Provo is a Utah Valley city where you can hike Y Mountain in the morning, relax by the Provo River in the afternoon, and eat in downtown Provo at night. It’s a fun, renter-friendly place with easy access to canyons, lakes, and campus life.
Moving to (or visiting) this city always raises the same question: what to do in Provo for fun? The options are endless with a mix of canyons, lakes, museums, and neighborhood parks. The city sits in Utah County, about an hour from Salt Lake City, and regularly shows up on rankings of great places to live thanks to its outdoor access and quality of life.
Whether you’re a student at Brigham Young University, a first-time landlord learning the local market, or a family looking for a new place, this guide walks you through the best things to see and do—plus how Rentler makes it easier to actually live near the spots you love.
Provo Canyon: Trails, Water Activities, and Scenic Views
Provo Canyon is the city’s outdoor backbone, cutting east from town along Highway 189 with steep cliffs, forested slopes, and the Provo River running beside you. The Provo River Parkway Trail links Bridal Veil Falls and Vivian Park, giving you miles of paved path for a walk, bike, or a morning run with river views.
Highlights in the canyon:
- Bridal Veil Falls – A tall, double-cataract waterfall you can reach on an easy, mostly paved path. It’s impressive year-round and often framed with ice in winter.
- Vivian Park – A leafy park and playground by the water where families picnic, anglers fish the Provo River, and friends meet up before biking or hiking deeper into the canyon.
- Mt. Timpanogos Park (nearby) – Pavilions, paths, and open grass with easy access to canyon views, perfect if you want something mellow.
In warmer months, the canyon is ideal for water activities like tubing, calmer stretches of the Provo River or wading along the banks near parks. In fall, especially October, the canyon turns into a tunnel of color, and a slow drive becomes a free scenic tour. Always check conditions early in the season; patches of ice can linger in shady spots.
Downtown Provo: Food, Art, and Nightlife in the Heart of the City
Downtown Provo is where the city’s energy concentrates. Along Center Street and University Avenue, you’ll find local restaurants, dessert shops, cafés to grab a drink, and performance spaces that host concerts, comedy, and theater shows. It’s lively without feeling overwhelming and is easy to navigate on foot.
What stands out downtown:
- Art and museums – Galleries, murals, and pop-up exhibits bring color to older brick buildings. You can walk a few blocks and see multiple pieces of public art in one loop.
- History and the Provo City Center Temple – The restored former tabernacle, now a temple, is a landmark that anchors the area and reflects the city’s roots.
- Night activities – On a typical night, you might watch a small concert, catch a local play, or just enjoy people-watching on Center Street.
The official Provo city website maintains a “Things to Do” section, so you can check event listings before you go. Staying in or near downtown makes it easy to walk to food, shows, and parks without worrying about parking every time you go out.
Brigham Young University: Campus, BYU’s Museums, and School Spirit
Brigham Young University (BYU) feels like the cultural headquarters of Provo. Even if you’re not a student, the campus is open to visitors and offers tree-lined walkways, sports venues, and several excellent museums.
Some can’t-miss stops:
- BYU Museum of Paleontology – A compact but fascinating museum that showcases dinosaur fossils from Utah and nearby states. It’s free to visit and fun for kids, students, and anyone interested in paleontology.
- BYU Museum of Art and other BYU’s museums – These spaces rotate exhibits frequently, covering everything from classical art to modern installations and hands-on science.
Beyond museums, BYU home games, music performances, and guest lectures create a steady calendar of fun events. Campus sits close to key neighborhoods on the east side, which makes it easy for students to walk or bike from their Provo rentals. Between school activities and canyon access, life here can feel full without much driving.
Hiking Y Mountain and Mount Timpanogos
Look east from the city and you’ll see two iconic silhouettes: Y Mountain and Mount Timpanogos.
- Y Mountain – The big white “Y” is a local rite of passage. The hike is short but steep, with multiple switchbacks. Once you reach the letter, you get wide views of Utah Lake, the city, and surrounding area. Many locals hit this trail at sunrise or sunset to watch the light stretch across the valley.
- Mount Timpanogos – Often called “Timp,” this 11,752-foot peak towers above Utah Valley. The main summit routes (via Aspen Grove or Timpooneke) are long day hikes that pass waterfalls, wildflowers, and a dramatic alpine basin. It’s a serious adventure for prepared hikers.
To reach Timp trailheads, you’ll drive up Provo Canyon and then turn along Highway 92, also known as the Alpine Scenic Loop, toward Sundance Resort. This canyon road curves through forest and cliffs, making the drive itself part of the experience. In early summer, there can still be snow and ice high on the mountain, so always check conditions before you go and book a guided tour if you’re unsure.
You’ll also find camping spots and shorter trails in the surrounding national forest, which are perfect if you want a taste of mountain air without committing to a full summit day.
Utah Lake, Parks, and Everyday Outdoor Life
On the west side of Provo, Utah Lake offers a wide, open contrast to the steep canyon. Utah Lake State Park has a marina, boat launch, and campgrounds where you can spend a relaxed weekend. It’s a good spot for:
- Boating and paddleboarding
- Fishing for species like channel catfish and bass
- Simple shoreline walks and birdwatching
Closer to home, Provo’s neighborhood park system adds green space to daily life. You’ll find:
- Small parks with a playground and picnic tables
- Larger complexes with sports fields and open lawns
- Paths for a casual run or evening walk
Golf fans can also enjoy local golf courses and disc golf areas, while families appreciate how easy it is to let kids burn energy outside. These parks are part of what makes the area feel livable, not just scenic.
Where to Stay and Live: Hotels, Provo Rentals, and Neighborhood Snapshot
If you’re visiting, you’ll find chain hotels near I-15 and smaller inns closer to the city center. Staying near downtown or campus keeps you close to food, events, and transit.
If you’re thinking about moving, it’s helpful to understand how Provo lays out:
| Area / Neighborhood | What It Feels Like | Best For |
| Near BYU (north/east) | Student-heavy, walkable to campus and Y Mountain | School life, car-free living, roommates |
| Downtown Provo | Historic blocks, food, shows, transit | Nightlife, restaurants, creatives |
| West side / Utah Lake | More open space, easy lake access | Boating, quieter streets, sunsets |
Like many growing college towns, Provo sometimes feels like it has a housing shortage during peak summer and fall semesters. Listings can hit the market and go quickly, especially near campus and downtown. That’s why it’s smart to start early and use tools that keep everything organized instead of juggling screenshots and sticky notes.
On Rentler, you can:
- search rental listings across Utah and narrow down with filters and tags for price, pets, and more
- Focus specifically on Provo rentals to stay close to your favorite canyon, park, or campus
- Apply, screen, and pay online, which removes a lot of friction for both tenants and DIY landlords
Rentler is a FREE property management tool. Landlords can list properties, syndicate to major sites, and use Featured Days for a quick traffic boost—all without expensive software. Tenant screening (credit, income, rental history, and background checks), online rent collection, and optional rent reporting help keep everything running smoothly instead of loading your inbox with scattered PDFs.
For tenants, paying online by card or bank account, setting up autopay, and seeing a clear transaction history means fewer awkward money conversations and more time to explore Provo’s fun things to do with friends.
Provo’s Community Heart and Why People Stay
What really makes Provo stand out is the way outdoor access, campus energy, and community events overlap. You can spend a quiet evening at a neighborhood park, visit a temple or historic site, or head downtown to watch live shows and celebrate local art. Many people feel that Provo becomes the heart of their Utah story and not just a stop along the way. Companies sometimes choose the region for regional headquarters, families stay for the schools and parks, and students often come back after graduation. Whether you’re here short-term or settling in for the long run, there’s always another trail to explore, restaurant to eat at, or place to find your next favorite view.
FAQ: Visiting and Living in Provo
Is Provo a good home base for exploring Utah?
Yes. Provo sits in central Utah Valley with quick access to canyons, lakes, and I-15 for longer road trips. You can easily visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City or other regional attractions while still coming home to a quieter city.
When is the best time to visit Provo?
Every season has its perks. Spring and fall are great for hiking and scenic drives, summer is ideal for water adventure and late night downtown walks, and winter brings skiing at Sundance and cozy museums.
Are there family-friendly things to do?
Definitely. Canyons, city parks with playgrounds, Utah Lake, BYU events, and free campus museums all offer family-friendly things to do. It’s easy to plan a low-cost day outside or indoors.
How can Rentler help if I want to move to Provo?
Rentler lets you search rental listings, apply online, and pay rent digitally. Landlords can manage applications, screenings, and payments in one fast-loading system, then continue tracking maintenance and communication there instead of digging through email.
