Salt Lake City blends rugged mountains with urban energy, offering a surprisingly diverse mix of outdoor adventure, cultural highlights, great food, and unique experiences. This guide breaks down the best things to do in Salt Lake City for every kind of traveler, from first-timers to seasoned visitors.
1. Wander Through Red Butte Garden
Located near the Natural History Museum, Red Butte Garden features miles of peaceful paths and native plants—along with stunning mountain and city views.
2. Walk Around Downtown Salt Lake City
Downtown is clean, pedestrian-friendly, and full of public art, award-winning coffee shops, trendy eateries, and boutiques. Start near City Creek Center and just explore.
3. Tour the Utah State Capitol
The Utah State Capitol sits atop a hill with sweeping views of Salt Lake Valley. Inside, the architecture is impressive, and free tours are available daily.
4. Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah
Perched on the east bench near the University of Utah, the Natural History Museum of Utah offers exhibits on dinosaurs, geology, Native American heritage, and the region’s natural environment.
5. Visit Temple Square
Temple Square, the city's most iconic landmark, features beautiful architecture, gardens, and a visitor center highlighting Utah’s history and culture. It's also famous for its annual Christmas light display.
6. Ride the TRAX Light Rail
The TRAX light rail makes it easy to travel between neighborhoods and attractions without a car.
7. Discover Salt Lake City Street Art
From downtown to the Granary District, Salt Lake is covered in vibrant murals and public art celebrating local culture.
8. Check Out the Salt Lake City Public Library
Designed by Moshe Safdie, the Salt Lake City Public Library is a striking glass building with rooftop views, a café, and an impressive spiral staircase.
9. Take in the Sunset at Ensign Peak
A short hike from downtown, the Ensign Peak Trail offers panoramic views of the city and Great Salt Lake at sunset.
10. Explore the Great Salt Lake
Visit Antelope Island State Park to hike, observe bison, and float in the famously salty waters of the Great Salt Lake.
11. Ski or Snowboard at Nearby Resorts
Salt Lake City is the perfect base for world-class skiing. Resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude are all within an hour’s drive.
12. Hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a popular outdoor area for hiking, rock climbing, alpine lakes, and fall foliage.
13. Escape to Little Cottonwood Canyon
Little Cottonwood Canyon offers beautiful hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
14. Catch a Utah Jazz or Utah Mammoth Game
NBA fans can watch the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center, and hockey fans can catch a game from the new Utah Mammoth—Salt Lake’s NHL team.
15. Visit the Tracy Aviary
Located in Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary is a well-maintained bird sanctuary perfect for families or wildlife enthusiasts.
16. Walk Around Liberty Park
This popular park features walking paths, a pond, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas.
17. Grab a Coffee at a Local Favorite
Salt Lake’s café scene is thriving, with favorites like Publik Coffee, The Rose Establishment, Three Pines Coffee, and Roots Coffee.
18. Explore the Sugar House Neighborhood
Once home to a prison, Sugar House is now a hip district full of indie shops, restaurants, bars, and a large urban park.
19. Eat Your Way Through Downtown SLC
From upscale dining to street tacos, check out Settebello Pizzeria, Red Iguana, and Takashi Sushi.
20. Take a Brewery Tour
Despite unique beer laws, local breweries like Proper Brewing, Fisher Brewing, and Kiitos Brewing offer excellent craft beer experiences.
21. Explore the City on a Bike
Salt Lake is bike-friendly, with trails and lanes connecting major sights. Greenbike SLC offers convenient bike rentals.
22. Visit Pioneer Park on a Saturday
Home to the Downtown Farmers Market in summer, Pioneer Park buzzes with live music, food trucks, and vendors.
23. Day Trip to Park City
Just 45 minutes away, Park City offers outdoor adventure, a vibrant Main Street, the Utah Olympic Park, and ski resorts.
24. Visit Gilgal Gardens
A hidden gem near downtown, Gilgal Gardens features whimsical and symbolic stone sculptures.
25. Relax at a Hot Spring
A short drive brings you to hot springs like Saratoga Hot Springs and Fifth Water Hot Springs.
26. Go Rock Climbing in the Wasatch
The Wasatch Range has crags for all levels. Ferguson Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon are popular options.
27. Visit the Leonardo Museum
The Leonardo is a hands-on, family-friendly museum of science, art, and technology.
28. Head to a Rooftop Bar
For skyline views, try Van Ryder Rooftop Bar, located atop Le Méridien in downtown Salt Lake.
29. Watch the Sun Set Over the Lake
Head west to Great Salt Lake State Park for stunning sunset views across the water.
30. Visit the Clark Planetarium
The Clark Planetarium is ideal for families and space lovers; exhibits and laser shows are highlights.Book Your Stay with Utah’s Best Vacation Rentals
Book Your Stay with Utah’s Best Vacation Rentals
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