National Geographic has included Utah on its “Best of the World” 2023 list, which features 25 of the “most inspiring” travel destinations on earth.
National Geographic describes Utah as “an adventurer’s dream destination,” with its five national parks and eight national monuments.
Utah is the only U.S. location in the Adventure category, along with the countries of New Zealand and Austria, plus Revillagigedo National Park in Mexico, and the Inca site of Choquequirao in Peru.
“Utahns and visitors alike know that Utah is a place for a wide range of transformational experiences,” said Utah Office of Tourism managing director Vicki Varela. “National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ recognition is a wonderful affirmation of our beautiful places.”
The Beehive State is also one of only five U.S. locations included on the list, with Milwaukee, Wis., in the Community category; Texas’ Big Bend National Park in the Nature category; Charleston, S.C., in the Culture category; and San Francisco, Calif., in the Family category.
“‘Best of the World’ is Nat Geo’s annual love letter to the most incredible places in the world, both near and far,” said National Geographic’s editor-in-chief Nathan Lump.
To dive into the adventure and travel options available in the Beehive State, visit National Geographic’s Utah travel guide to find suggested excursions like a mountain bike ride on Kokopelli’s Trail, and a winter road trip through southern Utah.