A Movie-Lover’s Guide to Moab, Utah: Top Local Eats, Stays, and Historical Sites in 2025
Moab, Utah, is more than just a gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks—it’s a vibrant desert town with a rich cinematic history, a thriving local food scene, and unique, non-chain accommodations. For movie buffs and adventure seekers alike, Moab’s red rock landscapes have starred in films like Thelma & Louise and 127 Hours. This fun and informative guide takes you through the top 4 locally owned places to eat, the top 4 non-national brand places to stay, and the top 4 historical sites to explore Moab’s storied past in 2025. Let’s dive into this cinematic desert adventure!
Top Locally Owned Places to Eat in Moab
Moab’s food scene is as bold as its landscapes, offering a diverse range of options from classic diners to unexpected global flavors. Here are four locally owned gems to fuel your adventure.
- Milt’s Stop & Eat Since 1954, Milt’s Stop & Eat has been Moab’s oldest restaurant, serving up no-nonsense burgers, fries, and creamy milkshakes. This roadside diner, just off Millcreek Drive, is a favorite for locals and dusty road-trippers alike. Try the Cowboy Burger with a chocolate milkshake for a post-hike treat that screams retro Americana. Pro Tip: Snap a photo at the picnic tables for a vibe straight out of a classic road movie.
Address: 356 Millcreek Dr, Moab, UT | Hours: 11 AM–8 PM (closed Sundays) | Price: $8–$15 - Jailhouse Café Housed in a historic building that once served as Moab’s county courthouse, Jailhouse Café is a breakfast hotspot. Their chorizo scramble and fluffy pancakes are crowd-pleasers, served in a cozy setting with a nod to the town’s past. Get there early to avoid the morning rush! Photo Tip: Capture the pink 1880s-era exterior for a charming, cinematic shot.
Address: 101 N Main St, Moab, UT | Hours: 7 AM–12 PM | Price: $10–$20 - 98 Center Tucked away on Center Street, 98 Center brings Asian-inspired fusion to Moab with bold pho and banh mi sandwiches loaded with crisp veggies. This local favorite is a hidden gem, offering fresh, vibrant flavors in a casual setting. Photo Tip: Shoot the colorful plates against the desert backdrop for Instagram-worthy shots.
Address: 98 E Center St, Moab, UT | Hours: 12 PM–9 PM | Price: $12–$25
Top 4 Non-National Brand Places to Stay in Moab
Skip the chain hotels and immerse yourself in Moab’s unique character with these locally owned accommodations, perfect for a movie-inspired getaway.
- Red Cliffs Lodge
Nestled along the Colorado River with stunning arch and cliff views, Red Cliffs Lodge feels like a set from a Western film. Its rustic cabins and suites, paired with the on-site Cowboy Grill Restaurant, offer a cinematic escape. Bonus: The lodge is home to the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage.
Address: Mile 14, UT-128, Moab, UT | Price: $150–$300/night | Book: redcliffslodge.com - Entrada at Moab
This collection of vacation homes offers spacious, modern retreats perfect for families or groups. With amenities like private pools and outdoor showers, Entrada at Moab blends luxury with desert charm. Guests rave about the cleanliness and responsive management. Movie Vibes: The open layouts feel like a director’s desert hideaway.
Address: Various locations, Moab, UT | Price: $200–$500/night | Book: entradaatmoab.com - Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Set on 160 acres near Arches National Park, this upscale ranch offers luxurious rooms and farm-to-table dining at The River Grill. Ingredients are grown on-site, and the riverside setting is pure Hollywood magic—think City Slickers meets desert chic.
Address: Mile 17, UT-128, Moab, UT | Price: $300–$600/night | Book: sorrelriver.com - Moab Springs Ranch
A historic ranch turned boutique resort, Moab Springs Ranch offers private bungalows and townhouses surrounded by lush grounds. Its proximity to downtown and Arches makes it a perfect base for explorers. The serene setting feels like a scene from a quiet, introspective drama.
Address: 1266 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT | Price: $175–$350/night | Book: moabspringsranch.com
Top 4 Historical Sites to Explore Moab’s Cinematic and Cultural Past
Moab’s history is as dramatic as its landscapes, with ties to Native American cultures, mining, and the film industry. These sites offer a glimpse into the town’s storied past.
- Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
Located at Red Cliffs Lodge, this museum celebrates Moab’s role in films like Thelma & Louise and Stagecoach. Exhibits showcase movie memorabilia, behind-the-scenes stories, and the region’s Western heritage. Photo Tip: Snap the vintage posters with the lodge’s cliff backdrop for a cinematic shot.
Address: Mile 14, UT-128, Moab, UT | Hours: 8 AM–10 PM | Admission: Free with lodge dining or stay - Hole N” The Rock
This quirky roadside attraction is a 5,000-square-foot home carved into a massive rock by Albert and Gladys Christensen in the 1940s. It’s a testament to Moab’s eccentric pioneer spirit and has appeared in documentaries and travel shows. Tour the home, zoo, and gift shop for a true slice of Americana.
Address: 11037 S Hwy 191, Moab, UT | Hours: 9 AM–5 PM | Admission: $8.50/adult - Moab Museum
Dive into Moab’s pre-cinematic history at the Moab Museum, which covers Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and the uranium mining boom of the 1950s. The museum’s exhibits, housed in a historic building, offer context for Moab’s rugged charm. Movie Vibes: Imagine a gritty historical drama set in the mining era.
Address: 118 E Center St, Moab, UT | Hours: 10 AM–5 PM (closed Sundays) | Admission: $7/adult - Dead Horse Point State Park
While known for its stunning vistas, this park is also a historical and cinematic gem. Used as a filming location for Thelma & Louise’s iconic final scene, it also holds stories of Native American trails and 19th-century ranching. The visitor center offers historical displays, and the views are pure Hollywood magic.
Address: UT-313, Moab, UT | Hours: 6 AM–10 PM | Admission: $20/vehicle
Why Visit Moab in 2025?
Moab is a cinematic playground where red rock landscapes meet rich history and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re savoring a burger at Milt’s, sleeping under the stars at Sorrel River Ranch, or exploring the Moab Museum of Film, this town offers a perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia. Pack your camera, channel your inner filmmaker, and make 2025 your year to discover Moab’s starring role in Utah’s story!
