Love It or Question It: 10 Things Utah Is Famous For

Utah is one of the most made-fun-of states in the USA. From fake blondes, fake boobs, and Botox to beautiful sightseeing, you do have to admit we have quite the personality. There are a ton of things that make the Beehive State memorable, so here’s a look at the top 10 things Utah is known for.

1. Mormons (aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Utah is synonymous with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With nearly 60% of the population identifying as Mormon, the state’s culture, laws, and even holidays are influenced by the faith. Salt Lake City’s Temple Square is a top tourist stop, drawing visitors curious about Mormon history and architecture. In fact, the Mormon pioneers made Utah what it is today.

2. Famous Landmarks
Utah’s landscapes are nothing short of iconic. From the towering red rocks of Arches National Park to the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the state offers some of the most photographed natural wonders in the U.S. Don’t forget Zion National Park and Monument Valley, perfect for hiking, photography, and jaw-dropping sunsets. Honestly, anywhere you go in Utah is beautiful, especially the sunsets.

3. Strict Alcohol Laws
If you’re visiting Utah, know that ordering a beer or cocktail isn’t like anywhere else. The state has some of the strictest alcohol regulations in the country, including lower alcohol content limits in beer sold in grocery stores and the need to visit state-run liquor stores for stronger drinks. It is also illegal to buy a drink at a bar without ordering food. There’s a lot more to know on this subject. Site

4. Swig and Soda Shops
Utahns have a sweet spot for fountain sodas, and shops like Swig have turned it into a full-blown culture. The “dirty soda,” a mix of flavored syrups, cream, and soda, has become a local obsession (possibly because of the alcohol laws and the Mormons) and a must-try for any visitor. Swig

5. Skiing and Winter Sports
Thanks to the Wasatch Mountains, Utah is a haven for winter sports lovers. Resorts like Park City, Deer Valley, and Snowbird offer some of the best powder in the country. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, the state is a winter playground.

6. Bad Driving
Utahns may love their mountains, but ask anyone who’s tried to navigate the highways and you’ll hear the same complaint: the driving can be… intense. Combine busy freeways with tricky mountain roads, and you’ll quickly understand why local patience is a necessity. Not to mention the left-lane hogs on I-15. There’s a secret rule no one knows about where you get in the left lane and NEVER leave it, guarding it with your life. That is, until you need to take an exit, when you cut across three lanes of traffic as fast as possible without looking.

7. The Great Salt Lake
The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake is both beautiful and bizarre. Its high salinity means you can float with ease, but the smell, thanks to algae and brine shrimp, is an acquired taste. Still, it’s a Utah icon that’s worth seeing.

8. Post Malone
Yes, the Grammy-nominated, genre-blending superstar was born in Syracuse, Utah. While he may not be a Utah resident anymore, locals proudly claim him as one of their own. Post Malone’s rise from Utah to global fame has put the state on the modern music map. He also has a house in Utah and his own custom Raising Cane’s in Salt Lake City.

9. High Birth Rates
Utah consistently ranks among the states with the highest birth rates in the U.S. Larger-than-average families are common, reflecting cultural and religious values around family life. If you’re in Utah, don’t be surprised by the many strollers and school buses full of kids.

10. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
The reality TV show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shines a light on the complexities and controversies surrounding life in the Mormon community. While it’s dramatized, the show has sparked curiosity about a lifestyle outsiders often know little about, adding a dash of pop culture intrigue to the state.

So whether or not you love the bad spray tans or the blonde curled hair, Utah has more than a few entertaining quirks. Stop by, grab some good Mexican food, and head out on a hike. Stick around long enough and you’ll catch a sunset that makes you forget whatever you were judging five minutes earlier.