Salt Lake City might not be on every traveller’s radar, but with its mountains, the Great Salt Lake, stunning views, historic landmarks, and delicious food, it deserves a spot on your list. The City offers so many options to suit your individual activity needs. Whether you enjoy exploring the great outdoors or visiting art galleries, Salt Lake City has something for everyone. One of the great things about the city is how quickly you can leave everything from the busy part of the city. Find the peaceful and scenic outdoors. Once you have finished downtown and the surrounding areas, within just a few minutes you will find yourself in the mountains.
There are many great restaurants, friendly residents, and experiences unlike those you will find anywhere else in the world. This guide provides you with ideas of great things to do, see, and experience while providing tips to help ensure your trip is fun, smooth, and memorable.
Why Explore Salt Lake City?
For centuries now, it has had an air of mystery about it. The Great Salt Lake, located southwest of modern day, had been believed to be home to giants in the 1800s by early American explorers who discovered it during their westward expansion. The idea was forgotten, however, when in 1847 Brigham Young led members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley and established Salt Lake City as their new home. Since that time, the city has rapidly become known for both its faith and its unique culture, and serves as a good location for skiing and hiking opportunities. Many visitors enjoy and experience the beauty of the religious sites located in Temple Square which are connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even if you have no particular interest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City is a great destination for its scenery alone. It is a great place to visit just for the scenery. The views of the surrounding mountains, as well as the beauty of the Great Salt Lake, will leave you speechless.
Visitor Attractions in Salt Lake City
If you are going for the first time, there are plenty of places to explore in the city, including important buildings, landmarks, and attractions. Here are some top attractions worth exploring.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
Visit This Is the Place for a variety of educational programs offered at the park as well as enjoy the nature around the park. There are many features you will discover within the park, such as the well-known monument, a large number of wildlife, and a large quantity of cultural events hosted at the park.
It is always a good idea to check the park hours and what activities will be available on the day you plan to visit. All visitors should be aware of the areas that will not be open to visitors due to wildlife and any weather and how they may affect the days they plan to visit the park.
Great Salt Lake
This giant lake is popular for sailing boats and enjoying a float in its salty waters too. There are many viewpoints from which to see and the sunsets make for wonderful photo opportunities. There are several vantage points for watching sailboats and motorboats on the water. The lake is 2 to 7 times saltier than the ocean, making it easy to float on the surface.
Liberty Park
Liberty Park is one of the most beloved green spaces in Salt Lake City, Utah, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. The park features beautiful tree-lined walking paths, open grassy areas, a scenic pond filled with ducks and geese, and a variety of recreational facilities for visitors of all ages. Families often gather for picnics and playground activities, while joggers, cyclists, and nature lovers enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and mountain views. The park is also home to the famous Tracy Aviary, adding a unique wildlife experience to the area. Liberty Park serves as both a cultural landmark and a favourite destination for locals and tourists visiting Salt Lake City.
Leonardo Museum
This museum takes unique things to show the way Art, Science and Technology are joined through interactive and educational exhibits. Since opening in 2011, The Leonardo has been dedicated to the principle of exploring innovation and creativity. Visitors explore their own talents and creativity through the lens of Leonardo da Vinci’s work as an inventor and artist.
The Leonardo Museum provides a great variety of exhibits for all ages and interests. Several educational programs, events, and workshops are available to teach visitors about different types of creative and scientific thinking. A cultural center for families, students and tourists from all over the world who want to experience hands-on learning is available to them.
Top Outdoor Activities
If you prefer outdoor activities, there are many options available in the Salt Lake City area. The Valley contains many parks, lakes for boating in summer and nearby ski resorts for winter activities. Many parks have group or family facilities available where your group can have picnics and enjoy your food while being outside. Here are some outdoor activities that you must do and enjoy.
Snow Bird Resort and Hidden Peak
Considered one of Utah’s best outdoor adventure destinations, Snowbird Resort, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon 20 miles from Salt Lake City, is home to one of its most popular features: a large aerial tram ride up to Hidden Peak. The ride is 2,900 vertical feet over a distance of 1.6 miles along a cable, providing a stunning view of the Mountains for approx 10 minutes. The resort also features a stunning downhill mountain bike trail beginning at Hidden Peak.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a long-distance trail that has potential to span over 280 miles when finished. It will run along the Northern Utah mountainside and provide opportunities for multi-use, including running and walking. A convenient access point for Salt Lake City visitors is at City Creek Canyon, just northeast of the Capitol Building. While walking/running on this trail, you will have some amazing views of the entire area.
Where to Eat in Salt Lake City
A first-time visitor to this city will find an incredible amount of food available. Because there is such diversity in the variety of cultures providing their cuisine in restaurants and food areas.
For great Mexican food, try Red Iguana because they have been serving amazing food since they opened. If you love burgers, try Crown Burgers. They have amazing hamburgers and their signature burger is made with fresh ground beef and has the best signature sauce you’ll ever taste.
For amazing dining experiences, Valter Osteria is famous for authentic Italian dishes and offers excellent service. You would not regret visiting this restaurant for dinner. If you want a more casual dining experience, try HSL Restaurant where they use locally grown, seasonal ingredients in all the dishes they serve. They also have many non-alcoholic drinks to accompany your meal.
Many local dishes are an essential part of Salt Lake City’s cultural experience; visitors are encouraged to try something new at least once.
Best Travel Time
The experts at Utah’s Best Vacation Rentals can share with you their knowledge. Furthermore, about every part of our city, from skiing and mountain hiking to visiting Temple Square and dining downtown. With the help of these professionals, you will be able to find the best time to visit Salt Lake City. Those who want to travel on a budget will find that March-May is the best time of the year to find outdoor activities and see sites.
In the springtime, the mountains are stunning during your early spring visit, typically from late March through April. It provides excellent conditions for hiking; the melting snow in the high elevations of Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons creates new trails, and the temperature is right for mountain biking along the foothills of the mountains. Situated not far from Salt Lake City (UT), Snowbird, Alta, and Brighton ski resorts have some fantastic skiing opportunities and you can take advantage of spring skiing at these resorts until the end of May.
If you are looking for fewer crowds on the slopes, consider skiing during the springtime when the weather should be warmer (the average temperature highs will likely be in the 60’s-70’s). From Ensign Peak you can see the downtown area, Temple Square, and the Church History Museum, all while enjoying the stunning white-capped mountains surrounding the Salt Lake Valley.
Suggested 2–3 Day Itinerary
Day One: Discover Downtown Salt Lake City
As you travel around Temple Square, you will see many different types of cultural and beautiful places all located in downtown. The beautiful Salt Lake Temple, you must visit the surrounding areas which include very large, beautiful flower gardens.
After enjoying your time wandering through Temple Square. You should next visit the Utah State Capitol which is located at the top of a hill. The Utah State Building is another opportunity to see the Wasatch Mountains and have an excellent view. When you’re ready for a bite after visiting the Utah State Capitol, stop at Eva’s Bakery. They have many great dishes to choose from including avocado toast, a delicious sweet or coffee to satisfy your cravings. You may then want to explore the shops at City Creek Centre. Once you finish up your shopping, spend some time relaxing in one of the gorgeous gardens at Red Butte Garden. In the evening, you will have the option to go to Fisher Brewing Company and enjoy some craft cocktails or dinner at Oquirrh Restaurant.
Day 2: Visit to the Salt Lake City Area
You will reach the Bonneville Salt Flats, approximately 1.5 hours west of Salt Lake City. The salt flats are beautiful open areas that reflect off salt and provide a stunning view. Truly as though you are on a different planet, and you will also have restroom access at this location. The next stop will be the Spiral Jetty, a famous 1970 earthwork by artist Robert Smithson, located on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake.
If you have time, consider visiting Park City. It is known for its fantastic skiing in winter, it also has much to offer during summer and fall. Including lots of great boutique shopping, great restaurants, and many beautiful walking and hiking trails. After your last opportunities for the day, you should enjoy a relaxing evening with a nice dinner downtown. Maybe you would prefer to pick up sweets from a nearby bakery.
Travel Recommendation
When you go for the first time you need to plan your trip to the most popular destination in Utah. Here are some travel tips that are very useful for you.
- Hill Country: Salt Lake City sits at approximately 4,200 feet above sea level, which can affect visitors coming from lower altitudes.
- Stay Hydrated: The dry climate increases your risk of dehydration, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Be Aware: Mild examples of Acute Mountain Sickness (headache; fatigue) may exist depending on the person coming from sea level.
- 4 Distinct: Expect hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, with mild spring and autumn in between.
- Dress in Layers: Weather can change dramatically throughout the day, so wearing layers is essential regardless of season.
- Sun Block: Sunscreen needed because of UV exposure all year round.
- Public Transit: There are several inexpensive Public Transit (BRT, UTA TRAX) options that travel through Utah.
Final Thought
We hope this guide helps you plan your perfect Salt Lake City trip, from famous spots to hidden gems. Most of the popular attractions can be found in a well-maintained area called Temple Square, which has a beautiful atmosphere. Salt Lake City is known for being clean, friendly, and well-organised, making it easy for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or simply relaxation, Salt Lake City has something for everyone. Overall a visit to this place makes your trip memorable and enjoyable.