Provo

Provo^{[dead link]}, 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. Provo is in Utah County, which is often considered the most conservative county in the most conservative state in the country. 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 40.23452-111.662621 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.

Understand

The LDS (Mormon) church dominates here, and many businesses (including some gas stations) are closed on Sunday. Provo is also considered one of the most right-leaning, politically "conservative" communities in the USA, although BYU and UVU students add some political variety. 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

Map of Provo

By plane

The most common way to get to Provo is to fly into Salt Lake City (SLC^IATA), 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.

Allegiant Air offers twice-weekly flights between 40.219194-111.7233611 Provo Municipal Airport (PVU ^IATA), and Mesa, Arizona.

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.

Route 550 runs between the Salt Lake City airport parking garage and Salt Lake Central Station about every half-hour. From there, you can transfer to FrontRunner to get to Provo. Below are some options. For bus rides, always check the UTA website for detours and schedule changes. With the implementation of FrontRunner, express buses from Salt Lake City have been canceled.

Weekdays, you may take the southbound TRAX line to the Sandy City Transit Center. From here you may Transfer to the 811 Bus Route (Utah Valley Trax Connector) that will deliver you to the Lehi Intermodal Center. From there you may board the Southbound FrontRunner train to Provo. This option will take about two hours.

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 Range, including; Orem, American Fork, Lehi, Draper, South Jordan, Murray, Salt Lake City, Woods Cross, Farmington, Layton, Clearfield, Roy, Ogden and Pleasant View. The train averages 79 mph (127 km/h) 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 Fronrunner/UTA Intermodal station is located at 690 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.

40.22741-111.658322 Enterprise Rent-a-Car, 485 S University Ave, ☏ +1 801 377-7100. M-F 7:30AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-noon.
40.21697-111.662713 Avis Rent-a-Car, 1200 Towne Centre Blvd (inside Sears Auto Center in the Provo Towne Centre), ☏ +1 801 494-1529. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-2PM, Su noon-4PM.
40.23497-111.661434 Hertz Car Rental, 101 West 100 North (Provo Marriott), ☏ +1 801 404-0931. M-F 8AM-4PM. (updated May 2023)

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

40.338889-111.6013891 Bridal Veil Falls (2.5 mi (4.0 km) north on Highway 89 up Provo Canyon). 607 ft (185 m) 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.

40.251667-111.6516672 Brigham Young University (BYU), 1 N University Avenue (general location (from Canyon Road, turn east onto 1230 N to enter campus), ☏ +1 801-422-3257. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-3PM. 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. Free.
40.2533-111.6473 BYU Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, 645 E 1430 N (directly north of the Carillon Bell Tower), ☏ +1 801-422-5051. M-F 10AM-. 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. Free.
40.250833-111.6480564 BYU Museum of Art, North Campus Dr (from Canyon Road, turn east onto 1230 N, which turns into North Campus Drive after the intersection; the museum parking lot will be on your right across from the Carillon Bell Tower), ☏ +1 801-422-8287. M-W F 10AM-6PM, Th 10AM-9PM, Sa noon-5PM. 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. Free.
40.2564-111.6575 BYU Museum of Paleontology, 1683 N Canyon Rd (across from LaVell Edwards Stadium), ☏ +1 801-422-3680. 9AM-5PM. 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. Free.
40.2631-111.657756 BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures, 700 N 100 E, ☏ +1 801-422-0020. Sep-Apr: M W F 9AM-5PM, Tu Th 9AM-7PM; May-Aug: M-F 9AM-5PM. Very small but award-winning museum focusing on cultural anthropology. Regularly features exhibits about Native American cultures, but also features other cultures. Free.
Crandall Printing Museum, 65 W Main St Ct, Alpine, ☏ +1 801-500-3099. M-F 9AM-2PM. Impressive museum featuring a replica of the Gutenburg Press, other historical presses, a model 5 Linotype, and old publications. Individual and group tours are available by appointment. $3/person.

40.23393-111.6597 Downtown, 1 W Center St. Anytime. 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). Free.
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). Free.
40.25387-111.656338 Museum of Mormon History of the Americas (formerly Museum of Mormon Mexican History), 1501 N Canyon Rd. Tu-F 2-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. 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. Free.
40.24144-111.666759 Provo Pioneer Museum & Pioneer Village, 500 N 500 W (within North Park next to the Veterans Memorial Pool), ☏ +1 801-852-6609. Jun-Sep: Tu-Sa 1-4PM; Sep-Oct: WFSa 1AM-4PM; Mar-Jun: WFSa1-4PM. 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). Free.
40.234167-111.63444410 Utah State Hospital Museum, 1300 E Center St (first building to the north as you enter the Utah State Hospital grounds), ☏ +1 801 344-4635, +1 801 344-4254. Tu Th 1-5PM. 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). Free.
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).
40.2637-111.6411 Provo Utah Temple (LDS), 2200 Temple Hill Dr, ☏ +1 801-375-5775. 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. Free. (updated Nov 2020)
40.2325-111.65912 Provo City Center Temple (LDS), 50 S University Ave, ☏ +1 801-343-2700. 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. Free. (updated Nov 2020)

Do

BYU mascot Cosmo the Cougar at America's Freedom Festival.

America's Freedom Festival at Provo, ☏ +1 801-818-1776. Large festival held every year around the 4th of July. Features the Stadium of Fire, Grand Parade, Balloon Fest, Freedom Days (vendor stalls and carnival rides), Colonial Days, and other activities and events.
BYU Arts Performances, N Campus Dr (just south of the Museum of Art, north of the Wilkinson Student Center), ☏ +1 801 422-4322. Ticket office: M-F: Sep-Apr 10AM-5PM, May-Aug 10AM-3PM; also open for one hour prior to performances. BYU hosts many plays, concerts, and other performances each year. There's something going on most nights of the week. Performances are generally held at the Harris Fine Arts Center. Check the website for scheduling and tickets.
BYU Cougars (athletics), Ticket office: 500 E University Pkwy, ☏ +1 801 422-2981. Ticket office: M-F 9AM-5PM. 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).
40.24716-111.649921 BYU Planetarium, Room 465, Eyring Science Center, BYU (fourth floor of the large building with a dome in the southeast sector of campus), ☏ +1 801-422-5396. M-Sa 7PM, 8PM. Planetarium offering shows for the public. Reservations may be made online. (Campus map). $2/person.
40.24721-111.651062 BYU International Cinema, Room 250, Spencer W. Kimball Tower, BYU (ground floor of BYU's tallest building at the center of campus), ☏ +1 801-422-3529. Sep-Apr: Tu W F evenings, Sa. 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). Free.
40.23393-111.659353 ComedySportz, 36 W Center St, ☏ +1 801-377-9700. Interactive live comedy show downtown since 1999. Schedule of shows and tickets available at their website. Some shows not open for reservation. Family appropriate. $4-10/adult, $4-5/child.
40.23351-111.666014 Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W Center St, ☏ +1 801-852-7007. Ticket office: M-Th 10AM-6PM, F 10AM-2PM. Plays, concerts, events, and an art gallery downtown. Check the website for the schedule and tickets.
40.2501-111.658235 Fat Cats, 1200 N University Ave, ☏ +1 801-373-1863. M-Th 9AM-midnight, F Sa 9AM-1AM. Bowling alley and game center, including traditional arcade games and billiards. Attached to the alley is Costa Vida, a Mexican restaurant. $3-4/adult, $3/child.
40.20756-111.651496 Timpanogos Golf Club, 1860 S E Bay Blvd (380 E) (0.5 mi (0.80 km) from I-15 exit 263), ☏ +1 801 852-7529. Public golf course in the wetlands of south Provo close to Utah Lake. 9 holes: $12-14/adult, $8-10/junior; 18 holes: twice as much.
40.24481-111.627187 Hike the 'Y' (to reach trailhead, turn left at south end of Terrace Drive, continue to right on paved road toward parking lot). 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.
40.2646-111.62978 Rock Canyon (trailhead parking lot at the east end of 2300 N). 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.
40.2366-111.63459 Splash Summit Waterpark (formerly Seven Peaks Waterpark), 1330 E 300 N, ☏ +1 385-309-2388. Memorial Day-Labor Day: M-Sa 10AM-6PM. Largest waterpark in Utah with waterslides, a wave pool, and other water attractions. Adults $21.99, child (under 48 in (1,200 mm)) and seniors (65+) $14.99, parking $7. (updated Nov 2020)

40.2381-111.73510 Utah Lake State Park, 4400 W Center St, ☏ +1 801-375-0731. Summer 6AM-10PM; winter 8AM-5PM. 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.
40.23343-111.6663511 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. $9/single, $7.50/student & senior, $18.75 family, $5/rush (10 min before concert).
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.
Go skiing in the winter or mountain biking in the summer. At Sundance or alternatively just look at the various art on display.
Fish the Provo river. A good place is at Nunn's Park right across from Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.
Velour Live Music Gallery. One of Provo's gems. The venue is a mandatory stop for artists from Utah's (surprisingly healthy) local-music scene, and touring artists often sidestep Salt Lake City clubs to play here. A full calendar of shows is available on the venue's website.
Pedal Provo Ghost Tour, ☏ +1 385-312-0456, info@pedalprovo.com. F Sa 9PM-11PM. 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 $10-16. (updated Mar 2017)
40.234722-111.63805612 Peaks Ice Arena, 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd, ☏ +1 801-852-7465. (updated Oct 2018)

Buy

40.2158-111.66461 Provo Towne Centre, 1200 Towne Centre Blvd, ☏ +1 801 852-2400. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM (Wingers and Red Robin have extended hours. 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.
40.29924-111.658752 Shops at Riverwoods, 4801 N University Ave, ☏ +1 801 802-8430. M-Sa 10AM-9PM (restaurant hours vary). 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).
Downtown Provo (around Center St and University Ave). It's being revitalized. Nevertheless, there are still a few interesting and unique shops downtown, made more attractive by their 1880-1910 architecture.
40.24844-111.647853 BYU Bookstore, southwest corner of Wilkinson Student Center (WSC) (about 1100 N Campus Dr)), toll-free: +1-800-253-2578. M 8AM-6PM, Tu-F 8AM-8PM (closed Tu 10:45-11:45AM), Sa 8AM-6PM. Large campus bookstore also offering sweets, art, and BYU/Provo souvenirs. Particularly significant for its large collection of foreign language children's books (located downstairs). Also an outlet for LDS Distribution Services.
40.25321-111.67034 Deseret Industries, 1415 N State St, ☏ +1 801 373-7920. M 10AM-6PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-9PM. The ultimate thrift store. You can buy anything here: clothes, kitchenware, books, knickknacks, electronics. The place is a ginormus gold mine. The store is also a vocational rehabilitation facility and donates some items to humanitarian causes around the world.

Eat

Listed below are notable restaurants within Provo city limits, but there are many good restaurants in Orem that are easily accessible.

Budget

40.25818-111.661451 Burgers Supreme, 1796 N University Pkwy (in Brigham's Landing), ☏ +1 801 373-5713. M-Th 10:30AM-10:30PM, F Sa 10:30AM-11PM. 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. $5-10.
40.26409-111.668082 Cafe Rio, 2250 N University Parkway, ☏ +1 801-375-5133. Mexican chain started in Utah and popular with students. $5-10.
40.26389-111.666763 Café Zupas, 408 W 2230 N, ☏ +1 801-377-7687. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Soup, salads, and sandwiches. $5-10.
40.23393-111.657834 Guru's, 45 E Center St (Downtown), ☏ +1 801-375-4878. M-Th 8AM-9PM, Th-Sa 8AM-10PM; breakfast served M-F 8AM-11AM, Sa 8AM-1PM. Chic and creative cafe serving breakfast, sandwiches, salads, wraps and pasta. Often offers live music in the evenings. $5-10.
40.2453-111.646315 J-Dawgs, 858 N 700 E, ☏ +1 801-373-3294. M-Sa 1AM-9PM. 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. $5.
40.25028-111.663686 Kneader's, 295 W 1230 N, ☏ +1 801-812-2200. M-Sa 7AM-10PM; breakfast served 7AM-11AM. Bakery offering sandwiches and treats. Known for its all-you-can eat cinnamon French toast and sourdough pancakes. $5-10.
40.24993-111.663377 Nicolitalia Pizzeria, 255 W Cougar Blvd, ☏ +1 801-356-7900. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. 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). $5-10.
40.24449-111.647658 SLABpizza, 669 E 800 N, ☏ +1 801-377-3883. M-Sa 11AM-11PM. Really big slices of really great pizza. Just south of BYU campus. Popular with BYU students and locals alike. $5-10.
40.23391-111.659259 Station 22, 22 W Center St, ☏ +1 801-607-1803. A chic, modern American cafe. $10.

Mid-range

40.23992-111.6589210 Bombay House, 463 N University Ave, ☏ +1 801-373-6677. M-Sa 4PM-10PM. Authentic Indian restaurant in downtown Provo, started by a BYU student from India. Well known for its naan and lassis. $10-20.
40.24449-111.6565911 Brick Oven, 111 E 800 N, ☏ +1 801-374-8800. M-Th 10:30AM-10PM, F Sa 10:30AM-11PM. 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. $5-15.
40.2345-111.6570412 La Dolce Vita, 61 N 100 E, ☏ +1 801-373-8482. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM. Family-owned Italian restaurant operating in Provo since 1984. Featuring Napoli (Naples) cuisine. $10-20.
40.29912-111.6576213 Shoots, 4801 N University Ave #820, ☏ +1 801-225-0445, shootsrestaurant@gmail.com. Chinese restaurant in the Shops at Riverwoods. $10-15. (updated Dec 2021)

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.

40.2501-111.6434914 BYU Creamery, 1209 N 900 E, ☏ +1 801-422-2663. M–Th 11AM–11PM, F Sa 11AM–midnight. 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.
40.25296-111.6662515 Macey's, 1400 N State St, ☏ +1 801-356-3216. M–Sa all day. 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

40.23393-111.661961 ABG's, 190 W Center St, ☏ +1 801-373-1200. Bar, mainly serving beer. Live bands and pub grub. $5 cover.

Sleep

Hotels

40.21353-111.657211 Hampton Inn & Suites, 1511 S 40 E, ☏ +1 801 377-6396. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Near the Provo Towne Centre. From $75/night.
40.23214-111.665312 Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast, 383 W 100 S, toll-free: +1-800-428-5636. Check-in: 4–6PM, check-out: 11AM. Provo's only B&B, with themed rooms. Gourmet breakfast and treats in the kitchen included. Wireless internet. Starting at $130/night..
40.23473-111.66143 Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 101 W 100 N, ☏ +1 801-377-4700. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Hotel and conference facility downtown, close to Novell, Inc. Wireless, laundry, copy center, fitness center & pool, and onsite restaurants. From $89/night..
40.2639-111.662944 Residence Inn, 252 W 2230 N, ☏ +1 801 374-1000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Along the Provo River trail. Free shuttle service. Laundry, fitness center, indoor pool. From $79/night.
40.21409-111.656225 Sleep Inn Provo, 1505 S 40 E, ☏ +1 801 377-6597. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. In south Provo near the Provo Towne Centre. Free wireless. Pets allowed with fee. From $60/night.
40.25533-111.661326 SpringHill Suites Provo Marriott, 1580 N Freedom Blvd, ☏ +1 801 373-0073. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Within walking distance of BYU. Wireless, fitness enter, pool. Denny's and Magleby's restaurants within the same complex. From $100.
40.392254-111.5766487 Sundance Resort, North Fork Provo Canyon (from US-189 in Provo Canyon take Highway 92/Alpine Scenic Highway for 2 mi (3.2 km)), toll-free: +1-800-892-1600. Standard rooms, studios, suites, and 2–4 bedroom homes at Sundance Ski Resort up Provo Canyon. From $200/night.

Camping

40.4139-111.5068 Deer Creek State Park Campground, Deer Creek State Park (follow US-189 to park), ☏ +1 435 654-0171. 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.
40.23598-111.727979 Lakeside RV & Campground, 4000 W Center St, toll-free: +1-800-906-5267. Near Utah Lake, tucked into a curve of the Provo River. Walking distance to Utah Lake State Park Marina. Convenience store, laundry room, game room, summer pool, hot showers. Tent site $20/night; hook up $25–30.
40.26806-111.5802810 Rock Canyon Campground, Squaw Peak Rd (from US-189 in Provo Canyon onto Squaw Peak road, 9.5 mi (15.3 km) to campground), ☏ +1 801 226-3564. 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.
40.23784-111.7362111 Utah Lake State Park Campground, 4400 W Center St, toll-free: +1-800-322-3770. Lakeshore campground. $20 w/hookups.

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.

Routes through Provo

Sacramento ← Salt Lake City ←	W E	→ Helper → Denver
Salt Lake City ← Orem ←	N S	→ Spanish Fork → St. George
Salt Lake City ← Orem ←	N S	→ Jct W E → Fairview → Richfield
Evanston ← Park City ←	N S	→ END

This city travel guide to Provo has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel details. Please contribute and help us make it a star!