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You might call it home, but across the country (and world, for that matter), others call Utah vacation. Driven by its natural beauty, abundant outdoor activities and growing reputation as an adventure hotspot, in addition to record numbers of tourists, more and more people are choosing Utah as a location for a second home.
Whether they want to experience the winter sports of Park City, or the warm winter weather in St. George, many are opting for the convenience of fractional home ownership.
According to the University of Utah, tourists spent nearly $12 million in 2022, supporting more than 152,000 tourism-related jobs across the state. With world-famous national parks and The Greatest Snow on Earth, Utah has been squarely established as a top destination not only in the West, but in the entire United States.
Local tourism: Utahns exploring their own state
Utah might be a hit with out-of-state travelers, but residents also find it a worthy tourist destination. According to the Utah Department of Tourism, approximately 39% of Utah tourism comes from Utah residents themselves, exploring everything from ski resorts and state parks to small towns and scenic byways.
The top destinations for local tourism include Salt Lake City and St. George, both hubs for outdoor adventure, with world-class ski resorts and awe-inspiring national parks in close vicinity to each.
Something for every traveler
What sets Utah apart from other travel destinations is its diversity. From snow-capped peaks to expansive deserts and vibrant cities, the state offers a little bit of everything. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or cultural experiences, Utah delivers.
The Mighty 5 national parks
Utah's national parks are among its most iconic attractions. The Mighty 5 — Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion — boast unique landscapes that seem to belong in a different world. Arches, located near Moab, is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Bryce Canyon's otherworldly hoodoos — tall, thin spires of rock — are a must-see, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the formations glow red and orange.
Zion, the most visited of the five, attracts as many as 5 million visitors each year, according to National Parks Services, due to its spectacular hiking and climbing landscapes. Canyonlands and Capitol Reef are less crowded, making them ideal for those seeking solitude and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
World-class ski resorts
For ski bums, Utah is a premier destination. The state boasts 15 ski resorts, 10 of which are less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it easy for travelers to hit the slopes. Park City Mountain, Deer Valley and Snowbird are among the most famous, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.
Utah's ski resorts are known for The Greatest Snow on Earth — a claim supported by the state's dry, powdery snow that creates ideal skiing conditions. With terrain that caters to all skill levels and family-friendly amenities, these resorts have become popular for both serious athletes and casual visitors.
Urban attractions: Salt Lake City and beyond
While Utah's natural beauty is its biggest draw, the state's cities also offer vibrant cultural experiences. Salt Lake City, the state's capital, is home to a burgeoning food scene, world-class museums and the historic Temple Square, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum of Utah the Red Butte Garden are just a few of the city's highlights.
Further south, Moab serves as a gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks and is a mecca for mountain biking and off-roading. The city of Provo, home to Brigham Young University, is known for its beautiful scenery and family-friendly attractions, including the Provo River Parkway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
Hidden gems and lesser-known spots
Beyond the well-known attractions, Utah is filled with hidden treasures that provide unique experiences. Bear Lake, for example, is a summer paradise with clear blue waters ideal for boating, fishing and swimming. In the fall, the area transforms into a haven for leaf-peepers who flock to see the brilliant autumn colors.
Goblin Valley State Park, with its whimsical rock formations resembling goblins, is a fun stop for families and photographers.
An adventurer's paradise
With its diverse terrain and abundance of outdoor activities, Utah is a playground for adventure seekers. The state's varied landscapes allow for everything from rock climbing and canyoneering to whitewater rafting and horseback riding. Mountain bikers flock to the slickrock trails of Moab, while off-road enthusiasts tackle the challenging terrain of the Sand Hollow State Park.
Utah's rivers and lakes also provide ample opportunities for water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skiing. The Green and Colorado rivers are popular spots for rafting and canoeing, offering both tranquil sections and thrilling rapids.
A world-class destination and investment opportunity
With so much to see and do, it's no surprise that Utah is becoming a go-to destination for people who want to experience more of what Utah has to offer. If you want to spend more time in Utah, fractional ownership of a vacation getaway luxury home makes it more affordable than ever.
Fractional ownership is likely less expensive than you might imagine, and offers a way to invest wisely in a premier tourist location. Fraxioned is an easy, low-stress way to co-own your dream vacation home right here in Utah. For more information, visit Fraxioned.
