Driving into Salt Lake Metropolis from the airport is breathtaking!
My first sight of the town made me audibly draw breath. It seems to be so tiny, virtually Lilliputian on the foot the mighty Wasatch Mountains, however don’t be mistaken, SLC is a thriving metropolis with so many issues to do and see, you’d want a couple of days right here to do all of it.
Learn on to find cultural and historic websites, enjoyable out of doors actions, and a few day journeys you’ll need to plan additional time for.
Then head out on a superb Utah highway journey, taking within the nationwide parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon (I’m nonetheless to go to the others). Utah can also be identified for its pure scorching springs (together with one you may SCUBA dive in), so that you may need to pack your swimsuit when you’re going to be close by.
Utah was based in 1847 by Mormon pioneer Brigham Younger – you’ll see his title rather a lot spherical right here. He and his followers cultivated this rugged land and Salt Lake Metropolis, the biggest metropolis in Utah with a inhabitants of practically 200,000, is situated within the northern a part of the state, on the foot of these breathtaking mountains.
SLC is a serious vacationer vacation spot for its many close by ski resorts in winter, accessibility to the outside, a thriving bar scene and nightlife, and masses extra enjoyable stuff.
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Listed below are 32 nice issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis (and surrounds) – hopefully some you received’t have even considered.
Final information to issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis
Temple Sq.
You’ll be able to’t miss Temple Sq.. It is correct within the coronary heart of downtown Salt Lake Metropolis and is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as Mormons.
That is the preferred vacationer vacation spot in Utah, and for an excellent motive. This stunning ten-acre advanced is house to the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the LDS Convention Middle. You’ll be able to take a free tour of the temple grounds, which features a go to to the well-known Salt Lake Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle Choir usually performs reside (and likewise reside streams their efficiency) so click on on the hyperlink above to search out out dates.
The temple is presently present process renovations and is closed to the general public right now. Nonetheless, you may nonetheless admire its structure from exterior.
Pure Historical past Museum Of Utah
The Pure Historical past Museum of Utah is a museum situated on the College of Utah campus that focuses on the pure historical past of the state of Utah.
It’s good for many who need to be taught extra concerning the space’s geology, archaeology, and paleontology. The museum additionally has displays on Native American tradition and wildlife.
It’s open on daily basis from 9am-5pm. The college additionally runs summer season camps, faculty occasions, and excursions for many who need to be taught extra about pure historical past.
Pink Butte Backyard
Pink Butte Backyard is a botanic backyard and arboretum situated on the College of Utah campus. This picturesque backyard is ideal for a soothing day outside.
You’ll be able to stroll by the gardens, admiring the flowers and vegetation, or deliver a picnic and take a break in one of many many picnic areas. The park additionally options an amphitheater, which hosts live shows and different occasions all year long.
Store at Metropolis Creek Middle
After all, the most effective issues to do on trip is store! Metropolis Creek Middle is a shopping mall that was constructed to resemble a standard European city.
The middle options high-end shops like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, in addition to quite a lot of eating places and cafes. So when you’re in search of a spot to buy or take pleasure in an excellent meal, the Metropolis Creek Middle is certainly price testing! It’s closed Sundays.
Utah Jazz Basketball
I like reside sport and at any time when we journey, particularly within the US, my husband and I attempt to catch a sport.
The Utah Jazz play within the 18,000-seat Vivint Area, which additionally hosts live shows and different leisure. It’s a straightforward stroll from downtown SLC.
Obtain the Utah Jazz app in your cellphone to order meals, get your self some nice seats, don your colours and have a good time shouting for staff.
Salt Lake Bees Baseball
If baseball is extra your factor, SLC’s staff is the Salt Lake Bees who’re a minor league baseball staff, however the views of the towering Wasatch Mountains within the background are price coming to Smith’s Ballpark for alone!
The stadium was awarded the very best view in baseball, so clear your throat for the seventh inning stretch, and take your self out to the ballgame.
Utah Symphony
Maybe the orchestra is a little more you than sport. The Utah Symphony Orchestra, based in 1940, usually receives rave critiques with conductor Thierry Fischer described as a grasp painter and a world-class interpreter of Mozart’s scores.
The orchestra’s 85 full-time skilled musicians carry out greater than 150 performances all through Utah and different Western states every season. You’ll be able to see them at Abravanel Corridor
Go to Randy’s File Store
In 2018, after 40 years, Randy Stinson retired from his report store at 57 E. Harvey Milk Blvd. (900 South), however his vinyl assortment lives on due to son Sam taking on the enterprise!
It’s like stepping again in time, visiting this retailer. A time earlier than Apple Music and Spotify and even earlier than cassettes! You’ll discover hundreds of vinyl data right here, on this hip a part of city embellished in cool avenue artwork. Don’t overlook to take a look at the vegan bakery too.
LGBTQ pleasant
Regardless of about 40% of residents of Salt Lake Metropolis being Mormon, the SLC was voted the seventh gayest metropolis within the US, forward of Los Angeles even.
This may come as a shock, however there’s a thriving homosexual scene in Salt Lake Metropolis. Regardless of the church’s disapproval, they don’t oppose it and even voted to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard, the well-known San Francisco politician and homosexual activist gunned down in 1978.
This hyperlink to Go to Salt Lake LGBTQ has an inventory of homosexual bars, festivals, parades, companies and issues to do.
Gilgal Sculpture Backyard
Gilgal Sculpture Backyard is a hidden native treasure. This interior metropolis backyard is house to 12 unique sculptures, and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. Probably the most well-known sculpture is a sphinx with the face of Joseph Smith, founding father of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It was began by Thomas Baby, a famend masonry contractor and LDS bishop, therefore lots of the texts being round Latter-Day Saints themes. The backyard is an outline of Baby’s religious exploration over 20 years with magnificent and weird creations. It turned a public park in 2000.
Household Historical past Library
The Household Historical past Library is a library situated on the grounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in downtown Salt Lake Metropolis. It’s open to the general public and focuses on family tree analysis.
In case you’re so inclined – and you’ve got the time – you may entry the library’s assortment of greater than two million rolls of microfilm, 4 hundred thousand books, and quite a few databases that comprise data from all over the world. The library additionally gives free lessons and workshops on family tree analysis, in addition to the power to discover your loved ones tree and expertise a sense of belonging.
Hogle Zoo
The Hogle Zoo is a zoo situated in Salt Lake Metropolis’s Emigration Canyon. The zoo is house to greater than 800 animals, in addition to quite a lot of vegetation and flowers.
Guests can take a self-guided tour of the zoo, take a practice trip across the zoo grounds, or take part in one of many many instructional applications which might be supplied. The zoo additionally has a present store and an on-site cafe to take pleasure in when you’ve walked by the park.
So whether or not you’re a pair in search of a laid-back exercise or a household in search of enjoyable, the Hogle Zoo supplies hours of enjoyable!
Clark Planetarium
The Clark Planetarium is a planetarium and science middle situated in Salt Lake Metropolis’s downtown space.
The planetarium gives reveals on numerous subjects, together with astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology. Guests also can take part in one of many many interactive displays or take part in one of many many instructional applications supplied. They even present IMAZ theaters with laser reveals on Friday and Saturday.
In case you’re enthusiastic about including this to your expertise, you should buy tickets on-line or when you arrive on the planetarium.
Marmalade Hill Historic District
Salt Lake Metropolis’s Marmalade Hill Historic District was named after all the fruit-bearing timber and vegetation that have been introduced there by earlier settlers.
This small space is situated between Quince Road, 500 North, and 300 North Road and is a novel downtown space filled with angular, slim streets, classic residential buildings, and beautiful landscaping. A stroll by this space will present numerous examples of Utah’s several types of structure.
A few of the greatest spots within the neighborhood embody Alchemy Espresso, a present at Salt Lake Performing Firm, or the books on the Metropolis Library.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the right place to get a style of Utah politics. The hill is house to the Utah State Capitol, in addition to the workplaces of many state legislators.
So, when you’re enthusiastic about studying extra about how the Utah authorities works, Capitol Hill is a superb place to start out. Plus, the views from the highest of the hill are unbeatable!
Then, if you’re achieved admiring the historical past and think about, you may take pleasure in numerous bars, membership scenes, and cafes that line the encompassing streets.
Accomplished in 1916, the Utah State Capitol constructing is a powerful Beaux-Arts-style constructing that’s price a go to for any historical past and structure buffs.
You’ll be able to take a free tour of the capitol to be taught extra about its exceptional historical past or admire it from the skin. The constructing is open to the general public Monday by Friday from 10:00am to three:00pm, aside from state holidays.
Seize A Chew At Ruth’s Diner
In case you’re in search of a basic American diner expertise, Ruth’s Diner is the place to go.
This native favourite has been in operation since 1930 and is thought for its scrumptious consolation meals and historic murals.
The diner is open Thursday by Monday from 8:00am to 9/10pm and is closed on Tuesday. And when you can’t discover what you need on the menu, simply ask. They could be capable of whip it up for you!
Calm down at Liberty Park
Liberty Park is a big park situated in Salt Lake Metropolis’s downtown space. The park is house to varied timber, vegetation, flowers and birds.
Guests can discover the gardens on their very own or take one of many many guided excursions which might be supplied. The park additionally has a youngsters’s play space, a present store, and an on-site cafe. So when you’re in search of a laid-back afternoon exercise or a family-friendly space, Liberty Park is the right spot!
Tracy Aviary Botanical Backyard
The Tracy Aviary Botanical Backyard is a botanical backyard and chicken sanctuary situated within the metropolis’s Liberty Park. This stunning backyard is house to greater than 500 species of birds, in addition to quite a lot of vegetation and flowers.
You’ll be able to discover the gardens by yourself or take one of many many guided excursions which might be supplied. The backyard additionally has a youngsters’s play space, a present store, and an on-site cafe. See what they are saying on TripAdvisor about Tracy Aviary Botanical Backyard.
Liberty Park can also be house to the town zoo and a big lake that gives wonderful views of the town skyline.
Pioneer Memorial Museum
The Pioneer Memorial Museum is a museum situated in Salt Lake Metropolis’s downtown space. The museum is devoted to the historical past of the Mormon pioneers who settled in Utah.
Guests can take a self-guided tour of the museum or take part in one of many many instructional applications which might be supplied. The museum additionally has a present store and an on-site cafe to take pleasure in when you’ve walked by the displays.
In case you’re enthusiastic about studying extra about Utah’s historical past, the Pioneer Memorial Museum is a must-see!
Utah Museum Of Tremendous Arts
In case you’re an artwork fanatic, you’ll need to go to the Utah Museum of Tremendous Arts. This museum is house to quite a lot of artwork from all over the world, together with items from historic civilizations and modern artists.
The museum additionally has an on-site cafe to take pleasure in and gives guided excursions if you’re . Plus, admission is free for Utah residents on Tuesdays, making it the right place for an inexpensive time out! Nonetheless, you’ll need to make sure that to purchase your tickets on-line, as capability is restricted at this museum to make sure everybody’s security.
This Is The Place Heritage Park
This Is The Place Heritage Park is a residing historical past museum that tells the story of Utah’s early settlers.
The park options quite a lot of displays and actions, in addition to a working farm the place you may see how the early settlers lived. It’s a excellent place to study Utah’s historical past and tradition and is ideal for each youngsters and adults. The very best half is that it’s open year-round, guaranteeing enjoyable it doesn’t matter what time of the yr it’s!
Redwood Drive-In Film Theatre
The Redwood Drive-In Film Theatre is a superb place to catch a flick, throughout the summer season.
The theatre has been in operation since 1948 and is without doubt one of the few drive-in theatres nonetheless in operation as we speak. Convey your individual snacks or take pleasure in a few of the meals that they’ve on provide, together with scorching canine, hamburgers, and popcorn. Plus, admission is below $22 for a household of 4, making it an inexpensive night time out!
All yr spherical this location is open for weekend Swap Meets from 8am-3pm.
Purchase the Salt Lake Join Cross to get reductions on a bunch of those points of interest!
Thanksgiving Level
Thanksgiving level is an out of doors and indoor farm, backyard, and museum advanced that’s good for a time out with the household.
The advanced options quite a lot of actions, together with a youngsters’s backyard, an animal barnyard, and a museum of historic cultures. There’s additionally a restaurant on-site the place you may take pleasure in a meal after exploring all that Thanksgiving Level has to supply.
Salt Lake Trolley Excursions
Get round on a Salt Lake Trolley Excursions! The trolleys are a good way to see the town and run all through the day taking you to varied factors of curiosity, together with Temple Sq., the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the State Capitol Constructing.
The excursions are fairly priced for a 90-minute tour and are a good way to get an outline of Salt Lake Metropolis. There’s additionally a couple of minutes in most places to snap a few images.
Head out of city!
Go to the Nice Salt Lake
One of the crucial distinctive areas to go to is the Nice Salt Lake, which is situated about 30 miles west of Salt Lake Metropolis.
This huge lake is beautiful as a result of it’s pink and is the biggest salt lake in North America. It is a wonderful place for fishing, chicken watching, climbing, kayaking, boating, swimming, and sunbathing. The lake additionally has various small islands that may be explored by boat.
You’ll be able to enter the lake by two state parks, together with the Nice Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, from daybreak to nightfall every day. Nonetheless, the water ranges are usually not fixed, so it’s important to examine the present situations earlier than visiting.
Massive Cottonwood Canyon
Voted the #1 attraction in Salt Lake Metropolis on TripAdvisor, you’ll love the scenic drive as much as Massive Cottonwood Canyon.
This canyon is situated simply south of the town and gives beautiful views of the mountains and forests. There are additionally a number of climbing trails within the space, in addition to a few native ski resorts, Solitude and Brighton.
The canyon is very stunning in autumn when the leaves change coloration or when every little thing is in bloom throughout the spring.
Utah Olympic Park
The Utah Olympic Park is situated in Park Metropolis (a few 30-minute drive from SLC) and is a world-class coaching facility for winter sports activities.
The park was constructed for the 2002 Winter Olympic Video games and is now open to the general public for excursions, occasions, and actions.
We simply wandered round watching groups practice down dry ski ramps (under) and flipping into an enormous swimming pool (above), however you may take a bobsled trip, go tubing, and even check out the ski leaping simulator.
Plus, you’ll be capable of be taught the historical past of those that have educated there and the accomplishments they’ve achieved.
So when you’re in search of an adrenaline rush and need to be taught extra about winter sports activities, the Utah Olympic Park is the right spot!
Go to Snowbird
Take the scenic Snowbird tram to the highest of the mountain throughout the summer season months and you are able to do a bunch of enjoyable summer season actions. You’ll journey 1.6 miles in ten minutes up 2,900 vertical toes.
This can be a excellent place to flee the warmth throughout the summer season months and you are able to do the roundtrip in about 40 minutes, or take so long as you want up right here admiring the views.
In case you’re coming in winter, purchase the Salt Lake Ski Tremendous Cross and bypass the ticket line at Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude!
Bonneville Salt Flats
Situated about an hour and a half west of Salt Lake Metropolis, the Bonneville Salt Flats are a must-see.
This stretch of land that occupies greater than 300,000 acres of the west desert includes a salt crust that creates an otherworldly panorama.
You’ll be able to hike, bike, or drive out to the flats to expertise this distinctive space for your self. In addition to guests popping out for a glance, the realm is often known as a global hub for automotive racing, with drivers setting a number of data on the Bonneville salt flats.
In case you plan on visiting, make sure you deliver loads of water and sunscreen, as there isn’t a shade out on the flats!
Brigham Younger College
Based in 1875, Brigham Younger College is the biggest non-public college in Utah.
The campus is situated in Provo (about 45-minutes from SLC) with 98% of its college students members of the LDS church. BYU is a extremely rated college and is thought for its wonderful educational applications, aggressive athletics, and delightful campus.
You’ll be able to take a tour of the campus, attend one of many many occasions which might be open to the general public or stroll across the grounds.
Ensign Peak Path
The Ensign Peak Path is a brief, straightforward hike that gives beautiful views of the Salt Lake Valley.
The path begins on the north finish of the Salt Lake Valley and climbs as much as Ensign Peak. The hike solely takes about 25 minutes, with a one-mile size, making it good for many who don’t have plenty of time however nonetheless need to see a lovely view.
Be certain to plan to go on a cooler day or when the solar begins to set as it may get fairly scorching throughout the summer season!
Mountain Biking At Mueller Park
Mueller Park is a great spot for newbie mountain bikers who need an out-and-back trip.
To be sincere, I’m even afraid of the newbie trails, as you may learn on this submit about my traumatic albeit picturesque expertise, in New Zealand.
This observe takes you exterior the town with curves and turns that move as you come again down. The trip is about 12.5 miles with an elevation acquire of round 1920 toes.
If you would like a more difficult trip, there are a number of different trails close by which might be certain to present you a exercise. Be certain to be careful of heavy hiker site visitors on the weekends within the decrease part of this path.
With so many issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis and its surrounding areas, planning your good trip is straightforward if you observe the following pointers. So what are you ready for? Begin planning your journey as we speak!
Learn extra about Utah:
I hiked the Narrows in Zion Nationwide Park: issues to know earlier than you go
Go to Bryce Canyon and hike among the many hoodoos!
Comply with my 7-day Utah highway journey itinerary beginning in SLC and visiting Zion and Bryce.