A Dozen Things to do in Utah in Summer 2023
Utah is a treasure of the Mountain West region because it features an incredible array of fun, engaging adventures – especially during the warm months. Activities include outdoor recreation, soaking in natural springs, learning about history, mountain exploration, water sports, etc. Parts of the central region around Lehi, Salt Lake City and Provo are currently being built upon by McArthur Homes – the premier company among Utah County home builders. The area is incredibly diverse, offering something for everyone and plenty of destinations to keep you busy all summer long.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
If you love serene afternoon drives through breathtaking scenery, this canyon of alpine valleys and vistas is just a short drive from Salt Lake City. The “Canyons” byway is a 15-mile loop that provides visitors access to hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, fishing, camping and more. A network of trails allows on-foot or mountain bike access to pristine wilderness and awe-inspiring terrain.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Curious residents who want to learn about the ancient origins of this area can do so by spending the day at this famous museum. Visitors can learn about evolution, dinosaurs, space exploration, historical art, the modern-day natural world and more. Programs include everything from citizen science to sleepovers and birthday parties to summer camps and private events.
Park City Mountain Resort
This world-famous mountain town doesn’t slow down when the snow melts. Summertime thrills include taking in elevated scenery from the chairlifts and gondola, adventure park excursions, wild rides on the Mountain Coaster, the Alpine Slide and the Flying Eagle Zip Line, shopping for fresh produce and crafts at the local farmer’s market, 18-hole excursions at Canyons Golf Course and relaxing sessions at Rock Resorts Spa – among many other activities.
Meadow Hot Springs
A short drive south from Provo on I-15, just four miles from Fillmore, sits the tiny town of Meadow – an ideal destination for some therapeutic peace and quiet. The nearby hot springs are open to the public and consist of three interconnected pools accessible via a half-mile hike along a graded walking path. Temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees and the crystal-clear water is fed by a continuous spring while a constant runoff maintains pool levels into an adjacent stream.
Mystic Hot Springs
You can add variety to your therapeutic adventures with additional outings to these natural waters in Monroe, Utah – located south of Provo. This is an ideal destination for camping, exploring and the stress-relieving pastime of sitting in naturally heated mineral water. Temperatures vary from very hot to moderate, depending on how far from the source you choose to soak. Visitors can choose from various communal pools or single-person tubs and stay overnight in their tent or one of the many on-site accommodations making it one of the best things to do in the summer in Utah!
Provo Canyon
This celebrated, easily accessible mountain canyon is located northeast of the city, after which it is named and welcomes thousands of visitors from far and wide every year. This officially designated “Utah Scenic Byway” is well known for providing access to world-class trout fishing, hiking paths, mountain biking trails, rock climbing attractions, birdwatching woodlands and more. A network of nine different parks along the 11-mile stretch of highway welcomes visitors for picnics, gatherings and all-day recreation.
Utah Lake State Park
This aquatic treasure of central Utah offers many activities, including boating, swimming, fishing and more. The park is located just south of Salt Lake City and minutes from Lehi and Provo. Visitors can choose from two marinas for launching boats, dock access and watercraft rentals. There are plenty of picnic areas, parks and campgrounds, including 31 RV sites around the lake perimeter. Pavilions can be rented for large social functions, group events and family gatherings and a 50-person conference room is available for indoor use.
Thanksgiving Point
This regional destination for history, culture and natural beauty holds enriching experiences for guests of all ages. Attractions include the Annual Tulip Festival, Utah Symphony, Dinosaur Island, Baby Animal Birthday Parties, Lyceum Philharmonic Concerts, the Golf Club, the Butterfly Biosphere, the Museum of Ancient Life and more. Guests can spend the day between two adjacent campuses and host special events such as receptions and birthday parties.
Antelope Island
Part of the Utah State Park system, this haven for outdoor adventure is located upon a peninsula in Utah’s Great Salt Lake. The island is a popular destination for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers who love exciting terrain and breathtaking views. Many wild animals can be observed roaming free, including pronghorn (antelope), mule deer, bison, bighorn sheep and more. School groups can arrange for field trips, while campers can choose from five different campgrounds and dozens of sites for an unforgettable weekend getaway.
Mirror Lake
Located in the Uinta Mountains to the east of Salt Lake City, this high country destination is ideal for anglers who love trout fishing and anyone looking for a scenic adventure off the beaten path. The waters, named for reflecting the clear blue sky above, contain various species, including rainbow trout, golden trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout and more. The lake is accessible via the Mirror Lake Highway, another of Utah’s infamous Scenic Byways.
Orem Summerfest
One of the best things to do in Utah in summer, this yearly event held in early June features an exciting array of family-friendly entertainment and activities. The town of Orem is located between Lehi and Provo just off the I-15 corridor and hosts this week-long festival with a schedule that is packed full of events, including the Pool Party, the Car Show, Carnival Day and the Grand Parade, as well as fireworks, eating contests, a talent show and much more.
Tubing on the Provo River
While Utah is famous for wintertime alpine adventure when the snow melts, it creates another opportunity for thrills – the watercourse of the Provo River. Every year from May through September, residents don their life jackets, grab their inflatable tubes, kayaks and rafts and set out for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. The floating zone is a four-and-a-half-mile stretch of river that begins below the Deer Creek Dam and can take anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours to cover. This activity is ideal for couples, youth groups, families, athletic organizations, and company team-building retreats.
Summer is a time for exploration and adventure, and what better way to enjoy it than living in a home near all the action? At McArthur Homes, we build homes that are perfect for enjoying everything Utah offers. Whether you’re looking for a place close to the slopes or want easy access to hiking and biking trails, we have the perfect home to be able to enjoy the best things to do in Utah in the summer. Contact us today to learn more about our newly built homes and find your dream property this summer!
Categorized in: Things to Do in Utah County, Utah
This post was written by Paige Giles
