Home to one of my favorite National Parks.

Ever since road tripping through Moab, Utah last Summer, I've made myself the town's unofficial spokesperson. I've somehow found a way to bring up this small town in the most mundane conversations, where there is absolutely no relevance as if I'm actually making a commission on their tourism.

It's home to Arches National Park, which has over 2,000 natural arches. Yes, some are much bigger and more popular than others, but what's great about this park is that you don't need to be a hiker to experience the magic of Mother Nature. Many can be seen right from your car.

While the park gets over 1.5 million visitors a year, Moab has a population of just 5,300. Adventuring through small towns is like finding an American time capsule. To feel culture nestled within gritty dive bars to surreal canyons and interact with locals who have the best recommendations.

If you're planning a Summer road trip through Utah, you can't skip out on Moab. It's a bit further from most airports so it's not as bombarded as Zion National Park is. See my top tips for Moab below :)

Inside Arches National Park.

As I mentioned, the way this park works is you pay for your ticket and then can drive throughout to specific arches. Get there early (!!) otherwise you'll be at the front gate entrance for some time. Pack lots of water and lunches for this great big adventure. I'm not listing every arch here, just my favorites to prioritize.

Windows Arch Little to no hiking required here. Some of the most scenic arches you'll see in the entire park. Since they're easy to get to, I recommend going during sunset – the light isn't so harsh and there will be less people.

Delicate Arch Ah, the most iconic arch in the entire park. It's worth all of the hype it gets…and a very doable three mile hike to get to it. Pro trip: walking sticks are your best friend. I got mine here.

Balanced Rock Although technically not an arch, this sight really defies gravity. Easy accessibility with little to no hiking.

Top Tips for Moab: Where to Eat.

The Spoke Great for lunch and also they have a separate ice cream shop window that had a line going all the way around the block!

Pasta Jay's Classic Italian, large portions, outdoor seating and hits the spot after a day full of hiking.

Gloria's Breakfast, smoothies, burgers, shaded outdoor seating.

Miguel's Baja Grill Quality local seafood joint.

Moab Diner I'm from New Jersey, so I love a diner. Big small town vibes.

Moab Coffee Roasters Ice cream, coffee, espresso. Ice cream is big here because it gets so damn hot. We're screaming for it.

Love Muffin Cafe Wholesome cafe.

Zax Restaurant Large restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Good spot for watching a game with plenty of TVs.

Top Tips for Moab: Where to Stay.

The Moab Resort Newly opened apartment-style suites perfect for home cooking and preparing lunches for your days under the sun. Close proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Quality Suites Moab Absolutely no frills, but the pool is a total retro vibe. Basic hotels near National Parks get expensive but with a whole day of exploring, all you really need is a place to sleep.

Camp! There's no better way to be under the stars. Be sure to check for any rules or permits prior.

Other road trip stops to add.

My trip started in Sedona, Arizona then to Moab, Utah, then to Zion, Utah and ended in Las Vegas, Nevada over 10 days.

Canyonlands (32 miles from Moab)

Monument Valley (150 miles from Moab)

Bryce Canyon (250 miles from Moab)

Zion National Park (314 miles from Moab)

Be good,

JB

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