There’s a reason that nearly 24 million tourists visit Utah every year. We have tons of great tourist destinations that astonish and delight guests and residents alike. Sometimes, these spots can get a little overwhelming with all the out-of-towners. No worries…just skip some of the more touristy places in favor of these less-visited gems.
Hint: Don’t skip the “touristy” spots all together…just wait until tourist season is over, then check them out without the long lines and hordes of camera hounds.
- Instead of Zion National Park…
Zion National Park/flickr
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Jason Corneveaux/flickr Zion is Utah’s most-visited National Park, and can get really crowded during tourist season. Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument instead. You’ll enjoy a similar landscape of red-rock cliffs, slot canyons and stunning vistas.
- Instead of Bryce Canyon National Park…
Polarice/flickr
Dead Horse Point State Park.
Clint Losee/flickr The sweeping landscape is one of the best things about Bryce Canyon National Park. Visit Dead Horse Point instead. You’ll experience that same overwhelming feeling of being very, very small compared to the landscape, and photo opportunities abound.
- Instead of Temple Square…
Micah Sheldon/flickr
The Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Michael Martin/flickr The LDS Temple in Salt Lake City is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the holiday season. This year, come in from the cold and visit the Cathedral of the Madeleine instead. The architecture of this cathedral is astonishing, with its stained-glass and soaring vaulted ceilings. The best part? You get to go inside, no matter what your religious affiliation! The Cathedral hosts a number of free concerts if you’re looking for that cozy Christmas feeling this year.
- Instead of Park City Ski Resort…
Park City Resort/Facebook
Brighton Ski Resort.
Brighton Resort/Facebook People come from all over the world to ski at Park City, and as a result the lift lines can be long. Instead, head for Brighton. Situated at the very top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the views from the top of the lifts are breathtaking. Alternatively, try Alta, Snowbird or Solitude.
- Instead of Sundance Film Festival…
Sundance Film Festival/Facebook
Slamdance Film Festival.
Slamdance Film Festival/Facebook Yes, Sundance is super cool. If you can get in, that is. It’s expensive, crowded and full of spoiled celebrities. Instead, check out Slamdance. It’s an alternative film festival that still truly has that indie feel. It happens in January every year.
- Instead of the Great Salt Lake…
Mike Fisher/flickr
Bear Lake.
Pattysphotos/flickr Every time friends come to town, they ask you about the Great Salt Lake. Yes, it’s very large. But it’s also kind of stinky and hard to access. Head up to Bear Lake, instead. You can see tons of birds and wildlife at the Bear Lake Migratory Bird Refuge, go boating, fishing or swimming and get a look at that deep blue color that the lake is famous for.
Where is your favorite spot to take guests when they come to Utah?
Zion National Park/flickr
Jason Corneveaux/flickr
Zion is Utah’s most-visited National Park, and can get really crowded during tourist season. Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument instead. You’ll enjoy a similar landscape of red-rock cliffs, slot canyons and stunning vistas.
Polarice/flickr
Clint Losee/flickr
The sweeping landscape is one of the best things about Bryce Canyon National Park. Visit Dead Horse Point instead. You’ll experience that same overwhelming feeling of being very, very small compared to the landscape, and photo opportunities abound.
Micah Sheldon/flickr
Michael Martin/flickr
The LDS Temple in Salt Lake City is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the holiday season. This year, come in from the cold and visit the Cathedral of the Madeleine instead. The architecture of this cathedral is astonishing, with its stained-glass and soaring vaulted ceilings. The best part? You get to go inside, no matter what your religious affiliation! The Cathedral hosts a number of free concerts if you’re looking for that cozy Christmas feeling this year.
Park City Resort/Facebook
Brighton Resort/Facebook
People come from all over the world to ski at Park City, and as a result the lift lines can be long. Instead, head for Brighton. Situated at the very top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the views from the top of the lifts are breathtaking. Alternatively, try Alta, Snowbird or Solitude.
Sundance Film Festival/Facebook
Slamdance Film Festival/Facebook
Yes, Sundance is super cool. If you can get in, that is. It’s expensive, crowded and full of spoiled celebrities. Instead, check out Slamdance. It’s an alternative film festival that still truly has that indie feel. It happens in January every year.
Mike Fisher/flickr
Pattysphotos/flickr
Every time friends come to town, they ask you about the Great Salt Lake. Yes, it’s very large. But it’s also kind of stinky and hard to access. Head up to Bear Lake, instead. You can see tons of birds and wildlife at the Bear Lake Migratory Bird Refuge, go boating, fishing or swimming and get a look at that deep blue color that the lake is famous for.
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