Salt Lake City’s beauty is awe-inspiring. Majestic Wasatch Mountains loom in the background. Gleaming spires of Temple Square and downtown’s energy captivate visitors instantly.
The city blends outdoor adventures with cultural experiences. Hiking trails offer breathtaking vistas. World-class museums and a thriving food scene await exploration.
Salt Lake City caters to every type of traveler. Families and solo adventurers alike will find exciting activities. This guide uncovers hidden gems and must-see attractions, showcasing the best things to do in Salt Lake City.
The city balances outdoor and indoor activities perfectly. Stunning mountainous scenery provides a backdrop for countless adventures. Rich cultural heritage offers fascinating insights into unique history.
Surprises abound in Salt Lake City. The Family History Library is the world’s largest genealogical resource. You can even visit the site of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.
This guide covers the best of Salt Lake City. Discover hiking trails, museum visits, shopping excursions, and cultural experiences. Make the most of your visit to this dynamic Utah city.
Key Takeaways
- Salt Lake City offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and urban attractions
- The city is home to unique attractions like the world’s largest genealogical library
- Visitors can enjoy hiking, museum visits, shopping, and cultural experiences
- The stunning mountainous valley scenery provides a backdrop for countless activities
- Salt Lake City’s rich cultural heritage offers fascinating insights into its unique history
- The city caters to all types of travelers, from families to solo adventurers
- This guide covers the best and most fun things to do in Salt Lake City
Exploring Downtown Salt Lake City
Downtown Salt Lake City pulses with life. Young professionals crowd new apartments and condos. Hip restaurants and bars spring up, adding to the area’s vibrant scene.
Cultural Attractions and Historic Sites
Temple Square remains the city’s top attraction. The Utah State Capitol offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. Ken Sanders’ bookstore is a haven for rare and used book lovers.
Dining and Nightlife Scene
The dining scene is diverse and exciting. Sears Parking Lot Taco Carts serve the best street tacos in town. Juniors, an unassuming bar, offers a local experience with a mix of regulars.
Shopping at City Creek Center
City Creek Center boasts over 100 stores and restaurants. Its retractable glass roof and sky bridge make it unique. The center provides world-class shopping and dining experiences.
Free bus and TRAX train rides are available within the downtown zone. Green Bike rental stations cater to cycling enthusiasts. Downtown Salt Lake City offers year-round activities for locals and tourists alike.
Natural Wonders: Great Salt Lake and Beyond
Salt Lake City’s surroundings offer incredible natural wonders. The Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, spans 1,700 square miles. It’s perfect for bird-watching, swimming, and photography.
Antelope Island State Park is a top attraction in Salt Lake City, Utah. As Utah’s largest state park, it houses a majestic bison herd. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and camping with stunning lake and mountain views.
The Wasatch Mountain Range provides endless outdoor fun. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities. In winter, the mountains transform into a skiing and snowboarding paradise.
Just 90 minutes from Salt Lake City lie the Bonneville Salt Flats. This 30,000-acre white salt crust creates an otherworldly landscape. It’s ideal for photography and watching land speed record attempts.
“The Great Salt Lake is like nature’s mirror, reflecting the vast sky and making you feel small in the best possible way.”
For a unique experience, visit the Pink Lake near Salt Lake City. Its unusual color and peaceful atmosphere offer a one-of-a-kind adventure off the beaten path.
Salt Lake City’s diverse landscapes cater to all nature lovers. From relaxation to adventure, the area’s natural wonders provide unforgettable experiences for everyone.
Outdoor Adventures in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a paradise for nature lovers. The surrounding landscapes offer endless fun activities. You’ll find exciting options year-round, from hiking to winter sports.
Hiking Trails and Scenic Spots
Big Cottonwood Canyon is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Its diverse terrain includes beautiful mountain lakes like Lillian and Blanche. For a quick urban hike, try the Living Room Trail.
This popular spot offers stunning views of the city skyline. You’ll also find comfortable rock “furniture” at the overlook.
Winter Sports and Olympic Park
The nearby Wasatch Mountains transform into a winter wonderland. Skiing and snowboarding are fantastic options for cold-weather fun. Utah Olympic Park is another must-visit attraction.
This 400-acre complex offers thrilling activities like tubing. You can also explore the 2002 Winter Games museum. It’s an exciting way to connect with the city’s Olympic history.
Parks and Green Spaces
Liberty Park is perfect for summer adventures. As the city’s second-largest public park, it houses Tracy Aviary. Here, you can observe various bird species across 8 acres.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is another great spot. It offers over 21 acres and 5 miles of hiking trails. This space is ideal for peaceful nature walks.
“Salt Lake City’s outdoor spaces offer a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, making it a paradise for nature lovers.”
Salt Lake City’s outdoor adventures cater to all preferences. You’ll find both adrenaline-pumping activities and serene natural settings. These experiences create lasting memories throughout the year.
Cultural Experiences and Museums
Salt Lake City brims with cultural experiences and museums. Families can enjoy activities for all ages and interests. The city’s history and arts scene offer endless exploration opportunities.
The Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts is a free attraction. It displays traditional arts from Utah’s tribes, ethnic groups, and rural communities. Art lovers can explore 80+ murals throughout the city’s neighborhoods.
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts houses 15,000 art objects from world cultures. It spans 5,000 years of history. The Museum of Contemporary Art offers changing exhibits and workshops for all ages.
Families will love the Discovery Gateway children’s museum. It encourages creating, learning, and playing together. The Pioneer Memorial Museum showcases artifacts from the 1800s, including carriages and clothing.
- This is The Place Heritage Park offers living history events from May to September
- The city boasts a vibrant music scene with numerous venues
- Neighborhoods rich in history commemorate voting rights and women’s suffrage
Salt Lake City blends frontier history, prehistory, and modern culture. It offers enriching experiences for all ages. The city’s cultural offerings cater to art, history, and interactive learning enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has activities for all ages and interests. You’ll find cool things to do for families, budget travelers, and unique experience seekers.
Family-Friendly Activities
Hogle Zoo is a top pick for families in Salt Lake City. It houses over 800 animals and offers a fun train ride. Kids love learning about wildlife here.
Tracy Aviary is another family favorite. It’s home to more than 400 birds from 135 species. Bird fans and nature lovers will enjoy this spot.
Free and Budget-Friendly Options
Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a free must-see attraction. It features 12 original sculptures and 70 engraved stones. This unique artistic experience won’t cost you a dime.
Liberty Park spans 80 acres and offers various free activities. It’s perfect for picnics, walks, or relaxing in nature.
Unique Attractions
Randy’s Record Shop provides a nostalgic vinyl shopping experience. Music lovers will appreciate this cool spot in Salt Lake City.
The city’s LGBTQ scene adds vibrant energy. You’ll find gay bars, festivals, and parades throughout the year.
Art fans will love the city’s street art. Colorful murals and installations decorate various neighborhoods. They showcase Salt Lake City’s urban evolution.
“Salt Lake City has shed its skin several times in the past two decades, offering enough fun activities to keep visitors occupied for a week.”
Salt Lake City offers something for everyone. Its diverse attractions ensure a memorable visit for all types of travelers.
Temple Square and Religious Heritage
Temple Square is a top attraction in Salt Lake City, Utah. This 35-acre complex blends history, architecture, and spiritual significance. It’s a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
Guided Tours and Visitor Centers
Temple Square offers free 45-minute tours in 40 languages. Missionaries lead these tours, sharing insights about the site’s importance. The North Visitors’ Center features an 11-foot marble Christus statue.
For genealogy enthusiasts, the Discovery Center provides an hour-long interactive experience. This center is located in the Family History Library.
Architectural Highlights
The Salt Lake Temple, built from 1853 to 1893, is a neo-gothic masterpiece. The Tabernacle, constructed in 1876, is known for its exceptional acoustics.
The Church Office Building serves as the administrative center. It towers at 28 stories high.
Tabernacle Choir Performances
Attending a Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance is a top activity in Salt Lake City. The choir has 360 volunteers and has performed in 28 countries.
Their weekly broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word, began in 1929. It’s the longest-running continuous network broadcast in the U.S.
Temple Square offers nearly 20 attractions related to Latter-day Saint history. It provides a unique experience for those interested in history, architecture, or music.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Salt Lake City’s food scene has exploded recently. It’s now a top spot for adult entertainment. The city offers a treasure trove of culinary experiences for every taste.
Young adults should check out the Eat Drink SLC event. This two-day festival celebrates local cuisine and supports nonprofits. Tickets cost $125, and guests must be 21 or older.
It’s a great way to sample award-winning restaurants. You’ll get to savor the city’s culinary richness firsthand.
Salt Lake’s beer scene is booming. The city boasts over 80 murals decorating its streets. You can enjoy a self-guided brewery tour, mixing art and craft beer.
Coffee lovers will find a welcoming and diverse community here. Cozy cafes are perfect for morning pick-me-ups or afternoon breaks.
“Salt Lake City has become a legitimate destination for food lovers, with a variety of restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes.”
Visit the Spice Incubator Kitchen for internationally inspired dishes. It showcases Salt Lake’s growing culinary diversity. For local tradition, explore the Latino cuisine scene.
While enjoying the city’s drinks, be aware of Utah’s unique liquor laws. Drinks are available at licensed establishments. However, you’ll need to buy wine from state liquor stores.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Salt Lake City offers a variety of fun activities for adults after dark. I’ve explored the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and found exciting entertainment spots.
Live Music Venues
Salt Lake City has plenty of options for music lovers. The State Room hosts intimate live performances, perfect for enjoying artists up close. With nearly 200,000 residents, the city attracts diverse musical talents.
Theater and Performing Arts
The Off-Broadway Theater offers comedic versions of classic shows on select days. It’s a unique night out option. The Utah Symphony Orchestra performs over 150 times per season at Abravanel Hall.
Sports Events
Sports fans can catch a Utah Jazz game at their 18,000-seat arena. The atmosphere is electric and exciting. Bad Caddy Golf Lounge offers indoor golf simulators, themed nights, and a full bar.
Immersive Gamebox and Quarters Arcade Bar provide gaming experiences with drinks. Brewvies Cinema Pub combines movies with pool tables and pub food.
Salt Lake City’s nightlife caters to various tastes. Franklin Ave Cocktails & Kitchen is ideal for a food-focused date night. Scion Cider Bar serves cider enthusiasts with a wide selection.
Conclusion
Salt Lake City offers a diverse range of activities for all travelers. Its natural beauty shines through four distinct seasons. Each season brings unique opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Downtown Salt Lake City is a treasure trove for adults. It boasts historic sites, modern shopping at City Creek Center, and a thriving food scene. The Family History Library and Utah State Capitol provide free enriching experiences.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find paradise in Salt Lake City. Ski at nearby resorts from November to April. Hike amidst wildflowers in late spring. Enjoy golden aspens in fall.
Temple Square and Liberty Park blend spiritual heritage with green spaces. The Natural History Museum of Utah offers immersive learning opportunities.
Salt Lake City evolves while keeping its unique charm. Its location, growing population, and strong economy make it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re here briefly or longer, the city’s attractions ensure a memorable visit.
FAQ
What are the top attractions and things to do in downtown Salt Lake City?
Downtown Salt Lake City boasts cultural gems like the Capitol Theatre and Temple Square. City Creek Center offers shopping and dining options. The area features farm-to-table restaurants, Irish pubs, and wine bars with live music.
What outdoor activities and natural wonders can I experience in Salt Lake City?
Great Salt Lake is perfect for birdwatching, swimming, and hiking. The Wasatch Mountain Range offers hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and mountain biking. Big Cottonwood Canyon has scenic lakes.
Utah Olympic Park provides activities like tubing and ski jumps.
What are some family-friendly activities and attractions in Salt Lake City?
Families can enjoy Hogle Zoo and its train ride. Gilgal Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience. Clark Planetarium features interactive exhibits and shows.
Liberty Park and Tracy Aviary are great options for outdoor fun.
What cultural experiences and museums are available in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has diverse cultural offerings. The Natural History Museum of Utah and Utah Museum of Fine Arts are must-visit spots. The Family History Library is perfect for genealogy research.
Temple Square, the LDS Church headquarters, is a popular cultural and religious attraction.
What are some unique or free things to do in Salt Lake City?
Gilgal Sculpture Garden and Randy’s Record Shop offer unique experiences. The city has a vibrant LGBTQ scene to explore. Free activities include guided tours at Temple Square.
You can attend Tabernacle Choir performances or visit some museums like the Family History Library.
What culinary experiences and nightlife options are available in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City’s food scene includes farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries. Beer tours are popular among visitors. Nightlife options range from live music venues to theaters and performing arts centers.
Sports fans can enjoy Utah Jazz basketball games or Salt Lake Bees baseball.
