Established by adherents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1849, Provo has a captivating and rich pioneer history that traces back to the Utah Valley where it is located.
The surrounding area of Utah Valley and Provo has become a major region for tourism and education, as well as for businesses and tech start-ups worth billions of dollars, including Domo and Podium, Solar Vivint, and Ancestry.Com, and Qualtrics.
Young Steve is the great-great-great-grandson of the founder of the university. He is also a quarterback in the NFL Hall of Fame: a juicy nugget of trivia. It’s one of the biggest religious universities in the United States. BYU (Brigham Young University) is among the most prominent landmarks in the city.
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to do here, including exploring the city’s parks, hiking trails like Mountain Y and Canyon Rock, and visiting top-notch museums like the Bean L. Monte Museum of Life Science or the BYU Museum of Art. Additionally, the vast nearby area offers attractions such as Sundance and the beautiful Mountain Y.
Hey, if the area was good enough for Robert Redford to purchase a giant plot of land to start something special at Sundance, then there’s definitely something going on there.
TL;DR
Sundance Mountain Resort is the ideal accommodation option, The Commons at Calabasas offers the most vibrant nightlife scene, Black Sheep Cafe is renowned for its outstanding cuisine, Sundance Mountain offers the top activity for adults, Provo Beach is perfect for kids’ entertainment, BYU’s Museums offer a fantastic free activity, Utah Lake State Park is the ultimate park to visit, and Brigham Young University stands as the most notable landmark in the chosen category.
1. The Sundance Mountain Resort
Location: 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance, UT 84604.
The Sundance Mountain Resort is an outdoor lover’s paradise, set among more than 5,000 acres of protected wilderness at the base of Mount Timpanogos, offering a peaceful escape from nearby Salt Lake City and Provo. The resort has been owned by Robert Redford for over 50 years and was sold in 2020.
During the summer, guests can ride the Express Outlaw to experience panoramic views on their way to the summit of Mandan. There are also hiking trails that span over 10 miles, mountain biking trails that stretch for more than 25 miles, and even a zip line tour available.
Sundance Resort offers an extensive collection of private art features in the Redford Room, which pays homage to early miners, farmers, and settlers, including the Tree Room and The Foundry Grill. Several restaurants are available on-site. Guests can experience world-class mountain skiing in the winter, while the Nordic Center offers 15 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails.
2. Covey Center for the Arts
Location: 425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601.
Center Covey offers workshops, classes, galleries, art exhibits, and live theater productions, showcasing a wide range of visual art and performance across the spectrum. It is a dynamic artistic hub that features a diverse array of visual and performing arts.
The live performance events include The Woman in Black, The Principle Wife, Dial ‘M’ for Murder, Carpenters Remembered, Dance Club in Concert, Moon Over Buffalo, and the Utah Metropolitan Ballet.
Workshops and classes are offered in Ballroom and Tap, Hip-Hop, Ballet at an intermediate and beginning level, as well as Jazz/Theater Musical for adults. Additionally, there are workshops available for teens in Hip-Hop, Cheer for pre-teens and kids, and programs for both teens and pre-teens. We also offer workshops and classes in Ballroom and Ballet for kids.
The Eccles Gallery and the Smoot Protected Gallery on the primary level, the Center Street Exhibit Gallery at the front entrance, and the Upper Gallery on the second floor are the four art galleries where the center also showcases artists from all over Utah.
Ideally situated just a brief stroll away from the Covey Center, the Provo Marriott presents guests with an indoor swimming pool, opulent beddings, and complimentary Wi-Fi, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy a show or participate in a class or workshop.
3. Provo Canyon Scenic Drive
There are multiple routes you can take to drive through the scenic Provo Canyon, but the main attraction is the massive bridal veil waterfall that falls in the heart of the canyon.
Excessive snowfall might restrict accessibility during the winter season, however, the trail remains accessible throughout the entire year. The waterfalls can be reached via a straightforward round trip trail.
A short walk further down the paved Parkway River Provo leads to the trail that falls down to the river. Next to the River Provo sits the beautiful nature park where you can enjoy the park’s plenty of grassy spots to sit and lots of parking. The park also has plenty of picnic tables with grills at which you can enjoy a meal. Park Falls Veil Bridal Canyon is a short drive away from the mouth of the Provo River.
We suggest opting for a private rafting expedition for a more daring approach to explore the Provo River.
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4. Black Sheep Cafe
Location: 19 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601.
Black Sheep Cafe takes pride in being a “from-scratch” restaurant, which implies that they serve freshly made food on a daily basis.
The sauces are made from scratch. They cannot be bought in bulk, as they are made from scratch. The meat is purchased in bulk and then weighed and ground into individual patties. The fries are hand-cut and peeled every single day. The majority of the food is made right on the spot.
The restaurant’s beloved dishes include Hog Jowl Nachos, Hog Jowl Tacos, Cactus Lemonade, Shrimp and Grits, and the Buffalo Burger. In order to stay in tune with the seasonal produce, both their menu and recipes are subject to frequent modifications.
Black Sheep Cafe, located under one roof, unites individuals from diverse backgrounds, while ensuring that their cuisine maintains an elevated level of quality. By drawing inspiration from Native American, Mexican, and Southwestern traditions, the restaurant creates an authentic fusion dining experience.
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5. Provo Pioneer Village
Location: 600 North 500 West, Provo, Utah 84601.
The Pioneer Village in Provo is a highly immersive and free museum run by volunteers, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of life’s pioneers.
Crafts such as blacksmithing, carpentry, beekeeping, quilting, barrel making, animal care, and food preservation, among others, are practiced in the village by many skilled volunteers.
Within the premises, numerous implements, furnishings, and various relics are exhibited. Prior to the advent of the railway, individuals on tours and museum patrons, in general, will be presented with a glimpse into the pioneers’ way of life. Embarking on village tours is the most optimal means of immersing oneself in this captivating and vibrant museum experience.
Currently, there are four distinct categories of tours available for selection:
All excursions are complimentary, as is the overall entrance, although monetary contributions are welcomed.
6. Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Location: 645 E Phillips Ln, Provo, Utah 84604.
Each exhibit aims to educate the public about the interactions between humans and animals, and how they protect the environment and nature. This BYU museum, opened in 1978, has an impressive collection of taxidermic animals and botanical specimens. The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is a free natural history museum located on the Brigham Young University campus.
The museum has several events and programs. These include Series Lecture Tanner, which is popular among families, and Night Trivia. They also have Museums at Night Family, which is geared towards their education and kids. Additionally, they offer camps like Bootcamp Biology and Naturalist Junior, as well as Educational Camp Critter.
Explore the Provo River to protect your watershed because plants and insects play a crucial role. Our sacred quest for knowledge includes stewardship, protecting our living planet, and preserving its unique exhibitions.
The museum may provide resources for school personnel and teachers who need tailored materials for large natural history studies. Guests visiting the museum may participate in live animal demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and fun activities on children’s group tours.
Best Western Plus University Inn Provo offers a budget-friendly and comfortable stay near BYU’s campus, with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and proximity to the university’s museums.
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7. The Y Trail
Location: Slide Canyon Trail 062, Provo, Utah 84604.
If you want to take the kids outside and expend a bit of energy, hiking on Mountain Y Trail Y is a great outdoor activity.
The hike is achievable for nearly everyone, provided that you come prepared with water and sturdy legs. Although the hike is not very long, it does have a moderate incline. The elevation gain is slightly more than 1,000 feet, making the trail potentially unsuitable for some children.
Positioned above Brigham Young University, this notable feature was initiated in 1906. The “Y” serves as a symbol of the BYU campus, and affixed to the slopes of Y Mountain, there exists a concrete representation of the letter “Y”.
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8. ABG’s Bar
Location: 190 West Center Street, Provo, Utah 84601.
If you are intrigued by the idea of reliving your college nights and days, your nighttime itinerary should include visiting ABG’s Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in Provo.
This gastropub has nothing that you would expect from a small college bar, but it surely will bring back those fun nights from your college past, including live music and classic beers, pool tables, and food. It’s sometimes fun to relive those nights from the ’80s and ’90s.
If you’re looking for the classics of grilled sandwiches and burgers, you have found yourself in the right place. If you’re looking for more bar food options, you have all the choices to pick from the food bar.
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9. BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures
Location: 2201 N Canyon Rd, Provo, UT 84604.
It’s a beautiful museum where people can come together to learn about various cultures and peoples from around the world. It’s one of the top free museums in the area.
Maya Weaving enables visitors to embark on a journey to Central America, inviting them to delve into the diverse traditions of the Maya community, all showcased through their vivid textiles. The exhibitions comprise a significant part of this experience.
Signs, Symbols, and Scripts allow visitors to discover how people from different cultures and times have used unique writing systems to communicate.
The Mask exhibition is a visitor’s consideration of how masks have been used to create, empower, and protect our own reality and other worlds throughout centuries.
The Residence Inn by Marriott Provo provides a free shuttle service to nearby locations within a 20-mile distance. Additionally, guests can enjoy amenities such as an open-air swimming pool, hot tub, and gym. Moreover, it conveniently locates just a 5-minute stroll away from the museum.
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10. Waffle Love – Provo
Location: 1831 North State Street, Provo, Utah 84604.
If you’re looking for a great spot for breakfast in town, Love Waffle is a highly popular and beloved family-owned restaurant where you can start your day right and ensure that you have several delicious dishes to choose from.
Who doesn’t love a good waffle in the morning? The fluffy dough and magnificent toppings, not to mention the combination of savory and sweet, make it a delicious treat. I am obsessed with Waffles and Chicken, and anyone who knows me knows that. And let’s not forget the whipped cream on top!
Other than their renowned Chicken and Waffles, Waffle Love also offers a variety of delectable options such as The Red Wonder, which consists of Nutella, strawberries, and whipped cream, the Avocado Toast Croissant Waffle, the Churro Waffle, and the Banana Cream Pie Waffle.
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11. Rock Canyon
Location: Rock Canyon Trail, Provo, UT 84604.
Kids can find it slippery to get kind of on this hike, but they are welcome due to the snow melting in springtime. This hike is about six miles through the back and canyon, and it is moderately steep. If you are looking for another awesome hike before you go back home, check out one of the best places to hike in the Rock Canyon area.
Everyone will enjoy the beautiful and serene backdrop of the meadows that lead to the canyon, once they hike through the trail and reach the base of the canyon. The trail offers a jaw-dropping hiking experience with the sheer beauty of the rocks in the canyon.
It’s always nice to at least have one of those moments on each trip where you stop and truly take in the true beauty of your surroundings.
12. Utah Lake State Park
Location: 4400 West Center Street, Provo, Utah 84601.
Anglers have the opportunity to fish throughout the entire day at Utah Lake State Park, which is one of the most renowned spots in Provo. The allure of Utah Lake is unparalleled due to its status as a freshwater reservoir.
The outdoor excursions are the ultimate attraction, undoubtedly. However, when it comes to exploring, Utah Lake State Park emerges as a remarkable destination that offers numerous attractions.
Want to experience sailing on Utah Lake? Explore the waters and learn the art of sailing with sailing lessons offered by Bonneville School of Sailing and Seamanship, even without an engine.
Choices for enjoyment encompass outdoor meals, cookouts, or leisurely strolling along the numerous pathways within a variety of parks. Situated close to downtown Provo, Utah Lake State Park is an unmissable destination.
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13. Provo Beach
Location: 4801 N University Ave #210, Provo, UT 84604.
Just to the north of the city, you will find an entertainment hub called Provo Beach at The Shops at Riverwoods. It will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to reach this place from downtown Provo. While having a great time, visitors can avoid the extreme winter conditions or scorching summer temperatures by enjoying a variety of indoor activities.
During the 1960s, visitors can also engage in laser tag while embarking on a thrilling journey to the seaside at Cape Canaveral, the hub of America’s space competition. The range of things to do and places to visit encompasses the FlowRider, an indoor wave contraption that propels an impressive 30,000 gallons of water per minute beneath your feet, delivering an authentic surfing encounter. Additionally, there is a bowling alley, ropes course, arcade, miniature croquet, carousel, toddler area, expansive playground, and numerous other attractions available.
The Beach Provo is open from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday and from 10 am to 3 pm on Friday. Additionally, it is open from 9 pm to 3 pm from Thursday through Monday.
14. Brigham Young University Museum of Art
Location: Campus Drive, Provo, Utah 84602.
The Art of Museum University Young Brigham, located on the campus of Provo University, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the complexity and beauty of art. The museum houses a vast collection of artwork from various periods and cultures, ranging from contemporary paintings to ancient artifacts. Visiting the museum is essential for anyone interested in culture and art.
The museum includes Monumental Matters and Plexus No. 29, Of Souls and Sacraments, Wit and Vision, Earth, Primal Forces: Maynard Dixon: Searching for a Home, showcasing numerous displays. The museum’s Sculpture Garden, adorned with a stunning environment and graceful pathways, encompasses 11 sculptures in various artistic genres and mediums.
Those interested can sign up for a free interactive tour led by a trained Museum Educator, to explore the current exhibitions or reserve a time to lead their own self-guided group tour.
The museum does a great job of keeping itself up to date, as there are many other programs and events available. The MOA also hosts various activities such as Yoga, Gallery Talks, After Dark Art, and the Family Arts Festival. Additionally, there is an art-making program called Studio Open, which is suitable for all ages, and a program called Art: Playdough to Van Gogh specifically designed for children in pre-K.
Certain specific occasions, with the exception of, do not necessitate advanced booking. The entrance to all ongoing exhibitions and upcoming events is free, as it has always been for the museum’s admission.