Summer Activities in Utah: Guide for your Trip

Utah summers are exciting but it’s not well known, especially to newcomers. Such people have no idea where to go, how far things are from Salt Lake City, or how to choose activities that match their fitness level. This SevenSlopes guide helps with such problems. by presenting realistically accessible and affordable summer experiences that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re exploring Salt Lake, planning a weekend escape, or looking for the state’s best beginner trails, this guide covers everything related to summer activities in Utah.

1. Utah Water-Sporting Paradise — The Most Refreshing Summer Experiences

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Utah’s lakes and rivers. For example, the easiest place to start is Antelope Island State Park, one of the state’s most iconic destinations and truly a Utah water-sporting paradise. Only 45–55 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the park is affordable, beginner-friendly, and home to the famous Great Salt Lake floating experience. Visitors often come for the surreal views known as the wonders of antelope island, watching bison roam at sunset or paddleboarding in calm water. Rentals usually range from $25–$40 per hour, making it one of the most budget-friendly lake days near the city.

For those wanting something slightly more adventurous, river rafting in Utah—especially on the Weber River—is perfect for students, non-drivers, and families. Located less than an hour from the city, this rafting route is one of Utah’s safest, offering shuttle service, low rapids, and a fun half-day experience that doesn’t require intense outdoor skills. The entire outing is usually under $50, making it a top pick among locals.

Another peaceful option near Salt Lake City is Silver Lake at Brighton. It’s only a 35–40 minute drive and completely free to visit. The flat boardwalk trail makes it accessible for families, kids, and international students who prefer low-effort, high-reward scenery. Silver Lake is also cooler than the city in summer, offering a refreshing escape without long travel.

2. Beginner Adventure for Utah Camping — Easy, Affordable, Accessible

Although camping in Utah is exciting, it can also be intimidating for many people, especially new residents or students without much outdoor experience. To solve this problem, SevenSlopes highlights the camping spots that locals actually use—safe, clean, and easy to reach.

Just 40 minutes from the city, Jordanelle State Park is widely known as the best option for adventure Utah camping for beginners. Sites range from $25–$40 and include bathrooms, showers, and clean lake access. Visitors can swim, paddleboard, grill, or simply relax without needing advanced gear. For people seeking a more unique experience, camping at Antelope Island’s Bridger Bay offers wide lake views, stargazing, and quiet summer nights. It’s popular among visitors looking for a local’s adventure Utah camping experience. If you want more details about Anteloper Island, see here.

For those exploring Utah’s national parks, you would want to visit Devils Garden Campground inside arches national park. It offers sunrise views, red rock backdrops, and easy access to short hikes. Spots are extremely limited, so reserving months in advance is essential. But the experience is unmatched for budget travelers visiting Utah arches national park.

3. Top 5 Summer Activities in Utah — Scenic, Manageable, and Close to the City

Hiking is one of the top 5 summer activities in Utah, but many visitors worry about difficulty or long drives. To make things easier, we recommend realistic options close to Salt Lake City. Donut Falls is consistently rated as the most beginner-friendly trail in the Wasatch Mountains. And it remains one of the most popular choices for hikes in the Wasatch during summer. Only 30 minutes away, the short trail ends at a cool mountain waterfall, making it ideal for families and students.

For those wanting a slightly more challenging experience, Lake Blanche provides unforgettable alpine views only 35 minutes from the city. The trail is moderate but manageable for active beginners, and its scenic lake surrounded by Sundial Peak is among salt lake city’s most popular photography spots. These trails offer the perfect starting point for people who want nature experiences without committing to long, difficult hikes.

4. Exploring Utah’s Iconic Destinations — Bryce, Arches & Kanab

Visitors staying in Salt Lake City often plan weekend trips to Utah’s national parks. The easiest to explore in summer include Utah Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, and the slot canyon regions around trails in Kanab Utah.

Travelers heading to Bryce Canyon will discover that the park is significantly cooler than Salt Lake in summer—often by 7–10 degrees. It makes the famous hoodoos especially comfortable to hike. A visiting Utah Bryce Canyon highlight is the Navajo Loop. Although it’s a short trail, it is an iconic trail perfect for beginners. Those heading south to Moab will experience the incredible red rock landscapes of Utah Arches National Park. Additionally, short accessible routes like Sand Dune Arch are excellent options for hot days.

Finally, visitors exploring Kanab often choose Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon for its easy access and unique sandstone walls. This area is ideal for travelers who want striking desert scenery without navigating difficult terrain. If you’re interested in going to Kanab, you can see short hiking trails to explore in Kanab here.

5. Experience Family History in Utah

Utah’s cultural sites are great for travelers who want low-cost indoor activities or are taking a break from outdoor adventures. This is the Place Heritage Park is one of Salt Lake county’s best family destinations. Because it offers hands-on pioneer history, local food festivals, and small farm experiences during summer, kids will love visiting here. Visit This is the Place Heritage Park to see the West as it was in the early settlement of Utah. You can ride one of three trains, the Jupiter, Blackhawk or the 119, as they tour around the Park. Or enjoy a ride around the pond on the Mini Train. Especially for families with kids, they will love riding ponies, meeting and petting farm animals. In addition, you can also get the chance to try your skill at milking Clara Bell the Cow.

Meanwhile, for visitors interested in ancestry, the Utah family history center—also known as the Utah family history experience—provides free programs for learning genealogy and tracing family roots, making it a unique Utah experience that doesn’t require any prior knowledge.

6. Lodging — Awesome places to stay in after Summer Activities in Utah

When it comes to accommodations, Utah has options for every traveler. Couples looking for a cozy, stylish getaway often prefer boutique-style stays categorized under romantic lodging in Utah, with Kimpton Hotel Monaco being one of the closest and most popular options in downtown Salt Lake.

Adventure travelers typically choose resort Utah evo Hotel. It’s a trendy hybrid hotel with an onsite climbing gym and modern, minimalist rooms. Its walkable location near nightlife, cafés, and shops makes it ideal for first-time visitors who want convenience and a lively atmosphere.

7. Food, Coffee & Nightlife — Food and Bars near Major Spots You Can Visit After Exploring

After spending the day exploring summer destinations like Utah Bryce Canyon, Antelope Island, or Arches National Park, visitors often look for spots to relax, eat, or enjoy a drink. Near Bryce Canyon, travelers consistently recommend Bryce Canyon Coffee Co., just five minutes from the park entrance. In particular, the place is known for its Vanilla Honey Latte and Lemon Poppyseed Bread—favorites among sunrise hikers. Next, close to Antelope Island, visitors commonly stop at Beehive Café for its Iced Lavender Latte or grab brunch at Black Bear Diner in Layton after a morning of wildlife viewing.

Those returning from Arches often visit Moab Coffee Roasters, a staple in downtown Moab famous for its Frozen Mocha and Gelato Affogato. And they are perfect for cooling off after a desert hike. Evening travelers often head to The Spoke on Center. They offer casual cocktails and easy comfort food which are ideal for groups.

Finally, for nightlife, travelers staying near Salt Lake City will find that the city’s nightlife centers around places like Lake Effect. It is known for its Lavender Gin Fizz and Whiskey Street. They are a longtime favorite for both locals and visitors who want a polished but accessible night out. These stops make it easy to experience salt lake city nightlife without the stress of navigating unfamiliar or overwhelming bars.

8. Final Tips for Summer Activities in Utah

To make planning easier, we always recommend checking transportation such as UTA for non-drivers. Since it offers free or low-cost transportation, and enables national park trips either early morning or evening to avoid summer heat. With this guide, anyone— especially non local students, travelers, families, and new residents—can experience the Salt Lake summer season affordably and confidently.