Best 20 things to do in Salt Lake City, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to Salt Lake City, where the Great Salt Lake may lack sharks but certainly does not lack charm! Start your adventure by visiting the Utah State Capitol, where you can channel your inner politician while daydreaming about your presidential run (warning: federal security might not appreciate your podium speeches). For a quintessential experience, be sure to explore the city's vibrant dining scene and indulge in the holy trinity of local delicacies: fry sauce, Navajo tacos, and funeral potatoes – a dish delicious enough to make zombies rise from their graves!
Save destination1. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Welcome to Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, where nature intertwines with hilarity, creating a plant paradise that might just make your garden back home feel a little inadequate. Get ready to wander through 100 acres of botanical bliss, where flowers bloom in a symphony of colors, trees greet you with leafy high-fives, and the squirrels perform acrobatics that would make Cirque du Soleil green with envy. Lose yourself in this whimsical wonderland, but watch out for the feisty hummingbirds—they'll challenge you to a nectar-drinking contest you just might lose. Prepare to be awestruck as you explore the Arboretum, a collection of trees that puts your average neighborhood park to shame. Deciduous divas and towering coniferous celebrities await, ready to give you major tree envy. Don't be surprised if you overhear the pines gossiping about which oak has the best acorns or catch a spruce shooting a sassy wink at a passing hiker. Whether you're a dendrologist or just someone who likes to pretend that they know what dendrologist means, you'll find endless enjoyment in this arboreal extravaganza. Now, don't go thinking this garden is all about the plants—prepare for entertainment that comes in sizes ranging from small critters to enormous outdoor concerts. Be amused by chipmunks reenacting Alvin and the Chipmunks with their impromptu concerts or try to win a staring contest with a curious deer. If the wildlife doesn't make you giggle, the Summer Concert Series will. Picture this: you, lounging on the grass, serenaded by a Grammy-winning artist, while a squirrel makes off with your picnic lunch. It's an experience that's got 99 problems, but a boring evening ain't one.
Learn more2. Temple Square
50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA
Welcome to Temple Square, where the holy meets the hilarious in Salt Lake City! Get ready for a unique adventure that will leave you questioning if you accidentally stepped into a parallel universe. Marvel at the grandeur of this sprawling religious complex, as you witness tourists striking poses that could rival supermodels in their pursuit of the perfect Instagram picture with the beautiful Temple as their backdrop. Don't forget to grab an ice cream cone at one of the on-site shops, because, let's face it, spiritual enlightenment always tastes better with a scoop of Rocky Road!
Learn more3. Utah Olympic Park
451 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah Olympic Park awaits adventurous souls seeking a taste of winter sports without the perks of frostbite or losing your dignity on an icy slope. This peculiar park holds a remarkable Nordic ski jumping hill, allowing visitors to cherish the illusion of flying through the air like majestic, freedom-seeking penguins, minus the adorable tuxedos. Aside from embracing your inner penguin, you can also treat yourself to a thrilling bobsled ride, where the only time you'll truly appreciate the phrase "hold on tight" is when your screams reach octaves usually reserved for canine communication.
Learn more4. Gilgal Gardens
749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, the enchanting Gilgal Gardens awaits your quirky exploration. It's a whimsical blend of nature and art, where you can witness masterpieces that would make even Salvador Dalí raise an eyebrow. From peculiar stone sculptures depicting the likes of Joseph Smith with sphinx-like bodies to hidden sphinx-shaped water fountains, this is the kind of place where you might find a philosopher pondering the meaning of life while petting a stone turtle.
Learn more5. Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84121, USA
Welcome to the Wheeler Historic Farm, where cows and laughter go hoof-in-hoof! This delightful farm in Salt Lake City offers a moo-velous opportunity to experience the charm of rural life without stepping in cow patties (unless you want to, no judgment here). Whether you're a city slicker wanting to milk a cow for the first time or a seasoned farmer looking for a good laugh, this farm has got you covered, from adorable animal encounters to hayrides that will tickle your funny bone.
Learn more6. Salt Lake City Public Library
210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
Welcome to the Salt Lake City Public Library, a haven for bookworms and adventure seekers alike! Stroll inside this architectural marvel, where books hold the power to transport you to realms as exciting as the city itself. With its towering bookshelves and cozy reading nooks, prepare to be trapped- I mean, enchanted, by the captivating tales that await you in this "hallowed" sanctuary.
Learn more7. The Leonardo Museum
209 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
Welcome to The Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City, a delightful mishmash of innovation, imagination, and a touch of eccentricity! Upon entering, you'll be greeted by mind-bending exhibits that blend art, science, and a pinch of quirkiness in a way that will leave your brain pleasantly scrambled. Be prepared to decipher Da Vinci's genius, get hands-on with interactive displays, and experience the delightful chaos where Leonardo meets Utah!
Learn more8. Great Salt Lake
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Welcome to the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, where the water is so salty, you might start wondering if mermaids have secretly taken over! When you stroll along the quaint shores, make sure to keep an eye out for those infamous salt-crusted flamingos striking their best pose for the visiting crowd. And don't forget to snap a selfie with the floating ducks, who, rumor has it, are training for the next Olympic synchronized swimming event!
Learn more9. Clark Planetarium
110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
Welcome to Clark Planetarium in the delightful land of Salt Lake City, where astronomical wonders collide with a quirky sense of humor. Prepare to have your mind blown as you embark on an interstellar journey without leaving the comfort of your strangely gravity-defying seat. With mind-boggling exhibits, mind-blowing IMAX movies, and mind-numbingly long lines for the bathroom, Clark Planetarium is a uniquely stellar experience you won't soon forget!
Learn more10. Trolley Square
602 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
Welcome to Trolley Square, the whimsical hub in Salt Lake City where even the trolleys have found their retirement sanctuary! This historic shopping center boasts charming brick buildings that have surely witnessed many shopaholics, and even a few disgruntled spouses. Step inside and be prepared to get lost in a maze of eclectic boutiques, tantalizing eateries, and screaming toddlers who are determined to test your patience. It's okay though, because after a long day of retail therapy, Trolley Square is the perfect place to unwind, sip on a latte, and marvel at the perplexed faces of tourists who are trying to figure out how to catch an actual trolley.
Learn more11. Snowbird
9385 Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092, USA
Nestled among the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Range, Snowbird is a playground for snow enthusiasts and those brave enough to hang out in a winter wonderland. Known for its powdery slopes that could make a kangaroo jealous, this ski resort boasts a vertigo-inducing vertical drop that will leave you gasping for air...literally. And if that's not enough thrill for you, hold your breath as you soar down the mountain on their infamous tram, a rollercoaster ride without the loops, but with a much higher "I hope I survive" factor.
Learn more12. Utah State Capitol
350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA
Welcome to the Utah State Capitol, the grand, majestic building located in beautiful Salt Lake City! Prepare to be wowed by its impressive architecture, lovingly described by locals as "the fanciest government building in the land." Feel like a fancy politician as you walk up the grand stairs, imagining yourself delivering a powerful speech that will inspire change, or at least make your friends jealous of your important imaginary career. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the stunning backdrop of the mountains, just to prove that you were there - and don't worry, we won't judge if you strike a pose that screams, "I totally run this state!"
Learn more13. Antelope Island State Park
4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075, USA
Welcome to Antelope Island State Park, the land where antelopes roam free and tourists frantically chase after them, armed with selfie sticks and the misguided belief that a wild animal will gladly pose for a photo. This unique park, conveniently located in Salt Lake City, offers breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake's shimmering waters, though be prepared for the constant reminder that this is no Caribbean paradise as the smell of brine tickles your nostrils. Don't let the pesky insects that love to devour any exposed skin discourage you from exploring the island's tranquil landscapes; just remember, your blood is simply their way of saying 'welcome' to the neighborhood.
Learn more14. The Tabernacle
50 N W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City lies The Tabernacle, a captivating architectural wonder that guarantees to leave you in awe. This holy hotspot, resembling a gigantic turtle shell, contains some of the best acoustics known to mankind - so prepare your eardrums for a symphony of angelic tunes. If seeing the grandeur of this building doesn't make you shout "Holy moly!", then the choir of heavenly voices will surely have you questioning if you accidentally stepped into a time portal to a celestial concert.
Learn more15. Hogle Zoo
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Welcome to the wild and wacky Hogle Zoo, where the animal kingdom comes to life, not just in your imagination! This quirky zoo in Salt Lake City is home to a menagerie of captivating creatures that would make Dr. Dolittle blush with envy. So, grab your safari hat and prepare for a riotous adventure filled with mischievous monkeys, fearless felines, and more majestic mammals than you can shake a trunk at.
Learn more16. Memory Grove Park
300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Memory Grove Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those who are tired of the usual tourist traps. Picture lush greenery, picturesque walking paths, and...wait, is that a statue of a squirrel wearing sunglasses? Yes, my friend, you don't want to miss out on this park's quirky surprises! With its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of bizarre yet charming sculptures scattered throughout, Memory Grove Park is the perfect spot to experience nature's beauty while giving your brain cells a gentle massage with a touch of whimsy.
Learn more17. Natural History Museum of Utah
301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Welcome to the Natural History Museum of Utah, where dinosaurs and dioramas come alive, and boredom goes extinct! Step into this prehistoric paradise, where you can roam amongst the colossal skeletons of long-gone giants, making you feel like you've accidentally walked on the set of "Jurassic Park - The Museum Edition". Don't forget to visit the gift shop on your way out, where you can get your very own souvenir T-Rex toothbrush and make brushing teeth a roaring adventure!
Learn more18. Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Discovery Gateway Children's Museum is a delightful haven for both kids and grown-ups alike. This whimsical wonderland boasts an array of interactive exhibits that effortlessly turn education into entertainment, leaving young minds buzzing with both knowledge and sugar-induced energy. With its kaleidoscope of colors, engaging displays, and a seemingly endless supply of giggles, this museum promises an adventure that will make even the most seasoned adult wish they could trade places with their pint-sized counterparts.
Learn more19. Tracy Aviary
589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Tracy Aviary is a vibrant oasis where the winged residents are the true social butterflies, even out-mingling the locals! With feathers in their cap, the aviary boasts a fascinating range of over 400 feathered friends, from the tiniest beaked divas to the majestic, I'm-a-responsible-parent harpy eagles. Whether you're an avid bird enthusiast or just looking for a peckin' good time, Tracy Aviary is a must-see destination where the birds really do rule the roost!
Learn more20. Cathedral of the Madeleine
331 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
Hidden among the towering peaks of Salt Lake City, the Cathedral of the Madeleine stands as a majestic fortress of elegance and holy harmony. Built in the late 19th century, this architectural gem will make you wonder if the angels themselves pitched in during construction. Inside, prepare to be dazzled by its stunning stained glass windows that are rumored to bring even the most stubborn agnostics to their knees in awestruck disbelief.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The easiest way to get to Salt Lake City is by plane. Salt Lake City International Airport is located just 6 miles from the city center and is served by numerous domestic and international airlines.
Car
Salt Lake City is easy to reach by car, as it is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-15 and I-80. Visitors can rent a car at Salt Lake City International Airport or a variety of rental car locations throughout the city.
Train
While there are no direct trains to Salt Lake City, Amtrak's California Zephyr makes stops in several nearby cities, including Helper and Green River. From there, passengers can take a bus or rental car to reach Salt Lake City.
Boat
There is no direct way to reach Salt Lake City by boat, as the city is located inland. However, visitors can take a scenic boat tour on nearby bodies of water, such as the Great Salt Lake, which is just a short drive from the city center.
Bus
Greyhound is the largest bus carrier in the United States and operates several routes to Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake City Bus Terminal is located in the heart of downtown and is easily accessible by public transportation and taxi.