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Utah is that austere paradise where beauty takes a whole new meaning. In certain places, beauty appears soft and gentle, like early-morning dew. In others, it is a hurricane — wild and whimsical. If you want a scenic drive, especially to be serenaded by a stretch of rolling beauty, go south on Highway 89. You will discover sleepy, tiny towns and beautiful old motels. Then there's Highway 12, which most people would rank among the prettiest drives in the United States.

Moab

There is no strand of hyperbole in the oft-repeated remark that Moab is among the most beautiful places on Earth. Astounding beauty is everywhere, although some spots take it a notch higher. For example, Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway U-128, locally known as River Road, is an electrifying kaleidoscope of red-rock walls and formations. Dead Horse Point State Park, just 30 miles from Moab, provides a jaw-dropping panorama of beautifully sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Do a guided off-road tour provided by several tour businesses in town. If food is high on your list, enjoy Lebanese meat dishes at the iconic Sultan Mediterranean Grill. Alternatively, rent a kayak and paddle around the Colorado Riverside Recreation Area.

Kanab

A cute, dainty town of about 5,000 residents, Kanab is often called "Little Hollywood." Do not begrudge it that title. Since the Roaring 20s, more than 100 movies and TV shows, especially Westerns, have been shot in Kanab and its beautiful precincts. The scenery that has previously lured celebrated filmmakers from across the nation is bound to leave a first-time visitor in awe. Little Hollywood Movie Museum, located near a gift shop focused on Made in the USA merchandise, will bring back memories of once-popular actors and movies. Taking the cue, Kanab Heritage House Museum, right on Main Street, has docents who know the area's history like the back of their hands. Go to the Sand Caves, right on the highway, the site of intriguing, man-made caves carved into the Navajo Sandstone cliffs. There is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as well, where you will mingle with animals and come face to face with a scale of natural beauty (and serenity) that no words can possibly do justice to.

Torrey

Part countryside, part resort town, Torrey is a cute little stunner perched about 6,800 feet — and hence, offers panoramic views and sublime desert landscapes. You will find majestic aspen forests, clear lakes, and, of course, Capitol Reef National Park, the town's defining draw. The park is the melting pot for everything wild and whimsical, including vividly colored towering rock walls and deep river canyons. You will enjoy ambling through the town's tree-lined streets, popping inside tasty restaurants such as Rock Reef Cafe, a Main Street establishment loved for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious fish tacos. Cruise through Scenic Byway 12, knowing you will want to pull over after almost every mile. Spend the night at Thousand Lakes RV Park amid the glint of the moon and majestic views of the red rock plateau.

Ivins

Ivins is a cute, homey town backdropped by the stark beauty of the Red Mountain. Start your adventure at Xetava, especially if you have a thing for well-made chicken Caesar wraps. Close to Xetava, a couple of interesting artsy spots will draw one's attention. These include Datura Gallery, the go-to spot for all kinds of jewelry, wall art, and Native American rugs. Taking the cue, the Center for the Arts, just a step away, is a vibrant cultural hub serving a broad range of artistic experiences, including art exhibitions and live performances. Don't leave this corner of town yet. Slip down to the Kayenta Desert Rose Labyrinth, a peaceful spot to enjoy beautiful art and meditate. After this, you can now head over to Fire Lake Park At Ivins Reservoir (to kayak or swim) — or Windhorse Wisdom to brush shoulders with sinewy Mustangs in an unbelievably beautiful setting.

Park City

Park City is big on ice and in all its white, powdery glory. That means there is a lot of snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing going around. Still along those lines, you can go tubing at Woodward Park City, which features the longest tubing slides for miles. If you have a threadbare affection for ice, you can still visit the nearby Homestead Crater, a geothermal spring hidden within a beehive-shaped limestone rock — or amble through many of the town's Main Street galleries. Of course, Park City Mountain Resort is a humongous facility and the largest of its kind in the United States. It boasts more than 7,000 acres of skiable terrain. If art sets your heart aglow, there is a º£½ÇÉçÇø of incredible artwork at the David Beavis Fine Art along Main Street. One thing is certain: You will fall in love with the beautiful mountainous scenery.

Escalante

The area around Escalante is known for some of the most breathtaking views in Southern Utah. The town itself, with its cornucopia of down-home cafes, is perched on the edge of an eye-catching natural beauty: the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Phenomenal. That's the word. You can sleep under the stars with the sun-drenched Utah landscape spread out before you, a yawning landscape constantly guilty of leaving jaws on the floor. Escalante is on a high elevation, meaning it is cooler than many spots in the area — another feather on its cap. You can head over to Devil's Garden and Metate Arch, wander through Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, or explore the many slot canyons in the area, even if you have to hire a knowledgeable local guide. On your return, indulge your taste buds at the Escalante Outfitters Cafe, a Main Street eatery with indoor and outdoor seating. Their lemon-berry cakes are outrageously delicious.

Heber City

Though a bit spread apart, Heber City is incredibly beautiful and a fantastic place to explore. It features tons of hiking and biking trails and is next door to Park City, meaning one can combine the two gems and a swoon-worthy sliver of paradise: The Mirror Lake Scenic Drive. You can float down the Provo River and indulge in some heart-purring rafting or tubing, lounge at the lovely swimming beach at the rustic Deer Creek Reservoir — or visit the Bridal Veil Falls and stroll through its paved walking paths. If you love hiking but don't want to break a sweat, Buffalo Peak, about 35 minutes down the road, is short, pretty, and sweet. Needless to mention, Heber Valley Railroad provides a top-tier vintage train ride experience and would be inconceivable to ignore. Also, the CAF Utah Wing WWII Aviation Museum may be small — but it is jam-packed with interesting aviation displays.

Helper

Once a bustling railroad hub with a thriving mining industry, Helper, just 7 miles from Price, is a homey, walkable town loved for its eclectic art scene. Helper is at the base of Price Canyon, a setting any movie director would happily take notice of. Grab breakfast at the enticingly named Happiness Within, a quaint, breezy place conveniently located right on Main Street. After this, head over to the Western Mining & Railroad Museum to learn about how railroads operated in the early days of the town and learn about the equipment used in the mining of coal. Pass by the Historic CONOCO Station, most probably the most restored old-fashioned gas station you will ever come across. Remember, coal meets canvas here, meaning you will be smitten by a delightful array of art galleries in town, including Canvas Alchemy, a chic place on Main Street with several nicely done handmade gifts.

Garden City

The position of Garden City, right on Bear Lake, is among its most endearing draws — and deservedly earns it a spot among Utah towns ranked as U.S. favorites in 2024. The lake would suffice, yet Garden City provides access to another heart-melting draw: the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway. It is shady, peaceful, spacious — and boasts views that are wild, delicious, divine. Lush meadows and dense forests give way to rugged rock formations and burbling waterways. Back in town, Bear Trapper Restaurant serves delicious meals typically accompanied by homemade raspberry jam, making it a perfect spot to sate one's hunger pangs. There is the beach, as well — and the Garden City Pond, every angler's dream destination.

The Takeaway

If you have never been to Utah, you are missing out big. Without a doubt, Utah is home to one of the most varied and heart-melting landscapes in the º£½ÇÉçÇø. Although outdoor lovers will enjoy a divine experience, the many small towns that dot the state are beautiful in their own right. If you want to narrow it down and looking to max out on your experience, the towns highlighted here, including coy Kanab, provide an unmatched experience.