The Top 9 Salt Lake City Attractions

As Utah's capital, Salt Lake City is a world-class destination featuring prime examples of the state's culture and incredible natural scenery. There's something here for all travelers, from lovers of fine dining and grand museums to the more active minded who wish to explore the surrounding mountains, lakes and breathtaking views.

With so many activities to choose from, it can often feel overwhelming finding the best choice for you. This guide will help you discover Salt Lake City top things to do so you can effortlessly plan your next great adventure.

From historical sites to magnificent views and recreation, here are the Salt Lake City best attractions you can't miss.

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Temple Square is home to the Salt Lake Temple along with numerous museums, monuments, libraries and restaurants among other attractions.

The SLC Temple is the largest Mormon temple in the world and while non-practitioners cannot enter, it remains a striking architectural achievement that you can’t miss during your visit. Outside the temple, you can wander the grounds and enjoy the pristine gardens and ponds or take a look at the many museums and libraries which are open to the public.

Courtesy of Visit Salt Lake

The Utah State Capitol is a gorgeous neoclassical monument that’s conveniently located right in downtown.

Walk around the lush gardens for some great photo opportunities, or take a guided tour of the complex where you can dive deeper into Utah’s culture and history. If you prefer, you can also enter the building without a tour guide and enjoy the rotating exhibits and grand interior design.

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Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Utah Olympic Park continues to excite millions of visitors each year with an assortment of outdoor activities, Olympic memorabilia and current sporting attractions.

In the winter, you can enjoy guided bobsled rides, skiing and other winter sports in a setting that’s perfect for all skill levels. Outside of winter, enjoy zip lines, hiking trails, mountain biking and other wonderful activities alongside gorgeous natural scenery.

Along with sports, you can also view the Olympic Park and museums to enjoy artifacts and history from the event. The area also hosts many special events here as well, such as live concerts and viewing parties for the World Cup and other major competitions.

Visit Salt Lake / Austen Diamond Photography

This is the Place Heritage Park is an outdoor museum featuring historical architecture and hands-on experiences to learn about the first Mormon settlers in the Salt Lake Valley.

When the pioneers arrived in 1847, they quickly set up a new community which you can explore beautifully in this acclaimed and restored park.

Plus, there are also activities for all ages including pony rides, gold panning, plus blacksmith lessons and more.

Make sure to check for any special events as well, especially the Christmas festivities which are definitely worth visiting during the season.

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The Great Salt Lake State Park is an essential destination for visitors in Salt Lake City and as one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, it’s a magnificent place that’s breathtaking in any season.

You can explore for some scenic photo opportunities or get active on a number of trails of varying difficulty.

Some activities and rental opportunities include:

Whether you want to relax in the sun and soak in the views, or break a sweat on world-class trails, the Great Salt Lake is a must-see destination during your Salt Lake City trip.

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Utah’s Hogle Zoo features over 800 animals from around the world in a large 42-acre indoor and outdoor space.

Enjoy viewing tigers, zebras, giraffes, plus birds and many exotic species in these expertly maintained exhibits. Plus, the natural mountain scenery makes it a truly wonderful place to explore and enjoy in any season.

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The National History Museum of Utah is set in a stunning modern building along the mountainside and the view from outside is worth seeing alone. The museum’s main attractions are also worth getting lost in and you’ll find a jaw-dropping assortment of dinosaur fossils alongside indigenous arts and crafts plus exhibits about local nature and wildlife.

This is a great museum for all ages and it's a wonderful place to spend some time during your Salt Lake City vacation. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails right nearby, including one along the shoreline of the historical Lake Bonnevile.

Courtesy of Visit Salt Lake

Located along the gorgeous foothills of the sprawling Wasatch Range, the Red Butte Garden is a vast and perfectly manicured garden that you can't miss during your stay.

There are over 20 acres of gardens with an assortment of colorful plants and fauna, along with numerous hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty.

Plus, there are also seasonal events including live concerts and holiday specials, which often feature later hours along with special decorations and nighttime lighting.

Visit Salt Lake / Brandon Sturm

Liberty Park has over 80 acres of lush trees and flowers, winding paths, plus sprawling ponds that you can kayak in and more. Enjoy a picnic during the day or at sunset or take one of the many paths where you can walk, hike, or enjoy a casual bike ride.

This is a perfect place to unwind from the energetic city and enjoy some exceptional natural beauty. There are also several playgrounds and sporting amenities making it a perfect family-friendly destination when visiting Salt Lake City.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Salt Lake City today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.