Located along the southwest shores of Bear Lake, Utah, Garden City is a small town with lots of character and endless activities. Garden City, Utah, is best known as a summer tourist hotspot for recreation on the beautiful blue waters of Bear Lake, aptly dubbed “The Caribbean of the Rockies.” However, some of the best things to do in Garden City are away from the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
#1 Visit Bear Lake State Park
Boasting 109 square miles of intense turquoise waters lined with shops, restaurants, and marinas offering boat rentals of every kind, Bear Lake State Park is the main attraction in Garden City and brings in thousands of visitors every year.
Summer days are spent sunbathing, boating, swimming, water trampolining, and scuba diving. But once the snow begins to fall and winter officially arrives, Garden City’s Bear Lake transforms into a prime destination for ice-fishing, with the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest being the highlight of the winter fishing season.
#2 Catch a Show at Pickleville Playhouse
Situated on the shores of Bear Lake, the Pickleville Playhouse is a long-standing summer tradition. It’s perfect for date nights or family dinners and always delights audiences with its exciting and engaging shows and live music.
Rated Utah’s most unique theater experience, the Pickleville Playhouse is known for hilarious melodramas, lighthearted Broadway musical favorites, and a world-class cast of performers. The Pickleville Grill is catered by the local restaurant Café Sabor, offering a combination of dinner and a show. Make sure to pre-purchase your dinner for priority seating and early bird discounts!
#3 Try the World-Famous Bear Lake Raspberries
Topping the list of Garden City’s sweetest attractions are the world-famous Bear Lake raspberries – bursting with flavor and local pride. While they’re in season during the summer, you can enjoy their signature taste year-round in just about every form imaginable.
Sip a thick, creamy raspberry shake (a Bear Lake must-try), pick up a pint of fresh berries from a roadside stand, or indulge in raspberry pie, hot chocolate, or even chocolate-dipped raspberries.
The first weekend in August, the harvest celebrations begin at the Bear Lake Raspberry Days Festival, an annual 3-day festival with fun events and activities, and lots of Bear Lake raspberries! Just make sure to book early, Garden City and Bear Lake fill up fast for this favorite annual event.
#4 Go Golfing in Garden City
Garden City offers a few iconic golf courses to make sure you never miss a tee time.
The Bear Lake Golf Course on Sweetwater Hill is a challenging 9-hole public golf course that stretches out to 3,376 yards at a par 36. The beautiful scenery of Bear Lake is spectacular, and in the winter months, you’ll find Nordic trails across the course for cross-country skiing!
Situated only 5 miles from Garden City in Fish Haven, Idaho, is the Bear Lake West Golf Course, a 9-hole public course coming in at 2,715 yards and a par 33. Spectacular views of Bear Lake greet you at almost every spot on the course, with fun and challenging play for families and serious golfers. Book your tee times for an epic golf day in Garden City, UT.
#5 Spend a Day at Bridgerland Adventure Park
Bridgerland Adventure Park brings old-fashioned family fun to life with panoramic views of Bear Lake in the background. From high-energy activities like ziplining, rope courses, and climbing walls to family favorites like mini golf, tubing, and a bungee trampoline, there’s something for every age. Little ones will love the kids’ train and playground, while older adventurers can take a swing at axe throwing or try the park’s free-fall drop. With a disc golf course and playground that are completely free, it’s easy to spend an unforgettable day of laughter and lake-view adventure.
Bridgerland is open through the summer months with picnic tables and hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, candy, and snow cones for sale on-site. If you’re planning a family reunion in Garden City, reservations are required one week in advance for groups of 25 or more, with a 10% discount.
#6 Race Down the Renegade Raceway
Located right in the heart of Garden City, Bear Lake Renegade Raceway is a go-kart track that brings out everyone’s competitive side. Kids as young as seven can take the wheel, and double karts make it easy for parents to ride along with little passengers as young as two. If racing isn’t your speed, grab a snack and watch from the shaded picnic tables while the action unfolds.
Renegade Raceway is a fun, easy way to spend the afternoon in Garden City – perfect for families, friend groups, or even private events and family reunions looking for something a little different.
#7 Play Pickleball in Garden City
Pickleball has quickly become one of America’s favorite pastimes – and Garden City is no exception. This fun, fast-paced game blends tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into an easy-to-learn sport that’s great for all ages and skill levels.
There are two pickleball courts open to the public in Garden City – one near the Bear Lake Visitors Bureau on Paradise Parkway, and another half a mile south in Heritage Park. Courts are first-come, first-served, so plan ahead and bring your own paddles and balls for a friendly match.
#8 Go Fishing At Garden City Fishing Pond
Heritage Park is one of Garden City’s most inviting outdoor spots, offering more than just pickleball. You’ll find a softball field, a fun playground for kids, and a peaceful fishing pond stocked year-round with rainbow and cutthroat trout. A small dock and a paved path loop around the pond, making it a great place for a stroll, bike ride, or laid-back afternoon picnic.
The Garden City Pond follows Utah’s fishing regulations – anglers ages 12 and up will need a valid fishing license, and the daily catch limit is two fish. Visitors are also encouraged to release any largemouth bass they catch to help preserve the pond’s ecosystem. For families looking for a simple, relaxing alternative to fishing on Bear Lake, Heritage Park is a local favorite.
#9 Visit the Beaver Mountain Ski Area
Situated only 13 miles from downtown, the Beaver Mountain Ski Area is one of the best places to spend winter days in Garden City, with endless activities on and off the slopes.
“The Beav” is Utah’s #1 family-friendly resort with over 800 skiable acres for skiers and snowboarders, miles of groomed Nordic trails, and a cozy mountain lodge with a restaurant for dining or grab-and-go snacks.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the lake, Beaver Creek Lodge offers one of Utah’s best snowmobiling experiences. Rent a snowmobile for the day or join a private guided tour through scenic backcountry trails surrounded by snowy peaks and alpine forests. The lodge also provides riding clinics for beginners, plus gear and winter clothing rentals, so you can stay warm and comfortable on your adventure.
#10 Explore The Hiking Trails
Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains and bordered by the Cache National Forest, Garden City is surrounded by hundreds of miles of groomed and non-groomed trails that allow hikers, bikers, horse riders, and ATV enthusiasts to get outside and adventure. Many of these trails stay open through the winter months for snowshoeing and epic fat biking adventures.
From leisurely strolls around the lake on the Bear Lake Legacy Pathway to high-elevation adventures and a beautiful alpine lake, Garden City is a gateway to the best outdoor experiences in Utah! Start planning all your trail adventures and gear rentals with our local area guides to Garden City, UT.
#11 Explore the Paris Ice Cave
Located just 25 miles north of Garden City near the small town of Paris, Idaho, the Paris Ice Cave is one of the Bear Lake region’s coolest and coldest spots! This natural limestone cave maintains freezing temperatures year-round, creating glistening walls of ice and snow that last even through the summer months.
The cave is accessible via a short, family-friendly trail off Bloomington Canyon Road and makes for a great half-day adventure from Garden City. Bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes, and a jacket (even in July!) The temperature inside the cave rarely rises above freezing. It’s a fun stop for families, photographers, and anyone looking to experience one of Bear Lake’s most unique natural wonders.
#12 Warm Up at Bear Lake Hot Springs
After exploring the icy depths of Paris Ice Cave, trade your jacket for a swimsuit and warm up at Bear Lake Hot Springs, just 30 minutes north of Garden City on the Idaho side of the lake. This family-friendly destination offers natural mineral soaking pools, thrilling water slides, and direct access to the lake for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Spend the afternoon soaking in the steamy mineral water, then cool off in the lake or relax on the beach. With picnic tables, a snack bar, and shallow water perfect for kids, Bear Lake Hot Springs is a relaxing way to balance your adventure-filled trip with a little rest and rejuvenation.
#13 Go Underground at Minnetonka Cave
If the summer sun gets a little too intense, cool off with a guided adventure through Minnetonka Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Idaho. Located near St. Charles, just 25 minutes north of Garden City, this impressive underground attraction features massive stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers that stretch deep into the Bear Lake mountains.
Open from late May through Labor Day, Minnetonka Cave offers guided tours lasting about 90 minutes, with well-lit walkways and plenty of fascinating history along the way. The temperature inside hovers around 40°F year-round, so bring a jacket and sturdy shoes. It’s one of Bear Lake’s most unique natural wonders and an unforgettable way to experience the region from a whole new perspective.
#14 Explore the Beautiful Scenery of Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
For a quieter escape surrounded by nature, head to the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge just 20 minutes north of Garden City near Montpelier, Idaho. This 18,000-acre sanctuary protects wetlands, meadows, and marshes along the north shore of Bear Lake and is home to hundreds of bird species, including sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, and trumpeter swans.
Bring binoculars and a camera because this is one of the best wildlife spots in the region. Depending on the season, you might also spot moose, elk, or even beaver along the water’s edge. The refuge offers scenic drives, short walking trails, and peaceful picnic areas, making it a relaxing way to reconnect with nature and experience Bear Lake’s wilder side.
#15 Spend the Day at Garden City Park & Beach
Looking for a relaxed, family-friendly spot to enjoy Bear Lake without the crowds or entry fees? Garden City Park & Beach offers free public access to the lake, making it a local favorite for easy summer fun.
The park features two playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic tables, a pavilion, and a large grassy area perfect for games or relaxing in the sun. A boardwalk leads from the park to the shoreline, passing through peaceful wetlands with interpretive signs along the way. At the end of the walk, you’ll find soft sand, calm turquoise water, restrooms, and a small rental shack for kayaks and paddleboards.
It’s the perfect spot for families with kids – safe, scenic, and easy to spend the whole day. Just bring sunscreen, water shoes, and maybe a wagon to haul your gear down to the beach.
#16 Enjoy Two Miles of Sand at North Beach
Just a short drive north of Garden City, North Beach (Bear Lake State Park, Idaho side) stretches for two miles along the lake’s turquoise shore. The slope of the lake bottom is gentle, making it ideal for kids, splashers, and anyone not wanting to drop off into deep water too soon.
Boat ramps are available for those who want to launch ski boats or pontoons, and day passes at North Beach are optional – you can usually just show up and enjoy the beach.
#17 Relax at Rendezvous Beach (Bear Lake State Park, Utah Side)
On the Utah side of Bear Lake, Rendezvous Beach is a spacious day-use area and campground that combines lake access with full amenities. The beach features a wide, gently sloping sandy shoreline that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and launching non-motorized boats.
Rendezvous Beach is open from May 1 through roughly mid-October (gates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm). It’s a favorite spot for families, reunions, and anyone wanting full lake access with amenities.
#18 Do Some Shopping in Downtown Garden City
When you’re ready to step off the trails or out of the water, downtown Garden City offers a charming shopping stroll full of local flavor. Walk along Bear Lake Boulevard and you’ll find boutique shops, artisan galleries, and locally made specialty stores selling everything from raspberry jams and honey to handmade jewelry, lake-themed décor, and unique souvenirs.
Don’t miss the little bakeries and candy shops tucked between storefronts – they’re great stops for sweet treats or a midday pick-me-up. It’s an easy, relaxed way to spend an afternoon before dinner or as a mellow alternative on a rainy day.
Garden City Vacation Rentals & Cabins
Start planning your vacation to Garden City with Bear Lake Premier Cabins today! Our collection of cabins includes pet-friendly rentals, hot-tub homes, golf course getaways, cabins with beach access to Bear Lake, and Garden City family reunion rentals accommodating up to 52 guests under one roof!
Browse our collection of cabins online, book direct with us to get the best price, or give our team a call at (435) 565-6006 – we’re here to help you plan your trip to Garden City, UT.
