10 Things To Do In Salt Lake City: Complete Guide To A Year

Apr 24, 2024

Here are the top things to do in Salt Lake City, from museums and sweeping gardens to the fantastic national parks nearby.

Founded in 1847 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Salt Lake City's religious roots run deep. In addition to its Mormon heritage and legacy, Utah's capital city is a vibrant cultural hub, brimming with thriving art scenes, film festivals, museums, and more.

But, nestled in a mountain valley and bounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, SLC is the perfect stomping ground for unique outdoor adventures, from its striking ski slopes and saltwater lake to its expansive gardens and myriad national parks nearby.

Related: Discover 10 Of The Best Ancestral Archeological Sites Of The Southwest

Ready to explore the Crossroads of the West? Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Salt Lake City.

Located on the University of Utah Campus, this museum features a whopping 163,000 square feet of historical exhibitions. Explore SLC's incredible past, from its prehistoric dinosaurs to the traditions of the region's Native tribes.

The museum has 12 permanent exhibitions on display, plus, its location offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Can't get enough of this museum? For more fantastic exhibits, consider visiting the Utah Museum of Fine Arts or the Pioneer Memorial Museum. The interactive Discovery Gateway Children's Museum is also perfect for the little ones.

There's much to see at Liberty Park, making it an essential stop on any tourist's SLC bucket list. Spanning 80 acres, the public urban space features the usual park features, including a swimming pool, barbecue grills, and various courts for sports.

But, the park also has an aviary, botanical gardens, and a museum. Be sure to stop by the charming Liberty Park Pond, too.

The Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts, which explores Utah's diverse collection of contemporary folk art, is located in the middle of the park.

A trip to Salt Lake wouldn't be complete without a visit to this iconic and historic state government building. From marveling at its spectacular architecture, including paintings and sculptures, to strolling through Memory Grove Park's 8.7 acres, which features numerous trails and even a river, there's certainly much to see.

Visit the website to schedule a self-led or guided tour (the latter of which is available Monday through Friday and begins on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm) of the grounds. Virtual tours are also available.

Spend a relaxing afternoon at this open-air shopping mall. It features countless eateries and more than 100 stores, including Alo, Free People, Lush, and Lululemon, as well as luxury brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton.

Whilst in Utah, exploring the more than 20 national parks and recreation areas located near Salt Lake City is an absolute must. Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National Monument are located within an hour's drive of the city.

And, enjoy a short four- to five-hour road trip to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, among others.

Another serene option in SLC is the Red Butte Garden, which is located at the east end of the University of Utah's campus. Situated on 100 acres, the grounds feature a number of hiking trails in addition to its vibrant botanical garden.

Visit the website to see what's blooming in the garden each season. Half-price admission is offered during the months of December, January, and February.

Located in the downtown area, Temple Square is the perfect place to go to learn about the city's incredible Mormon heritage. The five-block complex features gardens, monuments, museums, libraries, restaurants, and other historic buildings.

But, the most treasured gem of the grounds is the Salt Lake Temple. The sacred temple took 40 years to build, with construction ending in 1893, and although tours of the inside are not possible, it's still quite a stunning sight to see.

The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake is the remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville, a great ice age lake that formed more than 30,000 years ago.

Embark on a boat tour of the lake, watch the sunset from one of the beaches, hike a nature trail, or take a scenic bike ride around the waters — the options are endless.

Although the waters may seem appealing for a swim, the lake isn't well-suited for swimming. Its peculiar smell has earned it the nickname of "lake stink" by locals, plus, it's full of brine shrimp.

Wondering what to do in Salt Lake City besides see the lake? Nestled right on Main Street, visitors can catch a thrilling live performance at the famed Eccles Theater and its 2,500-seat Delta Performance Hall.

Situated on Antelope Island on Great Salt Lake, this state park is home to roaming bison and other wondrous wildlife, expansive hiking trails, the Antelope Island Marina, campgrounds, and much more.

The island itself also features Fielding Garr Ranch, a 19th-century landmark, and the popular peak known as the Sentry.

Always be sure to avoid conflicts with the bison and other wildlife. Visit the website for safety tips to follow when visiting Antelope Island State Park.

Salt Lake City is undoubtedly a year-round destination, so the best time to visit largely depends on the activities a tourist is interested in partaking in. For those keen on hitting the ski slopes, visit during the winter months.

This time of year is especially marvelous thanks to the Christmas lights and other decor sprinkled throughout the city. But, since Utah's ski season usually runs from mid-November through to April, visitors can still take advantage of the slopes in the spring.

This time of year is also perfect for exploring the city's nature spots, including gardens and nearby national parks.

From commuter trains and buses to its light rail, Salt Lake's public transportation system is quite expansive, making it a great option for tourists looking to explore the city sans rental cars.

However, for those interested in extensive sightseeing outside the downtown area, such as hitting the ski slopes or a national park, a rental is definitely a more favorable option. Carsharing services like Lyft and Uber also operate in the city.

For free travel within the downtown area, visit the website to learn more about the Free Fare Zone.

Salt Lake City has plenty of places to satiate travelers' appetites, no matter the meal.

Oasis Cafe

The Park Café

Vertical Diner

Hub & Spoke Diner

Valter's Osteria

Zest Kitchen & Bar

Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining

Gracie's

Related: Top 8 Parks To Add To Your Utah Bucket List Right Now

Salt Lake City has a variety of lodging options to suit every budget.

Super 8 by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport

MainStay Suites Salt Lake City Fort Union

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Sugar House

Grand American Hotel

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Related: Utah: A Guide To Its Most Popular National Parks

There are a few things someone should know before visiting SLC for the first time. The first of which is that many shops, restaurants, and other attractions are usually closed on Sundays for religious reasons.

For example, the popular City Creek Center, among others, is closed on Sundays, so it's best for tourists visiting the city to check hours ahead of time to ensure a seamless trip.

Secondly, Salt Lake City sits at an altitude of more than 4,200 feet due to its mountainous location, so travelers should be prepared and take precautions in case any symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, should arise.

Related: 10 Incredible Spring Hikes In And Around Utah's Mighty 5

Whether you're visiting Salt Lake for a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacay, here's how to spend the perfect 24 hours in the city. First, start with breakfast at a local cafe, such as The Park Café, which is located right across the street from Liberty Park.

After a nourishing meal, explore the park's aviary and botanical gardens before heading to Temple Square to learn about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Next stop: the Utah State Capitol, which is located only about a mile away. Learn about the state's government, and be sure to check out local attractions, including Memory Grove Park, the Anderson Tower Monument, and the Pioneer Memorial Museum.

There are a few options after lunch: Head over to Antelope Island to explore the Great Salt Lake and the Antelope Island State Park, or continue exploring the city's rich history with a tour of the Natural History Museum of Utah, If opting for the latter, be sure to check out the Red Butte Garden, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Fort Douglas Military Museum, which are all located nearby.

Dinner at the swanky Valter's Osteria is always a good idea. The upscale Italian restaurant can be found just south of Temple Square in the downtown area. Afterward, depending on available show times, catch a live performance at the Eccles Theater, which is located less than a mile away from the restaurant.

SLC is known for its Mormon heritage and is home to the iconic Temple Square and the stunning Salt Lake Temple.

Yes! There is a plethora of unique adventures to be had in Salt Lake City, and the city has countless ski slopes and national parks nearby.

There are many exciting things to do in Salt Lake City, from exploring Antelope Island to touring the city's many historic museums.

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Audrey Enjoli is a writer and editor residing in Los Angeles. She covers food, culture, travel, and entertainment, among other topics. Her work has appeared in Evie Magazine, Food Republic, Ethos, and other publications.