10 Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Looking for what to do in Salt Lake City? Surrounded by dramatic mountains and filled with cultural landmarks, scenic parks, museums, historic districts and world-class outdoor recreation, Salt Lake City offers a dynamic blend of nature, history and modern urban energy. As the gateway to the Wasatch Mountains and some of America’s most striking landscapes, the city appeals to adventurers, culture lovers and casual travellers alike. Whether you’re exploring temple grounds, hiking foothill trails or discovering unique neighbourhoods, Salt Lake City delivers experiences that feel both peaceful and inspiring.

From Temple Square and panoramic viewpoints to gardens, museums, lake excursions and winter sports, here are the 10 best things to do in Salt Lake City to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

1. Explore Temple Square

Temple Square is Salt Lake City’s most iconic and historic destination — a beautifully landscaped 35-acre site featuring significant buildings and landmarks of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Highlights include the Salt Lake Temple, the striking Assembly Hall and the world-famous Tabernacle, home to the renowned Tabernacle Choir. Visitors can explore peaceful gardens, reflective pools and visitor centres that share the city’s pioneering history.

Throughout the year, Temple Square hosts concerts, guided tours and seasonal displays such as the spectacular Christmas lights. Even for non-religious visitors, the architecture, history and serenity of the grounds make it one of the city’s most memorable attractions.

2. Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah

Set against the foothills in a stunning modern building, the Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions. Inside, visitors discover immersive galleries covering Utah’s ancient ecosystems, geology, Indigenous heritage, wildlife and scientific discoveries. The dinosaur exhibits — featuring towering skeletons and interactive displays — are a major highlight.

Large windows and rooftop terraces provide sweeping views of the valley and Great Salt Lake. With hands-on exhibits and engaging storytelling, the museum appeals to families, science lovers and anyone curious about Utah’s extraordinary natural history.

3. Wander Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden spans over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, native plants, wildflower meadows and scenic walking trails. Each season transforms the space, from colourful spring tulips and summer blooms to vibrant fall foliage. Themed gardens — including the fragrance garden, medicinal herb garden and children’s garden — offer peaceful areas to explore.

The garden also features an outdoor amphitheatre that hosts popular summer concerts with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Whether strolling among floral displays or hiking foothill paths, Red Butte Garden offers a refreshing escape just minutes from the city.

4. Explore Liberty Park

Liberty Park is Salt Lake City’s favourite community green space — a sprawling urban park filled with lakes, walking paths, sports courts, paddleboats, picnic areas and shaded lawns. It’s a lively place for jogging, family outings, weekend picnics or simply enjoying the sunshine.

The park is also home to Tracy Aviary, one of the oldest aviaries in the United States. Visitors can see owls, flamingos, eagles, pelicans and dozens of other bird species through interactive exhibits and outdoor habitats.

5. Visit the Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol sits high on Capitol Hill, offering some of the best panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains. The striking marble building features grand staircases, detailed murals, ornate sculptures and a soaring rotunda that showcases the state’s history and political heritage.

Visitors can take free tours, explore the landscaped grounds or enjoy the scenic viewpoints overlooking downtown. In spring, the hillside bursts with cherry blossoms, making it a favourite spot for photography and quiet walks.

6. Discover the Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island

The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique natural features in the Western Hemisphere — a vast, shimmering saline lake that draws photographers, birdwatchers and adventure seekers. The best place to experience it is Antelope Island State Park, where scenic drives and hiking trails offer views of the lake’s reflective waters and desert landscapes.

The island is home to a free-roaming bison herd, pronghorn antelope, coyotes and abundant birdlife. Sunset is the perfect time to visit, when the lake glows in shades of pink, orange and gold, creating unforgettable vistas.

7. Stroll through the City Creek Center

City Creek Center is a modern open-air shopping and dining district located in downtown Salt Lake City. With retractable glass roofs, landscaped walkways, waterfalls and a stream running through the middle, it blends urban design with natural elements in a unique way.

The centre features upscale shops, cafés, restaurants and relaxing seating areas. Whether you’re browsing, grabbing a bite, or enjoying an evening walk, City Creek offers a beautiful and vibrant downtown experience.

8. Ski or snowboard in the Wasatch Mountains

Salt Lake City is one of the world’s top ski gateways, offering fast access to legendary resorts including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude and Park City. With deep powder, well-groomed runs and dramatic alpine scenery, the Wasatch Mountains attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

In summer, these resorts transform into outdoor playgrounds for hiking, mountain biking, scenic tram rides and wildflower viewing. Whether you visit for winter slopes or summer adventures, the mountains are an essential part of any Salt Lake City itinerary.

9. Visit the Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium is the city’s hub for space exploration and astronomy education, featuring interactive exhibits, cosmic displays, meteorites and hands-on science activities. Its immersive dome theatre offers spectacular star shows and cosmic voyages projected in high resolution.

Located in The Gateway district, the planetarium is a great addition to a day of shopping, dining or exploring downtown attractions. It’s especially popular with families and space enthusiasts.

10. Experience Salt Lake City’s food & craft beer scene

Salt Lake City’s food landscape is vibrant and diverse, blending international flavours with modern American cuisine and local Utah ingredients. Popular dining neighbourhoods like Downtown, Sugar House, 9th & 9th and Central City offer everything from gourmet brunch cafés and bistros to Middle Eastern, Mexican, Asian and vegetarian restaurants.

The city’s craft beer scene continues to grow, with breweries such as Epic Brewing, Uinta Brewing, Fisher Brewing and Kiitos offering excellent taprooms and seasonal brews. Whether you’re trying creative small plates or sampling local craft beer flights, Salt Lake City’s food culture delivers delicious surprises.