Utah is a hidden gem within the decrease 48. Its proximity to mountains and deserts can fulfill probably the most adventurous spirits. Nestled between the Nice Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountain Vary, Salt Lake Metropolis is an out of doors lovers’ paradise. It doesn’t take quite a lot of effort to be surrounded by mountains, cottonwood timber, or sandstone arches. With superb outside adventures, there are additionally loads of issues to do in downtown Salt Lake Metropolis making it the right year-round escape.
Finest Issues To Do In Salt Lake Metropolis
With a lot to do, it’s exhausting to plan and prioritize what to do first in Salt Lake Metropolis. Nonetheless, with this straightforward Salt Lake Metropolis journey information you’ll be in your technique to having fun with northern Utah’s treasures very quickly. So strap in your strolling sneakers and let’s begin exploring Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah.
This submit was initially written by Megan Walsh of the Quirky Climber and has been up to date in 2022 so as to add extra downtown Salt Lake Metropolis points of interest and outside actions in and round Salt Lake Metropolis. Are you able to discover the nice outside? Let’s get began.
In case you are arriving by aircraft to Salt Lake Metropolis, for some snowboarding? ebook this airport switch to Park Metropolis the place your driver will meet you upon arrival with a nameplate. They may even observe your flight to concentrate on any delays and take you on to your lodge.
Issues to do in Downtown Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah
For an outline of Salt Lake Metropolis, ebook this 4 hour bus tour that takes you to most of the high Salt Lake Metropolis points of interest. You’ll observe the Mormon Path to see Temple Sq., the State Capitol Constructing, Fort Douglas, and websites from the Winter Olympic Video games. For an additional payment, you should buy lunch on the Lion Home, the previous house of pioneer Brigham Younger, and absorb a stay recital on the famend Mormon Tabernacle.
Temple Sq.
Temple Sq. is the preferred vacationer attraction in Salt Lake Metropolis. Positioned proper in downtown Salt Lake Metropolis, Temple Sq. covers an space of 10 acres and 5 metropolis blocks with the imposing Salt Lake Temple at its centerpiece. It’s the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Mormons). Location: 50 N Temple, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84150, United States
In 1847 Brigham Younger led a band of pioneers declaring, “That is the Place.” And continues to be used at this time as a spot of worship. Free excursions can be found the place you may study of the Mormon historical past and religion whereas exploring the numerous museums, occasion areas, gardens, and libraries. Observe: Temple Sq. is present process renovations and is present process a phased reopening course of. You possibly can verify for updates on their web site.
Salt Lake Metropolis Tabernacle Choir
Whilst a child I had heard of the well-known Tabernacle Choir and no go to to Salt Lake Metropolis could be full with out taking in a efficiency at Temple Sq.. The Salt Lake Tabernacle has been performing for 150 years and continues to take action with stay broadcasts and recitals. At sure occasions of the yr, the choir opens its doorways to the general public and to allow them to watch their rehearsal. You possibly can verify for the total schedule right here earlier than visiting. Location: 50 N W Temple St, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84150
Utah State Capitol
When visiting any capital metropolis in the US, you may’t miss seeing the capital constructing, they’re at all times so grand. The Utah State Capital is not any completely different. It’s one other one of many free issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis within the metropolis heart. Guided excursions happen hourly from Monday to Friday or you are able to do your individual self-guided tour. For tickets, hours, and extra data, discover the particulars right here. Location: 350 N State St, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84103
Pure Historical past Museum of Utah
For a day indoors with the entire household, make your technique to the Pure Historical past Museum of Utah. For science, tradition and historical past, that is undoubtedly one of many high factors of curiosity within the metropolis. Spanning 500 million years of Utah historical past from the traditional Nice Salt Lake to the First Folks’s Exhibit, and necessary moments in historical past. It’s not simply Utah historical past nonetheless, it homes the most important assortment of horned dinosaur fossils on the earth, and it has rotating exhibitions to enhance its everlasting shows. Location: 01 Wakara Method, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84108, USA
Salt Lake Metropolis Public Library
Why go to a public library you ask? For the structure after all. The Salt Lake Metropolis Public Library is a phenomenal show of recent structure designed by famend worldwide architect, Moshe Safdie. It is without doubt one of the most stunning architectural shows in Utah. The 240,000 sq. foot constructing is six tales excessive with curving partitions. It not solely homes 500,000 books, however there may be additionally a public plaza on the bottom ground with retailers and companies, a rooftop terrace with rooftop views of Salt Lake Metropolis and the Salt Lake Valley, an auditorium, and studying galleries. That is actually a spot in Salt Lake Metropolis for somewhat solitude and quiet time. Location: 210 E 400 S, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84111
Liberty Park
Liberty Park is 80 acres of gorgeous inexperienced area with strolling paths, ponds, The Utah Heritage Museum, and Aviary and the Chase Residence Museum of Folks Artwork. Positioned on the previous 1881 property of Bingham Younger it’s now listed on the Nationwide Registry of Historic Locations. That means its buildings and websites are deemed worthy of preservation for his or her historic significance. Location: 600 East 900 South, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84105,
It’s positioned in a residential neighborhood so one of the best ways to discover is to take this guided biking tour the place you’ll meet your information on the oldest park within the metropolis after which cruise by way of the sculpture backyard of Gilgal Park, and discover the century-old neighborhoods as you wind your technique to Metropolis Creek Canyon in downtown Salt Lake.
Household Historical past Library
Positioned within the metropolis heart in Temple Sq., The Household Historical past Library is free to enter and is open to the general public for individuals in quest of their family tree. It is without doubt one of the largest Geneology museums on the earth and it’s run by the Church of Latter Day Saints. They’ve an intensive assortment with 1.3 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical information. Location: 35 N W Temple St, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84150
The state-of-the-art facility is local weather managed preserving temperature, humidity, and light-weight to guard the books, microfiche, and different information. It’s not only for Individuals or Mormons both, they’ve information of 8 billion individuals (deceased) from 100 nations! It’s one of the crucial standard issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis with hundreds of thousands of individuals from around the globe getting into its doorways in quest of their household historical past. Go to their web site to see how one can uncover your loved ones historical past
Clark Planetarium
One of many extra attention-grabbing factors of curiosity in Salt Lake Metropolis is the Clark Planetarium. For one, it provides one of many free issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis. It’s open seven days every week and displays are at all times free. For an additional payment you may watch reveals within the Hansen Dome Theatre and the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre. We love hitting a movie show when touring and IMAX Theatre displays are at all times a deal with. Positioned at: 110 400 W, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84101
Purple Butte Backyard
Positioned on the College of Utah, Salt Lake Metropolis’s Purple Butte Backyard will not be solely a botanical backyard, it’s the most important botanical backyard within the American Intermountain West. Spanning 21 acres of show gardens the location homes themed gardens and a half 1,000,000 spring blooms. There’s an amphitheater that hosts outside music live shows and there are 5 miles of mountaineering trails for outside lovers to weave by way of the gorgeous gardens and an arboretum. Positioned at 300 Wakara Method, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84108 – You should purchase tickets upfront right here
Hogle Zoo
In case you are on the lookout for different household pleasant actions in Salt Lake Metropolis, you could need to take a look at the Hogle Zoo with the spotlight being the Asian Highlands Exhibit showcases massive cats of Asia, you may have an elephant encounter or go to the African Savanna to see giraffes ostriches and lions. Whereas we don’t frequent zoos, we perceive the work they do in conservation and never everybody can get to Africa or Asia. One of the best ways to work towards a future for wildlife is thru training and zoos are top-of-the-line methods to fall in love with animals. Location: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84108
The Eccles Theater
In case you are on the lookout for issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis at evening, think about taking in a present on the Eccles Theater. The theater is the place for arts and tradition in Salt Lake Metropolis. Even when you don’t catch a present, be sure to go inside to view its spectacular five-story glass foyer. Take a stroll alongside major road to pop in for a glance. Location: 131 S. Important St, Salt Lake Metropolis, UT 84111
Out of doors Sights Close to Salt Lake Metropolis
Nice Salt Lake
Salt Lake Metropolis obtained its identify from the large Nice Salt Lake and this outside playground is simply 20 miles from the town heart. Salt Lake is the most important saltwater lake in your entire western hemisphere and outside lovers will get pleasure from kayaking, crusing, mountaineering and biking across the Nice Salt Lake. It’s a standard space for fowl watching because of the Nice Salt Lake Shorelands Protect the place hundreds of thousands of birds migrate by way of the world. Go for a stroll alongside the boardwalk following the interpretive in direction of the 30-foot viewing tower. Drop by the guests heart for extra data earlier than you begin exploring.
Park Metropolis
For those who’re within the space, it’s price stopping by the mountain city of Park Metropolis, particularly on Sundays, when “Park Foolish,” the town’s open-air market, is on. From native honey to handmade jewellery, to road performances and meals vehicles, this market has one thing for everybody. Decide up your strolling information to Park Metropolis on Amazon
With a closing time of 5 pm, you may get pleasure from your morning paddle session, and nonetheless get a little bit of mountain tradition within the afternoon. With mountaineering, backpacking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and a lot extra, one weekend isn’t sufficient for the way a lot northern Utah has to supply, however it’s sufficient to go away you wanting extra.
Ice Climbing
In case you are visiting Salt Lake Metropolis within the winter, this guided mountain climbing journey takes you from Salt Lake Metropolis to discover ways to climb or observe your abilities. A few of Utah’s finest mountain climbing venues are close to Salt Lake Metropolis they usually embrace Little Cottonwood Canyon, Provo Canyon or Maple Canyon.
Catch Olympic Fever
Salt Lake Metropolis was house to the 2002 winter Olympic Video games and Utah Olympic Park continues to be bustling with Olympic power. Athletes practice year-round at Olympic Park at their state-of-the-art freestyle snowboarding services and the Olympic Oval speedskating rink. Through the Olympics, this park hosted ski leaping occasions, bobsleigh, luge, and nordic snowboarding. However the park isn’t solely open to athletes, the general public can get pleasure from Olympic sports activities and outside actions from excessive tubing to ziplining and guided bobsledding excursions taking you down the Olympic observe. For those who’ve ever needed to strive your hand at ski leaping, you may go for it within the splash pool.
After all within the winter, it’s house to world-class snowboarding and snowboarding whereas summers might be spent mountain biking and mountaineering. For extra data go to the Park Metropolis web site.
Ski Resorts
No journey to Salt Lake Metropolis in winter could be full with out hitting one of many close by ski resorts. There are 4 world-class ski resorts at its doorstep together with Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude Mountain. They’re all located in the identical space simply 90 minutes out of the town heart. The truth is, you may ski all 4 of them in at some point! Problem accepted.
For those who don’t need to go that far into the mountains, there are 9 ski resorts inside one hour from the town. Ogden Resort is nice for households, Park Metropolis for its Olympic ties, and the opposite resorts in Cottonwood Canyon have a fantastic powdery base.
Searching for your post-adventure eats? Lone Star Taqueria is an area post-adventure eatery that’s a simple two miles from the mouth of Huge Cottonwood Canyon. Right here you’ll discover the most effective fish tacos in Utah. Wrapped in two corn tortillas, and overflowing with the fish of the day, these tacos, topped with a cilantro-lime dressing, will provide you with cause sufficient to begin planning your subsequent journey to Salt Lake Metropolis.
Snowbird’s Mountain Bike Trails
Snowbird is understood for frequently receiving 500+ inches of snowfall every year. As soon as the snow melts, nonetheless, the mountain opens for a number of the most breathtaking mountain biking within the Salt Lake area.
The Huge Mountain Path, accessible by buying a $25 elevate ticket, takes bikers on a 7.5 mile downhill trip by way of forested turns, wood bridges, and wide-open straights. With 2,900 toes of vertical drop, and an 8% grade, you gained’t have to fret an excessive amount of about sore muscle mass from final evening’s hike, however you’ll want to be sure to put on a helmet.
Mountain climbing In The Mountains
Load up the mountaineering gear, you’re headed to the mountains. As a result of the Wasatch Nationwide Forest is so near Salt Lake Valley, it’s possible and straightforward to go into the mountains for a fast in a single day backpacking journey. There are many mountaineering trails to discover however my favourite is Desolation Lake.
Desolation Lake, positioned in Huge Cottonwood Canyon, is right for the newbie to average backpacker. The hike begins about 9.5 miles up the canyon on the Mill D North Fork Trailhead. Winding by way of Aspen Groves, meadows, and alongside the creek, be sure to cease and revel in your environment. Additionally hold an eye fixed out, as moose are sometimes noticed alongside this path.
At 7.8 miles round-trip and roughly 2,024 toes in elevation achieve, you can begin this path within the late afternoon/early night, arrange camp, benefit from the stars and a campfire, and be again in your automotive by 11 am. Decide up the Salt Lake, Park Metropolis and Wasatch Path Map on Amazon
Tenting at Jordanelle State Park
In case you are on the lookout for locations to go tenting close to Salt Lake Metropolis, Jordanelle State Park is the place to be. Lower than 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake, on the east aspect of the Wasatch mountain vary, yow will discover much more to discover: the Uinta Nationwide Forest, Park Metropolis, and the East Canyon Reservoir.
For this journey, you’re heading to Jordanelle State Park. Tent websites at Jordanelle Campground are $20-$30 relying on the day, however you’ll need to ebook forward to safe a web site. The park is surrounded by hills and mountains, and with so many stars splayed out above you, it’s straightforward to neglect how shut you might be to the town.
AQUA x ZONE and Jordanelle State Park
When you’ve brewed your first cup of Caffe Ibis (made in Logan, UT), and are prepared to begin the day. Your choices are infinite on the AQUA X ZONE. On the Jordanelle Reservoir, you may hire stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, motorized boats, jet-skis, and extra. There’s additionally AQUA x ZONE, a floating water park on the lake, which is appropriate for all ages, and when you aren’t a baby, it’ll deliver out the kid in you.
Correct Brewing Firm
That is a tremendous place for a burger and brew. The right brewing firm is for carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike, Correct Brewing has a burger (and brew) for everybody. From the Hipster Burger (pink onion jam, kale pesto, contemporary herb cheese unfold, garlic aioli, and spinach) to the Vegan Chili Cheese Burger (house-made vegan chili, vegan cheese, and pink onion), you may be tempted to order two. You may also ebook this bike and brew tour to pattern 3 to five completely different microbreweries in Salt Lake Metropolis.
Utah Liquor Regulation Loophole
Correct Brewing additionally retains their retailer open on Sunday’s which is a loophole in Utah’s unusual liquor legal guidelines. For beer lovers: Utah’s liquor code requires all draft beer include lower than 3.4% alcohol content material. So, when you’re on the lookout for one thing stronger, spring for the can or bottled model.
The place to Keep in Salt Lake Metropolis
For sightseeing in Salt Lake Metropolis, you’ll need to keep in Salt Lake Metropolis Middle Resorts to be close to the downtown vacationer points of interest of Temple Sq., artwork galleries, and museums. Listed here are some prompt lodges to remain in Salt Lake Metropolis.
- Salt Lake Metropolis Marriott City Middle – Positioned within the coronary heart of the town, the Marriott Metropolis Middle is close to the Beehive Home, Joseph Smith Memorial Constructing and lots of of Salt Lake Metropolis’s high vacationer points of interest. View particulars on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
- Hilton Salt Lake Metropolis Middle -One other nice lodge within the metropolis heart that’s near points of interest and provides stunning views of Salt Lake Metropolis and the valley View particulars on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Plan Your Journey in Salt Lake Metropolis
For those who loved all the most effective issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, be sure to reserve it to Pinterest for future journey planning. And take a look at the guides beneath that can assist you along with your Salt Lake Metropolis Journey.
- Lonely Planet Southwest Journey Information – Lonely Planet is our go-to information ebook and when touring America, you need to decide up your pocket information to America’s Southwest.
- 60 Hikes inside 60 Miles – In case you are planning on mountaineering round Salt Lake Metropolis, this information ebook rounds up the hikes within the space starting from straightforward household hikes to tougher treks.
- 4 Days from Salt Lake Metropolis to Nationwide Parks – If you wish to discover a number of the finest nationwide parks within the Usa. This 4 day tour from Salt Lake Metropolis to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons nationwide parks with an knowledgeable information.
- Yellowstone Park and Rocky Mountain Explorer – For a fantastic journey take a 7 day guided tenting and strolling tour from Las Vegas! Go to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Bryce Canyon nationwide parks. Naturally, the tour features a go to to Salt Lake Metropolis.
With mountaineering, backpacking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and a lot extra, one weekend isn’t sufficient in Salt Lake Metropolis. There’s a lot to do northern Utah has to supply, it’s going to go away you wanting extra. So what are you ready for? Begin planning your Salt Lake Metropolis journey at this time.
So, there you’ve it, a number of the finest issues to do in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. Have you ever been to Utah? What are your favourite locations to go to, go away some ideas within the feedback beneath.
Creator Bio: Megan Walsh is a Salt Lake Metropolis resident and runs The Quirky Climber and is an out of doors fanatic stuffed with wanderlust. When she’s not touring, you may normally discover her with a thermos in hand someplace alongside the Wasatch Entrance. Comply with right here on Twitter: @megwalsh02
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