Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City: 6 Ideas
Life gets loud. These Romantic weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City are close enough not to stress about, but far enough to feel like you’ve left the routine behind. Whether you’re in the mood for hot springs, mountain views, or just a place with no schedule, here are 6 places that bring a little quiet—and a lot of connection.
We found stunning cabins tucked into the mountains, peaceful lakeside towns with sunsets you’d swear were photoshopped, and even a spa that melted away our stress in one afternoon. If you’re ready to reconnect and unwind, this guide shares the top romantic getaways near SLC to help you do exactly that — no big planning required.
6 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City
1. Park City – Mountain Luxury, Food That Feels Fancy, and Cozy Walks in the Cold
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City’s close enough for a spontaneous getaway—but still feels like a treat. In winter, it’s all snow and lights and fireplaces. In summer, it’s cool air, mountain trails, and patios with music drifting from open doors.
You don’t need to ski (though you can). You don’t need to spend big (though you might). Just walk the main street, share a meal, and breathe that crisp mountain air together.
Romantic Things To Do In Park City:
Walk Main Street, hand in hand: Cobblestone sidewalks, old buildings, string lights—yeah, it’s kind of romantic even if you don’t try. Duck into little shops, grab a hot drink, and take your time. one of the best romantic activities near SLC.
Try dinner somewhere kind of special: Park City has delicious food you’ll talk about later. Farm-to-table spots, fancy pizza, sushi, or candlelit steakhouses tucked into mountain lodges. Whatever you pick, dress a little nicer than usual. Makes it feel like a real date.
Ride the lift up the mountain—even if you’re not skiing: Scenic chairlift rides run in most seasons. You float above pine trees, maybe spot a deer, and everything just goes quiet. It’s not about the destination—just the air, the view, and being still for a while.
Find live music in a bar or on a patio: Especially in summer, music spills out onto the street. You might stumble into a jazz trio or a guy with a guitar singing ’90s covers. Grab a drink, lean back, and just vibe.
Book a spa afternoon: If your idea of romance includes robes and hot stones, Park City has you covered. Massages, saunas, soaking tubs—it’s indulgent in the best way. Good reset after a busy week.
Stay in a lodge with a fireplace: You could go five-star, but even mid-range hotels here have that ski-town feel. Big windows. Soft beds. Someplace you’ll want to come back to early and stay in for the night.
2. Moab – Red Rocks, Stargazing, and Roads That Go Forever
A longer drive (around 4 hours), but worth it if you’ve got a 3-day weekend. Moab feels like another world—dusty, bright, and wide open. Arches and Canyonlands are nearby, perfect for couples and even just driving around together can feel like something out of a movie.
You don’t have to hike far to find quiet. Pull off somewhere. Sit on a rock. Watch the sky. It’s the kind of place where even silence feels full.
Romantic Things To Do In Moab:
Catch a sunrise in Arches: It’s early, sure. But watching the sun pour light over those big stone arches? Kind of unreal. Delicate Arch is the star, but even the pull-offs feel magical in that morning light. this is one of those things that every couple loves to do.
Find a hidden trail and get lost (not really): There are hundreds of little paths here. Some easy, some wild. Even the short ones feel big when you’re surrounded by all that red rock. No noise, no buildings. Just you two and the canyon walls.
Float down the river: Rent a raft or kayak on the Colorado River. It’s not too fast. Just enough to move and talk and maybe splash each other a bit. Or book a guided float and let someone else steer while you relax.
Eat greasy food after dusty trails: Hit up one of the old diners or taco joints in town. You’ll be covered in dust and sunburned in the best way, and that burger will taste better than anything back home.
Watch the stars until you fall asleep: Moab is a certified dark sky area. That means the stars? Bright. Huge. Like glitter spilled across black velvet. Bring a blanket, lean back on the hood of the car, and just stare. It’s weirdly romantic activities near SLC.
Stay somewhere small: You don’t need a fancy lodge. Just grab a cozy Airbnb, a tent, or one of those tiny motels with a view of the red rocks. The kind of place where you fall asleep tired in the best way.
3. Bear Lake – Blue Water, Small Towns, and Slower Days
Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” Bear Lake is bright blue and calm most of the year. It’s about 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City and makes for a great low-key couples retreat, especially in the warmer months.
Go for a swim. Rent a paddleboard. Or just bring snacks, sit by the water, and watch boats drift by. Stay in a cabin or a simple motel—nothing fancy, just quiet and close to nature.
Romantic activities Near SLC for couples in Bear Lake:
Walk the shoreline in the morning: Wake up early, grab something warm to drink, and walk along the lake. It’s quiet, glassy, and kind of dreamlike before the boats start buzzing. You can hold hands or not. Either way, it’s slow and easy.
Swim or float, no pressure: The lake’s shallow and calm near the shore, so you don’t need to be a pro. Bring a tube, or just wade in and float around. You’ll dry off in the sun without even trying.
Get raspberry shakes (yes, they’re famous): Every place claims theirs is the best, so try a few. Share one or don’t. It’s sweet and cold and part of the Bear Lake thing. Feels like summer even if it’s cloudy.
Rent and cruise a bit: A kayak, paddleboard, jet ski—whatever fits your vibe. It’s not about speed. Just moving around, laughing when one of you almost falls, waving at strangers you’ll never see again.
Pack a picnic and find a quiet corner: There are lots of public beach spots. Some are busier than others. But if you drive around a bit, you’ll find a pocket of peace. Lay out a towel, unpack lunch, and stretch out till the sun dips low.
Stay in a lakeside cabin or old motel: Don’t need much here. Just a place with a bed, a little porch maybe, and a view of the water. Bring snacks, board games, whatever helps you both unplug for a while.
4. Sundance Mountain Resort – Wood Cabins, Fireplaces, and Mountain Silence
Less than 2 hours from the city, Sundance isn’t just about skiing. It’s slow mornings, thick blankets, and quiet walks under pine trees. The resort cabins are tucked into the hills, and most have that warm, woodsy feel that makes you forget emails exist.
Take a chairlift ride, hike to Stewart Falls, or just sit by a fireplace and do nothing. Bonus: there’s a tiny art studio where you can paint something together—even if you’re both terrible at it.
Romantic Things To Do In Sundance Mountain Resort:
Ride the lift, don’t rush it: Hop on the chairlift that glides up the mountain. Doesn’t matter what season. It’s slow on purpose. You sit above the trees, legs dangling, not really needing to say anything. It’s quiet in a way that feels full.
Wander the trails: There’s a little hike to Stewart Falls that’s not hard but still makes you feel like you earned something. You get to the waterfall, and the air smells like pine and water, and for a minute, you kind of forget everything else.
Get a drink and sit outside: Grab something warm from the café and find a spot outside. Wrap up in a blanket. People pass by, but it’s still peaceful. You can hear birds. Maybe wind through the trees. Not much else.
Take an art class together: There’s a little art studio hidden behind the trees. You can paint pottery or make something out of glass. Even if it turns out weird, it’s something you did together, and that kind of thing sticks.
Dinner at the Tree Room: Candlelight. Rustic walls. Food that feels special but not overdone. If you’re gonna do one fancy meal on your trip, make it this one. Feels like a date you’ll remember.
Stay in a cabin with no plans: You don’t need an itinerary. Just a warm bed, maybe a record player, and no alarms. Wake up slowly. Open the curtains to a window full of trees. That’s the kind of luxury that sticks.
5. Lava Hot Springs – Warm Water, Old-Timey Charm, and No Real Rush
Even walking through town feels slower. Old brick buildings, little shops, and that constant smell of water and earth in the air. It’s simple and sweet.
Romantic Things To Do In Lava Hot Springs:
Soak in the hot springs (obviously): There’s nothing fancy about it. Just a few different pools, each a little hotter than the last. You find your favorite, sink in, and stay till your fingers go wrinkly. Morning or night—it always feels good.
Stay at a vintage inn or cabin: Lava has some cool old motels and inns, most within walking distance from the pools. Wood paneling, creaky floors, maybe a fireplace if you’re lucky. It’s cozy, not polished—and that’s the charm.
Float the river in summer: If it’s warm out, rent a tube and float the Portneuf River. It’s fast in spots, chill in others. You’ll probably bump into rocks and laugh a lot. Don’t bring your phone. Just enjoy the ride.
Grab food and sit outside: There are a few cafes and little diners where you can eat and people-watch. Nothing fancy, just burgers, fries, and hot chocolate in paper cups. Perfect after a long soak.
Book a couples massage if you’re feeling fancy: Some of the spas here offer side-by-side massages or private tubs. Worth it if you’re celebrating something—or just sore in a good way.
6. Big Cottonwood Canyon – Nature, Closeness, and Zero City Sounds
If you only have one night, Big Cottonwood is close, like under an hour, but it feels like a world away. Pine trees, cold streams, and those rocky cliffs that tower over the road. You can stay at Brighton or Solitude or just drive up for a picnic and a slow walk.
Even doing nothing here feels like enough. That’s kind of the magic.
Romantic Things To Do In Big Cottonwood Canyon:
Take a hike together: There are a bunch of trails here, but Donut Falls is short and sweet. Good for hand-holding and not talking too much. If you want something with a bit of a challenge, Lake Blanche makes your legs burn, but the view is worth it.
Sit by the creek: Bring a blanket. Drop it somewhere by the water. Maybe eat something, maybe just listen. The kind of quiet that clears your head out a bit.
Drive and don’t check the time: Seriously—just drive. Especially when the leaves are changing. The road winds and the trees lean in, and for a while, you forget about work, phones, and all that junk.
Look Open Sky for the stars: If you stay late, park somewhere safe and just look up. No light pollution out here. Stars feel closer. The kind of moment that makes you say “wow” without meaning to.
Stay the night: You don’t need anything fancy. A cabin near Silver Fork or a room at Solitude will do. Somewhere to warm up, and not be in a rush to leave.
FAQs:
Q: What’s the best season for romantic getaways from SLC?
A: Fall offers ideal weather and color. Winter is great for snowy, cozy escapes.
Q: Are there quick romantic getaways under 1.5 hours from Salt Lake?
A: Yes — Park City and Sundance are both close, scenic, and full of romance.
Resources: Salt Lake City.
Bottomline:
The best Romantic weekend getaways from Salt Lake City aren’t always about activities. Sometimes it’s just being somewhere new with just you two, eating something warm, and remembering how to be quiet together. Pick a place. Pack light. Go slow.
