with an Indian Trading Post inside, loaded with pottery, baskets, and blankets, is the perfect place to get something. Visitors should also stop by the Red Canyon Indian store to browse the collection of sand paintings and Navajo blankets. When it's time to hit the bed, book your room at Two Sunsets Hotel.
Escalante
Escalante is a quaint town of less than 1,000 people in Garfield County, Utah. While here for your weekend retreat, visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. It can be found on a high mesa that was an ancient floodplain about 150 million years ago, and large trees were buried in mud during the flood. Over time, they became petrified trees, which visitors can see today. There is also a visitor center displaying the petrified wood and dinosaur bones. Those interested in some outdoor activities here will be glad to know that the park’s Wide Hollow Reservoir is used for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Make time to take a guided four-wheel-drive tour of Spooky Gulch, a narrow slot canyon that lives up to its name with twisting passageways perfect for adventurous spirits. Another highlight is the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road, a rugged route tied to Mormon pioneer history and dotted with panoramic desert views. After exploring, browse the Serenidad Gallery for petrified wood, pottery, and vibrant local crafts. Book your accommodations at the Canyon Country Lodge, a polished, contemporary stay offering cozy rooms and easy access to Escalante’s stunning surroundings.
Green River
This town is not known as a ski resort but more of a base camp for outdoor adventures, including whitewater rafting, hiking, and other outdoor activities. To experience the thrills of river rafting, visit Holiday River Expeditions, offering multi-day journeys like the 6-Day Whitewater Kayaking Workshop, which covers class I-II rapids.
Green River’s claim to fame is its melons, which are sold during the growing season and the Annual Melon Days Festival, which will be held September 19-20, 2025. To learn about the history of early exploration, visit the John Wesley-Powell Museum for creative exhibits about these early explorations. Plan your weekend retreat stay at Skyfall, where each room is themed after a geological formation found in Green River.
Monticello
If you are a golfer, this is the ideal town for your weekend retreat. It is home to The Hideout Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course that is ranked No. 2 in Utah. It was built near the reclaimed site of the uranium mill in 2000, when it was cleaned up using DOE funding. If you want other outdoor activities, Monticello is located on the Colorado Plateau at the base of the Abajo Mountains, where you can fish, hike, backpack, and walk.
To learn about the town's history, stop by the Frontier Museum, which tells how the settlers lived in the 19th century. When you want to grab a bite, stop by Doug’s Steak & BBQ for some delicious pulled pork and homemade fries. After filling your belly, plan your stay at The Monticello Inn, located near downtown.
Garden City
This town sits on the shores of Bear Lake making it a popular summer weekend retreat and warranting the nickname “Caribbean of the Rockies.” Bear Lake State Park has 109 square miles of turquoise waters that are lined with marinas, shops, and restaurants, making it the main attraction in Garden City. Spend the day sunbathing on the sandy beach, scuba diving, water trampolining, swimming, and boating. Those in for a challenge can also try their hand at jet skiing or paddleboarding.
Enjoy a meal at Bear Trapper Restaurant, where they serve breakfast, ribs, coconut shrimp, and steaks for supper. As night falls, find that special gift at The Bear’s Den Gifts and Souvenirs, such as apparel, jewelry, stuffed animals, and refrigerator magnets, before booking your stay at Beaver Creek Lodge.
Midway
Midway is located in Heber Valley, 28 miles from Salt Lake City and three miles from Heber City. In Midway, you can find Wasatch Mountain State Park, where you may see elk, wild turkeys, moose, and deer. Here, you can also camp, have a picnic, hike, and more. Another must-see is Huber Grove, a historical landmark with apple orchards, a golf course, hiking trails, and a picnic area.
Visit Midway Must Haves Souvenir Shoppe for items to remind you of your great trip, like a snow globe keychain, coffee mugs, and more. When you are hungry, visit Midway Mercantile Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant with upscale American cuisine. Take a short drive northwest to stay at Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa.
Final Thoughts
Utah is a vast natural playground where every season brings new opportunities to explore, relax, and reconnect with nature. From skiing and snow tubing in winter to hiking and kayaking in summer, the variety is endless. Its small towns add to the charm, each offering unique scenery, cozy stays, and friendly atmospheres. Whether you are wandering through the red rock landscapes of Moab or enjoying lakeside serenity in Garden City, these destinations promise peace and adventure. A weekend here will leave you refreshed, inspired, and ready to return.
