Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Provo, UT

  • Published 2022/05/10

Home to scenic natural wonders, Provo is one of the best places to explore and take in breathtaking sights.

It is also quite close to Salt Lake City, making it easily accessible to tourists.

There are many activities and awe-inspiring attractions that will make you fall in love with this city in Utah.

Provo Canyon, Rock Canyon, and the Provo River are just the tip of the iceberg.

Interested in learning more about what this destination has to offer?

Here are the best things to do in Provo, Utah:

Take a Stroll around Downtown Provo

Buildings along Downtown Provo

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Downtown Provo is one of the liveliest places in the city.

Filled with bars and restaurants, the downtown area steals the hearts of both locals and tourists.

The road of Downtown Provo

Dylan The Photographer / Shutterstock.com

You can always see crowds of people along with live music playing around the corner.

The area often hosts different festivals.

If you happen to be in town during one of those events, do take part in the festivities!

Downtown Provo cityscape view

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Experience the Beauty of the Drop-Dead Gorgeous Provo Canyon

Daytime view of Provo Canyon

poutnik / Shutterstock.com

Provo Canyon is the city’s top tourist spot and never fails to leave everyone mesmerized.

The area is so beautiful that people from all over the world travel to Provo to admire its beauty.

Natural stone arch formation at Provo Canyon

Jason Finn / Shutterstock.com

There are a lot of attractions in the Provo Canyon area: Bridal Veil Falls; Deer Creek Reservoir, where you can enjoy water activities; various hiking trails; and a skiing area that looks stunning in the winter.

Daytime view of the gorgeous bridal veil falls at Provo Canyon

Alisa_Ch / Shutterstock.com

Appreciate the Beauty of Bridal Veil Falls

Scenic view of Bridal Veil Fall

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Bridal Veil Falls isn’t just a top-rated attraction in Provo; it also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous.

The waterfall is majestic, falling from a height of 600 meters.

Downstream of Bridal Veil Falls

alysta / Shutterstock.com

If you stand along the US Route 189, you can get a view of this awe-inspiring sight right there.

To appreciate the beauty of the falls more, head over to Bridal Veil Falls State Park.

The place is well-maintained, and there are a lot of picnic spaces and a BBQ area.

A sign at Bridal Veil Falls

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Campus of Brigham Young University

Welcome sign of Brigham Young University

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Provo is home to the iconic Brigham Young University, which is quite a prestigious institution.

It is not only renowned in Provo but also happens to be one of the best schools in the United States.

You need to get a very good score to get into this school.

Aerial view of Brigham Young University

Pastelitodepapa, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The campus area is especially interesting because there are many things to do and places to see, such as the Brigham Young University Museum of Art, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and the BYU Museum of Paleontology.

There are also some great hiking trails, including one that leads to the famous Y Mountain.

Exterior of Brigham Young University's stadium

Chad Robertson Media / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the Brigham Young University Museum of Art

Exterior and main entrance of Brigham Young University Museum of Art

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Brigham Young University Museum of Art is among the most gorgeous spots on campus and is one of the best art galleries in Provo.

Set against the backdrop of the gorgeous mountain ranges of Wasatch, the museum of art is splendid in its own way.

There are a lot of exhibitions that take place here filled with beautiful pieces of art.

If you are an art student, there are a lot of classes that are taught here.

The museum also provides a lot of internship opportunities for students.

Check Out the BYU Museum of Paleontology

Dinosaur skeleton exhibit in BYU Museum of Paleontology

Etemenanki3, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you interested in dinosaurs?

If so, you have to check out another fascinating museum inside the university campus: the BYU Museum of Paleontology.

At the museum, there are a lot of remarkable dinosaur fossils that have been collected over many years.

Dinosaur skull displayed in BYU Museum of Paleontology

Etemenanki3, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It opened its doors to the public in 1976.

Since then, visitors have continuously flocked to the BYU Museum of Paleontology.

The exhibits mainly center on the collections of the famous Dr. Jensen, with fossils discovered in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.

A dinosaur fossil inside the BYU Museum of Paleontology

Etemenanki3, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Museum of Peoples and Cultures

Have you ever seen a university campus that happens to house some of the city’s best tourist sites?

In Provo, the Brigham Young University campus is home to some of the most important exhibitions of the city’s culture and history.

The Museum of Peoples and Cultures aims to teach more people about the world’s different cultures and help preserve them.

Many events are held in this museum throughout the year, and you should certainly grasp any opportunity to attend one of them while you’re in town.

Explore the Covey Center for the Arts

Exterior of Covey Center for the Arts

Ben P L from Provo, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While roaming around downtown Provo, the elegant Covey Center for the Arts will likely capture your attention.

Inside the building, there are not just one but three gorgeous art galleries.

There is even a theater inside the Covey Center for the Arts, where you can catch a show.

The theater seats almost 90 people.

You can get to attend a lot of exhibitions and live performances at this venue.

They also teach classes on singing and dancing.

Swing Your Clubs at Timpanogos Golf Club

After the Union Pacific Railway Athletic Meet Golf Tournament in 1927, Provo City recruited New York City-based Willie Tucker to redesign the newly renamed Timpanogos Golf Club at the First Ward Pasture location.

At the Timpanogos Golf Club, south of downtown Provo, you’ll find an Executive Par 3 Championship Course, a clubhouse, and a driving range.

The golf course has instructors to provide private, group, and children lessons.

Throughout the summer months, Timpanogos Golf Club organizes tournaments and clinics for members to participate in and learn from.

Aside from junior high golf classes, it caters to special events and league meetings.

See the Beautiful Utah Lake State Park

Wooden docks at Utah Lake State Park

Chrisu68 / Shutterstock.com

Utah Lake State Park offers one of the most famous scenes in Provo.

Utah Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the United States, and it also happens to be the largest.

It’s a freshwater lake, so its beauty is on another level.

If you love water, this is the finest spot for you to visit since you can enjoy a lot of activities here.

Trees reflecting on Utah lake at Utah Lake State Park

Andy Konieczny / Shutterstock.com

You can go boating in the pretty waters.

It is a haven for fishermen, as fishing is done in plenty here.

Want to go sailing along Utah Lake?

Bonneville Sailing School has the best teaching staff for you.

Welcome sign of Utah Lake State Park

Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go Hiking along the Provo River Parkway Trail

Walking trail at Provo River Parkway Trail

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you into hiking?

One of the most famous trails in the city starts in the gorgeous Utah Lake State Park.

The best part about this trail is that it ends in another one of the best locations in Provo.

From the Utah Lake State Park, you can hike to Vivian Park, which is located near the Pro Canyon.

Trail lined with trees at Provo River Parkway Trail

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Imagine a trail that lets you steal glimpses of both the mesmerizing Utah Lake State Park as well as the Provo Canyon.

The trail runs along for almost 15 miles.

It’s an ideal trekking destination for hikers of all levels of expertise.

You’ll see a lot of beginner and pro hikers taking up this trail.

Play with Your Friends at Provo Beach

Provo Beach is a family-friendly amusement park located near the Riverwoods Shopping Center.

One of its most popular features is the indoor wave machine called Flowrider, which duplicates an authentic surfing experience in a temperature-controlled environment.

Provo Beach visitors may also ride the carousel, explore the Mega Playground, and play laser tag in the arcade.

You’ll find a ropes course at Provo Beach and a bowling alley, among other things.

This amusement park is an excellent place for family reunions, company outings, and birthday celebrations.

Check out Pier Cafe and Ike’s Creamery, a well-known ice cream parlor that serves meals and snacks when you need some boost.

Go on a Shopping Spree at The Shops at Riverwoods

Entrance arch of Riverwoods in Provo

Marina Poushkina / Shutterstock.com

Nature is wonderful in Provo, but there are also some excellent shopping options if you want to buy souvenirs or gifts for your family and friends.

After visiting Provo Canyon, you can quickly head over to The Shops at Riverwoods if you want to go on a shopping spree.

The streets are well-paved, and it is one of the best shopping centers in Utah.

Walkway of The Shops at Riverwoods

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can find many stores, boutiques, and branded shops right here.

The space is massive at almost 50,000 square feet.

The place even hosts some events during different times of the year.

Street clock of The Shops at Riverwoods

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gaze at Local Works at Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center

The Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center (HFAC) is one of Brigham Young University’s most recognizable structures.

Many people visit each year.

In 1964, the building was finished.

At the time, Franklin S. Harris served as the university’s president.

He was well-known for his unwavering support of the arts and artists’ children’s education.

The HFAC has classrooms, theaters, rehearsal spaces, and office space, all in one location.

Catch performances and concerts, and explore art exhibits by the HFAC students themselves.

Relive the Old Days at the Provo Pioneer Village

Provo Pioneer Village

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Do you want to know how the city of Provo came into being?

To learn more about the city’s history, you need to check out the gorgeous Provo Pioneer Village.

It’s the place where residents first started settling in Provo.

The first people of the Provo area are believed to be Mormon Pioneers.

Welcome sign of Provo Pioneer Village

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can see many things that explain more about the people and their remarkable culture and heritage.

You can still see a lot of old buildings depicting stories of the old days and how the city came into being.

The Provo Pioneer Village is an excellent place to head over to and spend a day.

Interior of a cabin at Provo Pioneer Village

Ben P L, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bring Your Kids to Explore Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum

Exterior of Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum

An Errant Knight, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

BYU is home to this natural history museum.

It first opened its doors for visitors in 1978.

A museum’s natural history collection is usually a crowd-pleaser.

Explore a variety of ecosystems while staying within the Bean Life Science Museum.

The museum’s fascinating displays will help you learn more about animals and the people who care about them.

Encounter rare and extinct animals and predators and prey in action.

Enjoy Rock Canyon

Daytime view of Rock Canyon

Amy Cassedy / Shutterstock.com

Rock Canyon is among the most picturesque places in Utah.

Not only is it one of the best spots for a photoshoot, but it is also highly appealing to adventure lovers for it has a lot of action opportunities.

Trail at Rock Canyon

Ben P L from Provo, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are lots of trails for you to try out your luck.

The place is located quite close to the main town of Provo, which makes it easily accessible to tourists.

Have Some Fun at Splash Summit Waterpark

Located quite close to Brigham Young University, Splash Summit Waterpark is the best place to have some fun with the water.

Are you an adult who still finds water parks exciting?

Fortunately, this waterpark is for guests of all ages.

Splash Summit Waterpark is the best place to spend a day with your family and friends.

There are a lot of waterslides and water rides, along with a pool specifically designed for toddlers to enjoy.

Try Zip Lining

Do you want to have some fun amid the beautiful Wasatch Mountains?

You can fly in the air and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the mountains.

There are a lot of zip lining options that are connected by different routes throughout the Wasatch Mountains.

You can get a clear view of the Provo River along the gorgeous mountains and lakes from above.

Feel the Thrill at Adventure Zipline

Less than 20 minutes away from Provo’s downtown is Adventure Zipline.

The zip line is a grouping of five separate zip lines that traverse the Wasatch Mountains.

Its system is perched high above the forest and provides breathtaking sights of Timpanogos, Provo River, and Utah Lake.

Guest safety and comfort are ensured by professional guides and the company’s provision of all required equipment, such as helmets and gloves.

After admiring the area’s charm while you zip, you may also try stand-up paddleboarding, horseback riding, and a range of off-roading excursions for guests.

Final Thoughts

The Garden City offers a wide range of activities for history and nature fans.

With its wide range of attractions, from museums to nature trails, you won’t have a dull moment in this city.

Discover More of Utah County, UT

Best Things to Do in Utah Valley, UT

Free Things to Do in Provo, UT

Best Things to Do in Orem, UT

Best Things to Do in Lehi, UT

Best Things to Do in Pleasant Grove, UT

Best Things to Do in Springville, UT

Best Things to Do in American Fork, UT

Best Things to Do in Payson, UT

© All rights reserved.