places to visit in slc

Salt Lake City Travel Guide

24 Best Things To Do in Salt Lake City

Updated Feb. 2, 2023

Plan on spending a good chunk of your time exploring Temple Square , the official headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This walled neighborhood at the heart of Salt Lake City hosts impressive religious buildings – such as

All Things To Do

Temple Square Temple Square free

Temple Square's multi-block, 35-acre plaza is home to nearly 20 attractions related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's anchored by the towering Salt Lake Temple – where, among other things, weekly meetings of the church's governing bodies are held – and other fascinating buildings like the expansive Tabernacle and the Gothic Revival-style Assembly Hall, which offer insight into the history and development of the church. You should also stop by the Family History Library , the largest genealogy library in the world. Once you've toured the sites, stroll through the square's scenic gardens and past the gurgling fountains.

Recent travelers recommend taking a free, guided tour of the square and also mention that you don't have to be particularly religious to find it of interest. Travelers note that while the area is nice to walk around, the temple is currently undergoing renovation. The building and its surroundings are closed to the public and much of the area is obscured with fences and scaffolding.

Great Salt Lake Great Salt Lake

Clocking in at roughly 35 miles wide and 75 miles long, the Great Salt Lake is the largest natural saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. The lake's name comes from the nature of the water: The evaporation process (the only exit available for the lake's water) leaves behind salty mineral deposits. Salt Lake City's visitors and residents enjoy the area's many hiking trails, ample picnic spots, and swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.

Great Salt Lake Park is one access point that's close to the city: just 20 miles west. Here, travelers will find a marina, a small beach trail and facilities like showers, concessions and restrooms. Another popular access point is Antelope Island, a state park located northwest of the city. While you'll be able to access the same scenery as Great Salt Lake Park, Antelope Island also features plenty of wildlife to spot (including bison and antelope). Plus, you'll find the Fielding Garr Ranch House, an 1800s house on its original foundation. You can only reach the island by driving around the lake's southeast shore, following Interstate 15 to exit 332. The drive is about 60 miles one-way.

Salt Lake Temple Salt Lake Temple free

The temple started an extensive renovation in December 2019 that includes making structural changes, improving its accessibility and adding more visitor facilities. As a result, it is currently closed. The temple is expected to reopen in 2024.

Situated on 10 acres in the square, this impressive six-spire structure is the universal icon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While you are not allowed to enter the church itself, recent visitors said that the beautiful grounds are worth touring.

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FamilySearch Library FamilySearch Library free

Sitting in Temple Square , the FamilySearch Library houses millions of genealogical records profiling more than three billion deceased people, making it the largest library of its kind in the world. The library was founded in the late 19th century to assist members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints piece together their family history. Today, visitors are welcome to peruse the records – all meticulously preserved – and possibly track down a few ancestors of their own. Reviewers said this is a must-visit place for everyone, and especially genealogy buffs, as the staff are friendly and incredibly helpful and the resources are astounding.

The FamilySearch Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 or 8 p.m., depending on the day. Admission is free. The library recommends that you plan ahead, organizing family information that you already have and determining what you want to find. This will make it easier for the reference consultant to help you with your search. For more information, visit the FamilySearch Library website .

Red Butte Garden Red Butte Garden

Filled with meticulously landscaped plots, gurgling fountains and pleasant pathways, Red Butte Garden is a great place for budding botanists as well as visitors looking for quiet respite. Housed on the University of Utah campus in east Salt Lake City, the garden is divided into sections, each devoted to a specific type of plant or ecosystem.

Recent visitors said you should prepare to spend a good chunk of your day here, as there's plenty to see. Also, many recommended coming here during the warmer weather for a concert – just remember to bring your own picnic blanket. Red Butte Garden also hosts a variety of educational lectures and kid-friendly activities.

This is the Place Heritage Park This is the Place Heritage Park

History comes to life at This is the Place Heritage Park. Historical interpreters make the past real at more than 50 historic homes and other buildings. The site's This is the Place Monument marks the ends of the 1,300-mile Mormon trail, the path which Mormons took as they searched for a place to live in peace. There are many interactive experiences, including mining activities, pony rides, train rides, a Native American village and splash pad. There are multiple eateries as well.

Recent visitors particularly enjoyed the horseback riding experience and trail. Many also appreciated the chance to learn about both Utah and Mormon history. Travelers agreed that the large site is clean and well-maintained.

Utah State Capitol Utah State Capitol free

History, politics, and architecture buffs alike will enjoy touring the Utah State Capitol. Richard K. A. Kletting, a Salt Lake City area local, designed the 1916 building. In the mid-2000s, the landmark underwent a massive historic preservation effort that included restoration, repairs and seismic improvements.

Recent visitors admired the building's beauty, and enjoyed learning about state history. Many complimented the high quality exhibits, while those who took a docent-led tour (self-guided tours are also permitted), found the guides informative.

Ensign Peak Nature Park Ensign Peak Nature Park free

Ensign Peak Nature Park connects the Ensign Peak to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It's also historically significant, as this is where Brigham Young's party stopped to survey Salt Lake City valley shortly after their arrival.

The hike is about one mile in each direction. It offers beautiful views of Salt Lake City and the nearby mountains. Visitors may spot local wildlife, as this area is a habitat for many animals and bird species. It is most enjoyable on a pleasant day with clear skies so you can appreciate the panoramic views at the summit.

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Brighton Resort Brighton Resort

Skiers and snowboarders are in their element at Brighton Resort. The mountain escape averages 500 inches of snowfall a year. It boasts 1,875 vertical feet, 66 trails, and four high speed quads. The resort offers snow sports school, night skiing, terrain parks, and even the opportunity to schuss the slopes on a ski bike. There are several dining and lodging options on-site.

Recent visitors applauded the resort for offering excellent experiences to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Many praised the classes, including those for children and novice skiers.

Liberty Park Liberty Park free

If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the city limits, head over to Liberty Park's 80 acres for any number of outdoorsy activities. There's a pond, bike paths, concession stands, rides, picnic areas, playgrounds and tennis and volleyball courts. Liberty Park is also home to an aviary and a swimming pool, both of which recent visitors recommend, as well just simply enjoying the peace and tranquility. They also recommend this park for families, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities.

This park sits pretty in central Salt Lake. It's open every day from about 8 a.m. until 11 p.m., and admission is free (although a small fee is required to use some of the sporting facilities). Liberty also hosts several annual events throughout the year. For more information, check out the park's page on the Salt Lake City website .

Bonneville Salt Flats Bonneville Salt Flats free

The Bonneville Salt Flats may not be the first feature that comes to mind when thinking about Utah's ample natural beauty, but this 30,000-acre feature is worth a visit. From diverse viewing points the massive salt flats may look like desert covered by water, snow, or just like scenic mountains and hills in some places.

When ancient Lake Bonneville dried up, the salt flats were formed ( Great Salt Lake is another remnant of Lake Bonneville). Recent visitors were amazed by this natural wonder. Many noted how distinctive the flats were, and that you can see them from the road if you don’t have time for a longer stop. To conserve this geological feature, do not drive on the salt surface when it is wet – this is bad for the flats and vehicles alike. Be prepared for desert conditions: hot summers days and subzero winter temperatures. There are no facilities at the salt flats.

Park City Park City free

Park City was made for powder hounds. Sitting about 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is home to two major alpine ski spots that sprawl across acres upon acres of mountain terrain. Park City Mountain Resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to traverse groomed trails, powder-filled bowls and terrain parks. And Deer Valley Resort caters exclusively to skiers (snowboarding is prohibited here), offering groomed and gladed runs along with several on-site restaurants. If you're just starting out, all resorts have expert instructors on hand to help you learn the slopes – whether it's through kids ski school, group instruction or private lessons.

Those who aren't avid skiers can still find things to do. Park City's numerous art galleries and museums will keep visitors entertained. Meanwhile, in the spring and summer, the ski resorts transform their runs into hiking and biking trails, and around town tourists can hit the links at Park City Golf Club or peruse the area's farmers markets.

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort

The historic and cultural attractions are interesting, but skiing is one of the primary reasons many travelers visit Utah. And Salt Lake City is in close proximity to some of the state's best slopes, including those found at the Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort. Sprawling across 2,500 acres with an 11,000-foot peak, this ski resort features 140 runs that cater to both novice and advanced skiers. According to recent visitors, the slopes and views are worthwhile, though the facilities are not the most up to date.

Winter isn't the only time to enjoy Snowbird, though. The resort also features numerous warm-weather activities, including hiking, biking, fishing and even zip lining. The scenic aerial tram, which takes travelers up more than 2,400 feet to the top of Hidden Peak, is another highlight. Recent visitors said the views are awesome.

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Natural History Museum of Utah Natural History Museum of Utah

Head to the Natural History Museum to learn about the formation of the region's parks, mountain ranges, lakes, and basins, as well as exhibits on Utah's Native American tribes, anthropology, entomology, zoology, mineralogy, botany and much more. The Great Salt Lake exhibit is a must-see, with interactive exhibits on one of the region's most unique features. Kids will especially enjoy the Our Backyard exhibit, with plenty of hands-on activities to spark their curiosity. Recent visitors say the whole museum is family-friendly, with plenty to see and do.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays). Tickets are $19.95 for adults; $17.95 for young adults ages 13 to 24; and $15.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Reservations are recommended. The museum sits about 2 miles north of the Hogle Zoo and is best reached by car. For more information, check out the museum's official website .

Big Cottonwood Canyon Big Cottonwood Canyon free

About 20 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is home to two ski resorts and is also a popular hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking area. Even if you don't get out of your car, you can take in the views on a scenic 15-mile byway leading through the canyon, which takes about one hour to complete.

Recent visitors said it is a beautiful drive. In the mid-1800s, miners sought gold and silver in the canyon and visitors can see the remains of old mines here and there. What's more, Solitude and Brighton ski resorts both offer full-service, year-round facilities. Several hiking trails can be found at Brighton, leading to Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Dog Lake.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest free

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest boasts 2.2 million acres of Mother Nature. Encompassing multiple wilderness districts across Utah and Wyoming, this national park offers a diverse array of landscapes – ranging from verdant fields to rocky mountainsides – as well as plenty of opportunities to hike, bike and camp.

Recent visitors raved about the beauty of the area and highly recommend bringing a camera and wearing sturdy walking shoes, as there are plenty of trails you'll want to explore (many vary in length and skill level, so check the website before you go to properly plan ahead). If you don't have time for a hike, consider a scenic drive instead. The 38-mile Mount Nebo Scenic Byway is popular for its stunning views of the Utah Valley and the mountains, especially during the fall when the leaves change.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

More than 4,000 animals live at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. The sprawling site includes a 300,000-gallon shark habitat and tunnel that guests can walk through, as well as five different habitats that house animals from around the world. During your visit, you could see a variety of fish, turtles and stingrays as well as land animals like otters, lizards and leopards. There is also an on-site, three-level playground called Tuki's Island, plus an outdoor plaza full of play areas and interactive stations and an events stage.

Recent travelers enjoyed the diverse marine life. They found the exhibits informative, though several recent visitors balked at the admission prices. The aquarium can get crowded – the best bet for those looking for a quieter experience may be an afternoon visit.

Lagoon Amusement Park Lagoon Amusement Park

With roller coasters, a water park and a pioneer village, Lagoon Amusement Park aims to serve up family-friendly entertainment. The park is divided into five main areas, which includes everything from little kid-focused rides to extreme rides (that cost extra). There are also regular events and entertainment, some of which are themed around seasonal holidays, as well as live animals.

Recent visitors enjoyed the park, especially the roller coasters. Others felt it was expensive for the experience provided. Comparisons to other theme parks abounded, and there was criticism of the animals' living conditions.

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Hogle Zoo Hogle Zoo

Home to more than 800 animals, Hogle Zoo allows visitors to get up-close and personal with its residents. The zoo boasts the African Savanna exhibit, which is home to giraffes, zebras, ostrich and African lions. You'll also find a small animal building, Asian Highlands (where tigers and lynx tread) and the Primate Forest. Other on-site attractions include a carousel and splash pad. Visitors can also opt to feed the zoo's giraffes, rhinos and elephants (for additional fees and with advance reservation).

Most visitors agree that, although this isn't the best zoo in the country, a visit here is worth the price of entry. Recent visitors had mixed opinions about the size of the animal enclosures. However, many noted the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

Salt Lake City Public Library Salt Lake City Public Library free

Whether you like to read or admire beautiful architecture, the stunning and contemporary Salt Lake City Public Library could be worth your while. Located in the downtown area and opened in 2003, the library has a huge collection and plenty of cozy corners ideal for hunkering down with a good story.

Recent visitors said the architecture alone is reason enough to visit, while others appreciated the friendly staff. There are also a variety of shops and cafes around Library Square (just outside the library), not to mention a rooftop garden overlooking the surrounding Wasatch Mountains for those who want to read outside.

Clark Planetarium Clark Planetarium free

Clark Planetarium features exhibits on Earth, near Earth and beyond. Here, you can step inside a giant tornado, see a 6-foot Rand McNally Earth Globe, check out one of the largest real moon rocks on public display, and visit the Lunar Lander exhibit to learn more about the forces of gravity, acceleration and inertia. Then, learn about weather in space, play on the "Gravity Floor" and learn about Io, one of Jupiter's moons.

Recent visitors were impressed with all the interactive and high-tech exhibits and highly recommend the planetarium. The Hansen Dome and Northrop Grumman IMAX theaters also offer shows on everything from moon landings to volcanos to cosmic light shows.

Tracy Aviary Tracy Aviary

There are more than 400 birds representing nearly 150 species at Tracy Aviary. Birds include hornbills, cranes, eagles, pelicans and macaws. The oldest aviary in the country, this tranquil wooded location is open year-round. Highlights include free-flight bird shows and interactive experiences such as feeding birds and shadowing zookeepers (for an additional fee).

Recent visitors delighted in the wide variety of birds found at the aviary, including those from across the Western Hemisphere. Many noted the beautiful setting and the cleanliness of the aviary itself. The excursion is also family-friendly, visitors said.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts Utah Museum of Fine Arts

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Things to do in salt lake city faqs, explore more of salt lake city.

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The best of Salt Lake City's great outdoors (and indoors)

Aug 30, 2021 • 7 min read

Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City skyline

Salt Lake City combines the best of city life with world-class outdoor adventures © f11photo / Shutterstock

Whether you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, wandering through a museum, learning about your family history or experiencing Olympic activities, Salt Lake City , Utah, has it all.

With a combination of city life and nearby world-class outdoor adventures, you get the best of both worlds.

Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and has a history steeped in the Mormon faith. Therefore, there are plenty of interesting religious institutions and monuments to visit. It is also surrounded by a variety of landscapes and terrain that make it a top spot for world-class skiing , hiking, mountain biking and, of course, taking a dip in the Great Salt Lake.

We’ve put together a list of our top things to do while visiting this eclectic city.

Mormon Tabernacle and buildings of Salt Lake City with the Wasatch Mountains beyond, Utah USA. Image shot 2012. Exact date unknown.

1. Mormon Tabernacle Choir

One of the most iconic things to see and do in Salt Lake City is to attend a rehearsal of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir . With a 360-member volunteer chorus of men and women, their vocals lift the spirits of those attending their rehearsals. Visitors to the Mormon Tabernacle, located in Temple Square , can also listen to pipe organ concerts, organ recitals and bells rehearsals.

2. Utah Olympic Park

Olympics fans will love experiencing what it’s like to be in the shoes of an Olympian at Utah Olympic Park . Built for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, visitors can try things like bobsledding or freestyle skiing and snowboarding (both in winter and summer). The facility also has adventures like ziplining, airbag jumps, alpine slides, extreme tubing and more.

Check out the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show , get a guided tour of the venue or jump off the 41-foot high dive platform. The 400-acre venue is located 25 miles east of Salt Lake City. For ice skating, check out the Utah Olympic Oval and for Nordic skiing and e-bike rentals, visit the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. To get a glimpse of the Olympic cauldron, go to the south end of the Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah.

The best time to visit Salt Lake City

3. The Great Salt Lake

You can’t visit Salt Lake City without floating in the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. It is located within the Salt Lake City State Park , just 16 miles west of Salt Lake City. The salinity of the water, ranging anywhere between 5 to 27 percent salt, makes it very buoyant. Other activities include sailing, kayaking, and hiking. Bring binoculars because there is a plethora of wildlife to view, such as bison, antelope, deer, bobcats, coyotes, elk and birds.

4. Natural History Museum of Utah

Visitors to the Natural History Museum of Utah can learn about and explore collections related to paleontology, anthropology, vertebrate zoology, entomology, botany, mineralogy and malacology. There are 11 permanent exhibitions that range from life and land to gems and minerals and so much more. The museum also features special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Just the mineralogy collection alone contains 5000 items. Explore an archeological reconstruction of a Median Village in the First People exhibit. The museum will entertain adults and children with hours of content to examine.

Red Butte Garden's lush greens, Salt Lake City, Utah

5. Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden , located at the University of Utah, has 21 acres of award-winning gardens. There is something for everyone. Visitors can wander through the many themed gardens of the area which spans the flora scope from medicinals, herbs and roses to an orangerie. Guests can also enjoy concerts, educational workshops, garden tours and five miles of hiking trails. One of the most impressive times to visit is spring when there are 524,000 bulbs in bloom.

6. Family History Library

To do in-depth research about your heritage, visit the Family History Library . The tools and resources available include the largest collection of genealogy materials in the world, which consists of books, film, photographs and documents. The library has skilled research assistants on hand to help discover your roots. Want to preserve your memories to share with future generations? Take advantage of the free photo and document scanner or convert your VHS and DVD videos to digital formats for easy sharing and storing.

How to get around in Salt Lake City

A monarch butterfly Thanksgiving Point's Butterfly Biosphere

7. Thanksgiving Point

With a working farm, expansive gardens and interactive museums, Thanksgiving Point is full of educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family. Be surrounded by 1000 butterflies in the Butterfly Biosphere , try out some of the 400 interactive experiences at the Museum of Natural Curiosity, get up close and personal with cows, goats, horses, chickens, sheep and pigs at Farm Country, examine life-sized dinosaur skeletons or wander through 50 acres of pristinely manicured gardens – that includes the largest manmade waterfall in the Western Hemisphere.

8. Clark Planetarium

Learn about space at the Clark Planetarium with interactive exhibits focusing on meteors, the moon, space weather, solar flares, planets, magnetic fields and more. Touch a meteorite, experience the force of gravity, watch water freeze instantly or test-drive a rover. Visit the Hansen Dome Theater for a musical laser light show or get a tour of the night sky.

Undulating dripstone formations in Timpanogos Cave, Salt Lake City

9. Timpanogos Cave

About 40 minutes outside of Salt Lake City, in the nearby Wasatch Mountains, is Timpanogos Cave National Monument . Visitors can discover the wonders of geology as they explore the cool underground caves. Learn about how helicities are formed, enter the Chimes Chamber with hundreds of spiral formations, or follow fault lines in the Imagination Room. Take a guided tour to get dirty as you crawl and climb through the caves.

10. Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Meander through the free Gilgal Sculpture Garden with 12 sculptures and 70 large stones engraved with meaningful passages. The creator, Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. worked on building the pieces of art on his property for 18 years until he passed away in 1963. The garden is now a Salt Lake City park and is maintained by the Friends of Gilgal Garden and the Salt Lake City Master Gardener Association. It is a unique and inspiring outing for all to enjoy.

11. Temple Square

Located in the center of downtown Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is surrounded by the five-block area of Temple Square . The Square is the hub of worship, history, commemoration, gatherings and music. Visitors can take a free guided tour to visit the temple, museums, libraries, gardens, monuments and fountains.

12. Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is located at the University of Utah and was created to showcase contemporary art and prompt discussions about the role art plays in our lives. The museum’s collection houses 20,000 pieces of art. The gallery features 10 ongoing exhibitions that showcase art from several regions and cultures around the world, including Japan, China, Europe, America, Africa, South Asia, the Pacific and more. Revel at the nearly 4000-year tradition of Chinese ceramics, the tribal textiles from Africa or the twenty-sixth dynasty Egyptian coffin. Temporary exhibitions rotate throughout the year. The museum also hosts events such as Art and Yoga, art classes, lectures and online programs.

View of Salt Lake City from Grandeur Peak, Utah, USA

13. Grandeur Peak

The Wasatch Mountains offer excellent hiking and opportunities to interact with nature. Get picturesque views of Salt Lake City by hiking the six-mile loop from Church Fork Trail to Grandeur Peak East located only about 20 minutes from downtown. The steep hike, which includes a waterfall and switchbacks, leads to Grandeur Peak at 8299ft – a worthwhile way to spend some time outside of the city.

14. Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden

Located in Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden is a delight for the senses. This eight-acre aviary lets you see, hear and touch a large variety of birds including pelicans, eagles, cranes, flamingos, vultures, owls and more. There are 18 exhibits such as the Amazon Adventure, Destination Argentina, Wetland Experience and Treasures of the Rainforest. Visitors can feed birds, adopt birds or see an entertaining bird show.

From the Salt Lake Airport to the slopes in an hour or less: 10 Utah ski resorts

15. Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicles State Recreation Area

Partake in the thrill of off-roading at the Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicles State Recreation Area . This Utah State Park, located in Salt Lake City, features five motocross tracks and one ATV/UTV track with tabletops and banked turns. Helmets, vehicle registration, safety certificate and driver’s license or OHV education program required.

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is Utah’s high-elevation capital and most populous city, but in recent years its long-quiet downtown has been reborn. Boasting small-town charm with big-city amenities, its vibrant nightlife, incredible dining, and booming art scene make it an ideal urban vacation destination.

No longer burdened by strict alcohol and private club laws, there’s never been a better time to visit. Whether you come to ski the "Greatest Snow on Earth," tour its historic sights, shop ‘til you drop, or have adventure outdoors, we’ll show you what not to miss on your visit to the Beehive State.

Walk Around Temple Square

Built by Mormon pioneer settlers in the late 1800s, Salt Lake City’s Temple Square is the state’s most popular attraction and the center point of its gridded street system. While only church members can venture inside the six-spired temple, free tours of the surrounding scenery are offered daily in 40 languages. You can also wander the tulip-filled gardens in spring and see dazzling light displays during winter holidays.

On Sunday mornings, visit to catch a free, live performance of Music & the Spoken Word, a radio program featuring the lauded Tabernacle Choir accompanied by an 11,623-pipe organ—one of the world’s largest. Temple Square is located in the Free Fare Zone of the city’s UTA TRAX light rail.

Visit a Museum

From dinosaur bones to contemporary art, Salt Lake City’s museum scene has something for everyone. Bring the whole family to the Natural History Museum of Utah to learn about history, geology, and see the giant reptiles that roamed long before humans came along.

Downtown at The Gateway , let kids space out at a Clark Planetarium star show, or learn about the grownup world in the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. Inside innovation-centric Leonardo , find special exhibits on human bodies and the wonders of flight. See modern art at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and classic pieces at the Utah Museum of Fine Art .

Tour the Utah State Capitol

Set overlooking the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains, Utah’s state capitol is the seat of its government and fashioned after the nation’s capitol building. Constructed in a Neoclassical style with locally mined granite and imported Georgian marble, its 165-foot rotunda dome depicts Utah’s pioneer past in overhead murals. The hallways and alcoves feature bronze statues of prominent local figures, such as Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of television. Take a complimentary guided tour every hour on the hour Monday to Friday, or a self-guided one any day of the week.

Paddle the Great Salt Lake

While you can drive along the shore of the Western Hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake, the best place to experience the city’s namesake is at the Great Salt Lake Marina. A remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville, visitors can discover the lake’s history and learn what a brine shrimp is in the educational visitor’s center. Then venture onto the salty sea in a rental kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat from Gonzo Boat Rentals . Or book a sunset dinner cruise on Utah’s Dead Sea. While driving to the lake, stop for pictures at Saltair , a once-mighty beach resort-turned-concert venue.

Learn About Your Past at the Family History Library

Where did your ancestors come from? Find out at the Family History Library Discovery Center. Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), it’s the largest genealogical research library in the world.

But don’t worry, you needn’t be a church member to peruse its vast database where the records of more than 3 billion people are kept. Grow your family tree and search for free, or use the library’s resources to scan and preserve documents from your ancestors. Open Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. 9 p.m. and Sundays from 1–5 p.m.

Shop at City Creek Center

In an era where malls across America are closing, downtown’s City Creek Center is flourishing. Named the “ Best Retail Development in the Americas, ” this luxurious shopping and dining destination features a mix of high-end, local, and chain retailers. Thoughtfully designed, its fully retractable glass roof, namesake creek, and flame-accented fountain show bring Utah’s natural beauty indoors. The holidays bring Macy’s Christmas Candy Window display with spinning creations crafted entirely from sweets. Open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sundays.

Explore the Utah Olympic Park

The 2002 Winter Olympics put Salt Lake City on the map as a winter destination, and today the park where it hosted the bobsled, luge, and skeleton events is a public adventure space. Hear the story of Utah’s Games in the free museum, then venture outside to whizz down the zipline, go bobsledding, conquer the ropes course, cruise on the alpine slide, watch ski jumpers practice, or catch a competition. It's open year-round, and activities vary by season.

Shop the Downtown Farmers Market

On summer Saturdays, join the locals at Pioneer Park to shop for food, crafts, and produce from farmers and makers. Launched in 1992 with just four vendors, this outdoor farmers market is today one of the country’s most successful, with more than 100 vendors and attendees in the thousands.

From coffee-rubbed cheddar by Beehive Cheese to sweet, flaky pastries from Tulie Bakery, there’s a near-endless supply of food to indulge in. On the park’s north end, find local farmers selling crisp apples, giant strawberries, and Utah-grown vegetables. Held at Pioneer Park on Saturdays from June to October; the market moves inside to Rio Grande Depot during winter.

Explore Liberty Park and Tracy Aviary

Opened in 1882, Liberty Park is the city’s oldest public green space, but it's still popular with urban dwellers looking to unwind outdoors. Home to a pedal boating lake, numerous walking trails, a swimming pool, volleyball and tennis courts, playgrounds, carnival rides, a farmers market, festivals, and Tracy Aviary (America’s oldest and largest bird park).

Open 363 days a year, visitors flock to Tracy Aviary to see endangered birds, watch others take flight in shows, and feed some by hand. See Utah birds in the Kennecott Wetlands display as well as exhibits featuring tropical macaws, flamingos, and parrots.

Grab a Drink at a Local Brewery

Despite its reputation for strict alcohol laws, craft beer is booming in Utah’s capital. A new law axed Utah’s 3.2 percent beer and upped the allowable alcohol to 5 percent, meaning "strong beer" is finally on draft and in grocery stores. Sample it at more than 20 breweries, including classic Fisher Brewing Co. , a 19th-century brewery revived in 2017, or Wasatch Brewery , Utah’s first post-Prohibition brewery with only-in-Utah flavors like Polygamy Porter.

Find sour beers at Kiitos and all-Utah brews at Craft By Proper . Pair your suds with a show at Brewvies Cinema Pub , a relaxed theater and eatery showcasing new and classic films.

Get a Taste of Utah Culture

Salt Lake is avid about the arts. From gallery strolls to a robust theater scene, there’s something to see or do nearly every night of the week. Hear a symphony in Abravanel Hall ’s grand, gold-leafed space, or see ballerinas and opera singers take the stage at Capitol Theatre , a turn-of-the-century landmark recently revamped for the modern era.

Watch Broadway performances and national touring acts in the newly constructed Eccles Theatre ’s 2,500-seat, six-story space. Or get the scoop on Utah at the always funny, always irreverent Saturday’s Voyeur, a theatrical take on the state’s culture and politics.

Salt Lake City is nicknamed “ Ski City ” for good reason. Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, downtown is within 30 minutes of four world-class ski resorts. With Salt Lake as your basecamp, you can ski Utah’s legendary powder snow (what locals call “ The Greatest Snow on Earth ”) at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton in a single weekend. Once the shredding’s done, enjoy après ski cocktails and the city life by night.

And don’t worry about driving a rental car up the steep, snowy Cottonwood Canyons. Ski City’s resorts are accessible with UTA’s bus and light rail transportation service and within driving distance of one another.

Amble Through a Garden

Find beautiful ornamental and sculptural gardens spread throughout Salt Lake. From lauded to practically hidden, these pristine places can be visited year-round. While Gilgal Gardens is small, this sculptural oasis is a free and fascinating visit. Inside, see 12 unusual statues (think a Sphinx with a human head) depicting Latter Day Saint themes along with 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poetry, and quotations. Open seven days a week.

Find 21 acres of traditional flowering gardens at Red Butte Garden , the Intermountain West’s largest botanical garden, nestled in Salt Lake’s foothills. What you see varies by season, but the space is most alive in spring when tulips bloom, bees buzz, and rare flowers come to life. The garden is open year-round, but closed December 24 to January 1.

Hike Up Ensign Peak

Salt Lake City’s best perk is its nearby natural scenery and recreational pursuits. Experience it on a short, steep hike up Ensign Peak. Tucked in the foothills behind the Utah State Capitol, this one-mile roundtrip trek features unparalleled skyline, mountain, and Great Salt Lake vistas. First climbed by territorial leader Brigham Young to survey the valley, plaques near the base detail pioneer history while an 18-foot monument built with Mormon Trail markers designates the summit. Sunset is the most beautiful (and most crowded) time to visit, thanks to the colorful views paired with twinkling city lights.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Grand America

Courtesy of The Grand America Hotel

Don a fancy hat or a sensational suit for afternoon tea at the Grand America, Salt Lake City’s largest and only five-diamond hotel. The opulent Lobby Lounge hosts this daily teatime with all the British trimmings: homemade scones and clotted cream, trays of sweets, finger sandwiches, and a selection of traditional English tea and cocoa. Reservations are required to partake in the tradition, which welcomes adults and children.

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Salt Lake City, UT

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law enjoys visiting the sights of Salt Lake City and frequently uses the city as a base for trips to the surrounding ski resorts.

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah , is a young and dynamic city, home to natural, historic, and religious attractions, along with nearby skiing and mountain-based adventures.

While Salt Lake City has long been known primarily for being the religious center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and many of the city's top attractions do focus on this aspect, hosting the Olympic Winter Games added a new dynamic and put the city on the map for international travelers. Today, you can find great dining, shopping, and a variety of things to do here in summer or winter.

Salt Lake City skyline with the Wasatch Range in the background

Some of the top places to visit in Salt Lake City can be found in the downtown area, including Temple Square and the Temple . In the city center, many of the attractions are in close proximity to one another, making sightseeing easy. Many travelers also use the city as a base and day trip to the nearby ski resorts , or simply to enjoy an outing to the nearby mountains and towns, like Park City and Deer Valley, less than an hour away.

Discover the best things to see and do with our list of top tourist attractions in Salt Lake City

See also: Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

1. Visit Temple Square

2. salt lake temple, 3. natural history museum of utah, 4. ski at nearby ski resorts, 5. red butte garden, 6. tour the state capitol, 7. the salt lake tabernacle, 8. this is the place heritage park, 9. joseph smith memorial building, 10. liberty park, 11. see the birds at tracy aviary, 12. learn about brigham young at the beehive house, 13. hogle zoo, 14. shop at city creek center, where to stay in salt lake city for sightseeing, where to stay in salt lake city for skiing.

Although Temple Square is one of the top highlights of Salt Lake City, it's in the midst of a massive six-year restoration project, and many areas will be closed until at least 2024. Buildings are being upgraded, and in some cases completely replaced, and a new tunnel is being installed to improve access and pedestrian flow.

It is expected that the North Visitor's Center, Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, and the Joseph Hall Memorial Building will remain open. The Temple building will be closed. Before your visit, check to see the latest updates on the temple website.

Temple Square is the holy place of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Spread out over 35 acres, you'll find beautiful flowering trees; colorful flowerbeds; fountains; and four key church buildings: The Temple , the Tabernacle , the Temple Annex , and the Assembly Hall . In addition to these spectacular buildings, you'll come across several historical monuments highlighting important people and events in the faith.

For a more in-depth understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit one of the two information centers at the entrances to the square. They supply information, and the staff is more than happy to answer questions about the doctrines and the history of the faith and the area. Tours of the complex are free and are provided by female volunteer missionaries, known as sisters.

This is a peaceful place to simply wander around, particularly in spring and summer when the flowers and trees are in bloom. Several well-regarded restaurants in this area make good lunch stops.

One of the most iconic Salt Lake City landmarks is the Salt Lake Temple . Designed and built in the unique church style, this stunning building was constructed between 1853 and 1893. At each end of this huge granite structure are three towers, the highest of which, at the east end, bears a 13-foot-high gilded figure of the angel Moroni.

The temple may be entered only by church members, but very detailed models of the spectacular interior are on display at the North visitors' centers that are open to all.

Address: 50 West North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah is a wonderful family activity or something to do on a cold or rainy day in Salt Lake City. Housed in a spectacular copper-clad concrete building with soaring spaces, the museum has more than 40,000 square feet of displays and educational facilities with 1.6 million objects in its collection.

Approximately 5,000 items are on display at any given time, and some of the highlights include the digital globe, dinosaur fossils, and a three-story indoor canyon. There are seven permanent collections including Paleontology, Anthropology, Entomology, Vertebrate Zoology, Mineralogy, Botany, and Malacology (the study of mollusks).

The views from the observation deck out across the city and valley are spectacular.

Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah

If you love to ski, Salt Lake City is a destination that should be on your list of places to visit. Within easy reach of the city are the ski resorts of Park City , Deer Valley , Snowbird , Alta , Brighton, Solitude , Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Sundance.

Just up Interstate 80, you'll find the resorts of Park City and Deer Valley. If you prefer smaller resorts, Alta and Snowbird are up the Little Cottonwood Valley via Highway 210. Both drives are twisty and scenic, as they take you into the heart of the jagged Wasatch Range . Solitude and Brighton are north over the ridge over in Big Cottonwood Valley, only a few miles away as the crow flies, but over an hour by road.

If you head north of Salt Lake City for about an hour, you'll find two lesser-known but still amazing resorts: Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. Snowbasin is an ideal destination if you love skiing but hate crowds. It's rarely too busy, and the lift infrastructure is excellent, as it was one of the host mountains of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Powder Mountain has the largest skiable terrain of all the resorts in the United States and limits the number of skiers on the mountain to 1,000. For those who prefer a smaller and historic ski resort, head an hour south of Salt Lake City to Sundance, started in 1969 and made famous by actor Robert Redford.

For skiers and boarders watching their pennies, Salt Lake City is a great base, with a good assortment of cheap and mid-range hotels and a wide variety of restaurants. This makes SLC a good alternative to staying at the resorts, where you'll pay tourist prices versus local prices in town.

One often overlooked advantage of staying in Salt Lake City is the lower elevation, which will limit the effects of the altitude.

The 18 best things to do in Salt Lake City

The best things to do in Salt Lake City kick off at Utah Olympic Park and include axe throwing, skydiving and more

With over 220 days of sunshine every year, Salt Lake City is a sought-after spot for a week away. That and all the fantastic ski resorts on offer, of course. So it’s no surprise that over the years, this city has become home to some seriously swanky high-end hotels, resorts and more.

Now, Salt Lake City is full to the brim of fantastic restaurants, hidden speakeasies and salt flats and double-feature drive-ins, and there’s things to do for a romantic getaway or for a kid-friendly family holiday. At the top of our list is, duh, the Utah Olympic Park, but if you’re more of an indoorsy person, then use this list to gallery hop to your heart’s content. Here are the best things to do in Utah right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🌯 The best restaurants in Salt Lake City 🏨 The best hotels in Salt Lake City 🏞️ Where to stay in Zion National Park 📍 The ultimate guide to Utah

This guide was written by Melissa McGibbon , a writer based in Salt Lake City. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .

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Best things to do in Salt Lake City

1. Utah Olympic Park

Built for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the Utah Olympic Park operates year-round and offers a multitude of summer and winter activities, such as bobsledding, ski jumping, and ziplining. You can even have a go at aerial ski training in the splash pool if you dare!

2. Redwood Drive-In Movie Theatre

Drive-in movie theaters were all the rage in the 1950s, but have been steadily dwindling during the age of Netflix. Fortunately, the Redwood Drive-In Theatre in West Valley City has been showing double features since 1948 and still enjoys a strong fan base. At just $10 per person, two movies for the price of less than one at a regular movie theater is a smokin’ deal. Get there early to pick the best parking space and grab your popcorn. It doesn’t get better than watching a movie under the stars on a warm summer night.

3. Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West, with more than 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of walking and hiking trails. The community-funded space is known for its numerous plant collections and display gardens as well as its education programs and special events. The Garden offers many educational programs including horticulture classes, bird watching, summer camps, art exhibits plus outdoor concerts in the summer.

4. Family History Library

The family history library is a research facility (open to the public, free of charge) that has the largest on-site collection of genealogical data in the world. It has been in operation since 1894 and is run by FamilySearch , the LDS (Mormon) Church—no need to be a member of the church to use their genealogical resources, though, as the Family History Library is open to everyone. Using microfilms, microfiche, books, serials, periodicals and electronic resources such as genealogical websites, the library helps patrons discover their families histories.

5. Great Salt Lake Marina

The Great Salt Lake is a remnant of the massive ancient Lake Bonneville and is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It’s just slightly less salty than the Dead Sea! Kayaking, paddle boarding, pedal boating and sailing are great ways to experience the spectacular sunsets on the lake. You can rent pedal boats and book dinner cruises with Gonzo Boat Rentals at the Antelope Island State Park . On your way to or from the marina, stop for photos at Saltair; the historic building from 1893 hit its peak favor in the 1920s as a beach resort but now operates as a concert venue.

6. Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats offers one of the most unique landscapes in the world; it’s no wonder so many movies and car commercials are filmed there. The Salt Flats consist of hard, white salt crust as far as the eye can see—almost one hundred cubic yards of it. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it was designated as an area of Critical Environmental Concern in the mid-‘80s for its unique geology. It’s one of only a handful of salt pans in the world.

7. Timpanogos Cave Tour

Timpanogos Cave is a National Monument located in American Fork Canyon that has colorful caverns and all of the helictites, stalactites, stalagmites and anthodites you can handle. The Hansen, Middle and Timpanogos caverns make up the cave system that is accessed by a strenuous 1.5-mile paved trail with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. On your ranger-guided tour, you’ll learn the science behind the formations as you make your way through the natural passageways of these delicate underground formations. Digital cave tours are also available.

8. Bicycle tours

Pedal your way around town while learning about the history of SLC by bike with an expert local guide who will give you all of the ins and outs during your ride. Six different loop tours are available for $44 to $109 per person and range from mild to medium in ability level, lasting one to three and a half hours. Don't miss the new Salt Lake Bike & Brew Tour which includes beer sampling and sightseeing (available as an electric bicycle tour for those who prefer not to pedal). Cruiser bikes, helmets and light refreshments are included on all of the tours. You can also do a self-guided tour for $7 using Green Bike, Salt Lake’s non-profit bike share program.

9. Gallery Stroll

On the third Friday of every month, Salt Lake City’s local galleries open their doors late for the public to browse their art collections, listen to music and enjoy snacks and drinks for a few hours. Founded by the Salt Lake Gallery Association in 1983, the Gallery Stroll began as a small consortium of art galleries but has become a social gathering for Salt Lake City’s “in” crowd and tourists alike. Nearly 40 galleries participate in the monthly event, which is a self-guided tour (no tickets required). Gallery Guide Maps are available at participating galleries.

10. Grandeur Peak

For one of the best views of the Salt Lake Valley hike to the summit of Grandeur Peak . Start at the Church Fork Trailhead in Millcreek Canyon and hike just over three miles to the summit for a view of, well, grandeur. The 6.5-mile round trip trail starts steep and follows a small stream north into the forest and then climbs to a saddle via switchbacks, from the saddle it’s just a half-mile to the 8,299 feet summit. The trail is easily marked and has an elevation gain of 2,650 feet. It features wildflowers and stunning views along the way.

11. Social Axe Throwing

Axe Throwing is an old Celtic game, but you don’t have to be Braveheart to try your hand at it. Visit Social Axe Throwing and you can throw real axes at bullseye targets. Even if you’re not great at it you’ll find it amusing—but your session will include an instructor to show you how it’s done so you’ll be sticking your throws in no time. Go solo or with a group for a couple of hours of a hootin’ ‘n’ hollerin’ good time. If you discover that you can’t get enough, you can join a league. Yes, there are axe throwing leagues! Flannel is not required but is encouraged.

12. iFLY Utah

If you love skydiving, visiting iFLY Utah is a great way to get your fix in between plane jumps. If you’ve never been skydiving, a session at iFLY will give you a sense of what it’s like to really fall through the sky. No experience is necessary to fly, and even kiddos 3 years and older can try it out. iFly hosts The 12-foot wind tunnel boasts speeds of up to 150 miles per hour, and once you take your first two-minute flight you won’t want it to end. Professional instructors teach you the basics and will join you in the tunnel to help you perfect your skills.

13. Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort is a family-friendly destination nestled in the foothills of Mount Timpanogos with gorgeous scenery in every direction. The resort, owned by none other than Robert Redford, is known as a great year-round destination, offering great skiing as well as other fun winter activities, and an impressive array of summer activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, owling, horseback riding, art classes and more.

14. Grand America Hotel

You don’t have to be British to enjoy a good afternoon tea session at the Grand America Hotel . Guests delight in tasty teas and cocoas, finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. Go ahead and wear your derby hats, fancy white gloves, and that pretty strand of pearls you save for special occasions. When else might you get the chance to wear them? Tea time isn’t just for the ladies, gentlemen are welcome too, especially those who wear top hats, pocket watches, and monocles. Reservations must be made 24-hours in advance.

15. TNT Experience

The TNT Experience has the largest indoor shooting range in the Mountain West and offers a wide variety of range options. Gun rentals are available starting at $15 for a handgun or rifle. TNT accommodates beginners and experts and should you find yourself hooked, you can purchase a membership.

16. DF Dance Studio

Who doesn’t love dancing? DF Dance Studio has professional dance instructors in Salsa, Ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Country, Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Ballet and Jazz. The studio offers over 50 group dance classes per week for adults and kids, in addition to West Coast, Salsa, Ballroom and Blues weekend dance socials. Complete beginners are welcome and you don't need a partner for any of the dancing lessons or socials.

17. Top Golf

In their signature game, Top Golf players score points by hitting balls that are assigned using a microchip technology into any target. The more accurate your shot and distance, the more points you earn. There are also eight other games to choose from. Top Golf has more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, a full-service restaurant and bar, a rooftop terrace with a fire pit and over 200 HDTVs. Each reservation is good for groups of six players per bay.

18. Bodega and The Rest

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bodega (@bodegaslc)

Experience a speakeasy at Bodega and The Rest . It’s not really a secret, but it’s still fun to experience a speakeasy-style underground bar and restaurant. Bodega looks like a pretty inconspicuous place with a small market and bar, but if you have a reservation, you’ll gain access to The Rest. Cocktails are abundant, food is greasy-diner-style, and space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome, but seating is not guaranteed. While you're at The Rest, you're required to keep your phone tucked away to preserve the secrecy of the experience.

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64 Things to Do in Salt Lake City (An Epic Guide!)

You can set aside a full month and still not get through all of the fun things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Trust me. We did exactly that.

We spent a long weekend in Salt Lake City to start but always knew we’d return. We were lucky enough to make a full month happen as part of our nomadic adventures and were still left wanting more. Apart from everything to see in the capital city, it’s an excellent base for day trips.

I’ll get into all of that and more in this guide to all of my favorite Salt Lake City attractions.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Is Salt Lake City worth a visit?

Salt Lake City is worth a visit no matter when you can make it happen. It’s a great base for ski trips in the winter and alpine lake hikes in the summer. That said, you don’t even need to leave the city limits to enjoy all of the cultural offerings and delicious restaurants in Salt Lake City proper.

Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City on top of weekend trips to the Utah city before that lengthy stay. That means we saw a lot of what the city has to offer. Interested in a map of all of my favorite SLC activities? Follow the link below:

GIMME MY SALT LAKE CITY ATTRACTIONS MAP!

1. pop by the salt lake city council hall..

Council Hall, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Council Hall is home to the Utah Office of Tourism, so it’s a great place to start Salt Lake City adventures. Admire the architecture and the history of the site while you’re there. The National Historic Landmark was completed back in 1866 as the Old Salt Lake City Hall.

2. See the Utah State Capitol building up close.

A view of the Utah State Capitol, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Head over to Salt Lake City’s version of Capitol Hill to see the Utah State Capitol’s impressive dome. Choose between a self-guided or docent-led tour if you’d like to see the interior.

The complex grounds are a great place to linger , too. On my last visit, I saw some youths playing frisbee with that big ol’ dome as their backdrop. Don’t miss The Mormon Battalion Monument out front while you’re here.

The looming sculpture recognizes the sacrifices made by Mormon pioneers who served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War.

3. See views of the Utah State Capitol.

A woman and her pup looking at views of the Utah State Capitol, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

The former site of the Anderson Tower Monument offers some of the best views of the city, including a look at the Utah State Capitol from above. This spot also comes with a wacky history.

The Anderson Tower was meant to be a tourist attraction modeled after the medieval towers of Scotland. Entrepreneur Robert R. Anderson thought he could charge for views of the city from the tower he ended up building in 1884, but he failed to think about the tower’s location.

No, it wasn’t leaning . The hilltop views here are awesome with or without a medieval tower on the site. Nobody cared. The tower fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 1932. You can see a plaque where it used to stand today.

4. Wander Memory Grove Park.

A lovely view of Memory Grove Park, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

If you’re here for those steps, you can continue walking from the Anderson Tower Monument until you hit a path that takes you down to the creek below. There’s a great off-leash area at the bottom where you can let your well-behaved pooches explore along the water.

If you go left at the fork at the bottom, you’ll hit several war memorials and monuments with a manmade lake on the other side. The Pagoda is the most scenic, but there were two dudes shooting some kind of shoe ad during our visit and getting in the way of my own photography.

This is definitely one of the most scenic spots in the city, so even if you’re photo plans are stymied, hang back for a bit and enjoy the views from here. You’ll likely need to climb all the way back up from where you came from once you’re done.

5. Tour the McCune Mansion.

The impressive McCune Mansion, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

The McCune Mansion looks more like a castle than a historic home, but the original owners, Alfred and Elizabeth McCune, didn’t always think so. They wanted a “simple” bungalow when they started work on the home on Capitol Hill.

Rich people are so extra.

Limited guided tours of the mansion are available on select days throughout the month. As they can vary depending on what’s going on with Preservation Utah, visit their website to see whether your trip overlaps with available tour times.

6. Learn about Mormon pioneers at the Pioneer Memorial Museum.

The outside of the Pioneer Memorial Museum, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

The Pioneer Memorial Museum , also known as the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, is a quirky collection of early pioneer history. Take a wander to see the largest collection of artifacts from the early settlers of the Salt Lake Valley, all free of charge.

There’s a lot going on here, but there’s not really an organizational thread as you move your way through. Volunteers offer scavenger hunts for kids (or adults!) who want to keep their eyes peeled for some of the more intriguing objects inside. Try not to miss the Victorian hair art.

7. Take a self-guided tour of the Marmalade District.

A home in the Marmalade District, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This historic district is named after the fruit trees that were planted here in the earlier part of the 20th century. While the orchards are gone, you’ll notice that many of the streets that run through the neighborhood retained their fruity names.

This is an easy area of the city to explore if you’re already checking out Capitol Hill. My favorite home sits at 355 Quince Street. The stories I’m sure this Gothic beauty could tell!

8. Climb Ensign Peak.

A view from the top of Ensign Peak, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

A short but steep trail of about a mile each way offers up one of the best payoffs in the city. It’s dog-friendly as long as the weather is good, but windy at the top no matter when you go. To add to your hike, there are several spur trails that connect and surround Ensign Peak.

There’s some signage along the way that describes why this place is important to the local Mormon population. This is the hill Brigham Young and several of his followers climbed a few days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. It basically sold them on the idea of settling here.

Once you see the views, you’ll get it, too.

9. Explore the canyons of the City Creek Natural Area.

A man and his dog explore the City Creek Natural Area, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Ambitious travelers can connect to the City Creek Natural Area from Memory Grove Park, but that’s a lot if you’ve already been on your feet for a bit.

We visited on a separate trip out this way to wander the canyon-hugging trails and rocky paths. The main trail is the City Creek Canyon Trail, but if you don’t have time for 6.5 miles roundtrip, choose your own adventure and go as far as you’d like before turning back.

This is one of the city’s more popular hiking areas, so start early or prepare to share the trails with other enthusiastic hikers . Leashed pets are welcome.

10. Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

A man walks down the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is over 100 miles of trails that follow what was once an ancient lake. The segments in Salt Lake City climb to mountain vistas and views of the city below. This is a mixed-use trail, so watch for signage as you trek. Some of the trails are for cyclists only.

The only bummer about this one was all of the unleashed dogs. There was one dog roaming around the thicket without a discernible owner, likely doing his business in said thicket.

We were on a hike with Kimmy, and several of the dogs approached her off-leash. Don’t do this, people, especially when a trail is marked as leashed dogs only. You’ll ruin it for all of the other dog owners following the rules.

11. Find nature’s recliners on the Living Room Lookout Trail.

A woman and her dog at the Living Room Lookout, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This short but steep hike rewards hikers with panoramic views of Salt Lake City from stone slabs set up like living room furniture. (I just assume they were set up this way because there’s one that looks like a literal couch.)

It’s just 2.3 miles roundtrip, but you’ll feel the burn on this one as you tackle nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain over that short distance. This is a very popular trail, so expect to share the trail on sunny days.

Dogs are welcome, but they should be on a leash. That said, 9/10 dogs we ran into were off-leash. While they were friendly, they did approach our own leashed pup every time. If you’re with a dog that doesn’t like that sort of thing, you’ve been warned! People do what they want.

Love Utah hikes and want more of ‘em? Here are a few more popular trails in the area:

Donut Falls: We didn’t make it out to this one because the trail was covered in several feet of snow during our stay. Once the summer hits, this 3.3-mile hike is packed with people. Start early to get a good view of the unique waterfall.
Grandeur Peak: See the splendor from the top of Grandeur Peak, a difficult six-mile hike that was just too snow-packed during most of our stay. You’ll get impressive views of the Salt Lake Valley from the top.
Limekiln Gulch: Hike to a pioneer-era limekiln, a structure used to prep limestone for use, on this one-mile trail. There’s been quite a bit of vandalism to the limekiln over the years, so be kind to this historic structure if you trek that way.

12. Visit Temple Square during the day.

A couple poses on Temple Square, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Temple Square is a must on Salt Lake City visits if only to appreciate the lasting influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on this city. Visits are free and tours are self-guided unless you’d like a docent.

If you’d like a guided tour, you’ll be led around by a missionary from the church. From our interactions with volunteers inside the temple, I did get some vibes that they wanted to give me just a little more info than I was receptive to, so we opted for a self-guided visit.

This is also where you’ll find the Family History Library, a genealogical research facility run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s free and open to the public if you’d like to trace some roots.

This is the largest genealogical library in the world with literally millions of records on hand.

If you’d like to listen in on the Tabernacle Choir rehearsals , you can do so here on Temple Square, at least in the off-season. They’re moved to the Conference Center just north of Temple Square during the summer and winter holidays to accommodate more visitors.)

We didn’t make this happen on any of our trips, but they’re open to the public if you’d like to check out their pipes.

13. Visit Temple Square at night.

Temple Square at night, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Temple Square at night is worth a quick stop. I’ve read that it’s particularly done up at Christmastime, but you’ll get to see it all lit up no matter when you’re here.

We’ve never felt unsafe in and around Salt Lake City’s downtown, by the way.

Yes, there appears to be more homelessness in parts of the city since our initial visit, but that’s the norm in bigger cities all over the United States . Just be mindful of your valuables and don’t look perpetually lost and you should be fine.

14. Take a wander in downtown Salt Lake City.

You’ve already seen some of the best Salt Lake City attractions down here if you’ve spent some time in Temple Square. Downtown Salt Lake City is also home to Vivint Arena and the Utah Jazz and the City Creek Center.

Yes, it’s a mall. It’s also a mall with one of the strangest layouts I’ve ever seen. It’s outside. Then it’s inside. Then you cross the tracks. Then you’re inside again. I was just trying to get to an Apple store, folks.

Note: City Creek Center is closed on Sundays, so you’ll need to find a different diversion that day!

15. Admire the architecture at the Salt Lake City Public Library.

The inside of the Salt Lake City Public Library, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

You can find your next beach (or mountain) read while you’re here, but the real draw of the Salt Lake City Public Library is the impressive architecture. The five-story library has a curved glass wall along its exterior.

Admire it all on a quick stop or linger at the on-site Hemingway Cafe. They have a menu of light lunch options and snacks if you’d like a nosh.

16. Go on a self-guided mural walk.

Salt Lake City has a great public art scene. A fan favorite is the Legends of Rock near the Clark Planetarium. It’s too big to capture without a panoramic view, but all of the expected rockers are there, including Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin.

A mural depicting rock legends, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Calling Our Ancestors by Pioneer Park is another popular one. It depicts a trio of sad-looking kids meant to represent our ancestors.

I loved the fun one on the other side of the same building, as it was painted to incorporate the surrounding fire escape.

A mural depicting pioneer children, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

About a quarter mile north of these two above is the SLC Pepper mural. It was apparently painted by the same guy who did the original album cover.

17. See the Beehive House.

The outside of the Beehive House, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This is where Brigham Young lived with one of his 55 wives. No, we did not go in.

It also served as the home of two other presidents of the church, Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith.

Fun fact: Joseph F. Smith was the nephew of the Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS movement.

I’m not against visits inside if you’re curious. Guided tours are free and last about 30 minutes when the home isn’t under renovation. The Lion House next door is also a site of importance to the Mormon church.

This was the family home of Brigham Young, dating back to 1856. You’ll know how it got its name once you see the big cat outside.

Don’t miss the Eagle Gate monument that signals the entrance to the properties and nearby Temple Square. It’s an iconic pioneer monument in these parts.

18. Stroll South Temple Historic District.

This historic district that runs up and down South Temple Street was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. There are over 100 properties included within the district’s boundaries, but a few buildings are standouts as you go for a self-guided tour:

Utah Governor’s Mansion/Kearns Mansion: Utah governors have lived in this palace of a mansion for two stretches of time: 1937 to 1957 and 1978 until the present day. Tours are offered throughout the year through Preservation Utah .

The outside of the governor's mansion, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Masonic Temple: This imposing building has been on this spot since 1927. Unfortunately, they no longer offer tours of the inside, but you can host your next wedding here if you’d like.
Walker-McCarthey Mansion: This impressive property was converted into office space for a while, then converted back into a historic mansion after years of painstaking renovation work. The grand entryway remains.
Ladies Literary Club Clubhouse: This 1913 property has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. There was a burrito truck outside this one when we took our walk, which certainly feels important to mention.
Cathedral of the Madeleine: This spectacular church on the National Register of Historic Places serves as the hub for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. It isn’t as large as the Salt Lake Temple, but it’s still grand. It’s been here since 1909.

19. Catch a cosmic light show at the Clark Planetarium.

Exhibits inside the Clark Planetarium are free and one of the more family-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for things to do in Salt Lake City for couples, check out the events calendar for the Hansen Dome Theatre, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

A couple watches a cosmic light show, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

We caught a laser light show set to the musical styling of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon . Yes, there were many jokes made by the host about tripping out. We were slightly toasty thanks to a trip to Epic Brewing’s tapless taproom before our date but still had a great time.

I wouldn’t recommend the laser light shows for kids or obviously anyone with an aversion to flashing lights. Avoid if you have vertigo, too.

20. Pay your respects to Lilly E. Gray: Victim of the Beast.

If you’re interested in dark tourism, you may want to visit Salt Lake City Cemetery/Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. (You’ll see on your maps that the two are connected.) There are a few big names here related to the LDS church, but the more intriguing draw is Lilly E. Gray.

The reason behind that is what you’ll read on her gravestone. Underneath her name, you’ll find “Victim of the Beast 666.” Yes, it’s creepy at first, but it’s quite sad when you learn what the real story is.

Lilly died of natural causes, but she had to live with her eccentric husband Elmer for much of her life. That husband was apparently a bit of a conspiracy theorist who claimed that his wife was a victim of the U.S. government. It’s all very strange.

To find the grave, follow your map app to the marked location. This applies if you’re following the map I created for you, too. Once you’re at the right set of plots, here’s a more precise location: Lilly’s grave is 10 plots in from 355 N and about 14 rows in from 1200 E.

It’s a bit raised from the ground, not flat with the earth as you may read elsewhere. I’m only giving you more detail here as it took me two attempts to find this one.

21. Bring your pooch to Lindsey Gardens Park.

A dog gets ready to play at a dog park, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This was Kimmy’s favorite place in Salt Lake City, so I had to give it a shout-out. The lines are a little blurry here as far as the off-leash area vs. the public park for human activity, but we didn’t see anyone paying attention to all of that.

If you want to get technical, the off-leash section is where the steps are to ascend the hill. You’ll have fantastic city and mountain views from the top, so it’s worth a visit even if you’re not traveling with your pup.

22. Enjoy the fauna in the Red Butte Garden.

This is a lovely space to walk around, especially if the day is not too hot. If you climb all the way to the top of Prospect Point Terrace, you get a great view of the city below.

It’s all more impressive when things are blooming, but worth a trip nonetheless. Don’t miss the waterfall and the platform walks past the Rose Garden.

A sculpture up against a pond at the Red Butte Garden, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

There are all kinds of trails that start here into the Red Butte Canyon Research Natural Area if you’d like to do some hiking. Grab a map or scan the QR code at the ticket desk to see whether there are any trail connections closed for construction.

Note: You may also find yourself on these paths by accident. If your walk is unpaved, then you’re probably in the natural area.

23. Visit somber Donner Hill.

The drive into Emigration Canyon today is a scenic one, but if you were the Donner-Reed Party in 1846, it’d be much more perilous. Visit the marker that shows the ill-fated voyage of these pioneers that served as inspiration for Yellowjackets .

You’ll also learn that Brigham Young’s pioneer party followed the same path a year later with more success. This is a quick stop as it’s just a marker, but the deep dive you’ll take into what happened here later will take up the better part of your evening.

24. Meet the Sphinx at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

A sphinx in the shape of Joseph Smith, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Looking for weird things to do in Salt Lake City?

It’s a sphinx with Joseph Smith’s face on it. What’s not to love? This free public sculpture garden tucked away from the rest of the city is a quick visit, but it’s a quirky one. Pop in to admire years of work from self-taught stonemason Thomas Child.

Child wanted to provoke questions and curiosity with his passion project, and I’ll go ahead and say he’s achieved that.

25. Stroll around Liberty Park.

This park is gorgeous. We had it tagged for a visit thanks to the Tracy Aviary at the southern end. I’ll get into that in a minute, as the park itself deserves your attention.

If you’re traveling with your pup, this is a great place to take them for a leashed stroll. It’s also home to the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts. This is the only museum in the United States dedicated to displaying state-owned contemporary folk art.

26. Meet the resident birds at the Tracy Aviary.

A man poses with a little bird at the Tracy Aviary, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Brian doesn’t love all the birds, but I must say he really liked this one. It’s not every day you get to see so many owls in one place. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one out in the wild as that one who hooted around my window in my 20s never showed himself.

Don’t miss out on the indoor exhibits, especially if you’re visiting on a cooler day. Many of the birds don’t like chilly weather, so they escape indoors to hop around in there.

27. Bring the kids to the This Is the Place Heritage Park.

A baby goat at This Is the Place, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

I’m going to break up all of the different things to do in the larger park, but if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want tickets to the paid section of the park. It’s a historic village with costumed docents and demos from life during pioneer times.

During my visit, there was a blacksmith demonstration and a petting zoo full of baby animals, including baby goats. They also had kids doing some hard labor and pulling push carts.

It’s all a little bit cheesy for adults, but very kid-friendly. Know that if you’re here on a weekday, expect a field trip or two.

If you want to walk the park, you’ll get plenty of steps in. There’s also a train that rides around to various attractions within the park and plays some narration.

I’m a sucker for dramatic sculptures, so the best part for me was the series of sculptures depicting what the pioneers went through in settling this land. Catch this section starting at the Pioneer Children Memorial.

There is a Native American village on the outskirts of the park, but it felt quite generic. The focus of the park is definitely on the Mormon pioneers. I’ll just leave that there.

28. See the views from the This is the Place Monument.

The monument at This Is the Place, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This historic monument is at the front entrance of the aptly named This is the Place Heritage Park that I described to you above. I’m separating this one out because you don’t need to visit the historic village if you only want to see the monument.

The monument marks the spot where Mormon pioneers decided that naturally, this was the place. The phrase itself comes from Brigham Young. When he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, he was apparently feeling it so hard that he declared, “This is the place.”

There’s a second, new monument nearby before you get to the historic village that tells the story of three Black pioneers. One of those includes Green Flake, a man who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a slave on the promise of freedom from Brigham Young.

It’s unknown whether it was nationwide emancipation or the church that earned him free man status, but he’s honored here for his contributions as one of the first Mormon pioneers.

It’s important to note here that Mormons have a very complicated relationship with race. Shortly after newly converted Mormons of color began arriving in Utah, the state began excluding Black men from the priesthood and restricting their access to temple services.

This would go on until 1978.

You won’t read about that here, so it all feels quite whitewashed.

29. Walk the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

A monument dedicated to the Pony Express, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This monument and easy trail is also part of the This is the Place Heritage Park, but you don’t need to pay admission to see this, either.

The Pony Express monument is below the large Mormon Battalion Monument you’ll likely see first. Walk down the gravel trail to see a replica of a Pony Express station that was made for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

You’ll likely see horses across the street for a trail rides company. It all felt very on the nose.

30. Feel old on the University of Utah campus.

You can wander through the well-manicured grounds on your way to the next spot below, but the University of Utah has a lovely campus even if you’re not using it as a thoroughfare. This is a dry campus, so don’t expect things to get too wild.

Those coeds have access to a great food scene, too. If you’re feeling romantic, Osteria Amore is just north of the stadium I’ll get into next.

31. Go down memory lane at the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron Plaza.

A woman poses with her dog at an Olympic park, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Technically, you’re still on the University of Utah campus here. The plaza is just outside of Rice–Eccles Stadium, the college football stadium.

The cauldron that held the Olympic torch of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games is the main event here, but you should check out the informational plaques that surround the spot before you go. Don’t miss the cute photo op where you get to decide how you’d medal in your chosen event.

32. Check out the art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Murals at a fine art museum, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

This is your last stop on the University of Utah campus. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UFMA) has a little of everything, from rotating exhibits depicting hot dog bridges and the American West to permanent collections of Chinese ceramics and ancient funerary objects.

I liked their large hall best, as it was covered in colorful murals inspired by the pandemic. These are messages of hope and community, not despair, something we could all use a little more of these days.

33. Work on your swing at Bad Caddy Golf.

A man takes a swing at Bad Caddy Golf, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

If it’s too chilly to hit the links, you can imagine yourself in Pebble Beach at Bad Caddy Golf . Play all of your favorite courses (or watch your partner do so in my case) on their golf simulators.

You can play other sports, too, like soccer and whatever soccer golf is. Book in blocks of time with an online reservation. They have a full food and drink menu, too, but we can’t vouch for that beyond our soft drinks.

34. Hit the links at a real golf course.

If the weather’s right, you may just want to spend an afternoon at a real golf course. Brian can vouch for the Bonneville Golf Course , a well-run course with scenic views all the way. He was particularly impressed by the 18th hole.

A set of golf clubs at Bonneville Golf Course, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Glendale Golf Course was another course he tested out for the good of this blog and the strength of our marriage. (It’s pretty much the only time we’re apart these days!) It’s a decent backup, just not as good as Bonneville.

If you’re here in the summer months, the Mountain Dell Golf Course seems to be most impressive. We just missed the window on that one.

35. Find your favorite roundabout.

OK, there’s really only one roundabout you need to bother with thanks to the giant blue whale in the middle. That’s Out of the Blue , a full-size sculpture of a humpback whale by sculptor Stephen Kessler.

A large blue while coming out of a roundabout, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Per the artist, it’s meant as a symbol of the 9th and 9th neighborhood as being “out of the blue” in terms of the unexpected sense of belonging people feel here. That’s adorable, right?

You can circle the roundabout for a view of this one or take a walk around 9th and 9th for a view from your feet. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city for that peak walkability.

36. See a pyramid without leaving the city.

The Summum Pyramid, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

The Summum Pyramid is zoned as a winery, but it actually operates as a church. You’ll know you’re there when you see the golden pyramid.

I didn’t go inside as it was closed that day, and frankly, I was a little bit squeamish. While they welcome visitors with open arms, their practices lean Egyptian in more ways than the shape of their meditation hall. It includes modern mummification.

This is just one of those weird things to see in Salt Lake City and then keep on moving along in my opinion. I just want to share all of the things with you, friends.

37. Attend the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.

I’ll get into all of the best day trips from Salt Lake City shortly, but this very fun event is worth pointing out if you happen to be in town in the spring months.

Thanksgiving Point is a complex that includes a farm, gardens, and several museums to fill up the better part of an afternoon. It’s just a half-hour south of Salt Lake City in Lehi, so I’ll call it more of an add-on to your Salt Lake City trip vs. a full day trip.

If you visit in the spring as we did, you can attend the annual Tulip Festival. Buy tickets ahead of time as this is a very popular event. We timed our tickets for the very start of May, and over half of the bulbs were popping, but that was after a longer winter than usual.

A woman poses at the entrance to the Tulip Festival, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Ashton Gardens is worth a trip regardless, especially if you’re traveling with the family. There were loads of kids in the gardens smelling the flowers and galavanting around. It’s a beautiful palace.

38. See the Great Salt Lake.

I’ve shared a lot of stuff to do in Salt Lake City with you, but there’s a lake nearby of some importance that you should consider adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

I’ve been a few times now from a few different approaches, and every section of the lake is a little different. It’s just a half-hour drive, by the way.

Antelope Island State Park is known as the best spot to get into the water and test the floating theory. If you’re there in the summer as we were, though, you’ll have to contend with swarms of biting gnats that don’t really vibe with fun beach times.

You’ll also likely encounter brine shrimp and brine flies. Kudos to all of ’em for surviving in these environments.

We loved the approach from the Spiral Jetty. You can walk right out to the shores from the impressive rock art on the sand. You won’t have access to a swimming beach here, but the scenery is fantastic.

The shores of the Great Salt Lake, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

There are a variety of guided tours that take you out there, too. Check out a few highly-rated options:

39. Go on more Salt Lake City day trips.

Salt Lake City is such a great base for road trips . While I won’t include every single day trip possible as a way to cheat my way to a longer list of things to do in SLC, I can point you to my guide on the top day trips from Salt Lake City .

My favorites were Park City and its Utah Olympic Park, the Bonneville Salt Flats , and our trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon, but we did a lot of exploring while we were in town!

Where to Eat in Salt Lake City

Looking for fun things to do in Salt Lake City for couples? Eating comes to mind when I’m planning date nights. Salt Lake City is a delicious place to be. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, including one of the best German food scenes in the country.

I’ll include options for beer and cocktails around Salt Lake City, too, as many of the best drinks here come with a snack. That’s by design, by the way. Some breweries operate as restaurants rather than just bars, so you have to purchase food with your drinks.

Twist my arm, why don’t you?

40. Start with Salt Lake City’s best coffee.

We were within walking distance from The Avenues location of Publik Coffee Roasters during our stay, so that was our top pick for fresh brews. They’ll grind it up fresh for you, too, if you’re here for a longer stay, and educate you about semi-washed and washed beans.

It’s a fantastic place to linger, too, if you need a little nosh.

Interested in a little coffee crawl? Nostalgia Cafe is another local favorite with a nice selection of pastries.

41. Eat a delicious Salt Lake City brunch.

I usually skip breakfast when I’m staying somewhere long-term, but I’ll make exceptions for a delicious, leisurely brunch. Salt Lake City has lots of options to get your weekend (or weekday) brunch fix:

Eggs in the City : This one operates out of an old gas station, but the food is more elevated than its location suggests. I had a Reuben Eggs Benedict for the very first time at this place with zero regrets.
Pig and a Jelly Jar : You’re at this Southern-inspired favorite for the chicken and waffles. There’s a location in Ogden, too, if you’re day-tripping to one of the ski areas out that way.
Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade : I didn’t know I needed biscuits and limeade as a combo, but here we are. I need it and want more of it. They have a full menu of sandwiches and salads, but you’ll want something on a biscuit and that limeade.

Biscuits and limeade, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

42. Indulge in the best donuts in Salt Lake City.

I’ve told you all about brunch, but sometimes you just need a little sweet treat. We had to visit Banbury Cross Donuts twice to get our little paws on some of their famous blueberry cake donuts. The first time around, we rolled in all entitled around 12:30 expecting a taste.

Nope. We learned and returned by 8:45am on a Monday. Success.

Folks, these are some of the best blueberry donuts in the country, and I’ve probably tried dozens. They’re big, frosted, and full of blueberry flavor.

Delicious blueberry donuts, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

If you miss the boat on your first visit, too, put that sad face away and try something else. Their strawberry-frosted and old-fashioned maple donuts are both delights.

If you must know whether we also stopped by on our way out of town, yes we did. We grabbed a few of their delectable donut holes while we were at it.

43. Eat at a historic diner.

The outside of Ruth's Diner, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Ruth’s Diner has been around in some form since 1930. While the trolley car eatery’s namesake started slinging burgers for politicians and “working women” downtown, Ruth moved the joint to its current location in Emigration Canyon by 1949.

It’s been here ever since, and it’s super popular on weekend mornings for diner-style breakfasts.

If you love yourself an early bird dinner, though, you’ll likely walk right in. We housed a pair of burgers, an enormous helping of pasta salad, and their mile-high biscuits with room for nothing else. The food is great with scenery to match, and homages to Ruth are all over the place.

44. Lunch at one of Salt Lake City’s best delis.

While it doesn’t compete with cities in the Midwest, Salt Lake City has a pretty big German immigrant population compared to other Western states. The Mormon thing was a big driver for Germans converting to that faith, but others came to find a better life.

A big chunk of that was German-born Jews who wanted to start businesses in and around Salt Lake City.

For a taste of Salt Lake City’s German scene, head on over to bustling Siegfried’s Delicatessen . This place is always busy at lunchtime and it’s for good reason. Those tasty Reuben sandwiches won’t eat themselves.

Deli sandwiches and German sides, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

The sides lean German. That means red cabbage and spaetzle with gravy and warm potato salad. An attached deli sells all kinds of packaged snacks, too. I couldn’t leave without a sample of European wafers and hard candies because I’m a Polish old lady and proud of it.

Love a good deli? Caputo’s Market & Deli , an Italian market, and Feldman’s Deli , a classic Jewish deli, are also well-regarded around town.

45. Try all 11 herbs and spices at the first KFC.

The inside of the first KFC, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Polish people love KFC. I grew up dipping those biscuits in my mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a thing.

When I learned that Salt Lake City is widely considered the home of the very first KFC, you know I had to go.

Fun fact: Colonel Sanders is buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Muhammad Ali is there, too. If you visit the colonel’s grave, expect to find not flowers but packets of dipping sauce in honor of his memory.

Here’s the story: Colonel Harland Sanders was making chicken for a while before the idea of Kentucky Fried Chicken took off. He just wasn’t getting anywhere with his proprietary recipe until he franchised those 11 herbs and spices to Pete Harman, a Salt Lake City businessman.

Harman was already the owner of the Harman Café, but a good fried chicken was his holy grail. Once he bought a chunk of the recipe rights from the colonel, he was free to start selling it out of his cafe.

That moniker wasn’t his idea, by the way. A sign painter named Rodney Anderson who worked for Harman had the light bulb moment while they were spit-balling ideas. They agreed that “Kentucky fried” would sell better than “Southern fried,” and they were right.

The new eatery became a commercial success and the start of what would become one of the most well-known fast-food franchises on the planet. While the original cafe has since been torn down, a new KFC was built on the same spot at 3890 State Street.

There are all kinds of memorabilia inside, including one of the colonel’s suits and a briefcase. As far as the food, you know exactly what you’re going to get. The recipe hasn’t changed since the two men met to take over chicken back in 1952.

46. Eat the best lobster roll outside of New England.

A woman gets ready to eat a lobster roll, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Freshie’s Lobster Co. serves up award-winning lobster rolls and other lobster-focused delights that have beat out similar eats out in New England. I’m not making this up.

New Hampshire native Lorin Smaha has won competitions with her rolls out in Portland, Maine, so you know these are legit. The lobster promise here is “from shore to door in 24.” The lobsters are caught, cooked, and shelled in Maine before getting packaged for delivery in Salt Lake City.

Yes, lobster rolls are inherently expensive. They’re not any cheaper here, and you’ll likely wonder to yourself, “I could eat 12 of these. Should I sell an organ to do so?” You can taste the quality here. If they have crab rolls on special when you visit, you should try one of those, too.

47. Go nuts at the Western Nut Company.

I can’t be trusted around gourmet nuts and other snacks, so I’m shocked that we left this place with only four bags of treats. They had lemon cream-covered almonds for Pete’s sake.

Everything in here is reasonably priced for what you’re getting, and I would know. I’m buying nuts like, all the time.

48. Eat your way through Salt Lake City Chinatown.

Sadly, we found Salt Lake City Chinatown pretty late in our eating adventures around Salt Lake City. After a quick lunch there, we immediately agreed that we’d be here weekly to try all of the delights in this part of town.

Our pick was Chick Queen , a casual spot that specializes in Korean fried chicken wings. There were no regrets. We also ordered a giant fried chicken sandwich, but the magic was in their honey garlic wings.

Korean wings in Chinatown, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

If you’re here for a while and looking to make some Asian food of your own, stop by the Chinatown Supermarket. I did a walk-through of the place just to see its seafood section, and definitely had some regrets about not getting out there sooner.

49. Sample pours at the best breweries in Salt Lake City.

Does Salt Lake City have beer? Yes, Salt Lake City has beer. There are state requirements around both beer strength and service across Utah which may take some getting used to, but the beer scene remains a vibrant one.

Here’s the lowdown: If you’re at a brewery only, you must be 21 or over to go inside. Draft beers are only available at 5% ABV or below. If you want something stronger, you’ll have to buy a bottle or can of beer, unless you’re at Epic. (I’ll get into that one below.)

If you’re at a brewery that serves food, kids are allowed inside but you have to order food with your beer. I’m not sure any of this matters much for things like DUIs and alcohol-related deaths as those have been going down countrywide, but it is what it is.

Here are the breweries we tried while in Salt Lake City:

Bewilder Brewing Co. : This buzzy brewery offers readymade samplers and heavier canned pours like their highly-rated Scotch ale if that’s what you’re after. There’s a food menu, too, but they’re a brewery first. There’s no forced eating here!
Epic Brewing Company : This is a tapless taproom, meaning they pour full-strength beers out of bottles only. We had quite a good time here sampling tasters of barrel-aged beers, sours, and stouts. The bartender’s a character, too, in the best way.

A beer and taster at Epic Brewing, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Fisher Brewing Company : This was our last stop on our tour of Salt Lake City, and I’m glad we made it out for the history. This one first opened in the late 1800s. Their draft porter was my fave, but they also have high-ABV canned options.
RoHa Brewing Project : This highly-rated brewery boasts a long list of draft beers and canned options. I got a draft blood orange sour that was pretty yummy. The $5 daily grilled cheese and chips special was also quite tempting as a second lunch.
Squatters Pub Brewery : This classic option boasts a solid menu of both draft and higher-point canned options like their popular Devastator Double Bock. Pair that with their hot tots as a lil’ snack and you’ll have a pretty great afternoon.
Uinta Brewing : Uinta was our very first brewery in Salt Lake City ever before the beer laws changed for the better. We still had a great experience taste-testing some of their pours. Their Mango Golden Spike is a great wheat ale to kick things off.

This isn’t even the full list of every spot we wanted to try during our visit. Emigration Brewing Co. was an almost visit, but they require a food purchase with your beer. Their location in Emigration Canyon is stunning, but we had just eaten at Ruth’s next door so had no room for even a snack.

50. Take a trip out to Bohemian Brewery.

Pretzels and beer at Bohemian Brewery, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

I didn’t want to include this one in the list above as it’s outside Salt Lake City proper in Midvale. It’s a short enough drive at about 25 minutes that I’ll allow it here, especially if you love German lagers, chalet ambiance, and giant sausages.

The beers here are fine. You’ll get the expected light options and a few “strong” beers if you’re feeling feisty. The food is great. We definitely ordered too much.

There was a jumbo pretzel with beer cheese, their pierogi sampler, potato pancakes, and their bratwurst plate with mashed potatoes and creamy sauerkraut. The pierogi were just OK — as a Pole I tend to be super picky — but everything else was awesome.

51. Try out the best Salt Lake City cocktails.

Yes, there are rules around cocktail consumption, too, but you tend not to notice them as much in the finished product.

Any cocktails you consume in Utah can’t have more than 2.5 ounces of total spirits. That includes no more than 1.5 ounces of primary liquor — you’ll see bartenders pouring with little monitoring caps on their bottles — and any secondary liqueurs.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s start the party at Salt Lake City’s best spots for yummy cocktails and some of the best things to do in Salt Lake City at night:

Bar X : This one is next door to Beer Bar, so if you’d rather have cocktails over sausages and beer, just mosey on over. The Prohibition-era bar is also co-owned by Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame, so it has that going for it.
The Pearl : You can focus on the tasty Vietnamese street food, but their craft cocktail game is just as strong. Come for brunch if you want to experience a breakfast bahn mi.
Post Office Place : This spot serves up some fantastic small plates, but if you’re here to drink, it’s known for its Japanese whisky cocktails. Not into whiskey? I feel you. Try their Miso Yer’Mommy, a rum-forward cocktail with grilled pineapple.

52. Go casual with these eateries.

Casual doesn’t mean your meal won’t be any less delicious. It just means come as you are, without the need for reservations.

Beer Bar : This one is also co-owned by Ty Burrell, so it was obviously a priority stop on our return to Salt Lake City. Yes, there’s lots of beer here, but the food menu is stellar, too. Their apple sage veggie sausage is perfect topped with sweet peppers.
Laziz Kitchen : This Lebanese eatery has three locations. The downtown Salt Lake City location may be most convenient for you, but I got my takeout in Midvale. I made two full meals out of their falafel wrap with a side of grape leaves.
Mahidir Ethiopian Restaurant : This family-run eatery has the notable distinction of being Utah’s first Ethiopian restaurant. That’s a huge deal that should match a huge appetite. Portions are generous, budget-friendly, and delicious.

Food from the first Ethiopian restaurant in Utah, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Mumbai House : This Indian restaurant has speedy service and all of the classics at budget-friendly prices. I have to thank them for introducing me to buttered naan, too. I’ve been doing it wrong!
R&R Barbecue : Your diet will have to start tomorrow if you want to indulge in this award-winning barbecue. We were traveling with friends for our trip here and all shared platters of multiple meats. This is the way.

53. Treat yourself at Salt Lake City’s best restaurants.

OK, so “best” is very subjective, but I’m going for beyond casual dining here. These are special occasion places known for showcasing the best of Salt Lake City’s restaurant scene:

The Copper Onion : You can’t have a list of Salt Lake City restaurants without The Copper Onion. Come to the brasserie for brunch, lunch, or dinner and get to know why this one has sustained the buzz. Reservations are recommended .
Pago : There are two locations of this “wild to table” favorite. One is in downtown Salt Lake City, and the other is in one of my favorite neighborhoods at 9th & 9th. You’ll get a delicious experience either way. Reservations are recommended .
Valter’s Osteria : I’ll get into the expected pizza spots in a minute, but if you want some high-quality Italian beyond wood-fired pies, this is it. Reservations are available by calling 801-521-4563.

54. Don’t forget about Salt Lake City’s best pizza.

Pizza usually gets its own category in my lists. That’s especially if we’re staying for a full month. You know we can’t stop at just one. Here are our favorites:

Pizza Nono : This neighborhood pizzeria has a rotating menu of pies inspired by life in Utah . I highly recommend the Beehive with pickled jalapenos, Calabrese salami, and honey for some sweet and spice.
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana : This Western chain has a few locations in California and Nevada, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Enjoy a variety of Neapolitan pizzas that could very well transport you to Napoli.
Slackwater : If you love unique toppings, this Utah chain is for you. I had their spring special with fig and ricotta. Brian ordered the Cuban Pizza Crisis. It definitely had those Cuban vibes, but it also tasted like a hot dog somehow in the best way.

A decadent pizza at Slackwater with many toppings, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City

Is that not enough for you? Nomad East , Snowmobile Pizza , and Bricks Corner are all on our list for next time.

55. Go all in on pierogi pizza.

Pierogi pizza deserves a category of its pizza when we’re talking about where to eat in Salt Lake City. Rise by Good Day is a catering business, Polish bakery, and a modest eat-in spot for anyone who loves pizza but also pierogi.

If you love Polish food or are of Polish descent as I am, you’ll be happy to hear that the food here is legit. Well, pierogi pizza isn’t a thing in the Motherland , but zapiekanki are. That’s French bread pizza for the uninitiated.

A woman eats pierogi pizza, one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Those with a hankering for pickled herring, a variety of Polish teas and condiments, and paczki will find it all here. We ate WELL at this place. They let us know they’d be moving to West Jordan the following year, but thankfully that’s just a short drive from Salt Lake City proper.

56. Leave room for dessert.

Salt Lake City has a sweet tooth, it seems. Here are a few faves if you want a little something sweet:

The Dodo Restaurant : You can certainly come here for dinner, but the eatery is known in these parts for its desserts. There are 12 different desserts offered daily, but expect a variety of pies to make up at least half of that list.
Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop : If you’re near The Avenues during your Salt Lake City stay, you’ll likely see this one a mile away. I’m rhyming now, apparently, but the whimsy of this place inspires me. Enjoy a variety of beautiful cakes and pastries.
RubySnap : Once you try a Judy cookie with that perfect touch of orange zest, you’ll get why Ruby’s all, “You know you want my cookies.” No, really. It says that on the door. Buy them in bulk to save a bit per cookie and have bulk cookies.

More Places to Visit in Salt Lake City

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City and we still didn’t tick everything off the list. Here are a few more Salt Lake City things to do for next time:

Ride one of the Salt Lake Trolley Tours for more a guided experience in the city.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Salt Lake City for families, visit Hogle Zoo. I love a good zoo but skipped this one because of the 14 school buses in the lot.
Visit the dinos at the Natural History Museum of Utah . Book tickets ahead of time for this one, as it’s a popular field trip stop for the kiddos.
Book a private afternoon tea party at the Ellerbeck B&B Carriage House .
Feel an adrenaline rush at the Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area . Just make sure to register your bikes if you’re game.
See a show about Mormons at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, once the Hotel Utah.
Treat yourself to a classy evening courtesy of the Utah Symphony .
Love the idea of an evening of arts and culture? Take in a show at the Eccles Theater .

Salt Lake City FAQs

What is salt lake city, utah, known for.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is known for its winter sports scene and access to outdoor adventuring. You’re surrounding by the Wasatch Mountain Range here, a stretch of the Rocky Mountains , so the views are spectacular.

This city in the Salt Lake Valley is also home to the largest population of Mormons in the United States, so you’ll see quite a bit of that influence in the city’s historical and cultural offerings.

What can you do in Salt Lake City for a couple hours?

You can do quite a bit in Salt Lake City for a couple hours. Visit downtown Salt Lake City and Temple Square, walk the hills around the Utah State Capitol, or hike to the best views in the city at Ensign Peak.

What is the Salt Lake Connect Pass?

The Salt Lake Connect Pass is an attractions pass that covers 18 different sites in and around Salt Lake City. If you’re in town for multiple days, it may make sense to pick one up to save some money on regular-priced admission.

Take a look at the list of what’s covered under the pass before picking one up, especially if you already know what you’d like to prioritize on your trip.

How many days do you need to explore Salt Lake City?

You need at least a full day to explore Salt Lake City. With two days or more, you can incorporate short drives out of the city to places like the Great Salt Lake.

Do I need a car visiting Salt Lake City?

You don’t need a car visiting Salt Lake City, but it will make your travel much more efficient. If you don’t want to drive, you’ll need to rely on the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and their network of buses and TRAX light rail service.

With a car, you can explore adventures further afield, as Salt Lake City is a great base for day trips. Book car rentals ahead of time using a site like Hotwire or Priceline .

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City at a short-term rental on our most recent trip, but I know that’s a luxury for most.

On our first quick trip there, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown . It’s a short walk from Temple Square, so the location is great if you’re here for the weekend. The evo Hotel is a more modern hotel that is basically next door to Slackwater, one of my favorite pizza places, so that’s 100 points in my book.

Use the map below for more options on Salt Lake City hotels and apartments:

Why should I visit Salt Lake City?

You should visit for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and unique food scene. If you visit in the winter months, you’re never far from world-class skiing that tops many travelers’ lists of favorite Salt Lake City tourist attractions.

The city is also a great hub for day trips and things to do around Salt Lake City, like the Great Salt Lake. We spent a full month there and I still know I’ll be back!

Ready for Salt Lake City?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Budget flights into Salt Lake City International Airport are quite common, especially if you’re able to watch flights for a bit. It’s a gateway not only for city escapes but Utah road trips to Moab and Bryce Canyon .

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations: I usually use Booking.com and Hotels.com for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great. Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative.

Scroll up for my recommendations for where to stay while in Salt Lake City!

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page. It’s heavy on the text but super helpful for overall trip planning!

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Want to stay in Utah for a while? Check out these posts:

A Hiking Guide for Zion National Park
Tips for Hiking The Narrows at Zion
A Guide to Capitol Reef National Park
Top Hikes at Arches National Park
Visiting Canyonlands National Park

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Agnes Groonwald

The Best Things to do in Salt Lake City

By: Author Insider's Utah

Posted on Last updated: December 1, 2022

Categories Salt Lake City

Home » The Best Things to do in Salt Lake City

Ready to discover the best things to do in Salt Lake City? Explore with this in-depth guide.

Utah’s capital has pretty stiff competition when thinking of the top places to visit in the state.

Compared to the natural and geological marvels dotted all over the state, Salt Lake City (or SLC as it’s known) can be overlooked – a real shame as it’s packed with brilliant places and activities for you to discover.

Still a major hub for the Mormon Church, Salt Lake City has rejuvenated itself in recent years to boast a thriving dining and nightlife scene along with lots of cool cultural attractions.

Let’s take a deep dive into the best things to do in SLC.

Tip: If you’re looking for the best place to stay during your vacation in Salt Lake City, look no further than the most famous hotel in the city, the Grand America Hotel .

Top 5 Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah

Visit temple square.

Ask any local what the best thing to do in Salt Lake City is, and they’ll recommend visiting Temple Square.

The square is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Mormons) whose headquarters, the Salt Lake Temple, dominates the square. Spanning a whopping 10 acres, it’s a must-see sight (book onto one of the free tours to do so).

Beyond the imposing and architecturally stunning main building, you can also visit other famous spots. Some of the most noteworthy include the Tabernacle, various religious history museums, and a few Latter-day Saints holy sites.

Tip: To tour Temple Square, book your tickets here .

Go Sightseeing at the Great Salt Lake

How could any Salt Lake City things-to-do list begin without a sightseeing extravaganza at the Great Salt Lake? Although not technically within the city, visiting this massive 1,700-square-mile lake is the best thing to do near Salt Lake City.

Some of the top ways to get the best of what the lake offers include kayaking, paddle boarding, and pedal boating. Plan your visit for sunrise or sunset, as the lake takes on a stunning facade during these times.

Experiencing the Great Salt Lake, you can venture through Antelope Island State Park on its eastern side. Or alternatively from the western side through Great Salt Lake State Park.

Hike Through Ensign Peak Nature Park

Nature lovers unite. You simply can’t visit Salt Lake City and skip a hike to Ensign Peak. At only half a mile, it’s a simple and easy trek, no matter how much of a hiker you are. To reach Ensign Peak, travel 1.3 miles along East Capitol Blvd until the turn-off into Ensign Vista Drive.

What can you expect once at the peak? Well, unparalleled views of the Great Salt Lake (especially beautiful as the sun sets) and clear sights over Salt Lake Valley. Oh, and of course, direct views towards the city capitol buildings.

Explore the Salt Lake City Public Library

A library? Yes, indeed. Visiting a public library might not sound like a fun thing to do in Salt Lake City. But once you’re inside, you’ll quickly change your mind. If you love literacy and architecture, this is heaven on Earth.

Architecturally, the Salt Lake City Public Library will blow you away with its contemporary design. Now add to that the fact that it houses more than 500,000 thousand books and an on-site cafe. What more could you want? How about a spectacular rooftop garden with views of the fantastic Wasatch Mountains?

Address: 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

Discover the City Greek Center

Let’s be honest. What’s a great vacation without some retail therapy? Average at best. But that’s where the City Greek Center comes in. Built to resemble a traditional European town, it covers 700,000 square feet and boasts over 90 restaurants and shops.

The award-winning mall features one of the most striking must-sees in Salt Lake City; a massive glass ceiling that doubles as a retractable skylight. Besides that, there’s also the splendid collection of waterfalls and fountains and even a 1,200-foot-long stream filled with fish.

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am till 9 pm, closed on Sundays

Address: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States

Brilliant Things to See & Do in Salt Lake City

A night at the redwood drive-in movie theater.

In a true blast from the past fashion, the Redwood Drive-In Movie Theater has been a staple in Salt Lake City since 1948. Double-feature showings have been occurring at the same price of $9 throughout its nearly 80-year existence.

For a taste of nostalgia, nothing compares to this activity as one of Salt Lake City’s most fun things to do. Find out what’s on show currently and get your tickets by visiting their official website .

Go on a Salt Lake City Trolley Tour

Hands down, a Salt Lake City Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to see some of the city’s best areas. Painted bright red to replicate trolleys used in decades past, you’ll experience the city in a totally unique way.

The onboard tour guide provides extensive information about the many sights along its routes. Famous spots you’ll pass include the State Capitol Building and Temple Square.

Tip: Book your Salt Lake City Trolley Tour tickets here .

Tour the Natural History Museum of Utah

If you love history, science, and culture, popping in for a tour of the Natural History Museum of Utah is a must. Providing a look into the state’s rich history, it contains over 500 million years’ worth of information.

As if that’s not cool enough, there are ten permanent exhibitions and a grand collection of interactive features. Designed to invoke your senses, expect sensory adventure, from smells to touch and visuals. Reserve your tickets here .

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am till 5 pm (Wednesdays, 10 am till 9 pm)

Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States

Explore Nature in the Red Butte Garden

Covering 100 acres of scenic and captivating gardens, the Red Butte Garden is the most extensive botanical garden in the Intermountain West. This community-funded space is easily one of the best things to see in Salt Lake City.

Inside, five miles of walking and hiking trails await, as well as several fun Salt Lake City activities. You can look forward to horticulture classes, bird watching, art exhibitions, and a range of outdoor concerts during summer.

Tip: For information about how to visit and get involved in the Red Butte Garden, visit their website .

Catch a Performance by the Utah Symphony

Founded in 1940, the Utah Symphony delivers masterful musical performances totaling 150 shows yearly. Although the symphony tours throughout the state, its home ground is the Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City.

Catching a performance here conducted by Thierry Fischer is a must, as he’s one of the world’s best Mozart score interpreters. Check out their performance schedule and book your tickets in advance.

Browse the Vinyls at Randy’s Record Shop

Step back in time to an era when vinyl records ruled the music world and the lives of many a music lover. Established nearly 50 years ago by Randy Stinson, paying a visit to Randy’s Record Shop is a musical journey of note (pun intended).

Located in Downtown Salt Lake City, you can peruse through a massive collection of thousands of vinyl records. With no genre left out, you’ll find everything from Hip-Hop to Acid Trance represented here.

Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 12 pm to 6 pm

Address: 157 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

Visit the Utah Olympic Park

Set within Park City lies the Utah Olympic Park. Constructed for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the park now hosts seasonal activities in Salt Lake City.

During summer, test your mettle with either the Xtreme Zipline, the Quicksilver Alpine Slide, or go freestyle ski jumping.

Or, if you’re in Salt Lake City during winter, try your hand at Nordic ski jumping, the Comet Bobsled, and the Rocket Skeleton. Entrance to the park is free, and you can easily reach it by using the local Park City buses.

View the Bonneville Salt Flats

Few natural landscapes come close to the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.

This unique and almost otherworldly area consists of a hard white salt crust stretching as far as the eye can see. In fact, the salt flats cover about 100 cubic yards (wow, right?).

Designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern almost 40 years ago, it’s one of only a few salt pans in the world. You can reach the flats by taking exit 40 off Interstate 80 north towards the Speedway. Parking at Leppy Pass Road is complimentary.

Experience the Gallery Stroll

Probably one of the coolest things to experience on vacation to Salt Lake City is the Gallery Stroll. On the third Friday of every month, the local galleries in the city open their doors and extend their hours.

This allows you to browse their collections, enjoy some music and wine and dine your way through the galleries.

Roughly 40 galleries participate in this citywide event, with each providing visitors with a curated Gallery Guide Map. The best part? The entire event is one massive self-guided tour.

Get Your Adrenaline Rushing With iFLY Utah

How about some skydiving?

Okay, to be fair, this isn’t actually the same as jumping out of a plane mid-flight. Instead, iFLY Utah hosts a 12-foot wind tunnel with simulated wind speeds of 150 miles per hour (yikes).

Luckily you’re not going in without some help. On hand are professional instructors to guide you through your entire two-minute ‘flight’. To book your ‘flight’, visit their website , where you can choose a solo or group experience.

Visit Hogle Zoo

One of the top things to do in Salt Lake City is to visit the Hogle Zoo. It spans 42 acres at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range, hosting countless animal species.

These include animals local to the area and even exotic and rare species from across the globe.

Several distinct habitats create individual ecosystems ranging from Asia to Africa. Once you’ve seen glorious beasts like the Amur tiger, Siberian lynx, and African lions, head to the other displays.

Tip: Plan your visit today by checking out their website and booking your tickets here .

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Liberty Park

An iconic location in Salt Lake City, Liberty Park covers 80 acres of land, which is the personification of a scenic oasis.

Expect standard open-air activities like biking and hiking, or enjoy a volleyball and basketball game.

Also, on the grounds, you’ll find the oldest commercial building in Utah, the Isaac Chase Mill. Beyond that, you can visit the Tracey Aviary, home to over 130 bird species, or indulge in history at the Museum of Utah Folk Art.

Address: 600 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, United States

Discover the History of Salt Lake City at This Is the Place Monument

If you’ve wondered, “What to see in Salt Lake City?” one of the best choices is the This Is The Place Monument.

The impressive monument, erected in 1947, commemorates the spot Brigham Young proclaimed to be his visionary promised land.

Located within This Is The Place Heritage Park, take a look at their hours and admission as well as booking tickets on the park’s website .

Indulge at the Fisher Brewing Company

Initially started by a German immigrant, Albert Fisher, the Fisher Brewing Company opened its doors in 1884. Operated currently by his great-great-grandson, Tony Fisher, this Salt Lake City brewery attracts thousands every year.

A genuinely distinct watering hole, this is the only place you’ll be able to indulge in Fisher alcoholic beverages. Tasting expertly brewed craft drinks and food from outdoor vendors is a must-do activity in Salt Lake City, especially at Fisher’s.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 am – 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am – 12 pm, Sundays, 11 am – 10 pm

Address: 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States

Dive Into Salt Lake City Nightlife at the Gallivan Center

One of the best places to head for entertainment in Salt Lake City is the Gallivan Center.

Another gem of Downtown SLC, here you’ll get a fantastic introduction to the nightlife in the city. You’ll find numerous live music performances by local and international artists.

If you’re planning a trip to Salt Lake City during June, you’re in for quite the spectacle. This month, the Gallivan Center hosts the renowned Salt Lake City Blues Festival, among many other events you can find on their official schedule .

Address: 239 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

Unique Things To See & Do in Salt Lake City: Hidden Gems That Are off the Beaten Track

Discover downtown salt lake city’s murals.

Downtown Salt Lake City features quite a few times in this post, and for various reasons. It’s an area with an abundance of fun things to do but also eye-catching things to see.

Take, for example, the many intricate and artistic murals that line the streets.

A self-guided street art tour is an absolute must when you’re in the city, where you can get an intimate look at these stunning displays.

Some of the best to view include, ‘Come in & Remember What a Book Smells Like’, ‘Belief in the Making’, and ‘Legends of Rock’.

Find Literary Heaven at Ken Sanders Rare Books

Conveniently enough, if you’ve seen the ‘Come in & Remember What a Book Smells Like’ mural, you’ve already stumbled upon a hidden gem. Downtown brims with a treasure trove of surprising places to visit in Salt Lake City and one of the best is Ken Sanders Rare Books.

The ‘free book wall’ outside the front door of this eclectic bookstore is bound to catch your eyes first. As if that and the mural on the exterior aren’t enough, inside a maze of thousands of rare and antique books await.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sundays, 12 pm – 5 pm

Address: 268 S 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

Visit the Victim of the Beast Gravestone

If you enjoy the feeling of goosebumps, this must-see in Salt Lake City will have you over the moon.

This looks like any other gravestone amongst the many in Salt Lake City Cemetery. But, upon closer inspection, prepare for shivers and intrigue.

The tombstone reads, ‘Lilly E. Gray, June 6, 1881 – November 6, 1958, Victim of the Beast 666.’ What’s even stranger is that no one seemingly knows what it means or where it came from.

Even more creepy is that the tombstone is lovingly taken care of and preserved, although caretakers at the cemetery have never seen anyone doing so.

Address: 200 N St E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States

Marvel at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden

The curious Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a surprising and peaceful respite from the bustle of Salt Lake City.

It’s a simple yet overlooked piece of land dotted with over 70 engraved stones and sculptures. Book your tickets and find out more info on the garden’s official website.

Constructed by Thomas Battersby Child Jr, it took nearly two decades to complete. Beyond inscriptions of Latter-day Saint literature within the stone sculptures, there are also some odd ones with engravings sure to keep you intrigued.

Visit the Speakeasy at Bodega and the Rest

Although a speakeasy is a secretive underground bar and restaurant, Bodega and The Rest is well known locally. But its magic lies in the simplistic disguising of the true heart of this Salt Lake City attraction.

Appearing as a simple market and small bar, you gain access to The Rest if you have a reservation.

It’s a secretive part of the property where cocktails flow in abundance, and greasy diner-style food is a staple. While in The Rest, you’ll have to pack away your phone to preserve the secrecy.

Hours: Undisclosed

Address: 331 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

Explore the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

It’s easy to miss this gem if you’re not in the loop about what to do in Salt Lake City. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium houses over 4,000 animals spread across five stunning habitats.

But isn’t that just another zoo?

No, here, the focus is set on marine life, with the highlight of the aquarium being the 300,000-gallon shark habitat. This features a tunnel through which you can walk without fear of becoming shark bait.

Tip: Book your tickets and find out more about their feature events by visiting their website .

Things to Do in Salt Lake City: Practical Tips for Your Trip

How long to visit salt lake city.

Quite honestly, Salt Lake City features so many different and fun things to do and experience you could spend weeks here. But, if time is a concern for your Utah road trip , two to three days is enough to cover the major attractions.

Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is winter, spring, or fall. Winter welcomes snowy weather and escapades, while summer might be too hot for some. To explore the great outdoors, spring and fall would be the best time to visit.

Where Should I Stay in Salt Lake City?

Crystal inn hotel & suites (mid-range).

This mid-range 3-star property, ideally located in Downtown Salt Lake City, fits any trip aimed at exploring most of the city. Rooms are well-equipped, and the hotel includes an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.

Check Rates and Availability for Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites on Booking.com

Little America Hotel Salt Lake City (Luxury)

For the best luxury accommodation in Salt Lake City, few properties come close to the Little America Hotel. It features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, an award-winning restaurant (Lucky H Bar & Grille), and a range of on-site boutique stores.

Check Rates and Availability for Little America Hotel on Booking .com

Recommended Tours in Salt Lake City, UT

From Salt Lake City: Private Tour of Arches National Park
From Salt Lake City: Private Canyonlands Off-Road Tour
From Salt Lake City: Private Capitol Reef National Park Tour
From Salt Lake City: Private Bryce Canyon National Park Tour

Things to Do in Salt Lake: Map

Things to do in Salt Lake City: Read Next

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The Best Breweries in Salt Lake City
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The Salt Lake City Dining Guide: Where to Eat

21 Best Things To Do In Salt Lake City, Utah (2024 Guide)

Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Wondering what activities and attractions you can’t miss in the City of the Saints? Our guide to the best things to do in Salt Lake City is just what you need!

Salt Lake City, Utah, is the best travel destination for a perfect blend of outdoor and indoor activities. The mountainous valley scenery makes for a breathtaking experience and picturesque backdrop as you explore this stunning city.

Salt Lake City is home to many unique attractions, including the Family History Library, which stands as the most extensive genealogical library in the world.

It was also here in Salt Lake City, Utah that the first Kentucky Fried Chicken was established before it spread across the globe to satisfy the world’s fried chicken cravings.

We’ve created a designated list of what to do in Salt Lake City so that you can take part in the best activities and tourist attractions to visit on your trip to this hot spot travel destination.

From hiking Big Cottonwood Canyon to checking out the local fossils at the Natural History Museum Of Utah, Salt Lake City has it all!

Table of Contents

1) Explore Downtown Salt Lake City

2) bask in the admirable views of great salt lake state park , 3) hike the big cottonwood canyon, 4) check out the local fossils at the natural history museum of utah, 5) shop at the city creek center, 6) get away from the hustle & bustle at liberty park , 7) awaken your finer senses at the utah museum of fine arts, 8) join the olympians at the utah olympic park , 9) tour the impressive grounds of temple square, 10) stroll the stunning red butte garden , 11) scour the family history library , 12) hike the city creek canyon hiking trail , 13) find a hidden gem at the gilgal sculpture garden , 14) walk back in history at the pioneer memorial museum , 15) take a guided tour of the utah state capitol building, 16) learn about the early pioneers at this is the place heritage park , 17) view a theater performance at the joseph smith memorial building, 18) view the memorial of fallen soldiers at memory grove park , 19) bask in the outdoors at the wasatch mountain range, 20) sit back & relax at sugar house park , 21) visit one of the last historic farmsteads at wheeler historic farm , best hostel in salt lake city, utah, best mid-range hotel in salt lake city, utah, best luxury hotel in salt lake city, utah, the best things to do in salt lake city, utah .

There are boatloads of Salt Lake City activities and attractions waiting to be explored that will suit any traveler. There are free activities for budget travelers, outdoor hikes for adventurous travelers, and plenty of cultural and historical sites to see.

From Salt Lake Trolley Tours, to historic museums, stunning gardens, and more, there are so many fun things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah!

Read Next: Use a visit to Salt Lake City to make the Utah National Parks Road Trip !

Centered on Temple Square in the Capitol Hill area, which encompasses five city blocks of exhibits and historic sites, downtown Salt Lake City is filled with fun activities and attractions waiting to be explored!

Hosting a range of farm-to-table restaurants boasting fresh and delicious ingredients, heading downtown is recommended to satisfy your cravings for an unforgettable meal. For those that enjoy drinking as they eat, downtown also boasts plenty of Irish pubs and wine bars to bask in live music and great company.

Buy a ticket to bask in a ballet, opera, or Broadway show at the Capitol Theatre, or catch a performance of the incredible Utah Symphony.

Or book one of the iconic Salt Lake Trolley Tours. These sightseeing tours will take you to all the best attractions around the city in a historic trolley.

There are plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City, so hop over to downtown to explore historic sites, quench your appetite, or dance the night away—the options are endless!

Heading east next? Here are the best things to do in Denver, Colorado !

A remnant of Lake Bonneville that spanned 20,000 square miles during the last ice age, the Great Salt Lake is a popular Salt Lake City attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Now the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake is also the eighth largest lake in the world! Though the lake is top-rated for its immensity, people travel from all over the world to visit its stunning shores, scenic nature, and refreshing atmosphere.

At Great Salt Lake State Park, visitors can explore one of the best bird-watching and bison spotting places. Many come to the park to swim, hike, camp, and bask in the wildlife of this unique spot.

If you’re a nature lover, then visiting one of Utah’s best state parks is definitely one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and you can find a full list of hiking trails, campgrounds, and more on the website .

Related: Don’t miss out on these great day trips from Salt Lake City !

A prevalent outdoor activity of Salt Lake City Utah, Big Cottonwood Canyon boasts prime scenery that is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, mountain biking, and more.

This stunning location is reached by driving up The Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway (SR-190) to the top of the canyon at Guardsman Pass, a popular hiking spot.

In addition, many go out of their way to hike to Big Cottonwood Canyon’s mountain lakes, like Lake Lillian, Lake Florence, Lake Mary, and Lake Blanche.

Though the trail is only 3.1 miles, it is deemed a strenuous hike, so prepare adequately for this rewarding hike. Then, if you visit Salt Lake City at the right time, join a guided backcountry ski tour of the canyon to witness undeniably inspiring mountain range views!

The Natural History Museum Of Utah illuminates the natural world, presenting exhibitions emphasizing Utah and the Intermountain West.

The museum is committed to serving as an education centerpiece in Utah by offering plenty of interactive exhibits that explore minerals, metals, flora, fauna, and much more.

If you didn’t know, Utah is one of the most prosperous destinations in the world for dinosaur-fossil discovery. It’s no question, then, that the Natural History Museum Of Utah would present these impressive finds to its guests.

Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Hours: 10am – 5pm
Cost: $19.95

Boasting world-class shopping and dining, City Creek Center has over 100 restaurants and stores from Louis Vuitton to Kendra Scott and Lululemon.

Local favorite restaurants include Bocata and A Taste of Red Iguana, but there are other dining options, including the food court.

This unique shopping center is a must-visit when traveling to Salt Lake City. The center’s tractable glass roof opens and closes, a sky bridge connects the two city blocks of the center, and a fish pond is inserted with local trout, all to create a one-of-a-kind shopping center popular with locals and tourists alike.

Address: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hours: 10am – 9pm (Closed Sundays)

Liberty Park is the second largest public park in Salt Lake City, which is incredibly popular for homing the Tracy Aviary and two islands.

Containing more than 80 acres of green landscapes, many stop by this scenic park for a getaway from the bustle of city life.

The Tracy Aviary and Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Art are on the park’s grounds. The aviary houses more than 135 avian species from around the world. The Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Art exhibits the arts of Utah’s indigenous peoples, European pioneers, and other historical artifacts.

Go for a jog on one of the jogging paths, power through a game of tennis at the tennis courts, set up for a picnic in the grass by the ponds, or explore the museum and aviary at Liberty Park!

Address: 600 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Hours: 8am – 11pm

The primary resource for the region’s culture and visual arts, the Utah Museum Of Fine Arts showcases the exhibition of contemporary works to ancient artifacts.

Presenting the magnitude of human history and creativity through over 20,000 original works of art.

With over 74,000 square feet of space, the museum has plenty of room to present a range of exhibitions and arts, including sculptures, photographs, paintings, and more.

In addition, the Utah Museum Of Fine Arts presents works from local artists and those worldwide, including ancient Greeks and Romans, Native Americans, Scottish, Thai, and much more.

Stop by the Utah Museum Of Fine Arts for a film screening, tour, or artist talk for a unique experience of the arts.

Address : 410 Campus Center Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Hours: 10am – 5pm (Closed Mondays, open until 8pm on Wednesdays)
Cost : $17.95

Read next: The Perfect 3 Days in Denver Itinerary

After Utah hosted the XIX Olympic Winter Games and the VII Paralympic Winter Games in 2002, the Foundation designated Utah Olympic Park and the Utah Olympic Oval as the official U.S. Olympic Training Site.

This task was completed to involve Utah’s youth in winter sports and continue the legacy and positive impact of the 2002 Winter Games.

The Olympic Park spans almost 400 acres, including a sliding track, six Nordic ski jumps, a 2002 Winter Games museum, the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool, and a host of other fun activities.

The multi-use facility has plenty of hands-on, family-friendly activities to explore, including tubing down the runs for a thrilling experience. This is one of the most fun things to do in the area with kids.

Address: 3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098
Hours: 9am – 6pm
Cost: Free (special activities and sports cost extra – check prices online )

Another one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City is checking out the temple grounds at Temple Square. Owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Temple Squares is a 10-acre complex located in downtown.

Temple Square comprises five city blocks of historic sites, interactive exhibits, and other activities centered on the Church’s mission to worship Christ and serve God’s children. In addition, visitors can tour Temple Square’s refreshing gardens, majestic architecture, and historical space.

The tours are led by missionaries and are available in over 40 languages to allow as much diversity as possible to those that wish to learn about the historic buildings.

Even if you’re not a religious person, it’s a cool place to check out.

Address: 50 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Hours : 9am – 9pm
Cost: Free

The Red Butte Garden is a magical Salt Lake City attraction. Its amphitheater, botanical garden, and arboretum are all operated by the University of Utah campus, and its doors are open to the public year-round.

Red Butte Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West.

It is renowned for its themed gardens, impressive plant collections, world-famous outdoor concert series, teeming 500,000 springtime blooming bulbs, 22 acres of display gardens, and its award-winning horticulture-based educational programs.

The official state arboretum is a wonderful place to stop for a relaxing stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Hours: 9am – 7:30pm (Closes at 5pm on Sunday and Tuesday)
Cost: $14

Located in downtown Salt Lake City, the Family History Library is a genealogical research facility with a library that is open to the public—free of charge!

The library spans five floors and 142,000 square feet with a collection of over 1.3 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records, 340,000 books, 125,500 periodicals, 190,000 microfiche, and houses the names of more than 8 billion deceased people from over 100 countries.

The library is operated by FamilySearch, the genealogical arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, dedicated to connecting families across generations.

As one of the largest genealogical libraries in the world, this attraction is one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Address : 35 N W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Hours : 9am – 6pm (Closes at 8pm Tues-Thurs, Closed Sundays)

Also check out our list of the best things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada !

One of Salt Lake City’s top outdoor attractions is the City Creek hiking trail, which is accessible from downtown on foot. For those that have a car, it is possible to park on Canyon Road if traveling from your stay.

Before the City Creek Hiking Trail is City Creek Road, a paved trail that is a popular spot for walking and hiking. The first 3.6 miles of this refreshing hiking trail travel alongside a trickling mountain stream on this paved trail.

The last few miles end at Rotary Park is a great spot to sit down for a refresher under the pavilions and picnic tables.

For City Creek Hiking Trail, this will be found running adjective to City Creek Road. It stretches about three miles up to the water-treatment plant and conjoins with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail that veers up into the hills for picturesque scenery.

Another one of Salt Lake City’s gems, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a small park settled behind houses and businesses, personifying a sense of discovery when first-time visitors discover the garden.

Presenting 12 original sculptures and more than 70 stones engraved with literary texts, scriptures, and poems, the garden is committed as the only identified “visionary art environment” in all of Utah.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden was created by Thomas Child when he was 57 in 1945. Child’s passionate mission to arouse curiosity and thinking as he was during his life-long spiritual quest.

Until his death, Child spent much of his time personally traveling to Utah for huge stones that weighed up to 62 tons for his sculptures.

Open seven days a week, visiting the sculpture garden is free of admission. All visitors are welcome to tour the grounds of this enigmatic and artistic gem.

Address: 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Hours : 8am – 8pm

Home to the world’s largest collection of artifacts on one subject, the Pioneer Memorial Museum displays collections and memorabilia set from the earliest settlers. This includes settlers who entered the Valley of the Great Salt Lake until the railroads joined at Promontory Point in 1869.

Stepping into the Pioneer Memorial Museum is a step back into history. Exhibits explore the belongings and memorabilia of the pioneer people who migrated over 2,000 miles west from Nauvoo, Illinois, and other parts of the world to seek religious freedom.

From gorgeous pine furniture to ornate decorative arts, there are plenty of preserved items and memorabilia to investigate and learn about at the Pioneer Memorial Museum.

Address: 300 N Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Hours: 9am – 4:30pm, closed Saturdays and Sundays

One of the most prominent landmarks in Utah, the state capitol building has stood as the home of state government since its establishment in 1916. And from 2004-2008, the building underwent one of the largest historical preservation projects in the United States!

The project was done to repair and restore the historical beauty of the building. Since then, people worldwide have visited the Utah State Capitol Building to explore its historical beauty and significance.

Its design combines Corinthian style and Neoclassical Revival architecture, earning the building a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The capitol building is open seven days a week. It offers free guided tours every hour of the common areas that feature paintings of the state’s early history and the picturesque park outdoors that houses various memorials and a stunning reflecting pond.

Check the website for more info about scheduling a tour.

Address: 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Hours : 7am – 8pm (Closes at 6pm Fri-Sun)

Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, This Is The Place Heritage Park offers a chance for guests to step back in time to witness how early settlers lived.

A family-friendly and educational activity, the park is a worthwhile entertaining experience of the early settlement stages. The park was named after a phrase spoken by Brigham Young 1847, who led a group of pioneers to the valley.

When Young saw the valley, he declared, “This is the right place. Drive on.” This Is The Place Heritage Park honors and represents the pioneers’ early settlements and hard work accomplished in the Utah territory.

There is a range of activities, including the Heritage Village, which features buildings and cabins to explore where guests can watch leatherworkers, blacksmiths, spinsters, and more work. It’s like a living history museum, and it’s one of Salt Lake City’s top attractions.

Address: 2601 East Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108
Hours: 9am – 5pm (Closed Sundays)
Cost: $15.95

Named to honor Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is a social center that now houses various restaurants, a 500-seat theater, and an event space.

Previously called Hotel Utah, the building was established in 1911 to bring a world-class hotel to Salt Lake City. Welcoming guests from over the globe for more than 75 years, in 1987, the hotel closed and reopened in 1993 as an administration space by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since its expansion of purpose, the building now houses a theater that hosts various film and theatre performances. Visitors can come for a performance, sit at one of the many dining options, or come for the congregation on Sunday.

Address: 15 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Hours: 9am – 9pm, Closed Sundays

Heading south after Utah? Here is our list of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona .

Dedicated as a memorial to America’s fallen military men in 1924, Memory Grove Park homes various memorials and structures built to honor these fallen soldiers.

The Pagoda is the first memorial established in the park. The classical marble structure is constructed of eight columns, each supported by a circular entablature.

The marble used for the Pagoda is the same used to create the Lincoln Monument in Washington, D.C.

Other stunning memorials are speckling the park grounds, like the Meditation Chapel. The chapel was built by a mother and father to memorialize their son and other sons who died in World War II.

Walk the grounds of this sobering historical park to view the many impressive memorial structures that honor fallen soldiers.

Address: 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Hours : 5am – 11pm

Spanning 160 miles from the Utah-Idaho border to central Utah, the awe-inspiring Wasatch Mountain Range is the western edge of the greater Rocky Mountains.

As the backyard playground of Salt Lake City, many come to explore its encompassing wilderness, inspiring views, and the towns Park City and Haber that cradle the mountain.

Seven canyons feed into Salt Lake Valley, where the glacier-carved Little Cottonwood, a 15-mile-long adventure land, resorts like Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, and other popular activities like mountain biking, cycling, hiking, and more are explored.

Exploring this corner of the Salt Lake Valley is one of the most fun things to do in the area! And if you’re here during the winter, try something new and book a guided ice climbing tour .

In the heart of the Sugar House neighborhood, Sugar House Park is fondly known as the “crown jewel” among regional parks and the historic Sugar House area.

Spanning 110 acres, the park empowers luscious greenery, picturesque views, and plenty of space to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Previously the site of Utah’s first state prison, the space has been reformed into a popular park with tourists and locals alike.

Visitors can hike Parley’sTrail, sled the hilly areas, or simply sit back and relax surrounded by a serene landscape at Sugar House Park.

Address: 1330 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Hours: 7am – 10pm

One of the few remaining late 19th century farmsteads, the Wheeler Historic Farm is placed on the National Register of Historic Places to protect the historic site.

A family-friendly attraction, the farm is 75 acres in size and includes a working farm, museum, and park with several hiking trails.

Visitors can hop on a wagon or cow train ride to join an educational tour of the property that encompasses the history of Utah family agriculture.

Explore the historical exhibits and the working farm, let the kids play in the massive playground, and picnic under the shaded pavilion for a refreshing day in Utah life!

Address: 6351 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84121
Hours : Open daily from dawn to dusk
Cost : Free

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah

Now that we know all the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City, it’s time to figure out the best places to stay!

Park City Hostel offers upscale hostel accommodations in an affordable stay that has various lineups of lodging options to maximize comfort for its guests.

Salt Lake City’s top-rated hostel is perfect for adventurers, backpackers, and travelers who wish to be surrounded by like-minded individuals and fellow travelers.

Providing free shuttle services to Salt Lake’s International Airport, Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport provides its guests optimal accommodations.

Guests are served complimentary breakfast daily, serene mountain views, and an indoor heated pool and hot tub to rejuvenate and increase relaxation during your vacation.

Located in the prime location of downtown Salt Lake City, Grand America Hotel features a full spa, a dine-in cafe, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a gym.

Every room includes a stunning marble bathroom with bathrobes and slippers to dive into a relaxing mood for vacation.

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15 Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City + MAP

As the capital of Utah, you can rest assured that there are plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City . Founded by Mormon settlers in the 1840s, the city is a conglomerate of temples as well as natural beauty and wildlife of the American West.

If you’re wondering what to do in Salt Lake City , keep reading because this guide will reveal the top 15 things to do in SLC. From skiing and hiking to temple and museum tours, you’ll find something to suit any interest.

Despite being in a traditionally conservative state, SLC has a diverse culture, not to mention plenty of recreational opportunities. Check out these attractions in Salt Lake City and our map at the end of the article to plan your trip.

I also recommend reading our guide on the 25 best things to do in Utah , because guess what- the best of the beehive state is far from its capital.

1. Temple Square, the most popular attraction in Salt Lake City

Temple Square is, by far, the most popular attraction in Salt Lake City . It’s owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and sits in the center of downtown.

As the city’s Mormon headquarters, the Temple Square complex includes the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, and Seagull Monument. You’ll know you’re in the square because you’ll see the towering 15-foot spires of the Temple, which I’ll talk about next.

What to do in Salt Lake City Temple Square

1. Temple Square, one of the most popular attractions in Salt Lake City

I also recommend walking through the Gardens at Temple Square, which spans 35 acres and includes Japanese maples, English oaks, and perennials like tulips and daisies. The gardens surround the Beehive House and Lion House, which I’ll also talk about later, too.

If you visit during the Christmas season, be sure to check out the Christmas lighting in the gardens. It’s one of the best free things to do in Salt Lake City !

2. Salt Lake Temple, a calm place to go in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Temple is the highlight of Temple Square and a must-see in Salt Lake City .

It’s the largest Mormon temple in the world and took 40 years to complete, which isn’t surprising given its grandiose dimensions. As the centerpiece of Temple Square, Salt Lake Temple serves as the headquarters for the LDS Church. Members consider it sacred, so public tours aren’t permitted inside the temple. That said, the temple grounds are accessible and are one of the main attractions in Salt Lake City .

Salt Lake Temple, Mormon temple, Salt Lake City must-see

Due to its immense religious importance, the temple includes several symbolic elements. For example, the center of the temple depicts the All-Seeing Eye of God, while an Angel Moroni statue reflects the angel mentioned in Revelation 14:6. Other motifs include clouds, Saturns, hands in prayer, and the Big Dipper.

3. Salt Lake Tabernacle, a free thing to do in Salt Lake City

Also known as the Mormon Tabernacle , this domed religious building in Temple Square was completed in 1875. It originally served as a meetinghouse for the LDS Church and occasionally hosts LDS conferences today. The Tabernacle originally had a 7,000-person capacity before its renovation in 2007, but it still holds 3,500 people, which is quite impressive.

Mormon Tabernacle must-see attraction in Salt Lake City

The centerpiece of the interior is the Salt Lake Tabernacle organ, a must-see in Salt Lake City . Consisting of 11,623 pipes, it’s one of the largest pipe organs on Earth, and its tallest pipes are 32 feet high. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square uses the organ for regular practices and performances. You can catch daily organ recitals year-round at noon (2:00 pm on Sundays).

It’s one of the primary landmarks in Salt Lake City , so be sure to stop by while you’re at Temple Square.

4. Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol is another impressive place to see in Salt Lake City . Built in the Corinthian and Neoclassical Revival styles, the building consists of five stories full of paintings, murals, and sculptures as well as exhibits, a cyclorama, and the offices of the Utah State Legislature.

Utah State Capitol Main attraction downtown Salt Lake City

Tours of the capitol building are open to the public, so it’s a free thing to do in Salt Lake City if the weather’s bad. Inside, you’ll find portraits of former State Representatives and Congress members, as well as temporary exhibits spanning art, history, and politics.

The capitol grounds include a Vietnam War Memorial, Utah Law Enforcement Memorial, and a monument to the Mormon Battalion. You can follow the .7-mile walkway around the plaza, from which you can catch views of downtown Salt Lake City attractions . You’ll also pass by a reflecting pool, sculptures, and small gardens.

5. Visit Great Salt Lake, a unique thing to do in Salt Lake City

This wouldn’t be a guide to Salt Lake City without mentioning the Great Salt Lake . As the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, it’s one of the most famous places in Salt Lake City .

You might have heard it called by the name “America’s Dead Sea” due to its high saline content, but the lake is still home to waterfowl, shorebirds, and brine shrimp. The salty, marshy water provides migratory habitats for birds like the red-necked phalarope, black-necked stilt, American avocet, snowy plover, tundra swan, American white pelican, white-faced ibis, eared grebe, peregrine falcon, and bald eagle.

Great Salt Lake, Things to do in Salt Lake City

You can stop at one of the wildlife sanctuaries that surround the Great Salt Lake, including Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge , to learn more about these aviary species.

Moreover, there are several islands in the lake, although the fluctuating water level makes it hard to determine just how many islands there are. A few of the recognized islands are Stansbury Island, Gunnison Island, Fremont Island, Carrington Island, and Antelope Island , which is open year-round for recreation and wildlife viewing.

While it’s too salty and stinky to support most wildlife, Great Salt Lake remains a top attraction in Salt Lake City . When you visit, stop by the Great Salt Lake State Park for a picnic or boat ride. Of course, like most large bodies of water, there’s an urban legend of a “North Shore Monster” in the lake, but I think you’ll be fine!

6. Antelope Island, the best place to hike in Salt Lake City

Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Salt Lake City . It becomes a peninsula when the water level is low enough.

The island is a gorgeous area, and its natural beauty is protected by the Antelope Island State Park . Here, you can see bighorn sheep, American bison, coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, pronghorn, and hundreds of species of waterfowl. The Antelope Island bison herd was introduced to the land in the 1890s and is one of the largest and oldest publicly-owned herds in the US.

Antelope Island, Beautiful places to see in Salt Lake City

The state park is a family-friendly location with a marina, beach, campground, and backcountry trails for hiking and mountain biking. Make your way to Buffalo Point and White Rock Bay, which have overlooks where you can see the lake and nearby islands.

The park is also a popular birdwatching spot and one of the most scenic places in Salt Lake City for stargazing. Just be aware that there is a small entrance fee.

7. Liberty Park, something you can’t miss in Salt Lake City

If you’re wondering what to do in downtown Salt Lake City , check out Liberty Park . This public urban park has a pond with two islands, several recreational activities, and historic landmarks, such as the Isaac Chase Mill.

Another cool place in the park is the Tracy Aviary, which houses over 400 birds representing over 130 species. There, you’ll find exhibits such as the Owl Forest and Pelican Pond, and it’s a fun thing to do in Salt Lake City with kids .

Liberty Park, Downtown Salt Lake City attractions

I also recommend checking out the Chase Home of Utah Folk Arts for something free to do in Salt Lake City . The museum shares native and traditional art forms, including crafts, music, and dance.

Within the park, there are plenty of recreational opportunities for picnicking, horseshoeing, and swimming. There are also basketball, volleyball, tennis, and bocce courts, and a 1.5-mile jogging path.

Depending on when you go, there might be seasonal amusements like paddleboats and festivals. The park is a popular spot for watching the Pioneer Day fireworks (July 24), and on Sundays, it’s common to see and hear drum circle performances.

8. Park City and other ski resorts

Skiing is one of the top activities in Salt Lake City , and there are several great resorts to check out.

Among the most popular is Park City Mountain Resort , which is just 32 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City. It has slalom training runs for the U.S. Ski Team, and the resort hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics snowboarding events. Plus, Park City attracts skiers from all over the country, so you can bet that you’ll get some great runs here.

Park City, Main attraction in Salt Lake City for families

Deer Valley is another Salt Lake City hotspot for skiing. A more luxurious option that also hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, Deer Valley is known as one of the top ski resorts in the U.S. A visit here is a nice thing for couples to do in Salt Lake City , as the resort offers a state-licensed daycare and ski valets that can carry your gear.

Snowbird is open year-round and, along with Alta Ski Area , occupies the Little Cottonwood Canyon. The two resorts offer a joint day pass so you can access all the trails on both mountains.

You might also want to check out Solitude Mountain Resort or Brighton Ski Resort in the Big Cottonwood Canyon. As you can see, you won’t run out of options if you’re into snow sports!

9. Red Butte Garden, a lovely place to visit in Salt Lake City

Strolling through Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is one of the most romantic things to do in Salt Lake City . Nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, the 21-acre garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West.

It also shares a state arboretum with the University of Utah and is open year-round. The gardens are community-funded, so there is an admission fee, but I think it’s worth it to see all the lovely flowers and plants.

Red Butte Garden, Something romantic to do in SLC

There are several themed areas, including an Herb Garden, Floral Walk, Water Pavilion Garden, Rose Garden, and Wildflower Meadow. The arboretum has an extensive daffodil, lilac, and conifer collection and hosts community events throughout the year. The outdoor summer concert series is a popular activity for families, but you can find art exhibits and tours at any time of year.

With over 500,000 springtime blossoms and the pretty Red Butte Creek running through it, the arboretum is one of the best attractions in Salt Lake City for all ages.

10. Natural History Museum of Utah

Not sure what to do in Salt Lake City when it rains ? Then, check out the Natural History Museum of Utah , which is a cool place to go anytime.

The museum’s exhibitions focus on the natural history of Utah and the Intermountain West. A visit here will make you think about the impacts of human civilization on the natural environment.

As part of the University of Utah, the museum has over 1.6 million objects and artifacts. Each of the collections and displays offer a chance to learn about the culture and geology of the area. There are exhibits focused on anthropology, paleontology, vertebrate zoology, mineralogy, and more.

Natural History Museum of Utah - Best attractions in Salt Lake City when it rains

10. Natural History Museum of Utah, one of the best museums in Salt Lake City

The museum is one of those unique things to do in Salt Lake City because you can learn more about the immediate natural environment. Discover more about the First Peoples of the area, local gems and minerals, and the ecology of the Great Salt Lake and Range Creek.

Then, venture out and explore the lake or the creek, which flows from the Colorado River. The land around Range Creek dates to AD 500-1350. Vast collections of ancient artifacts and ruins have been found there including arrowheads, beads, stone tools, and ceramics. To visit, you must purchase a day permit, which is available at the museum.

11. Homestead Crater Mineral Dome

One of the most unique outdoor activities in Salt Lake City is taking a soak in the Homestead Crater . Locally known as “The Crater,” this geothermal spring sits inside a 55-foot-deep limestone rock. It was formed around 10,000 years ago and today, it’s one of the top places of interest in Salt Lake City .

The crater is actually a caldera, and at 400 feet wide, it’s an impressive sight to see. While it used to be a more secluded and secret spot, today it’s a popular attraction in Salt Lake City for snorkeling and scuba diving, and the only warm-water scuba diving location in the U.S.

Outdoor attractions in Salt Lake City - Homestead Crater Mineral Dome

The water always hovers between 90° and 96°F, and the mineral deposits make it an especially therapeutic place to relax and soak. You can visit the nearby Homestead Resort , which has been operating for over 125 years and offers self-guided crater tours through a tunnel in the rock. It’s very affordable , although you can book special visitor packages or a paddleboard yoga class.

12. Timpanogos Cave National Monument & the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

Another way to explore the natural beauty of this area is to take a trip to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument . Sitting atop Mount Timpanogos in the Wasatch Range, the national monument protects the Timpanogos Cave and Historic District.

It’s also one of the coolest places to visit in Salt Lake City since it features three caves (Timpanogos, Middle, and Hansen) connected by a series of manmade tunnels. Several observation platforms allow you to marvel at the colorful cave formations inside, like stalagmites, stalactites, cave popcorn, and flowstone.

You can visit the national monument during guided tours from May-September.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Best place to visit in Salt Lake City

If you have time, drive along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway after visiting the caves. This 20-mile drive starts at American Fork Canyon and goes through the Uinta National Forest to Provo Canyon. Along the way, you’ll pass by Timpanogos, as well as the Sundance Mountain Resort.

I recommend taking the drive in the fall so you can see the beautiful autumn foliage juxtaposed with the surrounding glaciers. If you have time, you can make a quick detour to Cascade Springs, an easy hike with waterfalls and alpine meadows. Once you get to Provo Canyon, check out the 600-foot-tall Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Utah.

13. Joseph Smith Memorial Building

The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is another must-see in Salt Lake City ‘s Temple Square. Originally called the Utah Hotel, the building was named after Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-Day Saint movement. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and exemplifies the Mormon culture of the area.

The building includes a hotel, three restaurants, 13 banquet rooms, and administrative offices for the LDS Church. Built in the Renaissance Revival style, the structure is a luxurious addition to Temple Square and a top place to visit in Salt Lake City for gourmet dining.

Joseph Smith Memorial Building Must-see landmark in Salt Lake City

13. Joseph Smith Memorial Building, an extraordinary place to go in Salt Lake City

The Church also uses the building for its chapel and Legacy Theater, which shows free church-produced movies. It also has a FamilySearch Center, which focuses on genealogy.

Visitors can take a free tour of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, which may be an interesting thing to do. If you go, check out the webcams, which document the two peregrine falcons that nest atop the building every year.

14. Historic Lion & Beehive Houses

Two more historical places in Salt Lake City’s Temple Square are the Beehive and Lion houses. Both buildings played an integral role in the growth of the LDS Church in Utah.

The Beehive House was built in 1854 and served as Mormon leader Brigham Young’s first home. The beehive is a symbolic element in Mormonism, signifying the need for teamwork and harmony for humans to thrive. As such, there is a beehive sculpture atop the house. You can take a free tour of the house as well as the Brigham Young Historic Park, which was part of the family’s farmland.

Historic Lion & Beehive Houses Best place to visit in Salt Lake City

Adjacent to the Beehive House is the Lion House. Built in 1856 for Young’s growing family, the house now serves as a venue for weddings and banquets. There are several exquisite rooms for special events, as well as an outdoor garden. Keep an eye out for the lion statue on the roof, and pop into the Lion House Pantry Restaurant for some homemade honey butter.

15. Clark Planetarium, something fun to do in Salt Lake City

Finally, a visit to the Clark Planetarium is a good activity in Salt Lake City for those cold and rainy days.

The 10,000ft² space features a full-dome IMAX theater and three floors of earth and space exhibits. Fun for kids and adults, the planetarium is a great way to learn more about the moon, space weather, the planets, and other astronomical subjects.

Clark Planetarium Best activities in Salt Lake City

It’s one of the best attractions in downtown Salt Lake City , and an affordable way to spend an afternoon. The interactive exhibits allow you to explore the immensity of black holes, the velocity of meteors, and the past, present, and future of space travel.

That’s it for the best things to do in Salt Lake City ! As you can see, SLC has a good balance of history, culture, and nature, so it’s a great place to visit in Utah. Be sure to check out our map of landmarks and Salt Lake City attractions to plan your perfect itinerary.

I know you’ll enjoy your time in SLC, but if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!

Ascen Aynat

The 10 BEST Things to Do in Salt Lake City (2024 • Updated)

Are you looking for a place where you can pay a man to run you a bath? Where the water is so salty that Arnold Schwarzenegger floats? Where the snow is precisely 8.5% moisture?

Aren’t we all. BUT…

“This is the place!!”

Because Salt Lake City will take your breath away, literally, figuratively, and spiritually. From the majesty of the Bonneville Salt Flats to the underwhelming satisfaction of a Salt Lake Trolley Tour, this is a town not to be missed.

So welcome to my LEGENDARY guide to the best things to do in Salt Lake City ! Packed full of top attractions, scintillating activities, and occasional half-amusing comments, I’ll bring you safely through all that the Utah State’s Capital has to offer…

Let’s dive in!

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Top Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Bonus activities in salt lake city, utah, day trips from salt lake city, faqs on things to do in salt lake city, final thoughts.

There’s an unnaturally wide variety of things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’re visiting Utah for the first time, you’re going to need a hand. Voila the hand…

1. Dip a Toe in the Great Salt Lake

It is pretty essential Salt Lake City courtesy to visit the Great Salt Lake. If you’re visiting the USA , it is right up there with the amazing Utah national parks! The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake west of the Mississippi River, measuring a gigantic 1700 square miles. You can bob in it. If you wanna.

Rating : All ages
Cost : Free to $$
My Personal Opinion : This is one of the most bizarre spectacles ever. Worth seeing for sure. 8/8 would rate.

The evaporation of water leaves behind chunky salt deposits, since the water has roughly 10 times as much salt as the Ocean. The lake is a favourite with locals as it offers prime fishing, hiking, and picnicking spots. The Great Salt Lake is unmissable and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Salt Lake City.

2. Explore the Mormon Sensationalism of Temple Square

Encompassing a startling 35-acre plaza, the term “Temple Square” designates the frank plethora of attractions which are connected to the Mormons. Including the surprisingly lavish Salt Lake Temple, Assembly Hall and Tabernacle, this square offers free tours to travellers, which even offer interest to persons of non or alternative religion.

Rating : All Ages
Cost : Free
My Personal Opinion : This is a must-do! Temple Square includes a large portion of the city’s top attractions!

Temple Square has its own website, and they often put on various musical events (including by the famous Tabernacle Choir). As it’s in the city centre, you can easily refresh yourself, and it is pleasant to pass a good portion of the day here. There are a great number of awesome places to stay nearby too!

3. Discover the Mormom Birthplace at the “This is the Place Monument”

Visit the This is the Place Monument in Salt Lake City.

The “This is the Place Monument” is where to visit if you want to learn about the history of the Mormon faith and its charismatic founder Brigham Young. It might even be the most important landmark in all of Salt Lake Valley.

He trekked across the desert with his 1300 followers, until he recognized this valley from his vision. “This is the place!” he exclaimed. There’s now a monument on the exact spot.

My Personal Opinion : The birthplace of the Mormons!! Outstanding if you’re into the frankly balmy history of the Mormons…

Nearby the monument is the Old Desert Village which replicates the lifestyle of those early Mormons. There are streets, houses, an inn, and a farmhouse that is populated by actors who bring history to life.

4. Stroll through Red Butte Botanical Garden

Stroll arond the Red Butt Botanical Garden in Salt Lake City.

Red Butte Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places to see in Salt Lake City. It’s on the grounds of the University of Utah and is a great place to relax.

My Personal Opinion : These gardens are sensationally pretty, and stretch for miles! If you’re looking for an easy day, don’t hesitate. Kids may get a little bored if otherwise unoccupied.

There are gorgeous landscaped gardens with marble fountains and tranquil walking paths. The Red Butte Garden has various sections dedicated to different ecosystems and regularly hosts concerts.

5. Listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Visit the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City and listen to the choir.

The Mormon Tabernacle is one of the most striking Salt Lake City points of interest, thanks to its massive silver dome! It’s also the home of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir , the perfect SLC date!

My Personal Opinion : Again, Mormon stuff. The choir is worth seeing, so plan your trip accordingly if that’s something you fancy seeing!

You can always pop into the Tabernacle to explore but it’s better if you come for a concert. There are concerts on Sunday mornings and free rehearsals on Thursday evenings. The grand organ is also featured in a recital on Saturdays!

6. Enjoy the sensational sunsets of Ensign Peak Nature Park

Following the Ensign Peak Trail is a top way to get some exercise, and brilliant city views over the Salt Lake Valley! This path also links up with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (for those of a hiking persuasion). It’s pretty sensational that panoramic views are so close to downtown Salt Lake City.

My Personal Opinion : Why not go at sunset to capture that Instagrammable shot? The trail is only a mile in either direction…

Pack your best hiking boots and embark on a hiking trail that is simultaneously part of an urban surrounding, and part of some of the most natural nature you can encounter. Lots of animals and birds can be spotted on the trail, so don’t be surprised if you catch some phantom sounds!

7. Transformational Breath & Ice Bath Workshop

Do you fancy connecting with your true self whilst on holiday? Then you will want to cease that deliciously warm shower and climb into a bathtub filled with ice cubes. Yes. That and a load of genuinely nice feeling breathing exercises. What better way to spend your time in Salt Lake City than in the bath?

Rating : 16+
My Personal Opinion : If you want a unique experience, there is no experience more refreshing…

Definitely a top thing to do in Salt Lake City. The host is experienced, and you might find a deep part of you does connect with what he’s saying. Anyway, it’ll be relaxing, enjoyable, and entirely new! Great welcome gift maybe?

8. Glide the Unreal Bonneville Salt Flats

girl standing on salt flats at sunset in utah

One of the most unusual things to do in Salt Lake City today is to take a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats. This is a unique natural formation that spans 30,000 acres! Bonneville Speedway has so much salt it looks like a frozen lake layered with snow!

My Personal Opinion : Along the same lines as the great lake, if you want to see something big, do it!

Once a year, there’s even a vehicle race along this slippery terrain that draws thrill-seekers from all over. If that’s not for you, then visit the rest stop. This area offers spectacular views of the salt flats and you can walk on the salt, a strange experience in itself!

9. Marvel at Salt Lake Temple

Flagship temple of Mormons in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake Temple is the flagship place of worship for Mormons around the world and is certainly one of the most interesting cultural things to see in Utah .

My Personal Opinion : This is the centre of Mormon culture. If you haven’t been here, have you been to Salt Lake City?

The temple was opened in 1893 and is considered to be sacred. Therefore, only congregation members are allowed to enter the church, though visitors can still tour the gorgeous grounds and admire the impressive facade.

Look out for the All-Seeing Eye of God on the central tower, as well as the Gilded Angel Statue!

10. Kick up Powder at Brighton Resort

Less than 2 hours away from Downtown Salt Lake City you can throw on a snow jacket and send it down some outrageously steep slopes. Whether you’re learning to ski or have it in the back pocket, one of Salt Lake City’s best features is its proximity to professional-grade slopes, so make the most of it!

Rating : All Ages (maybe 3+?)
My Personal Opinion : I love skiing. You could not keep me away.

The slopes are an excellent active thing to do, so if the kids are really rubbing you up the wrong way, just send them down an ice hill. It’ll cheer them up. I believe skiing is good for the soul, and realistically this should be the top attraction in Salt Lake City. The Brighton Resort is the cheapest slope (for your budget needs…), if you want quality, head to the Solitude Mountain Resort.

What’s that? Your appetite is insatiable and you can’t get enough? No worries. I will quickly sort that out with these super legendary bonus things to do in Salt Lake City…

Picnic in Liberty Park

Walk around and have a picnic at the Liberty Park in Salt Lake City.

With 80 acres of green land, Liberty Park is the second-largest park in Salt Lake City! This lush oasis is also the perfect spot for a picnic date.

Many of the trees are hundreds of years old and have grown enormous, providing shade and backrests for a comfortable afternoon. Try to find a spot near the lake where you can watch the ducks go about their family lives. The park is also a great spot for walking.

Trace your Family History at the Family History Library

Trace your genes at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

The Family History Library is home to millions of genealogical records for around three billion people. This makes it the largest such facility in the world and one of the most mind-blowing places to visit in Salt Lake City — for free!

The library encourages you to trace your own family history and the staff is friendly and eager to help you do so. If you have written records of your family ancestors, bring them along to help speed up the process.

Wander Around the Utah State Capitol Building

Stroll around the State Capitol in Salt Lake City.

The splendid building you can see on Capitol Hill is, of course, the Utah State Capitol. The governor of Utah’s official residence is a grand monument that is open to the public!

The building is a typical example of neo-classical architecture and boasts an impressive dome on the roof. Inside, the rooms are finished with white marble and gilded furnishings, and there are also a number of art exhibitions to discover.

It’s a beautiful, peaceful attraction to stroll around in SLC!

Explore Temple Square

Explore the Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Temple Square is one of the most imposing things to see in Salt Lake City. This three-block, 35-acre plaza is the location of around 20 attractions related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Some of the Salt Lake City attractions on the square include a gothic-style assembly hall, a massive tabernacle, and the Pioneer Memorial Museum. Members of the church offer visitors free tours around the square which will really help to enhance your experience.

Temple Square is also incredibly close to the City Creek Center, so you can swing by for some food and shopping after if you’d like!

Discover Kennecott Copper Mine

Visit the world’s largest man-made whole in Salt Lake City.

Kennecott Copper Mine is the world’s largest man-made hole! This awesome landmark is one of the greatest and most unique Northern Utah attractions.

This mine still operates today and is one of the most productive mines in the world. There’s a visitor’s centre at the mine where you can learn about how the mine operates and its history. There is also a shuttle that takes visitors to the site itself!

Visit the Deuel Pioneer Log Home

Deuel Pioneer Log Home is one of the most interesting places to see in Salt Lake City! It was the home of Osmyn and Wilian Deuel, both early converts to the Mormon Church, and brings 19th-century living to life!

The Deuel family lived in the log house from 1847 to 1848, making it one of the oldest intact structures remaining in Salt Lake City. It still houses the original pioneer interior, including a cast-iron stove. Budget backpackers will also love that this attraction is free!

Taste Salt Lake City’s Beers

Salt Lake City is home to a growing brewery industry and plenty of trendy bars. Discovering the best drinks is one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City for adults!

You’ll find Utah’s best craft beers at Squatters, one of the oldest breweries in the state that has produced award-winning brews! You can also pop by Epic if you can handle high-alcohol, full-format beer! For a variety of beers and a down-to-earth local vibe, try Beer Bar, which offers over 140 national and international beers!

Hunt for Ghosts

Ghosthunting probably isn’t what you expect from downtown Salt Lake City sightseeing but it is lots of fun (and just a bit spooky)!

Rio Grande Train Depot is supposedly one of the most haunted spots in town, and it’s home to “The Purple Lady” who you can spot near the cafe. Legend has it that she was killed trying to retrieve her engagement ring from the train tracks.

You can also encounter ghosts at Brigham Young Farmhouse, Shilo Inn, and Capitol Theater. You may want to book a professional guide to get the use of their special ghost hunting equipment.

Explore the Night Skies

Clark Planetarium is undoubtedly the best place to visit in Salt Lake City with kids! It will also interest adults, meaning the whole family can come and enjoy.

The planetarium hosts exhibits on Earth and Space and really takes interaction to the next level. Visitors can step inside a tornado, make their own volcanoes or admire one of the biggest moon rocks in the world on display!

Additionally, the Hansen Dome and IMAX theaters showcase fascinating shows on moon landings, volcanoes, and much more!

Admire Art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Admire the art in the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City.

Learning about great art is one of the most relaxing things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah and the best place to do so is at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, which is yet another institution of the University of Utah.

There are 20 galleries that showcase a selection of the museum’s 17,000 pieces of art! The art comes from all over the world and from various periods in history so there’s sure to be something that resonates with you.

Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah

Marvel at the collection of the Natural History Museum of Utah

The museum has amassed its collection since 1959 and now operates from the University of Utah. It now houses a collection of 1.6 million specimens and research objects so there is lots to discover.

It focuses on the natural history of Utah, with exhibitions on how landmarks like the Great Salt Lake and the Middle Rocky Mountains were formed. There’s also a collection of archaeological artefacts used to bring the first peoples of the area to life!

Dance like a Cowboy

Put on your cowboy boots and head on down to Infinity Event Center or The Westerner where you can learn to swing dance!

Both venues offer free swing and country line lessons so don’t be afraid to visit if you’re a beginner. Note that this is only open to adults. While Infinity Event Center doesn’t serve any alcohol, The Westerner has a full bar, a wooden dance floor, and even a mechanical bull!

Visit the Big Cottonwood Canyon

aerial view of lake blanche things to do in salt lake city

Looking to take a day trip from Salt Lake City? Look no further than the Big Cottonwood Canyon. The canyon sits at the bottom of the Wasatch Mountain Range and is packed with outdoorsy things to do. While there you can see both Lake Mary and Lake Blanche, camp, picnic, or even ski depending on the season.

Read in Salt Lake City Public Library

Read books in the Salt Lake City Public Library.

Situated in downtown Salt Lake City, this public library is an architectural wonder and a book-lover’s paradise. It’s also free so there’s no excuse not to visit.

The library has a sophisticated glass facade that won’t fail to impress you, and it houses more than 500,000 books in total. Apart from its indoor facilities, you can also take books up onto the rooftop garden.

This terrace is also worth visiting for its epic views of the Wasatch Mountain Range!

Just when you thought you were done, can things get more exciting than a day trip from Salt Lake City? Never. Salt Lake City is right in the middle of a genuinely mental amount of gorgeous scenery…

Antelope Island

So you’ve seen the Great Salt Lake, but have you seen it from Antelope Island? This patch of ground contains a multitude of wildlife species, including a 600-strong herd of American bison. There are coyotes, bobcats, porcupines, mule deer, and a sensational array of migratory birds (if you arrive at the right time). Enjoy a day of wildlife spotting, crazy landscapes, and a gorgeous sunset!

Arches National Park

The Arches National Park is uniquely famous and is for sure on my bucket list. The combinations of geological formations here cannot be found almost anywhere else in the world, and if grab a guide he can talk you through all of the erosion processes! There are even some great examples of fossils and dino prints in the area, but don’t tell anyone or they’ll all be down…

Don’t forget your travel insurance for Salt Lake City

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Salt Lake City.

What are the Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City, Utah?

The best things to do in Salt Lake City are: 1. Visit the Great Salt Lake 2. Explore Temple Square 3. See the Tabernacle Choir 4. Enjoy wildlife at Antelope Island 5. Visit the Natural History Museum 6. Go skiing at the Solitude Mountain Resort! 7. Check out Salt Lake Temple 8. See the Bonneville Salt Flats 9. Climb to Ensign Peak for sunset 10. Stroll through the Red Butte Gardens

What are the Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City with Kids?

If you’ve got kids in tow, try the Natural History Museum (which comes with a ton of interactive exhibits), get out to Antelope Island and hike, kayak or swim, or just go skiing! The Clark Planetarium is another great way to keep people entertained, as is the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. Red Butte Garden has brilliant plant life that kids will love. Generally however, most attractions in Salt Lake City are kid friendly anyway.

What are the Top Salt Lake City Tourist Attractions?

If you’re looking for the top Salt Lake City Tourist Attractions, I would head straight for Temple Square. Containing the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the “This is the Place” memorial, it is the centre of Mormon culture in the city. Afterwards, head to Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake for the classic introduction to Utah scenery. Try Ensign Peak, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and then maybe the mountains for a little skiing. There are cool museums too (like the Natural History Museum).

What is the Best Way of Visiting the Great Salt Lake?

The top access points are at the Antelope Island State Park or the Great Salt Lake State Park. Antelope Island gets a lot of attention because of the wildlife that you are able to observe, and the range of activities on offer. You can sail, kayak, hike or bike! There is of course the opportunity to float around for a bit, but this is pretty salty.

Salt Lake City is home to some of the best things to do in Utah! It’s a city full of history and is surrounded by some incredible natural landmarks. You’ll quickly realize you don’t want to leave this unique place and its alien-like landscapes.

Luckily, there are enough things to do in Salt Lake City to keep a traveller busy for a while if need be! Enjoy the outdoors, learn some new things, and try some classic SLC restaurants. If nothing else, you’ll have immersed yourself in the unique culture of Utah, one of the very best places to visit in the USA.

Colleen Kinsey

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This city is so amazing!. There were more things to do in Salt Lake City, I remember when I first discovered the escape room when my friends brought me along with them and it was so much fun!

30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Salt Lake City (Utah)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: September 25, 2019 - Last updated: October 17, 2023

Salt Lake City, Utah is among the most famous and cool places in America.

Steeped in rich religious history and unique culture, this populous city is packed with places to go, sources of entertainment and unique areas to explore, whether you’re there for a day, a weekend, a week, or longer!

But it can be tricky to narrow down exactly what to see while you’re in this beautiful and fascinating city.

After all, how can you pick the coolest, nicest locations in a place that is so full of intrigue and wonder?

To help you choose the right spots to go to, here are 30 best & fun things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the most beautiful places in America .

Table of Contents

1. Natural History Museum of Utah

Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock

The Natural History Museum of Utah is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to see around Salt Lake City if you’re into history, science, and culture.

It gives you an inside look into Utah and its rich past, ranging from its geography to its native background, as well as its most crucial historical moments.

The museum boasts 10 permanent exhibits, as well as a wide variety of interactive features involving smell, touch, and other senses.

It showcases interesting facts about the Great Salt Lake, covers over 500 million years of information on Salt Lake City, and provides occasional seasonal displays to peruse each time you go there.

One of the most popular exhibits is the First Peoples Exhibit, which covers the five initial Native American nations in the state, but there are many more to see.

That’s why visiting this museum is among the top things to do in Salt Lake City!

Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

2. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Jerry and Pat Donaho / flickr

One of the Salt Lake City attractions that no tourist can miss is The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square .

You don’t have to be religious to enjoy the harrowing and beautiful melodies and harmonies created by this talented and spiritual group of singers.

At 9.30 am every Sunday, the choir’s performance is broadcast live.

But you can watch them in action in person for free if you’re in Utah between September and November as well as January and May.

During this time, the choir offers free rehearsal attendance to the public for an hour at night on Thursdays.

Worried you won’t get a seat?

In December and between June and September, rehearsals are specifically tailored to cater to bigger crowds at the LDS Conference Center near the famous Temple Square of Salt Lake City.

There is also a bonus organ recital that happens in the afternoon 6 days a week, which is extra fun to sit in and listen to!

3. Temple Square

JVE001 / Shutterstock

Temple Square is one of the top 10 points of interest in Salt Lake City, Utah, hands down.

Located in downtown Salt Lake City, it stands out as the main attraction of SLC with its beautiful architecture and imposing structure.

It spans across 10 acres and is surrounded by gorgeous greenery.

This square is mainly used as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ headquarters, but you don’t need to share the faith to visit.

While you’re there, you can learn about Latter-day Saints’ history and the intricacies of the religion, and some volunteers are onsite to provide tours and give you lots of interesting facts about the faith and its background.

Temple Square is home to multiple other famous spots, such as the Tabernacle, a wide range of museums, Latter-day Saints sites, and plenty of other locations you’ll want to check out.

Address: 50 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA

4. Great Salt Lake

Johnny Adolphson / Shutterstock

The Great Salt Lake runs for 1,700 square miles, making it the biggest natural lake in Utah, and the largest between there and the Mississippi River.

The lake’s salty nature is due to the mineral deposits it leaves behind when it evaporates, and it is this iconic body of water that gave Salt Lake City its name.

There are plenty of activities to take part in at the lake.

You can go fishing, swimming, or boating, or sit down for a picnic near the water to look over this amazing Utah location.

Hiking trails and lots of wildlife are ready to be seen for the less aqua-inclined, too.

If you like, you can drop by the visitor center to learn more about the area.

It’s definitely among the best things to do in Salt Lake City!

5. Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Kent Slade / flickr

The Hogle Zoo spans 42 acres and is well-known for being among the top spots in Salt Lake City if you’re looking for a little fun.

It is situated right at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range, where it is host to countless animals, both local to Salt Lake City as well as more exotic and rare.

A variety of exhibits within this most famous zoo in Salt Lake City showcase different individual ecosystems in each one.

An Asian highlands exhibit shows off Pallas’ cats, Amur tigers, Siberian lynxes, and more fantastic wildcats.

An African Savannah exhibit shows off zebras, lions, giraffes, and even ostriches.

Other exhibits include an Elephant Encounter and a Rocky Shores display, the latter of which shows all sorts of marine mammals and even polar bears.

So if you’re looking for things to do in SLC, look no further!

Address: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States

Going on a road trip around Utah? Why not check out some of the things to do in Utah ?

6. Utah State Capitol

Don Mammoser / Shutterstock

The Utah State Capitol has its home in Salt Lake City itself, where it serves as one of the region’s main attractions.

It rises 300 feet into the air and is located on Capitol Hill, designed classically with stunning and regal architecture.

It is elegantly opulently decorated, with a dome topping that can be spotted from across the city and marble furnishings within.

The Capitol is open to visitors.

You can enjoy sights of the Golden Room, which is where the Governor holds receptions, as well as some interesting galleries furnished with rotating exhibitions.

Collections of items from around Salt Lake City and beyond adorn the area open to visitors, giving you an insightful glimpse into the state and what it stands for.

Address: 350 N State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States

7. Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is among the coolest places to visit in Salt Lake City for art and history lovers.

Steeped in culture, this Salt Lake City location is a part of the campus of the University of Utah, doubling up as a university and a state museum.

Originally opened back in the 1950s, this location boasts over 20 galleries, each with a variety of exhibits – some of which are static, and some of which are rotating.

More than 17,000 items are displayed as part of permanent collections, and they’re not just restricted to pieces by those near Salt Lake City.

European and Asian art joins the American works on display.

A healthy mix of classical and modern works adorn the museum, giving you a lot of different styles to appreciate.

Address: 410 Campus Center Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA

8. Ensign Peak

robert cicchetti / Shutterstock

If you’re in Salt Lake City for the weekend, one of the best things you can do is take a hike up to Ensign Peak , which offers an incredible view of this Utah City.

It’s only about half a mile’s hike up, making it a simple and easy option for beginner hikers, and it provides extremely rewarding results!

Sunset is undoubtedly the most opportune time to take a trip to this stunning peak, though it can be crowded at this time.

Still, the extra people are worth the journey regardless!

You’ll be treated to views of the Great Salt Lake bathed in the evening, orange sun, and you’ll even be able to look over Salt Lake Valley, and to the city Capitol.

So if you’re planning a trip to be one with nature and you’re looking for what to do in Salt Lake City, going to Ensign Peak is a noble and ultimately wonderful journey!

Address: Ensign Peak Trail, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States

9. Liberty Park

Chris Curtis / Shutterstock

Liberty Park is one of the more iconic Salt Lake City locations today, especially for sightseeing.

It was first purchased from Bingham Young’s estate back in 1881, and now (and since 1980), it is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

This oasis covers 80 acres of land, and it is the largest park in all of SLC.

You can walk, bike, or hike around the stunning landscape of lush green, play volleyball or basketball, go swimming in the pool, and take a trip to a number of interesting spots along the way.

There’s the Isaac Chase Mill, which holds the title of the oldest building for commercial purposes in Utah.

You can stop by Tracey Aviary, which is home to 135 different bird species, specifically those that are endangered or rare.

There is also the Chase Home of Museum of Utah Folk Art, which offers free admission and showcases the greatest that Salt Lake City and its surrounding regions have to offer.

Address: 600 East 900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA

10. Marmalade Hill Historic District

Ntsimp [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

It is named because of the multiple fruit and plant-based street names that span across the area, provided due to early Salt Lake City settlers who brought these items with them.

There are a number of unique and fascinating, historically rich buildings to see here.

Quince Street is famous for its wealth of cultural value, with such gems as the Thomas Quayle House and the John Platts house, both near to each other.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time in this whimsical historical location.

Exploring other areas of Utah? Why not check out some of the things to do in Moab ?

11. This Is The Place Monument

Ladanifer / Shutterstock

How, exactly, did Salt Lake City become the home of the Latter-day Saints’ faith?

Well, it all began right at this spot: the This Is The Place Monument , so named because that is what Brigham Young exclaimed when they arrived upon the Utah city.

The congregation of Latter-day Saints followers had been traveling and hiking with Brigham Young across 1,300 miles before they emerged from Emigration Canyon and came upon Salt Lake City.

Young immediately took note of the place, as he said he had seen the exact valley in which they emerged in a vision.

A monument was erected 100 years after the people settled into their new Salt Lake City homes, meaning it dates back to 1947.

It’s one of the best places to visit for a true slice of history, and among the most-loved tourist attractions in the region.

Address: 2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States

Planning a trip to California soon? Be sure to check out some of the most beautiful places to see in California !

12. Pioneer Memorial Museum

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

The Pioneer Memorial Museum holds the biggest collection of artifacts devoted to one specific topic of history – the settlement of the first Latter-day Saints people to come to live in Salt Lake City, and even Utah.

Written artifacts, information and data collections, and rich photos line the displays, as well as extensive memorabilia collections.

The museum chronicles the entrance of the very first pioneers into what would one day be Salt Lake City, all the way up to the beginning of railroad paths in the region.

Many of the items on display are fairly “normal” – dresses, quilts, instruments, and more – all used by the Latter-day Saints’ migrants during their historical journey to their promised land.

There are some rather fascinating display items, too – such as rattles of rattlesnakes, Victoria art made from hair, and a potato that has been petrified.

It is one of the more unusual points of interest in Salt Lake City, but it’s worth the visit, and it’s one of the more fun museums to check out!

Address: 300 N Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States

13. Fisher Brewing Company

Fisher Brewing Company

The Fisher Brewing Company was once an auto shop, but it wasn’t long before Albert Fisher, an immigrant from Germany, decided to start up this Salt Lake City, Utah company in the Granary District.

This was back in 1884, and since then, generations have taken up the helm and continued their tradition – albeit in a smaller way.

Now, Tony Fisher, the great-great-grandson of Albert Fisher, continues to operate the brewery, though this is done on a smaller scale.

Fisher alcoholic beverages are only sold from the brewing company’s taproom, so it’s pretty exclusive to Salt Lake City and won’t be found in any retail outlets.

Adults will especially enjoy taking a trip to this brewery, where you’ll get to sample delicious and well-crafted Fisher, as well as enjoy fare from food trucks near the entrance.

If you like your alcohol, visiting the Fisher Brewing Company is definitely among the things to do in Salt Lake City today that you can’t miss!

Address: 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

14. Salt Lake City Public Library

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

The Salt Lake City Public Library opened its doors back in 2003, and if you’re a fan of books or architecture or both, then this is definitely among the nicest places to visit while you’re in Utah.

It houses a whopping 500,000 books and more and provides lots and lots of relaxing areas to lounge in as you enjoy your reading material of choice.

Of all the things to see in this region, the Salt Lake City Public Library probably boasts the most stunning works of modern architecture in its design and build.

Its contemporary appearance has drawn many visitors, who enjoy a lovely cafe indoors or hunker down to read for a few hours.

There’s also a rooftop garden that offers great Wasatch Mountain views!

Recent visitors said the architecture alone is reason enough to visit, while others appreciated the friendly staff and on-site cafe.

You can also find a wide range of different stores situated in the Library Square area, including a stunning rooftop garden that offers fantastic views of the Wasatch Mountains.

It’s also perfect for a little peace and quiet while you read, write, or get some fresh air.

Check their website for opening times!

Address: 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

15. Summum Pyramid

Visiting the Summum Pyramid has got to be one of the more interesting, fun things to do in Salt Lake City.

The first Summum is a play on the Latin Summus, which means “highest”.

The pyramid was completely in 1979, where it serves as a modern mummification provider as well as the church’s center for meditation and teaching.

The Summum religion was founded by Claude Corky Nowell in 1975 after he claimed to have an unusual encounter with hyper-intelligent beings that he referred to as Summa individuals.

They apparently revealed the universe’s true nature to him, prompting him to change his name to Summum Bonum Amon Ra and form the religion, which is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Much of Summum beliefs draw from polytheism and often seem to be a blend of religious spirituality and science fiction.

It is this uncanny eccentric nature that makes the Summum Pyramid one of the most mysterious Salt Lake City attractions.

You can step in during the evenings every Wednesday to join philosophical discussions.

Address: 707 Genesee Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, United States

Looking for more thrills around Utah? Why not check out some of the things to do in St. George ?

16. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Brad Young / Shutterstock

The Big Cottonwood Canyon is a must-see if you’re in Utah for a weekend.

It sits at the bottom of the Wasatch Mountain Range and spans 15-miles.

It is just a short drive away from the more urban parts of Salt Lake City and is packed with things to do.

If you’re a fan of nature, you’ll love this canyon!

While you’re in this SLC spot, you can visit multiple lakes – including Lake Mary and Lake Blanche – as well as go hiking, biking, or walking to take in the scenery.

You will also be able to enjoy picnics, outdoor sports, water activities, and winter sports (during the right seasons).

Some people also like to camp or fish in this Salt Lake City haven.

Address: Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA

17. City Creek Center

The City Creek Center is the best spot to go if you like shopping – and it’s probably the greatest mall in all of Utah.

Located in downtown Salt Lake City, near to State Street, it covers 700,000 square feet of land, and over 90 different restaurants, shops, and more can be found inside.

But the City Creek Center isn’t just about fantastic shopping.

It’s also a beautifully decorated and designed location, with a huge glass ceiling that serves as a retractable skylight and is moved in and out based on the weather.

It also boasts waterfalls, fountains, and a 1,200-foot stream full of fish!

Apart from many common retail outlets, the mall also houses some unique and more interesting dining and retail outlets from Salt Lake City, Utah itself.

It’s an award-winning mall, too – even more reason to check it out!

Address: 50 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States

18. Redwood Drive-In Movie Theatre

lrterry78 / Shutterstock

Looking for some entertainment while you’re in Salt Lake City?

Head over to the Redwood Drive-In Theatre , which has been showcasing double features (two movies!) for one low price since 1948.

Lots of people are fans of the theatre and come by at night now to enjoy $9 ticket fares and the old-fashioned movie-showings right in Salt Lake City, Utah!

Adults who grew up during the era of drive-in popularity – back in the 50s – will especially enjoy this nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Make sure you’re not late – you’ll want to get a good parking spot.

It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Salt Lake City this weekend!

Address: 3688 S Redwood Rd, West Valley City, UT 84119, United States

19. Salt Lake Trolley Tours

Salt Lake Trolley Tours

Salt Lake Trolley Tours are a great way to go sightseeing and spot all the attractions that this Utah region is known for!

The trolley you will ride is painted bright red and a replica of trolleys of old, and it will take you and a small group through the downtown area of Salt Lake City, showing you all the most crucial monuments and locations that the city has to offer.

While you’re on board, you’ll be given lots of information about the history of Salt Lake City and its famous sites.

You’ll see the State Capitol Building, Temple Square, and other spots near to them.

There is also the option of a tour cruise, which brings you through a more scenic experience.

20. Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School

Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School

If you’re looking for something unorthodox to do this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, look no further than Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School.

It has been almost five decades since Plescia began studying and compiling lesser-known Biblical passage, using them as artistic inspiration.

Mostly, he focuses on Eve and Heavenly Mother, though there is much more to be seen at this “school”.

Plescia made use of empty buildings in the southern region of Salt Lake City in order to create his school.

It is now a garden that houses multiple gigantic sculptures that cover the area, winding upwards into the sky, depicting specific Biblical figures and Biblical passages and stories.

What’s even more impressive is how Plescia worked on all of this out of his own passion.

A dome, self-built, towers over the school’s top, and he dug out the basement by hand.

Visit in the afternoon on a Friday or Sunday to receive a tour of his spectacular garden and listen to his inspiration behind each piece.

If you’re looking for what to do in SLC that is unusual but fascinating, this is your best bet!

Address: 1324 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA

21. Thanksgiving Point

Have kids? Take them to Thanksgiving Point , one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City if you’re looking for a versatile and fun adventure!

It contains many different treasured locations within its 55 acres, including a movie theater, a petting farm, the Butterfly Biosphere, and a golf course.

There’s also the Museum of Ancient Life, which is a very high-tech museum great for kids!

Best of all, these spots are all near to each other, so you can take a trip to all of them.

Of course, you don’t need to have children to enjoy this lovely Salt Lake City, Utah location.

Enjoy the golf course, gardens, and go dining or shopping, all within Thanksgiving Point itself!

Address: 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043, United States

22. Family History Library

The Family History Library is a fantastic free-to-the-public library.

It is located in downtown Salt Lake City as is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its purpose is to pursue genealogical research and assist visitors in finding information about their ancestry.

And this isn’t just limited to Salt Lake City or Utah locals!

There’s lots of stuff to do in this library, and a variety of workshops and classes hosted by this SLC location will show you to do them.

You will be taught how to use the library’s resources, databases, and records.

You can get further assistance from staff, and over 30 languages are ready to be used for this assistance.

This Salt Lake City library first opened in 1894, and since then, millions of individuals from different countries have been able to utilize its extensive resources to find out more about themselves and their ancestry.

Take a trip there and learn something about your history!

Address: 35 N West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA

23. Utah Olympic Park

Jakub Zajic / Shutterstock

The Utah Olympic Park located in Park City was built for the Winter Olympic Games of 2002, and it’s among the top must-see spots near Salt Lake City.

Back then, it hosted a variety of events, such as Nordic ski jumping, bobsleigh, luge, and more.

You can go on guided tours so you can witness all the places to see within the park

A variety of activities are available, some of them being seasonal.

Summer promises the Xtreme Zipline, which is the steepest of its kind internationally, the Quicksilver Alpine Slide, freestyle ski jumping, and more.

Meanwhile, the winter brings Nordic ski jumping, the Comet Bobsled, the terrain park, the Rocket Skeleton, and more.

Address: 3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098, United States

24. Beehive House

Sopotnicki / Shutterstock

The Beehive House is one of the more popular attractions in Salt Lake City, Utah – especially for those curious about Latter-day Saints history.

It displays a beehive symbol on one of its turrets, which was representative of the hardworking nature of the Latter-day Saints – and also a part of the Utah coat of arms.

When Brigham Young was the governor of the state, he lived in this 1854 home, along with his 19 wives and 56 children.

Many aspects of the Latter-day Saints faith were incorporated into this home, keeping its residence near to their religion, and visiting it for a tour is one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City.

Address: 67 E S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, United States

25. Tracy Aviary

M Outdoors / Shutterstock

We’ve already talked about Tracy Aviary when mentioning the famed Liberty Park of Salt Lake City, Utah, but even if you’re not interested in the whole park, the aviary itself is one of the best tourist attractions for animal-lovers and families.

The aviary hosts more than 400 different types of birds, which come from 135 different species, most of which are either endangered or rare.

They are all housed over 8 acres of land, within exhibits that show them in a replica of their natural ecosystems and habitats.

This aviary, first opened in 1938, is definitely one of the best things to see if you’re a fan of birds!

These birds aren’t local to just Salt Lake City – many are more exotic, such as the Chilean king vultures.

Address: 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA

26. Gallivan Center

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

Gallivan Center is one of the best entertainment-related points of interest in all of Salt Lake City, especially if you’re into a little nightlife.

Located in the downtown area of Salt Lake City, a wide range of artists perform at music festivals regularly thrown in the area.

Some performers are local, from Utah or from America in general, and others fly in from various parts of the world.

June is probably a good time to take a trip to Gallivan Center when it hosts a Blues music festival that is the greatest that Salt Lake City – and even the whole state – has to offer.

Address: 239 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

27. Gilgal Sculpture Garden

sporst / flickr

The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a stunning wonder that serves as a surprisingly peaceful respite from the businesses and homes near to it.

It is a hidden gem of Salt Lake City, built by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. sometime in the middle of the 20th century.

Walk through the garden and you’ll immediately see why it’s one of the most impressive simple attractions in this Utah city.

More than 70 engraved stones are scattered throughout it, engraved meticulously with Latter-day Saints literature and odd carved images of all kinds.

12 original sculptures also lie in wait for perusal, as well as a statue of Child himself!

It took almost two decades for Child to shape Gilgal Sculpture Garden into the blissful and fascinating oasis it is today.

Visiting it is one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City!

Address: 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, United States

28. Red Butte Garden

Chaithanya Krishnan / Shutterstock

The Red Butte Garden is an outdoor center that is one of the most perfect places for sightseeing in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It houses miles upon miles of trails upon its 100-acre foundation that you can follow for fun or for exercise, all winding through garden houses.

All sorts of presentations of fauna and flora are on display in the garden all year long, making it a great Salt Lake City destination for nature-lovers.

It also has a botanical garden, an amphitheater that puts on music concerts in the summer, and an arboretum.

You can also take part in classes on gardening, educational programs, and special holiday events if you’re in Salt Lake City at the right time for them!

Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States

29. Eccles Theatre

Eccles Theater

The Eccles Theatre is a relatively new addition to downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, but it has since served as the venue for a wide range of amazing and entrancing performances.

Adults and kids alike are sure to find a performance they’d like to see while here for a weekend!

The seats feel comfortable and opulent, so you’ll feel like you’re in the lap of luxury the whole time.

Broadway musicals, bands, and comedians have all taken the time to drop by this Salt Lake City venue and perform, as well as some local Utah acts.

The theatre itself is a true stunner and a wonder to see, and after enjoying the show and applauding, you can easily walk to artisanal eateries nearby for a great end to tonight’s outing.

Address: 131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

30. Clark Planetarium

Original photograph Mike Murray, composited with public domain nebula from NASA

The Clark Planetarium is a wonderful and fun educational location that is among the best things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Over 10,000 square feet of ground throughout the spot offer countless multidimensional exhibits and lots of activities to take part in.

When you enter, you’ll get to explore a free hall full of interactive and informational exhibits.

You’ll forget you’re in Utah at all as you learn more about the planet, the solar system, and the progress of space exploration.

There is also a 3D IMAX theatre, so if you come to Salt Lake City with your kids, they’ll love rushing in to watch educational feature films!

You can find the Clark Planetarium in the Gateway District, where it hosts sprawling galleries and exhibits that will amaze and engage you.

You’ll be impressed with all that it has to offer, especially if you’re intrigued by the mysterious world of space.

It’s an experience unlike any other!

Address: 110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Salt Lake city

Salt Lake City is teeming with places to visit and fun things to see.

No matter where you go around SLC, so many activities are waiting for you to engage in and enjoy.

Beyond just the top, most popular places, many hidden gems in this Utah region are waiting for you to peruse.

There’s a little something for everyone, no matter what you’re into and who you’re with!

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See a New Side of Salt Lake

Downtown Salt Lake, like most cities’ downtowns, is a hub for business, arts, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Young professionals are moving to this neighborhood in droves to be close to transit and occupy dozens of new apartment buildings and condos, a hip new restaurant or bar opens seemingly every day, Greenbikes cruise from shop to shop, and exciting events hit the city center night after night. But amid all the urban action, historic Temple Square remains the most visited attraction in the city, and views of the venerable Wasatch Mountains can be had from almost every street corner, giving downtown Salt Lake a unique feeling of rootedness and ruggedness. When it comes to planning out your day and night downtown, there’s a lot to choose from. Here are a few crowd favorites. Don't miss your chance to check some of the best food and drink in downtown Salt Lake .

Eccles Theater

Delta center (utah jazz), temple square, city library, city creek shopping center, utah state capitol, locals’ secrets.

Right off of Main Street, this five story performing arts theater is quite a sight to see. The Eccles Theater books everything from Broadway musicals to bluegrass bands to big name comedians. Be sure to take in the star-speckled ceiling after finding your seat, and head to Finca Pintxos Bar on Regent Street for Spanish tapas and drinks after the show.

West entry of the Delta Center showing a skyline view in downtown Salt Lake City

Host site of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, 2002 Winter Olympics site, and home of the beloved Utah Jazz NBA team. Snag tickets to a Jazz game and experience the loudest fans in the NBA, or check out one of the mega popstars taking the mainstage. For a full event lineup, check out the Delta Center website .

Please note: Temple Square is currently under renovation, but still has spaces open for the public. See what is still available to visit and tour here .

The grounds are beautifully landscaped, the towering Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' temple and surrounding architecture are stunning, and the multilingual tour guides are happy to fill you in on the unusual sights, sounds, and texts you’ll encounter in this utterly unique corner of the city.

Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the downtown library is a gorgeous place to read, relax, catch up on emails, browse books and zines, see an art exhibit, and admire sweeping views of the city.

Currently, the main rooftop terrace is being remodeled and will be an even better place to take in views of the city. For updates on construction, visit their website .

This award-winning, state-of-the-art shopping mall has something for everyone, including waterfalls, a fish-stocked stream, and an enormous glass ceiling that opens and closes based on the weather.

Utah State Capitol during cherry blossom season

Capture a photo op outside this beautiful building, stroll the grounds, or head inside and take in the marble elegance and artwork. Pro tip, go in the spring and see the cherry blossoms bloom. The capitol offers self-guided tours or guided tours that can be scheduled in advance of your visit .

Not too small, not too big, The Depot is a super fun place to see shows. The venue books a good variety of touring bands and musicians, and it’s almost always easy to get a drink and see the stage.

Note: Speaking of shows and other crowd-pleasing happenings, if any of the following events are happening during your visit to downtown Salt Lake, definitely check them out: Twilight Concert Series , Craft Lake City , Utah Arts Festival , Kilby Block Party , Open Streets , Utah Pride Parade , and the Utah Beer Festival .

The following are a few places we probably shouldn’t tell you about. Go there only if you’re a genuinely cool person who wants to chat with some Salt Lakers and take a step off the conventional visitors guide path.

This unassuming neighborhood bar is somehow situated right in the heart of downtown. Its curious group of regulars are loyal and close-knit, yet surprisingly diverse—they span a wide range of interests, ages, and backgrounds, from local news anchors to eccentric artists to grumpy old men to tech nerds. There’s always a good conversation to be had here.

Sears Parking Lot Taco Carts

Arguably the best street tacos in town. This is a spot where you come for the food, not the setting.. However, there are some awesome bars nearby that you could hit up afterward, a local favorite is Purgatory .

Brigham Young's Family Cemetery

The burial plot of the second president of the Mormon church, as well as several of his wives and children, is a site of spiritual reflection for some and curiosity for others, but regardless of what draws you to visit, it’s a serene and storied spot in a city that’s quickly growing and changing around it.

Ken Sanders

If you’re a lover of books, don’t miss this eclectic bookstore. From local owner, Ken Sanders , this is a great spot to find those books you might not be able to snag at your chain bookstores. It has everything from rare collections, to new books, to affordable used titles.

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Where to See the Northern Lights on Sunday Night

The best weather conditions for viewing the colorful light display will be in much of the West while New England was “a question mark,” a forecaster said.

A purple-filled sky and a yellow horizon above a mountain range in Utah during a geomagnetic storm.

By Amanda Holpuch

The spectacular aurora borealis, the nighttime light display triggered by solar flares that has been so unusually prevalent since Friday, could be visible again on Sunday night in much of the United States as a powerful geomagnetic storm continues.

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, has been observed from locations much farther south than usual, including much of the United States, Britain and some parts of Central America.

The glowing green, pink and purple lights will be visible again on Sunday night in places with clear, dark skies, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

“There’s a chance that what’s coming at us later today could be quite comparable to what we saw Friday into Friday night,” Mike Bettwy, the operations chief of the Space Weather Prediction Center, said on Sunday. “Our forecast is for it to be right up to that level.”

There were reports of the lights being visible in Puerto Rico, South Florida and parts of Central America on Friday night, Mr. Bettwy said, and it could happen again on Sunday night if the storm is as intense.

He said the aurora “ebbs and flows without much reason,” making it hard to predict the best time to view the phenomenon.

“Generally, the darker the sky is, the higher the chances that you’ll see it,” Mr. Bettwy said.

In places with a lot of bright lights, like a city, it is more difficult to see.

Cloudy weather can also block the view. This could pose a challenge for those hoping to see the northern lights in the central United States, where rain and storms are forecast.

Tony Fracasso, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, said that the best chances for clear skies would be in much of the West, as well as from Ohio toward the Mid-Atlantic and possibly in North Dakota and Minnesota.

New England was “a question mark,” he said.

In the United Kingdom, thunderstorms were moving north across Wales into northern England and Scotland on Sunday night , but it was clearer in the south and east.

If you are in a clear area, take a picture or record a video with your cellphone. The camera’s sensor is more sensitive to the wavelengths made by the aurora and may reveal an image different from what you can see with the naked eye.

This weekend’s show is the result of the most powerful geomagnetic storm to reach Earth since October 2003. When geomagnetic activity increases, auroras become brighter and more active, and they expand to regions where they are not usually seen.

The Space Weather Prediction Center has a five-level scale to rate geomagnetic storms. A watch was in place on Sunday for conditions to reach the fourth level or higher.

On Saturday, the storm’s conditions were at the third and the fourth levels, with a period of level-five conditions early in the day, the center said.

Geomagnetic storms can interfere with power grids, communications and navigations systems, but there had been no significant impacts from the storm as of Sunday morning, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The storm will continue into Monday, the Space Weather Prediction Center said.

Amanda Holpuch covers breaking news and other topics. More about Amanda Holpuch

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event that’s out of this world with our space and astronomy calendar .

A dramatic blast from the sun set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

A celestial image, an Impressionistic swirl of color in the center of the Milky Way, represents a first step toward understanding the role of magnetic fields in the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.

Scientists may have discovered a major flaw in their understanding of dark energy, a mysterious cosmic force . That could be good news for the fate of the universe.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

Where you can see northern lights Sunday night from another solar storm

Sunday night could offer another opportunity to see the northern lights unusually far south, though less than earlier predicted

If you missed the recent auroras over the past two days, you may have another chance. The sun will continue to send more activity to Earth on Sunday night and early this week.

Fast eruptions from the sun are expected to slam into Earth on Sunday night and Monday morning, triggering another round of geomagnetic storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sunday is predicted to offer the best chance for aurora-chasing before this round of solar activity diminishes.

After predicting geomagnetic storms of level G4 or G5 — the most intense rating — on Sunday morning, NOAA downgraded the forecast to G3, meaning less likelihood for a repeat of Friday night , when storms brought aurora sightings down to Florida and Mexico.

Activity is expected to wane by the pre-dawn hours of Monday, although storm levels are still predicted to reach moderate (G2) to strong (G3). Auroras could be spotted as far south as Iowa and Washington state with the naked eye, but cameras could capture the dancing lights farther south.

By Tuesday morning, NOAA forecasts that geomagnetic storm activity will diminish to minor levels (G1). During a minor storm, only higher latitudes such as northern Michigan or Maine typically see auroras.

Will there be clouds in my area?

In the Northeast, people may struggle to see the aurora through clouds on Sunday night, although some breaks are possible toward Monday morning. Unfortunately, clouds will blanket much of the area Monday night to Tuesday morning.

In the Mid-Atlantic, the skies will be mostly clear from Sunday night into Monday, providing promising views from West Virginia to South Carolina. Heavy cloud cover moves in over the region on Monday night into Tuesday morning.

The southern United States (from Georgia to western Texas) will be largely covered in clouds from late Sunday night to Tuesday morning.

The West Coast and northern Plains should have primarily clear skies from Sunday night to Tuesday morning.

If your region has a cloudy forecast over the next few days, don’t necessarily fret. Sometimes breaks emerge in the cloud canopy. And while clouds will make it harder to see the northern lights, sometimes they also make for interesting photos .

Will you be able to see the northern lights around D.C.?

It is unlikely that auroras will be visible Sunday night in the D.C. region, according to NOAA’s 7:15 p.m. update.

Washingtonians had a brief window during which to see auroras early Saturday morning . But there were too many clouds and the geomagnetic storm wasn’t quite strong enough for northern lights to be seen Saturday night into Sunday morning — although auroras were reported in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains at 10:30 p.m. and about 12:30 a.m., as well as in the mountains to the west.

You will improve your chances of seeing the aurora borealis significantly by finding an observing location away from city lights (this advice applies to any population center). Also, the lights — if they appear — may be rather faint and only visible through your camera lens, which is more sensitive to light than your eyes. Look to the north to try to find them.

Where has the aurora already been seen this weekend?

The geomagnetic activity over the past few days has been one for the books, producing once-in-a-lifetime or once-in-a-generation aurora displays.

The weekend began strong with an extreme (G5) storm on Friday into Saturday morning. One space weather physicist collected aurora observations on X from every state in the United States, and from much of the Northern Hemisphere — including rare places like Italy, Austria, London, Mexico and India. Auroras were even spotted in tropical locations, including Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the lights — known as the aurora australis — were photographed in Chile , Argentina , New Zealand and Australia.

Although activity decreased Saturday night, storm levels still briefly reached into strong (G3) to severe (G4) levels. At its peak, people were able to snap aurora pictures in the mountains of Virginia.

Were any satellite or power grid operations affected?

Intense geomagnetic storms can disrupt satellite, GPS and power grid operations. After Friday’s storm, NOAA received reports of issues on some power grids and high-frequency radio and GPS communications.

The last time a G5 storm hit was in 2003. That one also brought widespread auroras and some power interruptions in certain regions of the globe.

Why has there been so much auroral activity recently?

The slew of auroral activity stems from a particularly bustling area on the sun known as active region 3664. The region — measuring about 17 times the diameter of Earth — is marked with a cluster of dark splotches, known as sunspots. Sunspots are areas on the sun’s surface where its magnetic field is much higher than anywhere else on the sun. These magnetically complex regions are often the source of large, explosive bursts on the sun.

So cool. On Saturday morning, CWG reader David Abbou took this video of the giant sunspot facing Earth (which you can see with solar eclipse glasses) and which has been responsible for the solar storms and northern lights. As he was recording, an airplane photobombed the shot! pic.twitter.com/N52dCzwjn5 — Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 12, 2024

Last week, the sunspot group launched multiple eruptions from its surface — called coronal mass ejections — toward Earth. Coronal mass ejections are large clouds of solar energy and magnetized plasma that can temporarily disturb Earth’s magnetosphere, if aimed correctly. Some solar particles travel along Earth’s magnetic field into our upper atmosphere, exciting molecules and releasing photons of light, or the aurora.

Geomagnetic activity from this sunspot group will last until around Tuesday, then the sunspot group will rotate away from Earth’s view. If it rotates all the way around the sun and faces back to Earth in several weeks, it could send additional activity our way. However, most sunspot groups weaken on second appearance.

NOAA scientists continually monitor the sun and are tracking any potential activity from other sunspot groups.

Jason Samenow contributed to this report.

9 Best Places to Live in Utah, According to Real Estate Experts

From the state capital to a buzzy ski town, here are nine of the best places to live in Utah.

Utah is a state of natural wonders that will leave even the most experienced traveler awestruck. With five national parks (Arches National Park, Bryce National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park), the state rewards its residents and guests with millions of acres of stunning vistas featuring sandstone arches, vast canyons and valleys, towering buttes, lush mountains, and otherworldly salt flats.

And while the Beehive State is certainly a popular vacation destination (in 2022, Utah recorded over 15 million visitors ), it is even more popular with new residents. U.S. Census numbers show that Utah was the fastest-growing state in the nation between 2010 and 2020, largely due to out-of-state migration. The state’s economy is also a big draw. Between 2017 and 2022, Utah ranked second in the country for economic growth, with manufacturing, real estate, and scientific and technical services as the largest employers. So, where do people settle down?

Here, we rounded up some of the best places to live in Utah, according to real estate experts.

Related: 24 Best Places to Visit in Utah — Including National Parks, Turquoise Lakes, and Giant Salt Flats

Salt Lake City

Set in a valley surrounded by epic mountain views at 4,327 feet elevation, Utah's capital has something not many cities do — modern urban amenities and world-class winter recreation less than an hour outside the city limits. But for many of its residents, including realtor Paul Svendsen, who moved here with his family from San Francisco, Salt Lake City's draw lies in its manageable size and beautiful neighborhoods.

"Running to get groceries is a snap. There's no commute. You never have to fight for parking, and you can get a reservation at a good restaurant the day before," Svendsen said. With its curving, tree-lined streets and stately homes just minutes from downtown and the University of Utah campus, Federal Heights is Svendsen's favorite area in Salt Lake City.

"The quintessential Salt Lake City home is probably a brick bungalow — the city has thousands of them, especially in the popular Sugar House neighborhood. The Avenues is a wonderfully intact historic area full of lovely Victorians from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Or if mid-century modern is more your thing, Olympus Cove has plenty of those, including some with cool views of the Wasatch Mountains or the Salt Lake Valley," he added. Currently, the median home price in Salt Lake City is $532,895.

With at least 10 ski resorts within a 45-minute drive, Park City is a winter sports enthusiast's haven. Along its historic main street, the annual Sundance Film Festival is a magnet for movie fans and Hollywood celebrities in January. In the warmer months, visitors and residents enjoy an abundance of cultural events, hiking, fishing, boating at Jordanelle Reservoir, and mountain biking.

"Park City, rooted in its rich mining history, showcases a diverse array of homes representing various styles, sizes, and decades dating back to the late 1800s. The residential landscape ranges from charming mining cabins to modern ski-in, ski-out mansions," Daimon Bushi, a branch broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , told Travel + Leisure, adding that some homes offer access to skiing, hiking, or biking directly from their doorstep. He explained that Silver Star is a hidden gem with many high-end amenities and ski-in/ski-out access, while Old Town is for those who want to be closer to Park City's best bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Provo and Orem

If access to education is a priority, consider these two neighboring towns at the heart of Utah County; Provo is home to Brigham Young University and Orem to Utah Valley University.

"Both cities offer a small-town feel, yet have every amenity one could look for with shopping, restaurants, and recreation. The demographic is on the younger side and is family-friendly," Gary Peterson, an associate broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , said. The median home price in both towns is around $480,000, and there are many neighborhoods to choose from, including the upscale River Bottom.

Saratoga Springs

Although Saratoga Springs was incorporated only in 1997, its mineral springs and beautiful mountain views have drawn people for hundreds of years. However, according to Windermere Real Estate realtor Lisa Dimond, new residents benefit from having plenty of choice when it comes to homes that range from modern farm and traditional designs to prairie and ultra-modern styles.

"Saratoga Springs is one of Utah's most sought-out destinations for new construction, lifestyle, and ease of community. In addition to all the new construction, Saratoga Springs is working on building new schools, shopping — from large to small shopping centers — restaurants, and so much more," Dimond said. The median home price in Saratoga Springs is $568,122.

Related: Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Resorts in Utah of 2023

Eagle Mountain

As one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah , Eagle Mountain attracts young people and families seeking a quiet and safe environment and a top-notch public school system south of Salt Lake City. The city boasts 50 square miles, including 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and easy access to open spaces and outdoor recreation.

And while real estate inventory is low, developers continue to build new homes — the median sale price in Eagle Mountain is $480,000. "You have everything from ranchette properties to mountainside homes with amazing views of Utah Lake, Cedar Valley, and the Wasatch Mountains, to carefree living in beautiful townhome and condominium communities," realtor Connie Elliott said.

This city in the larger Salt Lake City metropolitan area was once a booming mining town that now attracts residents with its Wasatch Mountains views, proximity to world-class skiing facilities, many parks, and outdoor activities.

"There is no excuse for not getting out to enjoy the wonderful outdoors," longtime Sandy resident and realtor Lisa Jungemann said. "I have seen a lot of growth throughout the years, but Sandy still holds its charm." Jungemann explained that the city offers a wide range of home types — from luxury sprawling residences in the Pepperwood neighborhood to smaller bungalows and single-story rambler-style houses.

"Residents of Daybreak often say that Daybreak is more than a community; it is a lifestyle," Adam Frenza, associate broker at Windermere Real Estate , said. "Strategically planned villages are designed to draw residents out of their own backyards and into a plethora of beautifully unique community spaces, including neighborhood parks, a variety of pools, two amazing lakes, miles of walking trails, and a meandering bike path aptly named 'The Loop.’” Frenza says these “are just a few of the amenities that make this a wonderful place to call home."

Community is at the heart of this vibrant town south of Salt Lake City, where a busy year-round cultural program keeps its residents engaged and entertained. The city's downtown area is bustling with shops and restaurants, and a new library has been added, with plans for a new baseball stadium to open in 2025 .

Draper's main draw is the access to thousands of acres of protected land and open spaces, making it a haven for outdoor lovers and active lifestyle enthusiasts. The city is also known for its family-friendly amenities and emerging cultural scene. Draper's government just released plans for The Point , a multi-billion-dollar, mixed-use development with hotels, a retail promenade along the Jordan River, thousands of housing units, offices, and green spaces with hiking trails, which makes it one of the most important real estate developments in Utah.

"A favorite neighborhood in Draper that buyers should consider is SunCrest. This area is known for breathtaking vistas, invigorating mountain air, hundreds of miles of year-round trails, and a strong sense of community," Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International realtor Scott Steadman said, noting that the local market's performance suggests that now is an excellent time to buy property with the potential for long-term value and growth.

This Northern Utah valley town will charm you with its picture-perfect natural setting, allowing endless outdoor recreation. The city, home to Utah State University (its biggest employer), had a 2.2 percent unemployment rate in September , less than the nation's average of 3.3 percent.

According to Bankingrates.com , Logan is one of the top three cities in Utah where home prices have skyrocketed over the past three years. The company notes that home values have increased by 60 percent, reaching $421,327 in 2022. Redfin's data shows that the current median sale price is $367,000.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

The northern lights danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

Amazing auroras sparked by a massive solar storm — the strongest in decades — set the world abuzz Friday night as colorful glowing light radiated into the skies as far south as Florida and the Bahamas, to the surprising delight of many who waited up and kept watch.

And good news for anyone who missed it: You may get another chance Saturday night or Sunday.

"Overnight, aurora were visible across much of the United States. Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update . A later update suggests the possibility of widespread viewing in the U.S. on Sunday too.

(A word of caution, experts have previously told USA TODAY that forecasting space weather is difficult . Researchers must rely on observations of the 93-million-miles-away sun to make their predictions.)

Northern lights are only visible at night time, and experts say it's best to view them away from the hustle and bustle of city life to get the best show. Still, Americans in cities said they could see the lights overnight, including in metro Detroit .

Wisconsinites got to see the lights dance across the sky in green and purple hues. Even residents of downtown Milwaukee caught a glimpse despite the bright city lights obstructing the view.

See photos: Northern lights on full display across US, Europe on Friday

Will the aurora be visible this weekend?

It could be.

The Space Weather Prediction Center offers an experimental forecast map that showed on Saturday the aurora may be visible Saturday in a wide swath of the U.S., possibly in states including Oregon, Nebraska, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. But visibility will depend on shifting factors that include weather.

For Sunday, space weather forecasters said the aurora could become visible again over the northern half of the country, with sights extending as far south as Alabama and northern California. The effects of that storm are expected to arrive Sunday morning ET.

What is the cloud forecast Saturday night? Will clouds block the northern lights?

If you missed the aurora borealis Friday night, you might still catch a glimpse on Saturday or Sunday, depending on where you live. But not if clouds get in the way.

The cloud forecast for Saturday night is generally good for most of America, but some of the people who missed their chance last night due to clouds may have a similar problem Saturday, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Areas that are likely to be cloudy include New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as parts of the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

“Even just a few breaks in the clouds will allow the aurora to be visible,” Kines said. “There’s always hope.”

Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sunday night, if there is any aurora to see, those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can rejoice, because Kines said the skies should be clearer.

What is causing the northern lights this weekend?

The spectacle is being caused by geomagnetic storm that erupted from a sunspot cluster on the sun.

The storm was unusually strong — classified as "extreme" (or a G5) storm, the highest level, the Space Weather Prediction Center said Friday evening. It's the first G5 storm to hit our planet since 2003.

The geomagnetic storm's effects (which aren't all as pretty as the northern lights) are likely to linger through the weekend. The Space Weather Prediction Center said the storm is likely to continue through Sunday.

"There have been reports of power grid irregularities and degradation to high-frequency communications and GPS," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update.

Where were the northern lights seen on Friday night?

Across much of the United States and Europe where skies were clear — as far south as Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona.

To the great disappointment of many in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, cloud cover dimmed or obstructed the stunning display altogether.

Although it's unusual, auroras have been seen in the far southern United States in the past. This happens when a particularly large coronal mass ejection arrives in the Earth's outer atmosphere, triggering a geomagnetic storm, NOAA reports.

On the night of Nov. 5-6, 2001 , aurora displays were seen in Texas and Arizona.

What causes the aurora?

NASA describes an aurora as an "intricate dance of particles and magnetism between the Sun and the Earth."

The Sun's activity creates strong electrical currents known as geomagnetic storms.

These eruptions are mostly happening at a large, complex sunspot cluster, NOAA'S Space Weather Prediction Center said. Sunspots, which increase and decrease on a 11-year cycle, are areas where the magnetic field is about 2,500 times stronger than Earth's.

The reason the auroras move is because of how the Sun's ionized gases interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

If you took a great photo, NASA wants to know

In a collaboration with the National Science Foundation and the New Mexico Consortium aurora sightings and photos are being collected at the Aurorasaurus web page.

Why was the aurora borealis so red on Friday?

Mike Theiss, an extreme nature photographer and hurricane storm chaser, who lives in Florida was shocked to see posts Friday night about how far south people were seeing the auroras. To his amazement, he was able to step out of his front door in Key Largo in the Florida Keys and see and photograph the aurora. Hours later he was still incredulous, and surprised at the colors in the aurora.

"I’ve documented the Northern Lights in Iceland, North Dakota, Arctic Circle in Canada but never this red color," Theiss said. "This is the first time I’ve seen red."

The multiple colors seen in auroras are related to the types of gas being bombarded at various levels above the Earth. Auroras occur within one of Earth's upper atmosphere layers, the thermosphere, according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Solar particles trapped there interact with various gas molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen, according to the research corporation's website. Oxygen gives off green and red lights, while nitrogen glows blue and reddish purple. For example, nitrogen gas glows blue at 75 to 110 miles altitude.

The less common red auroras form from interacting with higher altitude oxygen molecules, the website explains.

'Two incredible spectacles of the universe': Northern lights come about a month after eclipse

Seeing the aurora amazed Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at Harvard University. She sent photos of the sight as well as the April total solar eclipse to her friends in Italy.

"And I sent them the picture that I took at the solar eclipse and I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling them.

The phenomena seen Friday and possibly Saturday night is unusual, she said.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because last night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

What was the Halloween storm in October 2003?

Over two decades ago in late October 2003, three massive sunspot groups appeared on the sun's surface with little warning, accompanied by 17 major solar flares, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Satellites, radio and GPS systems went on the fritz around the world, causing some major disruptions. But it also offered a stunning view of the auroras as far south as California and Florida. People in Australia and Mediterranean countries even caught a glimpse.

Contributing: Doyle Rice and Krystal Nurse , USA TODAY

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Northern lights may be visible in northern Utah during ...
Those away from city lights, possibly in the Bear Lake area, may be able to see the phenomenon when looking north and low on the horizon. The geomagnetic storm is listed as a G5, meaning it will ...
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In places with a lot of bright lights, like a city, it is more difficult to see. Cloudy weather can also block the view. This could pose a challenge for those hoping to see the northern lights in ...
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Updated May 12, 2024 at 8:26 p.m. EDT | Published May 12, 2024 at 10:16 a.m. EDT. A geomagnetic storm lights up the night sky above the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, on Friday. (Blake ...
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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. consumers spent an average of 11.3% of their disposable personal income on food in 2022. For a family of four, that can be somewhere between $900-$1,500 dollars per month. Today's grocery stores are also trying to be something else: a meeting place for Utah's growing community.
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2023. 3. Natural History Museum of Utah. 1,575. Natural History Museums. As the Utah state museum of natural history, this top attraction provides an introduction to the science in Utah's remarkable landscape! With engaging exhibits and over 5,000 artifacts on display, the Museum features Utah's paleontology discoveries, fascinating gems and ...
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Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he ...