Alright, let’s get one thing straight about Salt Lake City. You’ve probably heard about one thing that defines it.
But here’s the real deal: SLC is a stunning, modern city where world-class outdoor adventure, a seriously cool arts scene, and unique history crash together at the base of jaw-dropping mountains.
You can be skiing world-famous powder in the morning and exploring a trendy downtown food hall in the afternoon. If you think you know what this city’s about, you’re only scratching the surface.
Get ready for a city that will blow your mind with its access to nature and its urban energy. We’re going beyond the obvious to show you the absolute best things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This is your insider’s guide to experiences that’ll make you want to move here, from epic hikes with postcard views to fascinating museums and vibrant city blocks.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history lover, or a foodie on the hunt, SLC has your name on it. Let’s dive into the top Salt Lake City attractions.
1. Hike the Living Room Trail for the Ultimate City View
You haven’t really seen Salt Lake until you’ve earned the view from the Living Room. This isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a moderate, 2.5-mile round-trip hike that starts right at the edge of the city in the foothills of the Wasatch Range.
The trail kicks off near the Natural History Museum of Utah and climbs steadily. You’ll get a good workout, but the payoff is one of the best free experiences in the state.
So why’s it called the Living Room? At the top, creative hikers have built “furniture” out of flat slabs of sandstone. You can literally sit on a couch or a chair and look out at the entire Salt Lake Valley spread before you.
It’s the perfect spot for a sunset picnic. Seeing the Great Salt Lake glimmer in the distance and the city grid laid out below is unforgettable. This hike is a must-do in Salt Lake City for anyone who wants to feel the city’s incredible connection to the mountains.
2. Step Back in Time at Temple Square
You can’t talk about Salt Lake City without mentioning Temple Square. This 10-acre complex in the heart of downtown is the historic and spiritual center for members of a global faith community.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a member to appreciate its beauty, history, and stunning gardens. The grounds are impeccably maintained and open to the public for respectful exploration.
You can take a free guided tour led by knowledgeable volunteers who will explain the history of the pioneers who settled the valley and the significance of the iconic six-spired Salt Lake Temple.
The grounds are especially magical during the holiday season when millions of lights illuminate the trees and buildings. A visit to Temple Square is a peaceful, educational, and central thing to do in Salt Lake City that helps you understand the city’s founding story.
3. Discover Natural Wonders at the Natural History Museum of Utah
Perched on the foothills of the Wasatch Range, the Natural History Museum of Utah is a architectural marvel that’s as impressive as what’s inside. Its copper-clad roof is designed to blend into the mountainside.
This is the place to unlock the deep history of the land itself, from dinosaurs to ancient cultures. It’s not just for kids—it’s for anyone curious about how this incredible landscape came to be.
The museum’s crown jewel is the Past Worlds exhibit, home to one of the world’s best displays of Jurassic-era dinosaurs. You’ll come face-to-face with massive skeletons found right here in Utah.
Other exhibits explore Native American cultures, geology, and the unique ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake. The rooftop terrace offers another amazing view. Spending a few hours here is one of the top educational activities in Salt Lake City.
4. Ski or Hike the Legendary Wasatch Mountains
This is what puts Salt Lake City on the map for adventurers. The Wasatch Mountains aren’t just a pretty backdrop; they’re the city’s massive, year-round playground.
In the winter, you’re within a 30-45 minute drive of several world-class ski resorts, including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. They’re famous for their light, fluffy “Greatest Snow on Earth.” You can literally go from your downtown hotel to skiing epic powder in under an hour.
When the snow melts, those same mountains transform into a hiking and mountain biking paradise. Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs to alpine lakes. The Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon roads are scenic drives that lead to countless trailheads.
Accessing this level of outdoor adventure from a major city is almost unheard of. Exploring the Wasatch is, without a doubt, the premier outdoor thing to do in Salt Lake City.
5. Stroll and Savor at Downtown’s City Creek Center
For a unique urban experience, check out City Creek Center. This isn’t your average indoor mall. It’s a stunning, open-air shopping and dining destination built over the restored City Creek.
Yes, a real creek runs through the middle of it, complete with waterfalls and a trout stream. The retractable glass roof lets the Utah sun pour in, and the design seamlessly connects to the surrounding downtown blocks.
You can browse a great mix of national retailers and local shops, but the real charm is in the atmosphere. It’s a beautiful place for a walk, with fantastic people-watching and regular live music.
The food court offers diverse options, from quick bites to sit-down meals. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing or hiking. Visiting City Creek Center is a lovely, modern downtown Salt Lake City activity.
6. See the Otherworldly Great Salt Lake
It’s in the name, so you gotta see it. The Great Salt Lake is a surreal, beautiful, and shrinking natural wonder.
It’s several times saltier than the ocean, which means you float like a cork! The most popular and developed spot to experience it is Antelope Island State Park, about a 45-minute drive north of the city. Driving across the 7-mile causeway to the island feels like entering another world.
Once on the island, you can hike, bike, or even spot herds of bison and pronghorn antelope. For the iconic float, head to the designated beach area. The water is shallow for a long way out, and the feeling of bobbing effortlessly is pure fun.
Just be sure to rinse off thoroughly afterwards. The sunsets over the lake are spectacular. A trip to the lake is a strange and wonderful unique experience near Salt Lake City.
7. Get Cultured at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Tucked on the beautiful campus of the University of Utah, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is a serene and impressive cultural haven. Its collection spans the globe and over 5,000 years of human creativity.
You can wander from ancient Greek pottery to Renaissance paintings, from vibrant Asian art to thought-provoking contemporary works, all under one roof.
The museum is spacious and never feels crowded, making it a perfect place for quiet contemplation. They host excellent rotating exhibitions and have a fantastic gift shop.
Best of all, admission is free thanks to public support. For a dose of beauty, history, and global perspective, an afternoon at the UMFA is a sophisticated and accessible cultural thing to do in Salt Lake City.
8. Catch a Game or Show in Downtown SLC
Downtown Salt Lake has a fantastic energy, especially when there’s a big event. The city is home to the Utah Jazz NBA team.
Catching a game at the Vivint Arena is a blast—the crowd gets loud, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s a top-tier professional sports experience right in the city center.
But the fun doesn’t stop with basketball. The same arena and other downtown venues like the historic Eccles Theater host major concerts, touring Broadway shows, and comedy acts.
The Delta Center is another key venue. Checking the events calendar and catching some live entertainment is a fantastic way to feel the city’s vibrant pulse and is a great nighttime activity in Salt Lake City.
9. Explore the Quirky Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Looking for something truly offbeat? The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is one of Salt Lake’s weirdest and most wonderful hidden gems.
Tucked in a residential neighborhood, this small city park is the life’s work of a single visionary, Thomas Child, a masonry contractor who built it between 1945 and 1963.
It’s filled with 12 original sculptures and over 70 engraved stones that blend religious symbolism, philosophy, and pure eccentricity.
The most famous statue is the Sphinx with the head of the founder of the local faith community, Joseph Smith. It’s bizarre, fascinating, and completely unique. This isn’t a polished, official museum.
It’s a deeply personal, grassroots art environment. Finding it feels like discovering a secret. Exploring Gilgal is one of the most unique and free things to do in Salt Lake City.
10. Wander Through the Historic Avenues Neighborhood
To see some of the city’s oldest and most charming homes, take a walk in the Avenues. This historic residential neighborhood, just east of the State Capitol, is laid out on a grid (hence the name) and climbs the lower foothills.
The streets are lined with beautiful, well-preserved Victorian, Craftsman, and bungalow-style houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
It’s a peaceful, leafy area perfect for a leisurely stroll. You’ll get great views of the Capitol and downtown from the higher streets. The neighborhood has a quiet, local feel and several small cafes and shops along 6th Avenue.
Walking through the Avenues gives you a sense of Salt Lake’s residential history and charm, making it a lovely low-key activity in Salt Lake City.
11. Experience the Downtown Farmers Market
From June to October, the Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park is the place to be on a Saturday morning. It’s one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the region, bursting with local color and flavor.
Hundreds of vendors set up stalls selling everything from just-picked produce and artisan bread to local cheese, fresh flowers, and handmade crafts.
The energy is fantastic. You can grab a fresh pastry and a cup of locally roasted coffee, listen to live music, and watch chefs give cooking demonstrations.
It’s a true community gathering spot and the best way to taste the freshest local ingredients. Visiting the market is a delicious and lively weekend thing to do in Salt Lake City.
12. Take a Scenic Drive Up to the State Capitol
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Utah State Capitol building is a magnificent neoclassical structure made of Utah granite. The building itself is beautiful, but the real reason to come is the panoramic view.
The drive or walk up to the Capitol grounds offers a stunning, elevated perspective of the entire valley, with the downtown skyline framed by the massive Wasatch Mountains.
You can take a free self-guided tour inside to see the ornate rotunda and chambers, or simply wander the well-kept grounds. It’s a peaceful spot with lots of green space and monuments.
At night, the building is beautifully lit. Making the trip up the hill for the view is a simple, classic, and rewarding Salt Lake City sightseeing essential.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your all-access pass to the incredible, surprising city of Salt Lake.
You’ve gone from mountain peaks to museum halls, from salty lake shores to quirky sculpture gardens. This city masterfully blends easy access to wild nature with a growing, hip urban core.
Now the choice is yours. Will you chase a mountain summit or a downtown vibe? Will you explore pioneer history or float in a salty sea? The best SLC trip mixes a little of everything.
Don’t just read about these amazing things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah—start planning your getaway. Book those museum tickets, check the ski conditions or hike forecasts, and get ready to discover one of the most uniquely located cities in America.
Your unforgettable mountain-meets-metropolis experience is waiting. What’s first on your list?