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Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and world-famous national parks, giving access to some of America's most stunning landscapes.

Park City, the Great Salt Lake, and five national parks are all within striking distance.

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Try: birdwatching, disc golf, covered bridges, antique shopping, hot springs, photography spots

12 destinations near Salt Lake City

Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway, between, US Hwy 191 and

Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway

between, US Hwy 191 and

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 45 min from Salt Lake City · fits $15 - $50 budget

2 hrs 45 min4.9 (136)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Utah Adventure Park, Heber City, UT 84032

Utah Adventure Park

Heber City, UT 84032

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 1 hr 5 min from Salt Lake City · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 5 min4.9 (37)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway, Nephi, UT 84648

Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway

Nephi, UT 84648

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 19 min from Salt Lake City · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 19 min4.8 (178)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Denzil Stewart Nature Park, Logan, UT 84321

Denzil Stewart Nature Park

Logan, UT 84321

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 23 min from Salt Lake City · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 23 min4.7 (245)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Devil's Kitchen, Nephi, UT

Devil's Kitchen

Nephi, UT

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 36 min from Salt Lake City · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 36 min4.7 (503)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Canyon Entrance Park, Logan, UT 84321

Canyon Entrance Park

Logan, UT 84321

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 26 min from Salt Lake City · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 26 min4.6 (426)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Willow Park, Logan, UT 84321

Willow Park

Logan, UT 84321

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 1.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 19 min from Salt Lake City · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 19 min4.6 (1,277)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Devil's Slide, Morgan, UT 84050

Devil's Slide

Morgan, UT 84050

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 52 min from Salt Lake City · fits $15 - $50 budget

52 min4.6 (412)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

River Hollow Park, Logan, UT 84321

River Hollow Park

Logan, UT 84321

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 25 min from Salt Lake City · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 25 min4.6 (446)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Wayne Bartholomew Family Park, Springville, UT 84663

Wayne Bartholomew Family Park

Springville, UT 84663

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.5 by 1.1k+ visitors) · 57 min from Salt Lake City · fits Free - $20 budget

57 min4.5 (1,057)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

The Crater at Homestead, Midway, UT 84049

The Crater at Homestead

Midway, UT 84049

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 52 min from Salt Lake City · fits $15 - $50 budget

52 min4.4 (2,200)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Green Door Tunnel, Logan, UT 84341

Green Door Tunnel

Logan, UT 84341

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.0 stars) · 1 hr 27 min from Salt Lake City · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 27 min4.0 (8)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Salt Lake City, UT?

The best day trips from Salt Lake City include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.

How far should I drive for a day trip from Salt Lake City?

Most great day trips from Salt Lake City are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.

What are cheap things to do near Salt Lake City?

Many of the best day trips near Salt Lake City are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.

What is the best time of year for day trips from Salt Lake City?

Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Salt Lake City, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.

Are there weekend getaways near Salt Lake City?

Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Salt Lake City make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.

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