In this guide to some of my favorite Salt Lake City activities, I’ll cover popular places to visit, along with plenty of personal recommendations and ideas that may not be on every other list. Visiting Salt Lake City for the first time? Looking for something new to explore on a return trip? Either way I have ideas to help you make the most of your time in the city.
After all, Salt Lake City is the kind of destination that makes it easy to fill a day or a longer trip. Iconic attractions meet beautiful mountain views. I’m sharing local favorites and lesser-known spots alike. In Salt Lake City there’s something for every kind of traveler, and even more if you want to go a little further than the city limits – which you absolutely should. Keep reading for some great day trip and food recommendations too.
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Where Is Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is the state capital of Utah. This vibrant mountain city is in the western United States, tucked between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake.
Getting to Salt Lake City is surprisingly simple. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is just six miles from downtown and offers nonstop flights from cities across the U.S. and beyond. The airport is even connected to downtown by TRAX light rail which means you can be in the city center in 30 minutes by transit. And it’ll only cost $2.50.
If you are coming from a neighboring state by car, Interstate 15 and Interstate 80 make Salt Lake City a convenient stop on a Western U.S. road trip. It’s roughly 6 hours from Las Vegas, 7 hours 45 minutes from Denver, and about 10 hours from Los Angeles by car.
The great thing about SLC is that once you arrive, you don’t necessarily need a car. Rideshares and taxis are always available, but public transportation make getting around even easier. If you’re planning to visit any of Utah’s five national parks or do some day trips from SLC, however, renting a car might be a good idea.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Downtown Salt Lake City has a free transit zone to help save your legs after a day of exploring.
What You Need To Know About Visiting Salt Lake City
Not only is Salt Lake City known for its spectacular scenery but it’s super accessible for those wanting some outdoor adventures. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and easy access to nature, Salt Lake City is a fantastic city base for travelers year-round.
Explore downtown attractions and eat good food, then leave the city for nearby natural wonders and some of the best national parks in the country. There are plenty of Salt Lake City activities to add to your itinerary, but here’s a few more tips that are helpful for a first time visitor:
ELEVATION
Along with Denver Colorado, Salt Lake City is a higher elevation city. It clocks in around 4300 ft (1300 m) above sea level. So you might start feeling some altitude sickness depending on where you’re from. I’m from Vancouver Canada which is at sea level, so SLC is a bit of a change for me. Drink plenty of water, and avoid intense activities for the first day until you get acclimated.
WEAR COMFY SHOES
SLC might look compact but those city blocks are big, and the roads are very wide – often 6 lanes of traffic. As such you will walk a lot even if you don’t intend to. Comfy shoes are a must. The good news? Salt Lake City is really flat (except near the State Capitol building).
STAY HYDRATED
Not only will plenty of water help with the altitude, but it is good in the summers which can get very hot. In fact, even in shoulder season months like April and October it can reach 20°C (high 60s in Fahrenheit). The city can also be dry due to the surrounding desert so water helps.
ALCOHOL IS HEAVILY RESTRICTED
Since many residents of Salt Lake City (and Utah) are part of the Church of the Latter Day Saints (you may know this as the Mormon religion, although this is a bit of an outdated nickname now) and abstain from alcohol, drinking is quite restricted. Alcohol may be limited to government run stores vs. available in supermarkets, and many bars require ordering food with alcohol.
CARRY YOUR PASSPORT
For the reason above, having your passport with you is a good idea. Most alcohol-serving establishments including bars, even in hotels, will ask for ID. Even if you’re not drinking. If you’re from out of town, your passport will be the best thing to keep with you. I used my Canadian driver’s license in some places, but others preferred a passport.
My Picks For Top Salt Lake City Activities
There’s enough to do in Salt Lake City that you won’t be bored whether you’re staying a day or a week. But if you need help narrowing your options down, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorite Salt Lake City activities with ideas for every budget and interest.
EXPLORE THE RED BUTTE GARDEN
One of my favorite Salt Lake City activities, Red Butte Garden is a fabulous botanical garden that’s part of the University of Utah complex. Not only is it filled with beautiful flowers and plants, curated paths and serene sitting spots, it has some killer views.
As one of the highest points in the city, you can easily spend longer than expected gazing out over Salt Lake City from the peaceful surroundings of a larger than life garden. Spring is especially stunning with many pink and purple trees framing the mountain views. They’re also a welcome change from the red rock and earth that dominates the local area.
Your visit will cost you under $20 USD, although you’ll need to figure out the best way to get here as it’s not walkable from the downtown area. Take public transport, which is cheap enough, but will take you almost an hour, or a 10-15 minute Uber ride which is around $15 USD. Take a picnic, finding some shade to enjoy your food and rest your feet. Or check out the events calendar for a show at the garden’s very own amphitheater. End you
VISIT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF UTAH
Dinosaurs! They have dinosaurs. There’s other stuff too, but as any Jurassic Park obsessed person will tell you, the dinosaurs are the best part of any natural history museum. Utah is no exception – a state that has uncovered plenty of prehistoric finds over the years. Fossils of Triceratops, Hadrosaurus and the local Utahraptor are on display at the Natural History Museum of Utah, as well as my favorite the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
After making your way past the Cretaceous you can also learn about the prehistoric Great Salt Lake, the Rocky Mountains and neanderthal man. Discover information on DNA, ecosystems, and the Native peoples of Utah. Top off your visit with the bug displays, and then head to the roof to get some views over Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains. Bonus: The museum is next to the Red Butte Garden, so you can make it a perfect two activity afternoon. Museum entry is around $25 USD.
EXPERIENCE THE CLARK PLANETARIUM
One of the main Salt Lake City activities taking you from terrestrial to the extra-terrestrial. Learn about volcanoes and earthquakes, then stand in the middle of a tornado. Check out some massive meteorites on display, and understand what really led to the dinosaurs’ extinction. Then discover the vastness of space, the planets and our solar system at some of the many exhibits. The best part – they’re all free!
Entry to the planetarium is free so you can wander round and spend as long (or as little) as you like. There’s also the Dome Theatre or the IMAX Theatre playing an ever rotating list of documentaries and big budget blockbusters. Ticket prices apply for both theatres. But you can while away an hour or so here without spending a penny – and it’s super kid friendly.
TAKE A GHOST TOUR
Ever wonder what goes bump in the night in Salt Lake City? Tour the city in the evening and hear from paranormal experts about all things supernatural. A SLC ghost tour is an hour long, costs around $30 USD and is quite entertaining whether you’re a true believer or mildly skeptical.
Tours run most nights, and there’s no minimum guest count – in fact, on an early April tour I had a private tour for one. My friendly and informative guide Cody took me to all the unique places in the city with some ghostly history. Plus I got to see some of the oldest and most interesting architecture in the downtown core.
While I’m still on the fence as to whether there’s anything there or not, I really enjoyed hearing a little more SLC history. And I got to play with an EMF meter – perfect for detecting ghosts, or at least pretend I’m in Supernatural for a night.
RELAX AT TEMPLE SQUARE
What’s the first thing you think about when someone talks about Utah? For many it will be the Book of Mormon and its followers. The religious denomination, officially members of the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS), settled in Utah to escape religious persecution. Now around 50% of the state are members of the LDS, and their main temple is the beautiful Gothic church at Temple Square.
While non-LDS members are not permitted inside the church unless for special events or open days, you can wander around the stunningly manicured gardens around which the LDS church buildings are built. You have to visit Temple Square at least once on your trip to Salt Lake City. There’s lots of places to sit and relax and enjoy the peaceful gardens.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: In 2027 the LDS Temple is opening again after years of renovations, and will host a public open house between April and October 2027. If you’ve ever been curious about seeing inside, this might be the time.
LEARN AT THE CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM
The Temple is pretty cool to look at. But, come on, I’m sure you’re just a little curious about the LDS Church and what the Book of Mormon is really all about, right? Fear not, there’s a whole history museum next to the Temple where you can learn all about the Latter Day Saints.
The museum is completely free to enter, and whether you’re religious or not, it’s an interesting place that is worth a visit. Although some staff are a little more enthusiastic than others in talking you through the exhibits, everyone was very friendly and you can easily work your way around without a guide.
Start with a mini documentary learning about the writing of the Book of Mormon, and just who Joseph Smith is. Then continue through the museum’s exhibit to learn more about the rise of the LDS Church and its followers, and even see some beautiful artwork on display.
BE AMAZED AT THE GILGAL SCULPTURE GARDEN
What happens when a wealthy masonry contractor and member of the LDS Church has too much time on his hands? You get a unique garden filled with Mormon-related sculptures and carved texts. Enter the Gilgal Sculpture Garden.
Another one of the free Salt Lake City activities that’s just too distinctive to pass up visiting. While you won’t spend hours here, you might find the one-of-a-kind artwork intriguing.
There are some interesting depictions of religious scenes and notable characters, but there’s definitely one that stands out. A Sphinx with the face of LDS founder Joseph Smith. Combine your visit with a trip to Trader Joe’s on the next block for the ultimate American experience.
LOOK AT ALL THE MANSIONS
Since I’m British I’m not as easily impressed by fervent pleas about seeing “historic” buildings in North America. After all, my hometown of Carlisle has a 900+ year old castle on its main street. But even I have to admit that the Victorian mansions around the older parts of Salt Lake City are wonderful to look at.
Wander the city streets long enough and you’re bound to come across one or two, especially the closer you get to Capitol Hill. The McCune Mansion is very close to the State Capitol, and exudes the wealth of the time it was built. Likewise the Devereaux Mansion across from the Delta Center arena is also pretty amazing.
While most of the mansions are privately owned and not accessible to the public, a couple are rented out as event spaces. If you’re lucky, the Preservation Utah non-profit society sometimes sell tickets for guided Mansion tours. Well worth looking into if you, too, love these old homes.
TOUR THE UTAH STATE CAPITOL
While you’re out Mansion hunting for your dream “I won the lottery” purchase, keep heading up the steep incline to Capitol Hill. Here you’ll find the magnificent Utah State Capitol. This is where all the official government offices are for the state of Utah, inside the grand 100+ year-old building.
In the nice weather you’ll see locals enjoying a picnic or relaxing on the lawn, or kids running down the steep grassy slopes. It’s a nice place to sit on a bench with a book and watch the world go by or turn back and see the contrast of the downtown high rise buildings against the early 20th Century historic area of the city.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Unlike the fancy mansions of Salt Lake City, you can actually go inside the State Capitol building. And even better…it’s FREE! Take a self-guided tour (easily downloaded from their website), or just meander around the beautiful building taking it all in. Prefer a bit more structure to your visit? They do free guided tours almost every weekday. Tours are around 45-minutes.
CLIMB THE LIBRARY WALL
Something familiar struck me about the Salt Lake City Public Library on my first visit to the city. It was only later I found out the designer also created the Vancouver Public Library in my hometown. No wonder I instantly felt at home here. While the library is a great place to visit and peruse some free reading material, that’s not why it’s on this list of Salt Lake City activities. This spot is reserved for the Library Wall.
Climb all six stories of the public library with a steady incline on the external crescent wall. From there you have access to a stunning rooftop garden complete with shady spots on a sunny day. Not to mention the sweeping mountain and city views. This is one of the best spots in the city for a quiet escape, in my opinion.
DISCOVER WILDLIFE AT THE TRACY AVIARY
When I’m in a new city I always like to visit the big parks. Central Park in New York, Hyde Park in London, Stanley Park in Vancouver (my hometown). In Salt Lake City, that park is Liberty Park.
Go for a bike ride, enjoy a casual stroll, rent a paddle boat. The park has it all. Including its very own aviary. At the Tracy Aviary see unique birds from all over the world, all for under $15 USD.
You’ll find everything from elegant flamingos to massive eagles and the most colorful parrots. Plus there’s lots of fun activities for kids including a fort, climbing wall and sensory garden.
HUNT FOR STREET ART
Who else just loves street art? Salt Lake City has its fair share, some obvious, some a little more hidden. You’ll find works of art, both large and small, all over the city so keep your eyes peeled.
While some murals are dedicated to the history of the city, or people associated with Salt Lake, there are lots that are not SLC specific too. There’s a book mural I really liked, and a stunning blue toned mural with a nature theme.
An attention grabbing piece can be found down an alley on E 200 S, showing Hello Kitty with a rifle. If that doesn’t remind you you’re in the US… And for those music fans there’s a rock legends mural at The Gateway complex near the Planetarium. It includes Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury to name a few.
SIP A MOCKTAIL AT A ROOFTOP BAR
Given the high number of LDS Church members in Utah (who don’t drink alcohol), the State has some of the strictest drinking laws in the US. In many places you have to order food alongside a drink (although often you can get away with only one appetiser for the table). But all this also means that Salt Lake City gets really creative with their mocktails and non-alcoholic drink selections.
While I drink a beer every now and again, I’m not a big drinker, so I love how many fun zero-alcohol drinks there in SLC. My favorite so far was a Chai Colada at Ivy & Varley, but if you really want a great experience head up to a rooftop bar. Most are found at the city’s taller hotels.
Van Ryder at Le Meridien hotel is super nice. Great drinks, and killer views of Salt Lake and the surrounding mountains. Sipping a mocktail at sunset from a rooftop is about as relaxing as it gets. The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City also has a beautiful Spanish style rooftop bar, Mar | Muntanya. Soak up some rays on the patio with a nice classy mocktail, or shelter in one of their climate controlled globes ($100 for 2 hours and up to 8 people).
TAKE A PIECE OF UTAH HOME WITH YOU
Legally that is. Don’t be foraging rocks and plants along your travels. Instead head to some of the local gift shops for some uncommon Utah souvenirs. Utah salt can be found everywhere, as can saltwater taffy – for obvious reasons. But have you ever considered displaying a dinosaur fossil, or your very own red rocks arch in your home?
There are some great souvenirs in the Natural History Museum – fossilized dinosaur skull, anyone?! And if you’re travelling within the US, or have looked up import rules for your own country, the Red Butte Garden sells some local plant seeds.
My favorite shop though was Everything Utah on S. State Street. Take home a pot of local honey or other sweet treats. Or one of the gorgeous sandstone arches, miniature versions of what you might find at the incomparable Arches National Park. I was able to also pick up a cute little dino shaped rock. Oh, did I mention it was made of real dinosaur bone? How’s that for a unique gift for the Jurassic Park fan in your life?
BE ON YOUR FAVORITE GAMESHOW
Whether you’re a trivia fiend or just enjoy puzzles, a Salt Lake City activity not to be missed involves stepping onto the set of a gameshow. Not a real one. But you and your friends or family can book an experience at Salt Lake Gameshow if you have a big group, or if not you can join a public session and make some friends (or rivals).
With their version of popular games like Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Family Feud, and more, you’ll get to try them all. The experience last around 75-90 minutes and only costs $35 per person. We went as part of a work trip so we had the whole place to ourselves, but I’m sure it’s just as fun with people you don’t know.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Make sure to book in advance, and they require minimum 6 people to run so look for a time slot with some people already booked to ensure it goes ahead.
Salt Lake City Day Trips
Don’t feel like you need to be confided to the city, there’s actually so much to do outside of Salt Lake City. Utah is an outdoor lovers paradise, after all. A longer trip to the state will give you a chance to visit the Mighty Five National Parks such as Arches National Park, or the fun activity-laden city of Moab. But luckily you don’t have to go that far to enjoy the great outdoors. Check out these perfect day trips that will add to your Salt Lake City activities itinerary.
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS
Salt. As far as the eye can see in every direction, stretching for miles. The constant weather changes, including rain, evaporation and drying in the desert heat forms the salt into unique hexagon shapes that crunch as you walk over them.
Visiting the Salt Flats is free and there are a couple of stops you can make so you can wander for as long as you want across the salt. Just remember to wipe your shoes before you get back in your car as you’ll end up at least an inch taller with the salt build-up.
Head to the Bonneville Speedway to see where land speed records have been broken. And gaze out onto the vast expanse which has been used in many a move including Independence Day. Let’s face it, this place kind of looks like another world, right?
GREAT SALT LAKE
While the salt flats are what remains of the prehistoric Lake Bonneville, this lake dried up many thousands of years ago. As well as the flats, it also left behind smaller salt lakes, which even today are pretty big. This includes what is now the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake. So you can only imagine how huge Bonneville was.
See the massive lake from the road, which is so large you could mistakenly think you’re by the ocean. In fact, the salt content is higher than the ocean, so be prepared for the salty air as you get closer. Observe up close at the Great Salt Lake State Park which costs $10 per vehicle to enter.
Stand at the shore, see (and smell) the brine shrimp which call it home. Then explore the visitor center to learn more about the lake’s formation, history and uses – plus the residents that still call it home.
ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK
Another outdoor recreation area along the shores of the Great Salt Lake is Antelope Island State Park. Instead of heading west out of SLC to visit Bonneville and the GSL State Park, head North and access via a 7-mile causeway leading to a beautiful place to explore.
It costs $15 per vehicle to go to the park, and the visitor center is a great first stop to learn more. But after that feel free to drive the island roads, wander along some of the wildlife heavy trails and get some different lake views. You’ll also see free roaming bison, which are absolutely massive and not to be messed with. Give them a wide berth whether you’re walking or in a car (unless you have really good rental insurance).
Salt Lake City activities don’t come more unique than visiting Antelope Island for stargazing. Utah has one of the highest concentrations of certified dark sky spots, and Antelope Island is one of them. Book a stargazing tour to make sure you don’t stuck on the island past when the gates close to personal vehicles, or spend a night camping on the island if that’s your thing.
Where To Eat In Salt Lake City
My favorite of all the Salt Lake City activities…eating all the delicious fare this foodie city has to offer. Having visited a number of times, I have worked my way around some of the best places in the city to eat. After all, that’s the best part of traveling, right?
BREAKFAST
Want some truly Instagram-worthy dishes? You have to try the Early Owl Cafe. So many of their dishes come with fresh fruit, and beautiful edible flowers. But their avocado toast is divine, as is the banana French toast. But the ultimate treat is their mini pancakes bowl. The smoothies are great, but a meal in themselves.
My favorite place is Skillets though. Try their French toast flight – complete with classic, Nutella stuffed and Biscoff topped French toast. You won’t be disappointed, but you may be so full they need to roll you out of there.
For a cheaper alternative, Ramblin Roads or Eggsburgh are good options. Vitality Bowls at the City Creek Mall is a great healthy option with yummy acai bowls.
LUNCH
You can find classic sandwich options and quality coffee at Bonnie & Clydes Cafe near the Grand America hotel. Spitz Mediterranean is one of my top picks though for delicious, and healthy, Mediterranean bowls and wraps. It’s a chain that you can find in a number of cities but is highly rated, and I agree. The Medi bowl or the Berliner bowls are my recommendations.
For something a little different try The Rose Establishment. The breakfast bowl and Turkish eggs are both solid options, but my top choice is the shakshuka. Round it off with a seasonal flavored latte. Or for something a little quicker, try ROCTACO – it’s not a looker from the outside but the food is really good. You can get sizeable tacos for around $6 – visit on Tuesdays and get 2 tacos for under $10.
DINNER
Matteo has some delicious Italian food – the gnocchi in particular is amazing. The salads are massive, I had to take half home. Urban Hill is a little more fine dining and pricey, but worth it. The cocktails (and mocktails) are inventive and pretty to boot.
The Copper Onion was a favorite of mine (make sure to book ahead). The Cacio e Pepe is divine and my friend loves the Wagyu bone marrow. I’d recommend a side of blistered shishito peppers no matter what you order. If you’re looking for some killer Mexican food (their words, not mine, but no less accurate), Red Iguana is for you. 100% ask for the mole sampler platter where they’ll let you try all of their signature flavors.
My top choice in SLC, however, is Arlo restaurant. Bookings are a must for this super popular place on a quiet residential side street close to Capitol Hill. The menu changes seasonally, but never disappoints. Always start with the freshly baked bread and French butter…trust me! If you go with others it’s a good idea to share a few things. The ravioli was the most beautiful I’ve ever been served, and you should definitely leave room for dessert!
SNACKS, COFFEE & LATE NIGHT DRINKS
A must-visit place every time I’m in Salt Lake City is Momo’s Gourmet Cheesecakes on E 400 S. These rich, velvety little desserts are to die for. They have regular size individual cheesecakes, and mini sizes. The mini ones are best because then you can try more flavors. They have weekly rotating flavors, but the Raspberry and Salted Caramel staple flavors are my top choices.
For a more classic bakery with sweet pastries and delicious coffee and other drinks I recommend Eva’s Bakery, a French boulangerie style shop on S Main Street. Speaking of bakeries, try Vosens German bakery for reasonably priced breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches. Or pick up some true German-style pastries including authentic pretzels, strudel, and a croissant-Berliner donut hybrid that hits the spot.
Later in the day, The Bar at Asher Adams is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail. Sit under the vaulted ceilings of this former train station turned luxury hotel and soak up the atmosphere. Elegance doesn’t even begin to describe it. The cactus pear juice mocktail was a memorable drink for me. Another great option is the Green Room on University Blvd at S Main Street. Listen to some vinyl records in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it intimate bar.
The Best Way To Plan Your Salt Lake City Activities
With so many things to do in Salt Lake City vying for your time, the best way to plan your trip is to mix a little bit of everything. Culture, history, outdoor adventures, great food, and a few unique experiences along the way.
From exploring Temple Square and local museums to discovering street art, rooftop bars, and finding some one-of-a-kind Utah souvenirs to take home, there’s no shortage of Salt Lake City activities to fill your itinerary.
If you have extra time, make room for a day trip and get out of the city – not that it feels like your typical big city. My advice is don’t overpack your schedule. Give yourself time to wander, enjoy the local food scene, and soak up the city at your own pace.
Salt Lake City might not be top of everyone’s list to visit, but the city has charm, lots to do, and honestly feels safer than many big cities I’ve visited in the US. The biggest draw is being the gateway to many natural wonders Utah has to offer. But don’t overlook a stay in SLC in your haste to hit up the Mighty Five National Parks. It’s well worth spending a couple of days as part of a longer itinerary or as a stand alone city break.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these Salt Lake City activities would be on your list? Are there any other places or activities you would recommend?
