10 Amazing Utah Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive In 2025
Utah is nationally recognized for its famous national parks, which draw millions of annual visitors seeking to explore these scenic natural treasures. But beyond the iconic “Mighty Five,” Utah is filled with lesser-known gems that make for unforgettable day trips, all well worth the drive. Scattered across the deserted desert landscapes lie a long list of points of interest, from ancient petroglyphs and hidden hot springs to preserved historical markers. The Beehive State offers countless adventures just a few hours from major cities like St. George.
Whenever you feel like skipping the chaos in Salt Lake City, hitting the open road for a short day trip opens countless opportunities for adventure. The less-traveled path is packed with natural beauty, cultural depth, and the kind of wonder you don’t always find in guidebooks. From high alpine lakes to red rock canyons and quirky roadside attractions in between, here are the Utah day trips that are worth the drive in 2025.
Natural History Museum Of Utah (15 minutes)
The Natural History Museum of Utah is an excellent destination for nature lovers, just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City and Park City. It is a resourceful facility that educates and informs guests about the state's Native culture, earth science, and outdoor environment through ten interactive galleries featuring engaging exhibits. The museum's north wing showcases scientific research, specimens, and models that enable curious visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the world. In contrast, the south wing interprets the facility's extensive collection of exhibits.
You can spend a whole day browsing the fascinating items on showcase, from fossils and antiques to live animals and minerals, without getting bored. In total, the museum has over 1.6 million objects in its collection, the majority of which relate to anthropology. The terraced design of the museum allows visitors to climb to the fifth floor's Rooftop Terrace, which rewards them with sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Bear Lake State Park (2 hours 40 minutes)
While it takes just under three hours to reach Bear Lake from Salt Lake City, the trip feels well worth the drive once you see the turquoise blue waters. A nature lover's paradise, this beautiful park allows road trippers to escape the city's bustle and indulge in an array of fun recreation. The Bear beaches are a major attraction, and people love to gather along the sandy stretches on Rendezvous Beach to sunbathe, swim, and build sandcastles. Additionally, several local outfitters rent kayaks, sailboats, jet skis, and other watercraft for those seeking to get on the water.
But if you don't want to get on the water, the Limber Pine Nature Trail provides a gentle 1.3-mile loop for hikers who simply want to admire the water views from a distance. While at it, the over 150 species of wildlife in the habitat, including cranes, herons, skunks, and rabbits, guarantee to enhance the viewing experience.
Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park (45 minutes)
If you are planning a day trip with kids, Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park offers an exciting journey through ancient history. This 8.5-acre park is home to over 100 dinosaur sculptures, an on-site museum, and a variety of hands-on activities suitable for both young and old. Guests can wander the complex to admire the elaborate dinosaur skeleton displays and explore the reconstructed habitat of different prehistoric species. Adults can stop by the Stewart Museum of Paleontology for a glimpse of life's evolution since the beginning of the world.
Meanwhile, the facility offers various programs designed for kids, including Toddler Time, which introduces them to crafts, story time, and other engaging activities. Don't forget to check out the diverse collection of minerals, fossils, and crystals at the Gem and Mineral Museum, stretching back to the early days.
Utah Olympic Park (30 minutes)
It takes a half-hour drive east of Salt Lake City to get to the Utah Olympic Park, which harbors nostalgic memories of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Set on a 400-acre property, the dynamic facility offers plenty of fun things to do, including an immersive lesson on the iconic games. The dedicated museum displays a selection of medals, videos, photographs, and other memorabilia that document highlights from the competition. From the site, guests can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Also, you can sit and watch professionals training at the Nordic ski jumps or suit up and try it out for an adrenaline boost. At the end of the ski jump, there is a lovely pool that children will enjoy swimming in, while the Alf Engen Ski Museum’s gift shop allows visitors to leave with a beautiful souvenir.
Lagoon Amusement Park (20 minutes)
Lagoon Amusement Park, located approximately 18 miles north of Salt Lake City, offers one of the best day trips in Utah for families in 2025, making it worth the drive. Visitors can look forward to unadulterated fun for the whole day, guaranteed to impress adults and children alike. The world-class center boasts over 50 thrilling rides, with the highlight being the Lagoon Roller Coaster, one of the country's oldest coasters at over 100 years old. It also features a waterpark with thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and stunning waterfalls for those who don't mind getting wet.
Furthermore, children will love playing at the expansive kiddie land, which offers interactive games and hands-on activities. A historic Pioneer Village lures adults with nostalgic exhibits, and tourists visiting in the fall can check out Halloween-themed and haunted attractions.
Red Butte Garden And Arboretum (10 minutes)
If you don't have too much time to burn on the road, Red Butte Garden and Arboretum offers an ideal trip just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. This world-class oasis invites vacationers to connect with nature as they explore an impressive display of over 3,000 tree and plant species. Quiet walking paths meander through 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and natural areas, allowing newcomers to learn about various green species. The different sections to check out include the Fragrance Garden, Medicinal Garden, and Water Conservation Garden, each with unique properties of plants.
Elsewhere, the Children's Garden provides a kid-friendly atmosphere with appropriate amenities, such as a picnic area, playground, splash pad, and a snake tunnel, where they can play and explore. Finally, bikers and hikers can also enjoy a laid-back trek along the five-mile track available inside.
Golden Spike National Historical Park (1 hour 30 minutes)
A one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Salt Lake City brings you to this fascinating site preserving America's storied railway heritage. The Golden Spike National Historical Park commemorates a pivotal moment in the country's railroading history, marking the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. A tour of the site is an opportunity to relive the rich history through immersive demonstrations and exhibitions, against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Basin Desert. Meanwhile, the West Grade Auto Tour takes you on a vintage ride in a rustic locomotive for an authentic retro experience.
Those curious to explore the surrounding wilderness can take on the Big Fill Loop Trail, which culminates in sweeping vistas of the Great Salt Lake and the Promontory Mountains. Meanwhile, the site's outdoor exhibits offer remarkable photo opportunities, including the iconic Last Spike, Distant Thunder, and Monument to Their Memory.
Deer Creek State Park (1 hour)
Deer Creek State Park is a charming drive to the southwest corner of the Heber Valley, about an hour from Salt Lake City. Besides offering a break from the chaos in the city, this recreational hub provides excellent watersports opportunities with access to the sprawling Deer Creek Reservoir. Boasting 18 miles of shoreline, the lake is popular among fishermen, boaters, kayakers, and watersports lovers. Some of the fish species you can try to catch in the area include small and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye.
There is a sandy beach where people go to swim, sunbathe, and picnic, while the on-site marina provides access to the glassy waters of the rivers for kayaking and canoeing excursions. Deer Creek State Park also offers over 100 campsites with developed amenities that can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument (40 minutes)
Tourists who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures with relish this 40-minute drive to the Wasatch Mountains for a chance to discover a breathtaking underground world. Timpanogos Cave National Monument presents education ranger-led tours that venture deep into its spectacular caverns. The hike stretches 1.5 miles between the Hansen, Middle, and Timpanogos Caves, connected by tunnels. It exposes guests to a stunning sea of colorful helictites and other geological wonders with a fascinating backstory. Throughout the route, there is a change in elevation of over 1,000 feet.
Resourceful rangers offer eye-opening insights into the history of the caves and the science behind the formation of these geological wonders. On dark, starry nights, the site is perfect for stargazers and promises a remarkable viewing experience.
Utah's Hogle Zoo (10 minutes)
Utah's Hogle Zoo offers a family-friendly day trip just outside downtown Salt Lake City, where guests can experience once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters. The 42-acre sanctuary provides a home for over 800 animals, representing at least 20 exotic, rare, and endangered species from around the world. It is divided into several sections with interactive wildlife exhibits, ranging from the African Savanna and the Great Apes to the Asian Highlands and the Rocky Shores. Some of the notable animals you can expect to see include lions, orangutans, polar bears, and radiated tortoises.
Besides the animals, the facility harbors manicured tropical gardens, a carousel, and a train for kids' entertainment. Meanwhile, select themed events, including BooLights, get visitors into the spirit of Halloween with pumpkin decorations and light displays that transform the zoo into a spooky wonderland.
Fantastic Places To Drive To In Utah
Utah offers an enchanting mix of breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences, all just a short drive away from the bustling capital. Whether you're keen on exploring red rock canyons, soaking in scenic mountain views, or discovering historical treasures, these Utah day trips, worth the drive in 2025, offer something for every kind of traveler in the United States. Each destination promises to uncover diverse wonders that reflect a unique slice of the state's natural beauty and charm.
