Whether traveling for a weekend getaway or simply living in the area, there are plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City. You can see rich cultural experiences, a vibrant art scene and outstanding natural beauty all in one city — and at a reasonable price. We’ve created a list of the top 15 things to do in SLC, so whether you have an hour or a day, stop to enjoy what this beautiful city offers.
Outdoor Spots
There’s no better way to relax than with the great outdoors. Step outside and into nature at these seven locations.
1. Explore the Great Salt Lake
Time needed: Half a day
Address: Approximately 17 miles west of Salt Lake on Interstate 80, exit 104
While in Salt Lake City, stop and view the 10th-largest lake in the world by surface area, the Great Salt Lake. True to its name, this lake has salt — and a lot of it. While the lake’s salinity varies, percentages have been as high as 27 percent, making this lake's salinity about between two and seven times that of the ocean. Thanks to all the salt, visitors can float on the lake, making it a must-see attraction and one of the best lake vacation spots in the U.S.
Located on the lake, the Great Salt Marina offers visitors breathtaking views of the sunsets but also offers boat slips, fuel and pump-out stations for boaters. And since the Great Salt Lake is home to more than 257 species of birds, the Marina offers a beautiful bird-watching station.
2. Drive to the Big Cottonwood Canyon
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Address: I-215 to the 6200 South "Canyons" exit; continue east on U-152, following signs to Solitude and Brighton.
Explore the picturesque views of Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway, an hour-long round trip drive offering views of alpine scenery and granite cliffs. Along your drive, you can stop off at several spots perfect for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Visitors can rock climb, fish, hike or even ski throughout the year.
And for those who want a slower pace of adventure, there are plenty of walking trails along several lakes. Spend a few hours or the entire day enjoying all that Big Cottonwood Canyon offers, though it’s important to note that dogs are not permitted.
3. Hike the Living Room Trail
Time needed: Two to three hours
Address: Living Room Trailhead, 383 Colorow Road
Exploring the Living Room Trail is one of the most fun things to do in Salt Lake City. This popular hiking trail’s rock formations resemble a living room with various seating arrangements. The short 2.5-mile round-trip hike is rather steep at times, making it a moderate-difficulty adventure. Be sure to bring good hiking shoes and headlamps if hiking towards sunset, as your phone’s flashlight won’t be bright enough to illuminate the steep hills. This destination is open year-round and dogs are permitted, making it an adventure for the whole family.
4. Take a Day Trip to Park City
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Address: 445 Marsac Avenue, Park City
Located east of SLC, Park City looks like a quiet mountain town from the outside. Native Salt Lake City residents know, however, that this area is full of life and energy — from world-class ski resorts to historic Main Street lined with shops and restaurants, you’ll have no shortage of things to do. Stop for a trendy dinner at 350 Main or go on a scavenger hunt through Park City — the options are nearly endless.
Visitors can enjoy the natural scenic beauty of the area while attending various cultural events, like the famed Sundance Film Festival. While you can easily pick one activity to do on a short afternoon jaunt, it’s better to carve out at least a half day to enjoy all that Park City offers.
5. Visit the Utah Olympic Park
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City
Whether you’re trying to get your Olympics fix or just want to explore new things to do in Salt Lake, exploring the Utah Olympic Park takes the proverbial cake. Explore interactive exhibits and iconic venues of the 2002 Winter Olympics, try your hand at ski jumping and bobsledding and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Olympic grounds. While here, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Wasatch Mountains.
6. Explore the Antelope Island State Park
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive
If you love exploring the outdoors and wish to see wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep and mule deer, you should plan to spend time at Antelope Island State Park. This island, located on the Great Salt Lake, provides visitors with hiking trails for beginners and experienced hikers. If you plan on staying for a day or two, you can camp at one of the several campsites, making this one of the top things to do with kids in Salt Lake City.
7. Ski at Snowbird Resort
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 9385 Snowbird Center Trail
Take to the slopes and visit Snowbird Resort, where you can find the most perfect powder snow and 2,500 skiable acres. This destination offers skiing terrain for all types — from beginners to the most experienced. Everyone can find a slope they are comfortable on at Snowbird Resort.
In the summertime, the snow is gone and in its place stands an alpine slide, hiking trails, fishing spots and a challenging ropes course, making this destination a fan favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Wondering what to do in Salt Lake City if you’re a museum fan? Salt Lake City has a wealth of historical culture and art that is just waiting to be experienced.
8. Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah
Time needed: Two to four hours
Address: 301 Wakara Way
As a museum fan, you cannot visit SLC and not go to the Natural History Museum of Utah. Over 163,000 square feet of exhibits await you — from prehistoric exhibits to displays of Utah’s biological diversity, you’ll surely learn at least one new thing. Interactive displays captivate museum-goers of all ages and the planetarium takes an out-of-this-world approach to astronomy and space exploration.
9. Enjoy the Art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Time needed: Two to four hours
Address: 410 Campus Center Drive
If fine art fits your fancy, you’ll love the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, where you’ll view more than 20,000 original works of art from Europe, North America and Asia. The museum hosts several educational programs for guests of all ages, such as workshops, guided tours and lectures, making this attraction family-friendly. While on your journey, stop at The Museum Café for lunch or a quick cup of coffee.
10. Tour the Utah State Capitol
Time needed: One hour
Address: 350 State Street
A symbol of the state’s history, the Utah State Capitol is a sight to visit for any local Utahns or government enthusiasts. You can either explore the building on your own or (we highly suggest) take a free guided tour to ensure you don’t miss a single detail. Wander through exhibits like “The Capitol Lions” and “Utah's Territorial Governors” and explore the monuments and memorials featured in the Capitol Grounds.
11. Visit Temple Square
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Address: 50 N. West Temple Street
Local Salt Lake City residents are familiar with Temple Square — this prominent landmark boasts beautiful architecture across the five-block area surrounding the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors can explore the Family History Library and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building at no cost, making this a cost-effective attraction in SLC.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Salt Lake City is a beautiful, affordable vacation destination that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Pack a bag of snacks, gas up the car and plan your adventure.
12. Spend an Afternoon at Hogle Zoo
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 2600 Sunnyside Avenue S.
What is a family vacation without going to the zoo? Hogle Zoo is the perfect place to spend the afternoon exploring different animals like the bobcat, African lion and Southern warthog. Guests can go on their own self-paced tour or take a guided tour to learn more about the animals from the zoo keepers. This zoo has beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains, making it the perfect location to enjoy the day.
13. Explore the Exhibits at Tracy Aviary
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 589 E 1300 S
Any fan of birds and nature should check out the Tracy Aviary while visiting Salt Lake City. This aviary, set inside Liberty Park, is the destination for seeing parrots, eagles, owls and more. The view is just as wonderful as the birds themselves.
Guests can take guided tours to learn more about the hundreds of bird species that call Tracy Aviary home and while you’re there, be sure to watch bird demonstrations or participate in pelican feeding to enhance your trip.
14. Stop by Red Butte Garden
Time needed: Two to four hours
Address: 300 Wakara Way
A beautiful oasis, the Red Butte Garden is a peaceful and serene place to explore when you need a break from the world. This 100-acre botanical garden hosts a diverse plant life offering like roses, lilies, tulips and more. Explore the themed gardens like the Medicinal Garden, Floral Walk and Fragrance Garden to lift your spirits and bring you a sense of tranquility. Guests can enjoy festivals and special exhibits in the gardens throughout the year, making this an extraordinary place.
15. Stargaze at the South Physics Observatory
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: Physics Bldg, 115 South 1400 E
Located within the University of Utah, the South Physics Observatory is one of the more particularly special things to do in SLC. Open to the public on Wednesday nights. The university allows guests to observe the stars when the weather is clear and provides physics lectures and demos when the weather isn’t favorable. Undoubtedly, the South Physics Observatory is one of the most romantic getaways in the U.S. — how could you not feel love when stargazing?
Book Your Trip to Salt Lake with AAA Travel
Let AAA Travel Services help make booking your trip to SLC easy by providing the best rates on hotels, car rentals and flights. There are too many things to do in Salt Lake City to cover in just one day — use your AAA Membership benefits to let an experienced travel agent book your next getaway.
