Overview
Provo, a city in the Wasatch Range region of the state of Utah in the United States of America, is known as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside and national parks. Approximately 90% of the residents are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon), compared to about 65% of the state as a whole. It is also the location of Brigham Young University, an LDS-owned university; the public Utah Valley University is located in the adjacent city of Orem.
Provo has a population of about 115,000 people, but the Provo-Orem metropolitan area that encompasses Utah Valley is home to over half a million people. Other cities in the valley are very accessible, especially Orem, which sits side-by-side with Provo. Because of Orem's proximity, visitors to Provo should also look at things to do in Orem, as well as places to eat and sleep, depending on their needs.
The [https://www.utahvalley.com/ Utah Valley Visitor's Center], is in the Utah Valley Convention Center (220 W Center St, Suite 100, +1-800-222-8824, M-F 8:30AM-5PM). Its website provides free maps, itineraries, and activity ideas for Provo and the rest of Utah Valley.
15 sights · 20 things to do · 15 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 11 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Provo
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Visit Brigham Young University campus. (Campus map) Begin at the Visitors' Desk in the Hinckley Center (North Campus Drive) for an overview and for a guided golfcart tour, if desired. Art galleries at the Museum of Art a…
BYU Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Life science museum featuring taxodermied animals in their natural habitats. Very large collection of animals from all over the world, including unusual ones such as a liger (cross between a tiger and a lion), a giant gr…
BYU Museum of Art
Museum of art featuring rotating, world-class exhibits, in addition to a permanent collection. Audioguides and docent-led tours available. The Museum Cafe offers lunch onsite (11:30AM-2PM). Next door is the Harris Fine A…
BYU Museum of Paleontology
Small but well-kept museum featuring dinosaur fossils, including a top-rated Jurassic Period exhibit. The fossils in this museum were previously kept in storage beneath the football stadium.
BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures
Very small but award-winning museum focusing on cultural anthropology. Regularly features exhibits about Native American cultures, but also features other cultures.
Utah State Hospital Museum
Small museum that chronicles the history and methods of the Utah State Hospital (a mental health hospital operating since 1885). The buildings elsewhere on the hospital campus are notable for their architecture, includin…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and May.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PVU Provo Municipal Airport, Provo — 4 mi away. Directions
- SLC Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City — 41 mi away (major hub). Directions
Multiple commercial airlines offer flights to [https://airport.provo.gov/ Provo Municipal Airport] (PVU).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $20–$130 a night (typical $77), from 10 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $5 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$40, mid-range ~$120, comfortable ~$220.
Options are grouped as Hotels, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Brigham Young University (BYU), BYU Museum of Art, BYU Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
- Lunch J-Dawgs
- Afternoon BYU Planetarium, BYU International Cinema
- Dinner SLABpizza
- Evening ABG's
Day 2
- Morning Downtown, ComedySportz, Provo City Center Temple (LDS)
- Lunch Station 22
- Afternoon Covey Center for the Arts, Provo Pioneer Museum & Pioneer Village
- Dinner Guru's
Day 3
- Morning Bridal Veil Falls, Crandall Printing Museum
- Lunch Shoots
- Afternoon BYU Arts Performances
- Dinner BYU Creamery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Listed below are notable restaurants within Provo city limits, but there are many good restaurants in Orem that are easily accessible.
As a college town, Provo has a large number of places to get family and "date night" treats. In addition to the standard chains (Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jamba Juice), here are some local favorites.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The LDS (Mormon) church dominates here, and many businesses (including some gas stations) are closed on Sunday. BYU students are not required to practise the Mormon faith, but are required to abide by the Mormon code of conduct (no premarital sex, no consumption of tea, coffee, or alcohol) while enrolled at the university.
On BYU campus, nearly all campus services are closed Tuesdays between 11AM and noon due to weekly campus devotionals and forums.
The main area code in Provo is 801, but because the area served by 801 is also served by a second area code (385), the area code must be dialed along with the local number.
Get in
By plane
Multiple commercial airlines offer flights to [https://airport.provo.gov/ Provo Municipal Airport] (PVU).
Alternatively, the most common way to get to Provo is to fly into Salt Lake City (SLC), and drive or catch a shuttle from the airport. The drive follows I-15 and usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour, but can take up to an hour and a half during heavy traffic; for better traffic conditions, travelers can take I-215 through the Salt Lake Valley until it connects to I-15, then take I-15 to Provo.
By bus
You can take the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus and light rail system from northern Utah and Salt Lake City into Provo, but scheduling is limited. In addition to that, public transportation in Provo is mostly on a 30-minute or hourly schedule, although some routes have 15-minute service, so plan your transit schedule carefully.
Greyhound also stops in Provo (124 N 300 W). Provo is a stop on the routes from Salt Lake, Las Vegas, and Grand Junction.
By train
Amtrak serves Provo with the California Zephyr, which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. The train platform (PRO) is at 600 S 300 W and has no services.
FrontRunner is a commuter rail service that connects Provo to major cities along the Wasatch Front, including Salt Lake City and Ogden. The train averages 79 mph and the time from Provo to Salt Lake City is 55 minutes. Many stations are intermodal and connect to other Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus lines and TRAX. The FrontRunner/UTA station is located at 701 South Freedom Boulevard.
By car
I-15, which connects Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, runs through the western half of Provo. By car, Provo is about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, 6 hours from Las Vegas, and 8 hours from Denver (on Highway 6/I-70). Take I-15 exit 263 for south Provo; exit 265 for downtown (east) or Utah Lake (west); exits 265 and 271 for north Provo and Riverwoods, via Orem; and exit 272 for Provo Canyon, via Orem.
There is heavy construction on I-15 as the freeway is being redeveloped. Slow down, watch for construction workers, and expect delays. From the north, taking State St (from exit 279) through American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, and Orem is often (but not always) a viable surface-street alternative to the freeway.
Get around
UTA operates a bus system throughout parts of Provo and Orem, but service in the rest of Utah County is sparse when compared to Salt Lake County. New cycling paths are being built throughout the city. Cars are the main method of transportation. Parking is generally easy to find except on the Brigham Young University campus (although permit parking generally opens up to the public in the evenings).
Car rentals are available at the Salt Lake City airport and in various places in Provo. Several car rental agencies are listed here.
The majority of Provo's streets follow a grid layout. The city limits between Provo and Orem are often unmarked and unclear. When following directions and finding addresses, take care that you are in the correct city. Many newer road signs indicate the city next to the street address. Also, there are two major streets named "University": University Avenue, which runs through Provo from north to south, and University Parkway (often called simply "Parkway" or the "Diagonal") which runs through both Provo and Orem.
See
See Bridal Veil Falls
607 ft waterfall in Provo Canyon that is popular with cyclers and hikers. The waterfall is viewable from the road and a viewing station. A short bike/walking trail leads to the bottom of the falls. The middle level of the falls can be reached via a short but steep trail.
See Brigham Young University (BYU)
Visit Brigham Young University campus. (Campus map) Begin at the Visitors' Desk in the Hinckley Center (North Campus Drive) for an overview and for a guided golfcart tour, if desired. Art galleries at the Museum of Art and Harris Fine Arts Center. Education in Zion exhibit at the Joseph Fielding Smith Building, and other exhibits and events at the Harold B. Lee Library. Food and venues at the Wilkinson Student Center, where the BYU Bookstore is located.
See BYU Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
Life science museum featuring taxodermied animals in their natural habitats. Very large collection of animals from all over the world, including unusual ones such as a liger (cross between a tiger and a lion), a giant grizzly bear, and a huge elephant named Humphrey. Public shows, which usually include live animals, offered weekdays at 7:30PM and Saturdays at 1PM and 3PM, in the atrium. Children's classes for ages 5-12 ("Saturday Safari") offered on Saturdays in the summer.
See BYU Museum of Art
Museum of art featuring rotating, world-class exhibits, in addition to a permanent collection. Audioguides and docent-led tours available. The Museum Cafe offers lunch onsite (11:30AM-2PM). Next door is the Harris Fine Arts Center, which features galleries of student art. Close by is also the Harold B. Lee Library, which features art and historical exhibits on the 1st and 3rd floors.
See Downtown
Incredible collection of historic architecture, and an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops. Downtown Provo is also home to several major employers, including NuSkin International. The LDS Church has converted a historic burned-out Tabernacle to a LDS Temple (see separate listing below).
See Historic Provo Walking Tour
There are a number of interesting historical buildings, including the County Courthouse (151 S University Ave) and the Provo City Center Temple (50 S University Ave), a restoration of the old Provo Tabernacle which burned down in December 2010. A self-guided tour booklet our historical houses and other buildings is available at the Provo City Library (550 N University Ave; ask at the first-floor reference desk) or at the Utah Valley Visitors Center (111 S University Ave).
See Museum of Mormon History of the Americas (formerly Museum of Mormon Mexican History)
Small extension of the Museo de Historia del Mormonismo en Mexico. Covers history of the Mormons in Mexico, mostly through replicas of period newspapers in Spanish and English, but a few relics are included. Worth it to see the old church relics and original copies of the Book of Mormon in Spanish, but otherwise probably only interesting for those particularly interested in Mormons and Mexico. Not recommended for children.
See Provo Pioneer Museum & Pioneer Village
Large collection of pioneer artifacts and history. Museum run by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP). Recreated Pioneer Village next door run by the Sons of Utah Pioneers (SUP) (Jun-Aug: M 5-8PM, Tu-F 4-7PM, Sa 1-4PM).
See Utah State Hospital Museum
Small museum that chronicles the history and methods of the Utah State Hospital (a mental health hospital operating since 1885). The buildings elsewhere on the hospital campus are notable for their architecture, including a "castle" built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (you must receive permission to visit the castle; ask at the museum for information about how to do that).
See Wasatch Mountains
Hiking, camping, and skiing are just some of the popular activities in the beautiful Wasatch Range located just east of the city. There is also a popular scenic drive called the Alpine Loop (May-Oct, free) that circles Mount Timpanogos via Provo Canyon (US-189) and American Fork Canyon (Highway 94).
See Provo Utah Temple (LDS)
The Mormon temple, dedicated in 1969, is located on top of a hill overlooking Provo. Because of its unique shape, the temple is sometimes called a "rocket ship." The spire was painted white (it had been a golden color) and the statue of Moroni added in the 2000s. Only Mormons who hold a permit known as a "temple recommend" are allowed inside the temple, but the beautifully tended grounds with their seasonal flowers and fountains are open to all. Make sure to walk around the back side of the temple for more flowers and a lovely view of Utah Valley.
See Provo City Center Temple (LDS)
The Mormon temple, dedicated in March 2016, is located in downtown Provo. The site used to house the Provo Tabernacle, a combined meeting house and community center built in 1898, but a 2010 fire destroyed the interior and roof, with only the outer walls left standing. The LDS Church chose to preserve the outer walls, restore the original exterior, and convert the interior into the city's second temple. As with all LDS temples, only church members with "temple recommends" are allowed inside the temple, but the surrounding grounds are open to all.
Do
Do BYU Cougars (athletics)
After more than a decade as a member of the mid-major West Coast Conference and an independent (i.e., not affiliated with any conference) in football, BYU has joined the so-called "Power Five conferences" of college football with its 2023 arrival in the Big 12 Conference. A few of its teams in niche sports compete outside the Big 12. There's always a sports team playing. Check the website for scheduling and tickets. Home basketball games are played at the Marriott Center (1497 N 450 E); home football games are played at LaVell Edwards Stadium (1700 N Canyon Rd). The BYU Legacy Hall (athletics museum and hall of fame) is housed in the Student Athlete Building (1060 N 150 E, M-Sa 7AM-9PM, +1 801-422-2118, free).
Do BYU Planetarium
Planetarium offering shows for the public. Reservations may be made online. (Campus map).
Do BYU International Cinema
Shows foreign and classic films four days per week in a large auditorium. Tickets not required. See website for weekly schedule (showing times usually provided two weeks in advance). (Campus map).
Do Hike the 'Y'
A giant concrete Y towers over Provo from "Y Mountain." The zigzagging hike to the Y is relatively easy and takes most people about 45 minutes each way (although if those recently at lower elevations may wish to plan on more time). Once at the Y, you have a lovely view over Utah Valley and Utah Lake. (Another trail leads south from the Y to the peak of Y Mountain.) The hike itself is exposed with little shade, so plan accordingly when hot. The trail is particularly popular with BYU students. Facilities available at trailhead.
Do Rock Canyon
A rugged canyon popular with students, families, hikers, and rock climbers alike. The main trail is very easy, but leads off to other more difficult trails, such as one to the top of Squaw Peak. The mouth of the canyon also connects to Bonneville Shore Trail, which follows the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
Do Utah Lake State Park
Located directly west of Provo. Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah. Popular fishing, boating, parasailing, and camping destination. The Utah Lake Marina is a lovely place at sunset and borders on a marsh with wild birds. Two long jetties reach out into the lake, giving a spectacular view of the valley. Caution: Utah Lake is shallow and very biologically active, meaning that it can sometimes be smelly and algae heavy and often washes up dead fish. Boaters should be wary of windy conditions, as wind can stir up high waves due to the shallow waters. Entrance to the state park is supposedly $9/vehicle or $2/person or bike, but the entrance booth is often closed and sightseers can usually walk in free, particularly during the off season.
Do Utah Valley Symphony
Utah Valley's symphony since 1959. Usually gives concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Covey Center for the Arts. Check the website for scheduling; tickets can be purchased through the Covey Center.
Do Mount Timpanogos
Located to the north of Provo, Mount Timpanogos is a very prominent and well-known landmark across the Wasatch Range. It rises to an impressive elevation of 11,752 ft (3,582 m). It is the location of one of the few permanent snowfields in Utah, and is also the location of several breathtaking, scenic, and popular hikes.
Do Fish the Provo river
A good place is at Nunn's Park right across from Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.
Do Pedal Provo Ghost Tour
This is a great way to see the city in a spookier way. It's a glimpse into Provo's slightly darker history. Think of it more as a fun bike ride to historical places and hearing good ghost stories. It makes a great date night or activity for anyone. The tours are seasonal (March through November) and only happen on Friday and Saturday night. They also rent bikes. Visit website for tour dates and to buy tickets. $10-16
Buy
Shop Provo Towne Centre
Indoor shopping mall in south Provo. Home to more than 100 retailers and a Cinemark 16 movie theater. Department stores are Dillard's, JC Penney, and Sears. Smaller retailers include clothes and shoe stores, jewelers, and cosmetics. Food court hosts Panda Express, Osaka Japan, Villa Pizza, Subway, McDonald's, Pretzel Maker, Hot Dog on a Stick, Orange Julius, and Sub Zero Ice Cream. Wingers and Red Robin restaurants also on the outside of the mall. Play areas for children are available.
Shop Shops at Riverwoods
Chic outdoor shopping center in north Provo. Home to a number of restaurants, including Bajio, Happy Sumo, La Jolla Groves, Malawi's Pizza, Tucano's Brazilian Grill, Shoots, and Subway. Other stores include 3B Yoga (yoga studio with a cafe and boutique), Bath & Body Works, Called to Surf (a surfing store), Soel Boutique, and Blickenstaff's (a toy store). Next door are the Carmike Wynnsong movie theater and the Provo Beach Resort (featuring bowling, simulated golf, a ropes course, and the Flowrider, a simulated wave for surfing and boogeyboarding).
Shop Downtown Provo
It's being revitalized. Nevertheless, there are still a few interesting and unique shops downtown, made more attractive by their 1880-1910 architecture.
Eat
Listed below are notable restaurants within Provo city limits, but there are many good restaurants in Orem that are easily accessible.
Budget
Eat Burgers Supreme
A locally owned burger restaurant that offers more than just burgers. They also have all sorts of sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and sides like "Zucchini Stix" and taquitos.
Eat Cafe Rio
Mexican chain started in Utah and popular with students.
Eat Café Zupas
Soup, salads, and sandwiches.
Eat Guru's
Chic and creative cafe serving breakfast, sandwiches, salads, wraps and pasta. Often offers live music in the evenings.
Eat J-Dawgs
It used to be a hotdog stand on the corner. J-Dawgs has expanded to its own restaurant and offers gourmet hotdogs. Known for its Polish hotdogs and "special sauce." Very popular with BYU students.
Eat Kneader's
Bakery offering sandwiches and treats. Known for its all-you-can eat cinnamon French toast and sourdough pancakes.
Eat Nicolitalia Pizzeria
One of the many pizzerias in Provo. Owned by a guy from Arlington, MA (you can ask him to call out your order in his Boston accent).
Eat SLABpizza
Really big slices of really great pizza. Just south of BYU campus. Popular with BYU students and locals alike.
Eat Station 22
A chic, modern American cafe.
Mid-range
Eat Bombay House
Authentic Indian restaurant in downtown Provo, started by a BYU student from India. Well known for its naan and lassis.
Eat Brick Oven
Brick Oven has been a staple of BYU students and Utah County residents for decades. Known for their pizza and homemade rootbeer. Located near BYU campus.
Eat La Dolce Vita
Family-owned Italian restaurant operating in Provo since 1984. Featuring Napoli (Naples) cuisine.
Eat Shoots
Chinese restaurant in the Shops at Riverwoods.
Treats
As a college town, Provo has a large number of places to get family and "date night" treats. In addition to the standard chains (Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jamba Juice), here are some local favorites.
Eat BYU Creamery
BYU's famous ice cream. The main location has a burger grill (11AM–9PM). The creamery has an outlet in the CougerEat cafeteria in the Wilkinson Student Center on BYU campus called Sugar & Spice. Other notable outlets include the Wyview Creamery (1990 W 400 N, M–Sa 7AM–midnight) and the CSC (just south of the BYU Conference Center and slightly northeast of the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, M–F 8AM–7PM, Sa 9AM–7PM). Many vending machines on campus also sell cups of BYU Creamery cookies & cream ice cream.
Eat Macey's
Although Macey's is a grocery store, they serve huge soft-serve cones for a very cheap price. When you walk in, head back to the right towards the bakery/deli and order your ice cream at the counter.
Drink
Drink ABG's
Bar, mainly serving beer. Live bands and pub grub.
Sleep
Hotels
Camping
Stay Deer Creek State Park Campground
Several campgrounds along the shore of Deer Creek Reservoir in Provo Canyon. Open Jun-Oct, but off-season camping allowed. Concessions, drinking water, modern restrooms and hot showers.
Stay Rock Canyon Campground
Isolated public campground up Rock Canyon (between Squaw Peak and Y Mountain). Access road is only partially paved; used 4-wheel drive. No water. Vault toilets. Gate closes at 10PM. Excellent access to rock climbing and hiking.
Go next
- Orem and other cities in Utah Valley, which have a number of interesting sites, including several Daughters of the Utah Pioneers museums, the Springville Museum of Art, and the Hare Krishna Lotus Temple in Spanish Fork.
- Park City, home of the Sundance Film Festival.
- Provo Canyon and Heber Valley, including Deer Creek Reservoir, the Heber Valley Railroad and Heber Valley CAF/Aero Museum in Heber City, skiing at Sundance Resort, and hiking in Wasatch Mountain State Park.
- Salt Lake City and other cities along the Wasatch Range. Many of these towns also have rich pioneer heritage.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located along Highway 92 in American Fork Canyon. This national monument offers a strenuous but scenic hike to an impressive cave featuring myriad formations. Entrance to the cave is possible only on a ranger-led walk, with two options available: an off-trail spelunking tour and an on-trail tour through the cave's most scenic rooms.
- Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park in Fairfield.
Nearby
Orem
City / town · 17 listings · 4 mi away
Springville
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
Provo Canyon
Park · 24 listings · 6 mi away
Spanish Fork
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
American Fork
City / town · 1 listings · 12 mi away
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Park · 3 listings · 14 mi away
Lehi
City / town · 24 listings · 14 mi away
Santaquin
City / town · 11 listings · 20 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.