The Best Small Town In Utah For A 3-Day Weekend
Utah needs no introduction. It is home to outstanding natural wonders, from towering red rock formations to deep-cut canyons and otherworldly desert landscapes. Its towns and cities tell stories of resilient Native American peoples, immigrants and settlers who came to forge a life and find their fortune, and even fictional characters whose adventures on the silver screen put the state on the map.
One town truly stands above the rest as an amazing place for a 3-day weekend, and that sweet spot is Moab. From this base town, one can explore two national parks, learn about the region's history through historic landmarks and museums, and take advantage of a downtown core that's brimming with galleries and eateries that highlight the town's diversity and creative spirit. If you're searching for a place to spend a few days immersed in nature and steeped in culture, look no further than Moab.
A Storied History
The area around Moab was first explored by a Spanish expedition led by Juan Maria Antonio de Rivera in 1765, and again in 1855 when Mormons were sent to establish the Elk Mountain Mission. They were driven off by Native American attacks, and permanent settlers would not arrive until 1878.
The town's primary importance lay in its natural crossing of the Colorado River, but Moab's economy was largely centered around agriculture. By the early 20th century, the town had become one of Utah’s most productive fruit-growing areas, producing peaches, apples, and some grapes. The uranium boom of the 1950s brought an influx of prospectors and related enterprises, effectively tripling the town's population in just 10 years. With this came infrastructure to support the growth, including shops, hotels, and schools. Oil and potash were also economic drivers, but for the last quarter century, the focus has shifted from farming and resource extraction to tourism.
Hollywood has helped. With Moab's majestic landscape as a backdrop, several films have been shot in the area, most notably the 1991 classics City Slickers and Thelma & Louise. For film buffs, especially fans of old Westerns, the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage at Red Cliffs Lodge has tons of memorabilia and artifacts from one of the golden eras of Hollywood. To learn about the region's broader history, the Museum of Moab has exhibits on dinosaurs, mining, pioneer days, and Native American life. There are also several petroglyphs in the area dating back as far as 3,500 BCE. Kane Creek Road is a great spot to view some of these ancient artifacts, and there is another large panel near Wolfe Ranch in Arches National Park.
Outdoor Adventures
Moab serves as a gateway to two national parks. Arches National Park gets its name from the more than 2,000 sandstone formations set across some 76,000 acres. The most photographed place in the park is Delicate Arch, standing 52 feet tall. You can see many other arches on the hiking trails in the park, such as the challenging 7-mile Devil's Garden Primitive Trail or the more accessible Landscape Trail, which offers a close-up view of the longest arch in North America.
Canyonlands National Park twists and turns through colorful canyons, mesas, and vistas. One of the most noteworthy landmarks is the Island in the Sky, a mesa that sits amid canyons and valleys that were created by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Other great spots include the Mesa Arch, which is just a half-mile hike from its parking lot and a popular spot at sunrise, and Candlestick Tower, a 450-foot rock formation that is popular among rock climbers and a spectacular sight to see.
Around Town
Moab's local restaurants deliver a full spectrum of flavors for diverse palettes. There's a little something for everyone here. To kick off a day's adventures in and around Moab, fuel up with a breakfast burrito or other fresh treats at Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro. The Moab Diner also serves a full breakfast menu and classic American comfort food, as well as ice cream for a midday break from the hot desert sun. If you prefer Mexican, head to Miguel's Baja Grill, a colorful spot with surf-town vibes in the middle of the desert. Sabaku Sushi offers a range of classic and signature rolls, and Arches Thai serves up curries, pho, and other Asian delights in a warm, casual setting.
As for shopping options, Moab caters to the outdoorsy crowd and artsy folks at its locally owned businesses. Gearheads, Sol Gear, Moab Gear Trader, and Desert Wild are all popular retail shops downtown to help keep you well-dressed and comfortable while exploring the parks. If you're looking for a unique gift to take back home, Lema's Kokpelli Gallery sells handmade Native American jewelry, pottery, decor, and gifts.
Rest & Recharge
As far as accommodations go, camping in the national parks is often a given, particularly in popular spots like the Devil's Garden Campground amid a sandstone fin backdrop. But if you want to stay in a bit more comfort, Moab has you covered with multiple inns, such as Red Moon Lodge and Retreat, which offers a serene escape amid gardens with a yoga barn and organic breakfast cooked fresh daily. If you really want to get away, head back to Red Cliffs Lodge, home of the film museum mentioned above, with a restaurant on-site and activities such as horseback riding, river rafting, and hiking trails.
The Desert Comes Alive in Moab
Moab isn't the type of town you can see in a day. From its towering arches to its sinking canyons and everything in between, the desert truly does come alive in this small town. With a diverse food scene, artsy shopping district, and museums that preserve the town's history, there is no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in this gateway town before and after a trip into its two national parks. And with accommodations to suit every style and budget, you may even find yourself pushing that 3-day window to stay a bit longer.
