To help you make the most of your time in Moab, we've stacked up these sample itineraries to help you envision your vacation here, including ideas on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do - with alternate suggestions sprinkled throughout. Add more days, and keep stacking that adventure dagwood sandwich even higher!
As you plan your Moab vacation, you may be interested in seeing our "How to Get to Moab" suggestions here.
This "must-do" sample itinerary centers on the things you just wouldn't want to miss if you do a vacation to Moab, Utah. No one really wants to miss anything on vacation, but we couldn't fit it ALL in! Moab will still be here when you come back for more.
CHECK-IN Arrive in Moab early enough for check-in.
DINNER Top off your night with dinner at Miguel’s Baja Grill.
See Arches Sunset Tour
FULL DAY COLORADO RIVER RAFTINGMeet at the Moab Adventure Center for a 9AM orientation and departure by bus.
LUNCH Hot BBQ buffet is provided along the river at Red Cliffs Lodge, exclusive to Moab Adventure Center guests.
DINNER Try the fantastic Thai food at Singha Thai restaurant in downtown Moab. We recommend making reservations in advance.
See Full Day Rafting
MORNING Hike Corona Arch or Fisher Towers. Or spare your legs for the afternoon activity by taking a scenic drive.
LUNCH You can't go wrong with a lunch at Sweet Cravings. If you are in a rush, the Moab Diner is across the street from the Moab Adventure Center.
CANYONEERING ADVENTUREFor younger kids, an Introduction to Rock Climbing is an excellent alternative.
See Canyoneering Adventure
BREAKFAST Try a fun breakfast at the old Jailhouse Cafe. Their sourdough pancakes are delicious!
ZIPLINE ADVENTUREMeet at the Raven's Rim location (998 N. Main)
LUNCH Grab burgers and shakes at Milt's or a more full menu at The Spoke followed by an ice cream next door at Crystal's Cakes and Cones.
HORSEBACK RIDE and Dinner at Red Cliffs Lodge.
See Zipline Adventure
HUMMER SAFARI at 7:15 or 9:00 am
Grab those last-minute souvenirs at the Moab Adventure Center, or at the "Moab Made" shop on Main Street.
CHECK-OUT
LUNCH Dewey's Cafe for a classic American menu, or Antica Forma for wood-fired pizza are sure to please.
See Slickrock Safari
For anyone making the journey to Moab, Utah our top recommendation is to book a multi-day rafting expedition first, and then plan day activities in Moab before and after the rafting trip.
Why? Because for as much as we love the charm and unique culture of the town of Moab, the real draw is the wilderness of canyons and rivers that surround Moab. These remote wilderness canyons are accessible only by river, and offer a vacation experience unlike any you'll ever take. We promise! Vistas, scenery, sunsets, meals, rapids, guides that take care of it all, and several nights and days moving at the pace of a river and sleeping under the stars... THAT is what this area of the world offers, and Moab is the ideal "base camp" from which you will begin and end your river journey. While in Moab, you will want to see Arches National Park, do a 4x4 tour, or whatever else you fancy on the days before and after the river trip. Going off the grid like this will undoubtedly change you forever, so you've been warned!
The only downside to this is that they are popular, and both the season and the spots available are limited. Book early!
CHECK-IN Arrive in Moab early enough for check-in at the Marriott SpringHill (meeting location for next morning's river trip).
If you are staying at the Marriott, the guided van tour will pick you up.
DINNER Top off your night with dinner at Pasta Jay's, Zak's or Dewey's
See Sunset Arches Tour
BREAKFAST is easy at the Marriott SpringHill
MEET in the lobby with your duffle bag. Your guides will take it all from there for the next several days.
CHOOSE:
See Rafting Expeditions
Return to Moab from river trip by 3 or 4 PM.
CHECK-IN Enjoy a shower and a change of clothes after your river trip.
DINNER Fiesta Mexicana is just across Main Street from Moab Adventure Center, making parking a breeze. The Food Truck Park is another great option to check out.
See Sunset Hummer Safari
ZIPLINE ADVENTURE Meet for a morning time slot at the Raven's Rim location (998 N. Main)
CHECK-OUT
Grab those last-minute souvenirs at the Moab Adventure Center, or at the "Moab Made" shop on Main Street.
LUNCH Sweet Cravings is a favorite locally-owned lunch stop.
See Moab Zip Line
Sunrises and sunsets offer up the golden light that makes the red rocks of Moab glow like no other place on earth. It's quite the show, everyday. The trick is getting up early enough or staying out late enough to catch this golden light. Photographers make it happen, and so can you - even if you don't capture it with a camera of your own, you'll have an experience of your own that you'll treasure. The time of year obviously changes the timing of the sun rising and falling, so it can be an advantage to visit Moab in the shoulder seasons of Spring or Fall. An *asterisk below indicates locations that are a part of morning or evening guided tours you can book.
Best places to watch a sunrise or sunset:
While Moab excels in high adventure activities, it ain't so shabby at all when it comes to lower intensity options, perfect for smaller children and the fun adults watching after them. The list below shows you there are plenty of adventures to book that still accommodate children even younger than five years old. You will also see options that are completely free.
Free Insiders Guide to Moab, UTWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
