Things To Do in Provo Utah: Indoors & Outdoors

Nestled in the heart of Utah Valley, Provo is a gem of a city, with a thriving culture and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails and ski resorts, or museums and dining, you’ll find endless things to do in Provo Utah. Read on to learn all about the best stuff to do in Provo.   

Stuff to Do in Provo

With a student population of more than 30,000, BYU (Brigham Young University) dominates the culture in Provo, offering a mix of academic charm and family-friendly attractions, such as museums, botanical gardens, and art galleries. The university may be a big influence, but the mountains loom even larger, offering tons of hikes, mountain biking trails, and outdoor activities. Whatever your flavor, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do in Provo Utah. 

Outdoor Things to Do

Provo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities surrounded by stunning mountains and the shores of Utah Lake. Here are some of the top outdoor things to do in Provo. 

Utah Lake State Park

Utah Lake State Park is a serene destination located on the eastern shore of Utah Lake, the state’s largest freshwater lake. This park is a hub for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Anglers will enjoy fishing for channel catfish, white bass, black bass, walleye, and numerous species of panfish.  

Mount Timpanogos

If you’re up for a challenge, hiking Mount Timpanogos should be number one on your list. This 15-mile hike is a full day’s adventure, but the summit offers unmatched views of the valley below. 

Hiking

With towering mountains to the east, Provo provides stunning hiking trails for all skill levels. Some favorites include Y Mountain, Bridal Veil Falls, Rock Canyon, Squaw Peak, and Lover’s Lane. 

Provo River

Floating the Provo river is one of the top things to do in Provo. Located just 15 minutes from Provo, the Provo River is the perfect retreat on a hot summer day. You can bring your own tubes, but if you don’t have any, there are several companies that provide tubes, life jackets, and shuttle services. The “put in”/entrance is located at Lower Provo River Park and the “take out”/exit is at Vivian Park. The float takes about 1 to 2 hours and covers over 4 miles of river. 

Rock Climbing

Utah is known for its world-class rock climbing, and Provo offers several excellent climbing locations. Rock Canyon, which also has a number of hiking trails, offers 451 climbs, with a mix of trad, top rope, bouldering, and sport climbs. There are routes for people of all skill levels, making this the perfect place, whether you’re experienced or just starting out.

Mountain Biking

If you’re looking for active stuff to do in Provo, mountain biking is a great option. Trails litter the area, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. Some favorites include the Blue Line, Aquila, and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, but you’ll find many other rides in the area.

Indoor Things to Do

Whether it’s inclement weather or you’re just not an outdoor enthusiast, there are tons of fun, indoor things to do in Provo. 

Provo Beach

If you’re interested in picking up surfing, look no further than…Provo? It may be the last thing you think of in the landlocked state of Utah, but Provo Beach offers indoor surfing on its wave machine. Plus, the facility has lots more to do, with a ropes course, laser tag arena, and more. 

BYU Museum of Paleontology

What’s better than dinosaurs? Free dinosaurs! Admission to the BYU Museum of Paleontology will cost you precisely nothing and give you access to exhibits of six dinosaur species discovered by scientists at BYU. 

Thanksgiving Point

While it’s not technically in Provo, Thanksgiving Point is close enough to deserve a mention. With The North American Museum of Ancient Life, the Butterfly Biosphere, and the Museum of Natural Curiosity, there’s so much to do here for families. Plus, Thanksgiving Point has an 18-hole golf course, a 55-acre outdoor garden, a massive movie screen, and so much more. 

The Quarry

If you love rock climbing but it’s winter or you simply don’t want to drive into the mountains, Provo has you covered with their indoor climbing gym. With over 13,000 feet of wall space, 125 top-rope climbs, and a whole floor dedicated to bouldering, the Quarry is a great place to work on your skills in an inclusive environment.

Great Restaurants in Provo

BYU attracts students from around the world, so it only makes sense that the city offers a variety of dining options inspired by the global nature of the student body. Here are some of the top restaurants to check out in Provo.

Bombay House

If you’re in the mood for Indian food, Bombay House is a must try. This restaurant, which has won several awards for its stand-out food, serves up favorites like Bollywood Chicken, Chicken Makhani, Samosa, Lamb Vindaloo, and more. 

Black Sheep Cafe

For a really unique restaurant, check out Black Sheep Cafe, which offers Native American Southwestern fusion. Customers love the Green Chili Stew, Hog Jowl Tacos, Cactus Pear Lemonade, and Sweet Potato Wedges, among others. 

Koko Lunchbox

For authentic Korean food served fast, look no further than Koko Lunchbox. They offer classic Korean foods like ramen, bibimbap, kimchi, and more. And with 4.8 stars on Google, you know it’s good.  

CHOM Burger

Sometimes, you just need a good burger with some crispy fries and a thick milkshake. CHOM Burger serves just that. Their burgers are juicy, their shakes are creamy, and their food is 100% delicious. 

Things to Do in Provo Utah Conclusion

Whether you decide to visit one of the unique restaurants or hike a scenic trail, you’ll find tons of stuff to do in Provo. Before you step foot on the trail to Timpanogos and beyond, come check out General Army Navy Outdoor to gear up. We’ll help you find the best gear at the best prices for all your outdoor activities in Provo and beyond.