10 Fun Things To Do Near Provo, Utah: A Local-Style Guide
If you’re planning a trip to
Provo, Utah, you’re in for a surprise. This college town in Utah County has way more to offer than you might expect. Think mountain views, waterfall hikes, a lively food scene, and family‑friendly adventures—all within a short drive.
Whether you’re road-tripping through Utah, visiting someone at BYU, or just looking for a new weekend getaway, here are
10 fun things to do in and around Provo that you won’t want to miss.
1. Hike to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon
Bridal Veil Falls is one of those classic
Provo attractions everyone talks about—and for good reason.
This beautiful double waterfall cascades down the side of the canyon, and you can see it right from the road. But it’s worth getting out of the car and walking up closer.
- Located about 10 minutes up Provo Canyon from town
- Short, easy paved path from the parking lot
- Great for kids, strollers, and casual walkers
In the summer, you’ll see people splashing in the shallow pools and relaxing on the rocks. On a hot afternoon, the mist from the falls feels amazing.
If you like photography, come around golden hour. The cliffs and waterfall glow in the light, and it feels a little bit like a postcard come to life.
2. Stroll Center Street in Downtown Provo
If you want to get a feel for the heart of the city, head to
downtown Provo, especially along Center Street.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned restaurants and coffee shops
- Colorful murals and street art
- Small boutiques and vintage shops
- Live music and events on many weekends
Grab a burger or tacos, then wander past the historic buildings. The area has an easy‑going, college-town vibe. It’s perfect for an evening walk after a day of hiking or exploring.
If you’re a coffee or dessert person, you’ll have options. Think cookies, ice cream, and late-night treats—very much a college crowd energy.
3. Explore Brigham Young University (BYU) Campus & Museums
Even if you’re not a student,
BYU in Provo is worth a visit. The campus is clean, walkable, and framed by huge mountains.
Two places stand out:
- BYU Museum of Art (MOA) – One of the largest art museums in the Mountain West, with rotating exhibits and a mix of classic and modern works.
- Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum – Focuses on wildlife and biology, with animal displays that kids usually love.
Many exhibits are free or low-cost, which is a nice break if you’re traveling with a family on a budget. Park, wander around, take in the campus views, and maybe grab a snack at the student center.
4. Walk (or Bike) the Provo River Parkway Trail
If you like being outside but don’t feel like a steep hike, the
Provo River Parkway Trail is perfect.
This paved path stretches for miles along the Provo River, from Utah Lake up through Provo Canyon. You can:
- Walk or jog along flat sections near town
- Bike from Provo up toward Bridal Veil Falls
- Enjoy picnic spots and river views
One of the nicest sections runs from the mouth of Provo Canyon up to the falls. You’re surrounded by trees, cliffs, and the sound of the river. On a summer evening, it feels calm and peaceful, even though you’re not far from the city.
If you don’t have a bike with you, check for local bike rentals in Provo—they’re easy to find near campus or downtown.
5. Hit the Slopes or Trails at Sundance Mountain Resort
Just up Provo Canyon, about a 25–30 minute drive from town, you’ll find
Sundance Mountain Resort. This is a big one for anyone looking for
outdoor things to do near Provo.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Winter: Ski or snowboard on smaller, less-crowded slopes compared to some of the big-name Utah resorts.
- Summer: Hike or mountain bike trails with sweeping views of Mount Timpanogos.
- Anytime: Ride the scenic chairlift for epic photos.
The resort area has a cozy, rustic feel. Even if you’re not into intense sports, you can ride the lift, take in the view, and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.
It’s an easy half‑day or full‑day trip from Provo, and the drive through the canyon alone is worth it.
6. Visit Utah Lake State Park
On the west side of Provo, you’ll find
Utah Lake State Park, a laid-back spot that’s great for relaxing by the water.
Here you can:
- Launch a boat or paddleboard
- Go fishing from the shore or a dock
- Walk around and watch the sunset over the lake
- Have a picnic with mountain views in the distance
Utah Lake is large and shallow, with wide-open skies above it. On a clear evening, the sunset colors reflecting off the water and mountains can be pretty impressive.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Provo, this is a nice change of pace from the canyons and city streets.
7. Hike the “Y” on Y Mountain
If you’ve seen photos of Provo, you’ve probably noticed the big white “Y” on the mountain above town. That’s
Y Mountain, and hiking to the Y is almost a local tradition.
Here’s what to know:
- Trailhead is a short drive from downtown Provo
- The trail is about a mile each way, but it’s steep with a lot of switchbacks
- You’ll get a sweeping view of Provo, Utah Lake, and the whole valley
This is a great activity if you want a solid workout with a clear reward at the top. Try going early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the heat in warmer months.
Standing by the giant Y and looking down at the city below really gives you a sense of how Provo fits into the valley.
8. Wander Historic Downtown & Provo City Center Temple Area
Even if you’re not visiting for religious reasons, the area around the
Provo City Center Temple is beautiful and worth a quick stop.
The temple sits in what used to be the old Provo Tabernacle, which was rebuilt after a fire. Today, the building and grounds are carefully maintained, with:
- Landscaped gardens
- Fountains and walkways
- Historic-style architecture and lighting
Combine this with a walk around nearby streets, and you’ll see a mix of old homes, restored buildings, and quiet corners that feel different from the busier parts of town.
It’s especially pretty in spring when flowers are blooming, or during the holidays when lights go up.
9. Check Out Rock Canyon for Climbing, Hiking, or Just Fresh Air
Just a few minutes from downtown,
Rock Canyon is a favorite local spot for quick mountain access.
You don’t need special gear to enjoy it. The main path into the canyon is a straightforward hike, and you can go as far or as short as you like.
People come here to:
- Hike or trail run
- Rock climb on the canyon walls
- Walk dogs (where allowed)
- Enjoy a quiet escape close to the city
On a clear day, the views back over the valley are wide and open. If you’re in Provo for a few days, Rock Canyon is one of the easiest ways to squeeze in some nature time without a long drive.
10. Eat Your Way Through Provo’s Food & Dessert Scene
For a city its size,
Provo’s food scene is surprisingly fun—especially if you like trying new places without spending a fortune.
Around downtown and near BYU you’ll find:
- Casual burger and fry joints
- Taco spots and pizza places
- Comfort food, brunch, and sandwich shops
- Lots of dessert: cookies, ice cream, shakes, and more
Because of the big student population, many restaurants are affordable and open late. If you’re traveling with kids or a group, this makes life easier—everyone can usually find something they like.
One simple idea: spend a day outdoors—maybe hiking to Bridal Veil Falls or the Y—then head back to Center Street for dinner and dessert. It’s a nice way to wrap up a Provo day.
Plan Your Trip to Provo, Utah
Provo is one of those places that quietly delivers a great mix of
outdoor adventure, small-city charm, and family-friendly activities. You can hike in the morning, explore a museum in the afternoon, and be downtown for dinner before the sun sets behind Utah Lake.
If you’re building a Utah road trip and thinking about skipping Provo, it’s worth at least a day or two. There’s plenty to fill a weekend, and even more if you branch out into nearby
Utah County and Provo Canyon.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Provo Favorites
Have you been to Provo or Utah County before?
- Do you have a favorite hike or waterfall?
- Is there a local restaurant everyone needs to try?
- Any hidden gems most visitors don’t know about?
Drop your tips and experiences in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan a better trip.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend, pin it for later, or post it to your favorite travel group. The more people discover what Provo has to offer, the better their Utah adventures will be.
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