Salt Lake City is located between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. Here you can find a unique mixture of urban culture and outdoor adventure. A rich history, vibrant culture, and many activities according to every interest as the capital of Utah. From its historic sites and museums to its achieving arts scene and outdoor recreational opportunities, Salt Lake City promises to provide unforgettable experiences. This article, prepared from a local’s viewpoint, will take you through the top things to do in Salt Lake City, ensuring you will most likely visit.
Salt Lake City’s charm lies in a variety of attractions like a history buff, an art enthusiast, a cultural attraction, an outdoor adventurer, or a foodie, there are many things for everyone and offer a glimpse into its storied past. Salt Lake City was established in 1847 by a group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young, and the impact of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is evident in many of its historic sites.
7 Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City
- Historic and Cultural Attractions
- Arts and Entertainment
- Outdoor Adventures
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Culinary Delights
- Shopping and Nightlife
- Seasonal Events and Festivals
1. Historic and Cultural Attractions
Temple Square is the heart of Salt Lake City and a must-visit for any traveler. It is in about a 10-acre complex with the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and two visitors’ centers. Their beautifully maintained gardens and historic buildings provide calm and peace. The Family History Library, the largest genealogy library in the world, also attracts visitors to trace their ancestry.
The Utah State Capitol, completed in 1916, is a neoclassical architectural marvel overlooking downtown. Visitors take guided tours to learn more about its history and the workings of state government, while the grounds offer stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The Leonardo Museum, named after Leonardo da Vinci, is interactive and focused on art, science, and technology. It provides a dynamic educational experience through art installations and scientific displays.
The Natural History Museum of Utah, at the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, features exhibits on dinosaurs, Native American cultures, and Utah’s geology. Its architecture, designed to mix with the landscape, provides breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley.
Adjacent to the museum, Red Butte Garden is a 100-acre botanical garden with themed gardens, walking paths, and diverse plant life. It hosts outdoor concerts and educational programs.
2. Arts and Entertainment
Salt Lake City’s arts and entertainment scene is vibrant and provides experiences from live performances to contemporary art galleries.
The Salt Lake City Public Library, designed by Moshe Safdie, is an architectural gem with a glass facade, rooftop garden, and bright interior. It hosts events like author readings, art exhibitions, and community programs.
The Eccles Theater, downtown, is Salt Lake City’s premier performing arts venue, having Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet in a modern space with the best acoustics.
Music lovers can enjoy performances by the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera at Abravanel Hall, known for its excellent acoustics and elegant design. They provide a variety of programming from classical to pop concerts.
The Urban Arts Gallery, located in the Gateway shopping district, showcases contemporary works by local artists with rotating exhibitions. It also hosts art walks and workshops, supporting Salt Lake City’s vibrant arts community.
Every January, the Sundance Film Festival draws film enthusiasts to Salt Lake City. Founded by Robert Redford, it’s the largest independent film festival in the U.S., with many screenings and events happening in Salt Lake City.
3. Outdoor Adventures
Salt Lake City’s proximity to the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to provide activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a haven for outdoor lovers with its hiking trails, picnic spots, and rock climbing. In winter, it hosts the Brighton and Solitude ski resorts, famous for great snow and varied terrain.
Liberty Park, an 80-acre urban oasis has walking paths, playgrounds, a pond with paddleboats, and the Tracy Aviary. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature without leaving the city.
Antelope Island State Park, located in the Great Salt Lake, and enjoy stunning views and wildlife, including bison, antelope, and birds. Visitors can hike, bike, or swim in the lake’s salty waters.
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is popular for hiking and biking, and you can enjoy amazing views of the Salt Lake Valley. It follows the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville and connects to other trails.
The Great Salt Lake Marina provides sailing, kayaking, and birdwatching opportunities with a unique perspective of this vast, salty lake.
4. Family-Friendly Activities
Salt Lake City has many family-friendly activities. Hogle Zoo, at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, is home to over 800 animals, with exhibits like the African Savanna, Rocky Shores, and Asian Highlands, providing both fun and education.
Clark Planetarium features interactive exhibits about space and offers stunning films in its IMAX and dome theaters, engaging visitors of all ages. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, located at The Gateway, provides hands-on exhibits like a water play area, construction zone, and pretend play neighborhood, sparking creativity and learning.
Tracy Aviary, in Liberty Park, houses a different collection of birds and provides educational programs and bird shows in naturalistic habitats. This Is The Place Heritage Park brings Utah’s pioneer history to life with historic buildings, live demonstrations, train rides, and interactive exhibits for families to enjoy.
5. Culinary Delights
Salt Lake City’s culinary scene has flourished, providing many dining options for all tastes. Red Iguana is a local favorite, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, especially its legendary mole sauces. Its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make it worth the wait.
The Copper Onion, located downtown, serves modern American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu has house-made pasta, meats, and creative vegetable dishes.
Eva, a small plates restaurant, provides Mediterranean-inspired dishes perfect for sharing. Its cozy ambiance and flavorful menu make it best for a night out.
Takashi is a must-visit for sushi lovers, offering fresh, innovative sushi, sashimi, and unique rolls that are beautifully presented and expertly prepared. Food Truck Thursdays at the Gallivan Center is a weekly event featuring a variety of food trucks offering gourmet burgers, tacos, international cuisines, and desserts, providing a fun and casual dining experience.
6. Shopping and Nightlife
Salt Lake City provides more shopping and nightlife experiences. City Creek Center is a premier downtown shopping destination with a retractable roof, a creek, and a mix of high-end and mid-range retailers. Its beautiful architecture and dining options make for a pleasant visit. Trolley Square, located in a historic trolley barn, provides a charming shopping experience with specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
The 9th and 9th District is a vibrant neighborhood perfect for a stroll, featuring unique boutiques, artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants. For nightlife, The Bayou is famous for its extensive beer selection with a Cajun-inspired menu with live music.
Bar X provides a sophisticated, speakeasy-style experience with creative cocktails in an intimate setting.The Garage on Beck provides a laid-back atmosphere with outdoor seating, live music, and a diverse lineup of performances.
7. Seasonal Events and Festivals
Salt Lake City hosts numerous seasonal events and festivals that celebrate its culture, community, and creativity. The Living Traditions Festival in May celebrates the city’s diverse cultures with traditional music, dance, crafts, and food from around the world.
The Twilight Concert Series in summer brings national and international musicians to the Gallivan Center for affordable live music in an outdoor setting.
The Utah Arts Festival in June is the state’s largest multidisciplinary arts event, with visual arts, music, dance, film, and more. In September, the Greek Festival celebrates Greek culture with food, music, dance, and crafts.The Snowflake Festival at The Gateway celebrates winter with ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday markets.
Salt Lake City offers a wide array of experiences, from its arts scene to outdoor adventures, making it a captivating and inspiring destination.
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Bottom Line:
Salt Lake City provides a unique mix of urban culture and outdoor adventure, making it an exciting destination for visitors according to their interests. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites, enjoying the arts scene, or outdoor activities the city provides amazing experiences. Here you can enjoy family-friendly attractions to seasonal festivals also.
