25 Best Things To Do in Salt Lake City, Utah: Our Recommendations

The capital of Utah is one of the most beautifully located cities in the USA. Salt Lake City sits between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain Range; it’s a jackpot when it comes to finding things to do.

The high season runs from December until March, when you’ll find all the winter activities and ski-related things to do. The second high season is the height of summer, when road trips around Utah become super-popular, and people visit its lakes for water activities in the sun. April until June and September until November are the shoulder seasons, when you’ll find all of these attractions much quieter.

Many people use Salt Lake City as a bit of a launchpad, flying into the city and then rushing straight off to Utah’s national parks and iconic hiking trails. But we’ll show you why this city is worth sticking around in. There’s so much to do in Utah, and this guide will cover the ultimate 25 things to do in Utah when you visit.

Using a rental bike or public transport, you can easily get around Salt Lake City to see these attractions. Alternatively, you can rent a car to take plenty of day trips and visit Great Salt Lake regularly.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most amazing things to do in Salt Lake City. But first, let’s briefly summarize the essentials for anyone in a rush.

Best Things To Do in Salt Lake City

We love Salt Lake City and are excited to share our top 25 things to do with you. We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again; there are just so many things to do in Salt Lake City. Without further ado, these are our top 25 picks for you.

1. Liberty Park

Salt Lake City has a beautiful selection of parks and green spaces. This park is the oldest and second largest in the city, spanning 80 acres. It’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll with coffee or somewhere to spend an hour or two in the late afternoon under a tree with a book.

There’s a massive lake where you can rent out paddle boats, miles of manicured trails, playgrounds, and a splash pad for kids. The park is really serene. It’s an excellent spot for inner-city green space and a convenient connection with nature.

The park also has Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens, but we’ll cover that as a standalone attraction later. It’s a paid zoo in the park’s center, sectioned off with an entrance fee of $13. The rest of Liberty Park is unfenced and free to enjoy. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind.

• Insider Tip: Remember to visit the nearby Chase Home Museum.
• Practical Information: Free to enter and open daily from 8 am until 11 pm.

2. Great Salt Lake

Everybody knows the Great Salt Lake. It’s the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere— impressive titles. The lake is popular for its gorgeous views and is a hotspot for bird watchers, attracting thousands of migratory birds. 

You can visit attractions on the lake like the Spiral Jetty, viewpoints in Great Salt Lake State Park, or beaches like Pelican Beach. It’s beautiful to walk around and admire, especially at sunset, around the pink water area of the lake. Equally, in hot weather, you can swim – just be mindful of irritation from the high salt levels.

Visiting this beautiful lake is a definite bucket list activity. Depending on where you go, it only takes 20 minutes or so by car to reach the lake’s shores. It’s worth renting a car for and is one of the most convenient day trips from the city.

Insider Tip: If you decide to swim, keep long hair out of the water, and be aware that the salt levels can damage your swimming costumes.

3. Antelope Island State Park

While talking about Great Salt Lake, we’ve got to mention Antelope Island State Park. This protected bit of shoreside peninsula juts into the lake. The beautiful peninsula is full of serene beaches with miles upon miles of hiking opportunities and horseback riding tours.

Best of all, though, are its free-roaming bison herds. You can spot the majestic animals all over the state park. There are also a handful of antelopes, hence the Antelope Island area’s name.

If you want to see the lake and embrace some gorgeous wildlife all at once, visiting Antelope Island State Park is the best. It gets our vote for its wildlife opportunities and beautiful location on the lake, with access to many beaches and trails like the hike to Frary Peak.

Insider Tip: Hike Buffalo Point Trailhead to see lots of different wildlife. 

4. Wheeler Historic Farm

Wheeler Historic Farm is a fascinating working farm offering immersive exhibits and experiences to guests. It’s family-friendly and located just outside of downtown Salt Lake City. If you’re traveling to Salt Lake City with kids, we heartily recommend it.

Kids can enjoy wagon rides, meeting animals, and a vast playground. Adults will love the time capsule-like experience, with historical exhibits, the farmers market, and seasonal events like pumpkin days. You can also tour the farmhouse on select days.

Utah has a lot of rural culture and history, so it’s interesting to learn about this and convenient given how close it is to the center. This preservation of rural heritage and farming communities is what gives it our vote.

• Insider Tip: Reserve a farmhouse tour for an extra memorable experience.
• Practical Information: It is open every day during daylight hours, with small fees of a few dollars depending on what activities you choose while there (milking cows, etc).

5. Red Iguana

You can’t visit Salt Lake City and not dine at Red Iguana. This Mexican restaurant offers delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. You can sample everything from chile verde to fajitas, mole, and carnitas. And that’s without factoring in their amazing beverage menu, which includes some seriously tasty margaritas. 

Red Iguana is family-run and a total favorite on the dining scene in Salt Lake City. We assume you’ll treat yourself to at least one meal, even if you are self-catered. And Red Iguana is the perfect place to do so.

The restaurant is located just a 30-minute walk from the downtown area or 20 minutes by the Green Line on the light rail.

• Insider Tip: Organize a non-driving method of transport so you can sample the cocktails.
• Practical Information: It is open from 11 am until 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

6. Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens

Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens is the small zoo we mentioned earlier in Liberty Park. Rather than being a traditional zoo—we generally do not endorse zoos at all—it only hosts birds, including flamingos, toucans, and vultures. It has plenty of educational programs and learning opportunities.

It’s an educational pick for those traveling with children or just an interesting day out for adults. The developed gardens are also beautiful and easily one of the most popular attractions in the city. It isn’t the largest botanical garden you’ll ever see; instead, what makes it special is the effort in its small areas, like the beauty in its rainforest biodome.

This attraction is centrally located just a short walk from the city center, and it’s a part indoor and part outdoor space, perfect for a hot or wet day.

• Insider Tip: Watch out for the beautiful love birds.
• Practical Information: Open from 9 am until 5 pm at $13 per ticket.

7. Bonneville Salt Flats

Have you heard of the salt flats in Bolivia? Salt flats are fascinating remnants of lakes that have dried up and left patterned salt layers behind. In dry weather, you can spot the salt patterns, which turn into a mirror-like surface in wet weather. Sound familiar? Well, Bonneville Salt Flats are Utah’s answer to Bolivia’s Salar De Uyuni.

Bonneville Salt Flats were formed when Lake Bonneville dried up, and now, they look almost like another planet. The white floor looks tiled thanks to the salt pattern. Bonneville Salt Flats are 1.5 hours away from Salt Lake City by car. It is well worth the rental, and you’ll pass Great Salt Lake State Park.

Insider Tip: Remember to research the salt flats beforehand; they’ve been the site of many world land-speed record runs.

8. Ensign Peak

Nothing is more satisfying than a summit hike. Ensign Peak is a small mountain just north of the city center, marked by a monument and sweeping views over the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a stunning place to gain a new vantage point over the city and that sense of achievement.

The summit trail is well-marked and only around a mile out and back. It’s really easy to navigate, so it’s our top recommendation for a scenic sunrise or sunset hike. You won’t struggle to navigate with a head torch. The trailhead is on Ensign Vista Drive, just a 10-minute drive or 40-minute bus ride and walk from the city center.

Insider Tip: Bring a head torch if you hike it for sunrise or sunset.

9. Lake Blanche

Lake Blanche is a gorgeous little place in the shadow of Sundial Peak and Salt Lake City’s eastern mountain range. It only takes around 30 minutes to drive there, making it an ideal half-day trip from the city center to embrace some natural beauty.

The Lake Blanche trail is 7 miles out-and-back, with striking water views and the dramatic vision of mountain peaks in the backdrop. It’s fairly suitable as a year-round trail, although it’s much more enjoyable and accessible from spring to fall.

You start the trail from Mill B South Fork Trailhead off Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. It’s a breeze to find. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of refreshments, though, as it takes roughly 5 hours to complete.

Insider Tip: Keep your eyes out for moose.

10. Big Cottonwood Canyon

You don’t need to go far for natural beauty in Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Canyon is just a 20-minute drive or an hour by light rail and bus. The beautiful canyon stretches 15 miles and offers some of the region’s best hiking, biking, and rock climbing. We’d suggest driving it purely so you can enjoy its scenic drive on Cottonwood Canyon Road.

You can hike to places like Lake Mary, Willow Fork Beaver Pond, and Silver Lake. There’s also the Wasatch Wildflower Festival every July.

We’d suggest Big Cottonwood Canyon if you want an area where you can organize your own activities and adventures. Visiting Big Cottonwood Canyon is free and gives you plenty of independence to choose anything from biking trails to climbing experiences.

Insider Tip: Silver Fork Lodge is a cool place to have brunch at Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11. Temple Square

Temple Square is palatial-looking, with light grey rock and dramatic-looking turrets. It’s the church of the Latter Day Saints, a religion that branches off from Christianity with its own interpretation of the bible and teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Salt Lake City was founded by Mormons, so it’s closely intertwined with the city’s history. You can visit Temple Square for free daily, and it’s great for those interested in Jesus Christ, general religious history, or just architecture buffs. The church is really beautiful and well-maintained.

Adjoining Temple Square is the largest genealogy library in Utah, aka the FamilySearch Library. There’s also the Salt Lake City Tabernacle.

• Insider Tip: Watch out for the free organ concerts at Salt Lake City Tabernacle.
• Practical Information: It is free to visit and open from 10 am until 8 pm daily.

12. Go Zip Lining

Perhaps one of the most adventurous things to do in Salt Lake City is to ride the ziplines at Deer Creek State Park, less than an hour’s drive from the city center. Its most exciting line is the Screaming Falcon, which stretches 3900 ft over the lake and is the longest overwater zipline in the US.

Tickets range from $39 to above $120, depending on what guided tour package you want. Going zip lining is easily one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City; it will definitely be an adrenaline rush among summer activities.

Zipline Utah is the company that runs the ziplines in Deer Creek State Park. Visit nearby ziplines, as well, like the ones at Provo Canyon.

• Insider Tip: Consider trying out the Provo Canyon zip lines, which are just next door. 
• Practical Information: Open 9 am until 5 pm with tickets ranging from $39 to above $120.

13. Clark Planetarium

Have you caught Salt Lake City’s weather on an off-day? Clark Planetarium is a great indoor activity on a questionable weather day.

The planetarium runs 3D IMAX films and laser light shows on space and science. It’s an educational place to visit for immersive learning and films-with-a-twist. Settling back to watch a film just provides you with different relaxation. You’ll catch free exhibits, too.

Clark Planetarium is located just outside of the downtown area, around 15 minutes on foot from its center.

• Insider Tip: It’s right next to the Delta Center, so see if there are any events at this venue as well. 
• Practical Information: Tickets are $10 plus tax for shows and free for the exhibits. Open from 10 am until 7 pm from Sunday until Thursday and stays open until 10:45 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

14. Capitol Building

Salt Lake City’s Capitol Building sits on top of Capitol Hill and has typical neoclassical architecture. Regardless of your interest in politics and US history, the Capitol Building is stunning to visit and look at. You can take guided tours of its rooms and exhibits. 

The building itself dates back to 1916. Seeing all the marble interior and muraled dome is astounding – you’ll want to take lots of photos, as it’s easily Salt Lake City’s most photogenic building. It’s located north of the city center, around a 35-minute walk from the downtown area.

• Insider Tip: If you are on the fence, just check out its virtual tour – you’ll want to see it in person.
• Practical Information: It is free to visit and open from 7 am until 8 pm from Monday until Thursday and 7 am until 6 pm from Friday to Sunday.

15. Utah Olympic Park

Did you know that Park City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002? Well, Utah Olympic Park was its venue and has everything from ski jumps to bobsled rides. 

You can visit to see where the 2002 Winter Olympics occurred. It’s fascinating to see all the arenas and equipment up close. There are two museums on site, too: George Eccles Museum and Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center. It’s located just outside Salt Lake City, near Park City, in the eastern mountain range.

• Insider Tip: There’s free parking space on site, and it’s best to drive.
• Practical Information: Open from 9 am until 6 pm every day. Prices vary depending on your activities.

16. Go Skiing

If you visit Salt Lake City between December and March, you have to try skiing—it’s why the region is popular for winter activities. You’ll have stunning views from the mountains, and advanced skiers will have dozens of routes to enjoy at the ski resort.

There are three main areas for ski resorts near the Salt Lake City area: Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, Ogden, and Park City. The canyons are famed for deep snow and lots of snowfall. In contrast, Park City is famous for its more luxurious experience and Ogden for family-friendly resorts. For majestic views and a bit of winter adrenaline, you can’t beat skiing in Salt Lake City. Definitely make the most of those nearby mountains.

Insider Tip: Skiing in April after Spring Break will mean fewer crowds.

17. Natural History Museum of Utah

Everyone loves a good Natural History Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Utah has 10 fascinating galleries showcasing all the nature and earth science of the region. It has everything from dinosaur remains to precious gems. 

You could easily spend a couple of hours walking through this modern museum. Remember to check out the special exhibit, too, which is a rotating gallery running two to three different exhibits a year.

The Natural History Museum is located next to Red Butte Garden, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary. Just catch the bus from the city center, and you’ll be there in 40 minutes.

• Insider Tip: You’ll love all the range of dinosaur exhibits.
• Practical Information: $20 per person and open 10 am until 5 pm every day.

18. Visit Provo

You can’t visit Salt Lake City without taking a day trip to Provo. Utah’s ‘second city’ is known for its culture, housing everything from the BYU Museum of Palaeontology to the Crandall Historical Printing Museum.

Reaching Provo takes just over an hour by FrontRunner train or 50 minutes by car. We’d suggest catching an early train from Salt Lake Central Station to maximize your time and avoid parking nightmares. When you arrive, you can enjoy all of its museums. In summer, you’ll love the proximity to Utah Lake State Park and its beaches.

Insider Tip: Allow time to hike Mt Timpanogos in late spring and summer (bring a car for this activity).

19. Visit the University of Utah Campus

The University of Utah is located on the outskirts of the capital and offers regular guided tours. It’s a beautiful campus, with 100 acres of gardens and an arboretum.

If you fancy putting your academic hat back on, book a General Campus Tour – available to all visitors. You can take a look at the state’s most prestigious research university.

The campus is located just a 20-minute bus ride from the city center and is right next to Red Butte Gardens, so we’d recommend combining the two.

• Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts on campus.
• Practical Information: A guided tour is free, and times vary depending on availability. 

20. Day Trip to National Parks

You should definitely use Salt Lake City as a base to day trip to the mighty 5 national parks. Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Park are all amazing spots to enjoy nature. Day-tripping to a national park is one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City.

You could tackle hikes like Angels Landing or a scenic drive through Canyonlands. There are so many activities in Utah’s national parks.

If you only have a day and cannot stay overnight, be prepared to set off early in the morning and for a long day of driving. The closest park is either Arches National Park (3 hours and 40 minutes one way) or Bryce Canyon National Park (Approx. 4 hours one way).

Insider Tip: Research permits and weather conditions beforehand.

21. Trolley Square

Trolley Square is full of character. Once a 1900s trolley barn, it was converted into an upscale shopping center – perfect for retail therapy. Check out bookstores, fine dining restaurants, clothing chains, and even a museum on the history of trolleys.

We’d recommend shopping here for anyone wanting to enjoy Salt Lake City’s retail scene. It’s also a covered mall so ideal if you get unlucky with the weather.

Trolley Square stays open until 8 pm nearly every day, so you can enjoy a late meal and some evening shopping. It’s located just outside the downtown area, roughly 30 minutes on foot or 20 minutes on the light rail.

• Insider Tip: Take advantage of the ice cream truck outside!
• Practical Information: It is open from 10 am until 8 pm Monday through Saturday and 12 pm until 5 pm on Sunday.

22. Memory Grove Park

Memory Grove Park is a serene area of green space within Salt Lake City’s bounds. It’s only a 30-minute walk north of the city center and great for a peaceful walk. One of the best things about Salt Lake City is the number of gorgeous parks, so you should definitely make the most of how central Memory Grove Park is.

The Meditation Chapel is a particularly peaceful place to sit and collect your thoughts. You can also walk the Freedom Trail alongside the refreshing sound of City Creek.

The park is full of memorials and monuments that give you that extra prompt for reflection. The water features are beautiful too, with fountains, ponds, and the natural creek.

• Insider Tip: Remember to see the Anderson Tower Monument nearby.
• Practical Information: Open from 8 am until 10 pm and free to enjoy.

23. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum

Anyone trying to sightsee with children knows the importance of interactive exhibits. At Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, the target audience is those with a short attention span – so parents, get ready to hit the jackpot.

The museum has over 60,000 square feet of fun learning for children. It has everything from a real helicopter on display to small-world displays like mechanic shops, complete with cars with popped hoods.

If you have young children, visiting the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is a brilliant way to make your visit to Salt Lake City an extra bit more educational.

• Insider Tip: Avoid the weekends, which get super busy.
• Practical Information: Open Wednesday until Monday from 10 am until 6 pm. Tickets cost $13.50 per adult and $12.50 per child.

24. This Is The Place Heritage Park

Fancy stepping back in time? Well, Salt Lake City certainly would be the place to do so. This Is The Place Heritage Park takes you back to the Old West and the city’s founding. The park has everything from a Native American Village to gold panning exhibits and Mormon history.

It’s a great place to really understand Salt Lake City and its story. It doesn’t feel like a formal museum as it’s such an immersive experience – you’ll be living the days gone by without even realizing you’re learning.

This Is The Place Heritage Park is located on the city’s outskirts, roughly 20 minutes from the city center by car or an hour using the bus.

• Insider Tip: Check out the nearby Living Room Trail when visiting.
• Practical Information: There is a $20 per adult entrance fee, and it is open from 10 am until 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.

25. Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is one of the largest botanical garden attractions in the Intermountain West. It spans 21 acres of manicured gardens and its beautiful displays change seasonally, including over 590,000 flowers in spring—predominantly daffodils.

To immerse yourself for a few hours in natural wonders, Red Butte Garden is by far the prettiest place to do so. It’s a great way to connect with the great outdoors. You can even catch outdoor concerts in summer. It’s located in the east of the city and an easy 15-minute drive from the center. Alternatively, you can catch a 30-minute bus.

• Insider Tip: Check out the events on its main website.
• Practical Information: $16 per adult from 9 am until 5 pm daily.

Your Questions Answered About Salt Lake City

By now, you should have a collection of the best things to do in the Salt Lake City area that are really up your street. You could ski, learn about the Church of the Latter Day Saints, or hike trails in the Red Butte Garden. Salt Lake City has so much to offer. Before you go, though, take a look at these common FAQs.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Salt Lake, Utah?

The number one attraction in the city center is Temple Square. It’s the pinnacle of Mormon history and has spectacular architecture. Great Salt Lake is the city’s greatest attraction outside the center.

What is Salt Lake City best known for?

Salt Lake City is best known for its Mormon history and proximity to a beautiful lake and ski resorts. It also has the best airport to access Utah’s national parks.

Is Salt Lake City worth seeing?

Absolutely. Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to visit because of its mixture of culture (with the Church of the Latter Day Saints and architecture like Temple Square) and nature (with the lake and nearby mountains).

How many days should I spend in Salt Lake City?

We’d recommend at least three days in Salt Lake City and as long as a week if you want to visit a national park or two.

Tips And Information For Visiting

Of course, knowing the best things to do in Salt Lake City is great. But what do you need to know practically about visiting? Let’s cover the vital tips and information you need to know before booking a trip to Salt Lake City. We want you to have the best time possible.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is between April and June during shoulder season. In April, you can catch the backend of the ski resort season while also starting to enjoy warmer temperatures. May and June are ideal for quiet hiking and biking trails, as well as sightseeing without the crowds.

As a slight caveat, though, your preferred activities when visiting do slightly impact when you should visit. If you want to enjoy swimming in lakes, stick to summer. And if you want the ski season in full swing, we’d suggest visiting between December and March.

Getting There

The easiest way is to fly directly into Salt Lake City International Airport and catch a shuttle to the city center. This is the best option for anyone traveling internationally or who is short on time. 

With more time, you could use Amtrak to reach Salt Lake City. The Utah capital is on the California Zephyr line, connecting Chicago with San Francisco. Visiting by train is much more sustainable, and you get a more extended travel experience—with gorgeous views from the train window.

You could road trip to Salt Lake City as well. Depending on your departure point, you likely need more time than catching the train. However, it’s definitely worthwhile, and Utah is famously great for road trips.

Getting Around

The easiest way to get around Downtown Salt Lake City is on foot or by rented bicycle. The downtown area is highly walkable, and if you stay centrally, the only reason you’d need to consider other options is for day trips. 

That said, you also have a bus service run by the Utah Transit Authority and a light rail system called TRAX. You can purchase the Premium Pass for these, granting you travel for a set price. There’s also a fare-free area within the main downtown, meaning budget-friendly transport if your legs tire.

We’d suggest biting the bullet and hiring a car for those wanting to take day trips to a national park or the lake.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Three days is enough time in Salt Lake City to sightsee around downtown and visit the lake. You’ll be able to get a good taste of the city in this time.

If you want to see some national parks or visit Provo, give yourself a week. Some national parks, like Zion and Arches, are best visited if you plan to stay there overnight rather than on a day trip, so give yourself that extra wiggle room with more days in your itinerary.

Where To Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah

Without a doubt, Downtown Salt Lake City is the best area for tourists to stay in. The city has an all-or-nothing relationship with attractions, and you’ll either experience inner-city attractions like Temple Square or head way out into the outskirts to distant attractions like the lake or Red Butte Garden. Because of this, it really isn’t worth staying anywhere but downtown if you’re short on time and want to maximize sightseeing.

If you want a quieter experience in Salt Lake City and aren’t as interested in inner-city sightseeing, Park City is our top recommendation. Park City is residential and relaxing, perfect for resting after a long road trip or working remotely.

For now, though, we’ll focus on Downtown Salt Lake City, as you seem like the sightseeing bunch.

Here are some of the best hotels in Salt Lake City for all budgets:

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western ($), The Little America Hotel ($$), and Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown ($$$)

• Luxury: Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown

Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown is a trendy property with a rooftop pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurant; it’s great for a luxurious base to sightsee the downtown area.

• Mid Range: Little America Hotel Salt Lake City 

The Little America Hotel is a brilliantly located boutique-style hotel with both an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and comfortable rooms.

• Budget: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western

The downtown area isn’t best known for budget accommodation. While you can find hotels for as little as $70 a night, these mostly have low reviews over things like cleanliness, so we can’t confidently recommend them. Salt Lake Plaza Hotel SureStay Collection by Best Western is the compromise, offering modern rooms, a fitness center, and a pool for reasonable prices.

Salt Lake City is something special. We love how you’ve got surrounding nature and the cultural aspect with the Natural History Museum and Temple Square. It was hard to narrow things down to these 25 best things to do in Salt Lake City, but we’re confident you’ll love them.

Are you looking for more inspiration on visiting Salt Lake City? Why not check out these amazing things to do in Utah? If you visit Salt Lake City for longer than a few days, there’s no reason why you can’t see more in the area. You could plan a few national parks or even a road trip to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. Whatever you choose to do, Salt Lake City will keep you entertained. Have a fantastic time.