SALT LAKE CITY — For the penny-pincher who still wants to squeeze in a vacation this summer without breaking the bank, look no further than down the end of the block.

Well, OK, maybe a little further, but the point is, don’t underestimate the brilliance of the "staycation." Forget that it’s affordable (it totally is), staycationing for those who live in a place like Utah isn’t just a cheaper alternative; it’s one of the best vacation destinations out there.

It’s no surprise that on a trip to any of Utah’s national parks, one will hear more languages than one has fingers. That’s because the natural splendor of the Beehive state is sought after around the world.

National parks, however, are not the only places that bring countless visitors. Utah’s 14 ski resorts and countless winter recreation sites attract millions every year who crave the best snow on earth. The Tony Award- winning Utah Shakespeare Festival and the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival attract scores of people to the Wasatch Front and beyond, solidifying the state as an unquestionable destination hotspot.

With so many attractions — and the consequential trickle-down of great restaurants, shopping and events — the question is, what is there that can compete with the ultimate staycation?

Related:

5 tips turn a trip into a vacation

For many families a common saying is that traveling with children constitutes a "trip," while traveling without them is a "vacation." Here are a few simple tips that will allow for more vacationing this summer, regardless of the location.

The answer is, nothing. So save some bucks and consider the following ideas for the ultimate family staycation.

Day 1: To the north

Every Saturday from May 10 until September, the Golden Spike National Historic Site reenacts the coming together of the transcontinental railroads. It’s an 1800's homage and a good reminder at the wonder and monumental impact of national transportation infrastructure.

While there, it’s memorable to take a short detour to the Spiral Jetty, a remote decades-old art project that’s as bizarre as it is famous in the art world. The jetty is a gradually eroding spiral structure jetting out into the waters of the northern shore of the Great Salt Lake. It’s oddly beautiful, it’s unique, it’s hidden and it makes for cool family photos.

On the way back to civilization there is a required pilgrimage to what can be argued the most unique store in all the land: Smith and Edwards. Imagine a flea market, an army surplus, Cabelas and a patriotic flag store got together in a nuclear reactor and exploded into a giant, glorious mess. That is Smith and Edwards. Since 1947, it was probably the first place to get food storage, hunting gear and hot-off- the-press conspiracy theories in a one-stop shop. But don’t settle for the mediocre hot dogs there; this is a vacation, after all, and food must be given weightier importance.

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Just south of Brigham City and directly on historic Highway 89 is the Maddox Ranch House. It’s an amusement park of American food with a steak house and a drive-in. It’s as family vacation as it gets, and the comfort food is top-notch. Try the famous skinless fried chicken or the buffalo burgers at the drive-in, then check off day one of the ultimate staycation.

Day 2: Onward and museum-ward

A place like Washington, D.C., which attracts millions of visitors, is a fantastic vacation spot for sure — but D.C. tourists end up trudging day after day through dozens of museums. Save the trip. Utah’s museums are newer, fresher and, well, closer.

The respective art museums at the dueling schools of the University of Utah and Brigham Young University are indisputably some of the best art museums in the entire mountain west and exhibit an impressive collection of international as well as local art. In Salt Lake City, the Utah Museum of Fine Art “is Utah's only visual arts institution that collects, exhibits, interprets and preserves a comprehensive collection of over 5,000 years of art from around the world,” according to the museum's website. And it’s free on the first Wednesday of every month.

Just across campus is the still-glistening new Natural History Museum at the Rio Tinto Center. After decades of being relegated to a small building on the historic campus of the University of Utah, the museum’s new home is nestled seamlessly into the foothills of the east bench in Salt Lake City in an architectural masterpiece that’s as stunning as the 150 million years of natural history exhibited inside.

BYU’s Museum of Art in Provo aggressively curates monumental artistic exhibitions from global religious history and cultural, spiritual art. Additionally, it boasts a broad permanent collection of works by Western folk artists like Manyard Dixon.

And for a bit of modern history, a two-hour ride from Provo to Delta is the site of Topaz, the Japanese internment camp in use during World War II. Currently seeking funds to build a museum, the actual site can be toured for a chilling and often overlooked important element of U.S. history during the war.

Admittedly this may be too much to do in a day, but may it well be noted that Utah has museums, and they're modern, quality interpretations of culture, history and art that do not require a cross-country flight.

Day 3: Parks and rec

For many looking to take in the natural splendor of the Beehive state, the Green River is "base camp" due to its traveler’s amenities; proximity to places like Goblin Valley, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef; and its readily-available activities like river rafting and camping.

However, the tiny but charming town of Green River itself is not without its sweet spots, especially when it comes to feeding your ravenous pack after a day of being outside. There should be no question that dinner should be at Ray’s Tavern across the street from the town’s sole grocery store. This roughneck burger joint and pool hall is an icon of the town and a gathering place for everyone from nature hippies to hillbillies. What’s more, with a half-pound of prime beef, they cook one of the finest (and biggest) burgers in the state.

Beyond Green River, Utah is home to five national parks — Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches and Capitol Reef, each deserving of their own weekend vacation. There are also more than 50 state parks and national monuments that offer more of Utah’s diverse and striking beauty, and many chronicle a kind of history of Utah where humans and nature intersect.

From the Salt Flats of the West Desert to the eastern buttes of the San Rafeal Swell, Utah is a state with a diverse landscape sought after by filmmakers and millions of tourists all over the world.

Add the element of cosmopolitan cities, gastronomic passion and a robust artistic culture and it just so happens that for those lucky enough to live in its borders, the ideal family vacation happens to be an affordable staycation in their proverbial backyard.

For more resources and information on exploring Utah, check out travel sites like utah.com, visitutah.com and visitsaltlake.com.

Joseph Peterson is a graduate from the University of Utah currently navigating life on the East Coast. Connect with him on twitter @planetjoseph or email jpetey12@yahoo.com

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