15 Things to Do in Salt Lake City – An Explorer’s Paradise!

Salt Lake City has already made a name for itself because it has too much to offer. From historical monuments to vibrant restaurants, the city will bring all your travel desires to fruition.

If you’re planning a trip there soon, I’ll guide you with a list of things to do in SLC to save you time and effort. So, grab a notepad and start jotting down he best 15 things you must do in SLC.

This is actually me, actually asking for an actual acquaintance who is moving there: what are some things to do and see and enjoy in Salt Lake City?

— John Hodgman (@hodgman) April 24, 2023

If you’re wondering what to do in Salt Lake City the moment you visit there, starting your journey by visiting some local landmarks could be worthwhile. These places won’t take much of your time, as you just have to stand there and admire the architecture.

The best two places I must suggest are Temple Square and the Capitol Building. The former is a 10-acre complex with a stunning view and the latter sits on the top of a hill from which you can enjoy perfect scenic beauty!

Red Butte Garden boasts a botanical garden and arboretum with a mountain in the background. The garden is a field of flowers and a perfect option to visit if you’re with your family.

Moreover, the garden features a sheet of colorful flowers, 1,000 trees, hiking trails, and waterfalls and ponds.

If you want to enjoy the lovely views of SLC, a trip to Ensign Peak is a must. However, you’ll have to cruise out of the city for a 15-minute drive, and the whole trek will not take more than 40 minutes to complete.

But, once the hike is completed, you’ll get to see the most breathtaking view of the city. I recommend it for all age groups.

If you want to experience something futuristic, don’t forget to add Clark Planetarium to your itinerary. Located in the downtown area of the SLC, the Planetarium offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, several TV monitors, and even a movie theater.

I would highly recommend it if you’re with kids, and they’re interested in learning about space.

Hopping breweries can surely be one of the things to do in Salt Lake City this weekend for enthusiasts. The city offers a long list of renowned breweries. Wasatch Brewery and High West Distillery are the ones that I will recommend.

However, the fact that Utah has the lowest rate among all the states may surprise you. This state records its alcohol consumption at 1.35 gallons per capita (source: ABC4).

Who isn’t a fan of sunsets? Antelope Island might be 45 minutes outside of Salt Lake City, but it is surely unmissable for Opacarophiles.  

Moreover, the island is known for its wildlife. You’ll find herds of bison, bobcats, jackrabbits, porcupines, and several other animals there. 

Bonneville Salt Flats is Utah’s pristine west desert. This 12-by-5-mile stretch is a layer of salt crust that pleases the eye. However, to experience the serene beauty of this desert, you’ll have to drive 110 miles west of SLC.

Moreover, I suggest you visit here in Summer but be wary of extreme temperatures and occasional afternoon rainstorms.

With an increasing population of coffee enthusiasts in Salt Lake City, you’ll find several cafés and bars worth exploring. Almost every coffee shop here serves their coffee passionately and emphasizes the taste.

If you’re a coffee lover, you can try Beans & Brews, Three Pines, and Publik Coffee Roasters for sure.

While on a visit, I believe, there’s no harm in getting some cultural knowledge and history of Utah. Hence, you can visit the National History Museum of Utah, which is based on the University of Utah campus and focuses on the natural history of Utah and the West. 

Apart from the popular dinosaur exhibit, the museum consists of more than 5,000 artifacts on display. Making a visit there will help you gain knowledge of fascinating gems, preserved artifacts, ancient elephants, and more.

Arches National Park consists of a naturally formed arch that looks like it turns copper in color when the sun sets. If you’re a fan of discovering natural geological formations and love to click some pictures, this park could be one of the best things to do in SLC this weekend.

The Big Cottonwood Canyon is located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and allows you to do various activities here. If you love to give yourself a treat of adventure, you can go hiking, camping, and skiing here.

You can even go for a drive-through and enjoy the scenic beauty of this canyon. 

Visiting Lake Blanche is only recommended if you have the Big Cottonwood Canyon on your list. Exploring this lake while on your trip to SLC brings stunning views and scenic hiking routes. However, I’ll only suggest going here if you like challenges, as trekking here is not as easy as it seems.

If you’re interested in getting some information about the history of SLC, I suggest visiting the Mormon Battalion Monument. People are usually fascinated by the story associated with the monument, as it commemorates the sacrifices of 500 army volunteers during the Mexican-American War.

The Salt Lake Temple is a prominent attraction in the city and is known for its majestic architecture and colorful gardens. Though it is not allowed to enter the temple, you can explore the building, which itself is a work of art.

As I’m already discussing and praising the city’s architecture, ignoring the Utah State Capitol Building will be pretty harsh. Being a government building, it is very popular among tourists who love to admire its history and architecture. 

You’re allowed to spend a few hours inside, and on the outside, you can enjoy a peaceful walk in the gardens.

Final Words

Salt Lake City has everything for everyone visiting here – from monuments and incredible architecture telling you about its history to the breathtaking views of hiking places.

As there are a lot of things going on in SLC, I highly recommend making a proper itinerary before visiting here. Plan a weekend trip to SLC and find infinite ways to explore the city!