This Western U.S. City Offers World-Class Skiing — and Its Salt Flats Look Like Another Planet

Salt Lake City is Utah’s cosmopolitan capital, with endless restaurants, historical sights, and nature. With over 10 million tourists in 2023, this mesmerizing city has entertainment hubs such as Thanksgiving Point and epic skiing. The top things to do in Salt Lake City include biking the Great Salt Lake and skiing in Olympic Park. 

You’ll enjoy a fun-loving city surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains and the Great Salt Lake. Historical places like Temple Square and natural spaces like Red Butte Garden make it a must-visit. 

To create this list, we reviewed traveler feedback, expert recommendations, and local insights to highlight the best that the city has to offer. No matter if you’re a pro skier or just love open spaces, it is worth putting on your bucket list. From epic outdoor adventures to historical landmarks, here are 12 unforgettable experiences in Salt Lake City. 

Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite

Salt Lake City’s calling—where are you heading first? No wrong answers, except skipping the trip.

Prefer Listening? Here’s the Podcast

Enjoy our articles in audio form powered by cutting-edge technology, perfect for planning your next getaway or relaxing on the go.

Top Hotels

• Luxury: Grand America Hotel
• Midrange: Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown
• Budget: Comfort Suites Airport

Top Experiences

• See the Great Salt Lake
• Visit Temple Square
• Drive to Big Cottonwood Canyon

See the Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is the biggest lake in the American West. It’s 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with an average depth of around 14 feet. The stunning body of water stretches out over the Utah desert, resembling a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky. 

Head to Great Salt Lake Park to enjoy the water close to the city. Rent bikes and ride along the shore. Or, walk the shoreline and capture the abundant wildlife on your camera. 

Check out monuments such as Black Rock, a massive rock that was the site of the first swim in the lake. You can camp and spend the night next to the peaceful lake.

Travel Tips

• Bring Sunscreen and Water: The sun can be intense at the lake, so pack sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Visit Antelope Island: If you have time, take a ferry to Antelope Island State Park. It’s a great spot to see bison, pronghorn antelope and enjoy hikes.
• Swimming in the Lake: You can swim in the Great Salk Lake, but keep in mind the salinity is about 12%, making it much saltier than the ocean. The best spot to swim is the white sand beach at Antelope Island State Park, which has shower facilities.

Read also: Picturesque Lakes Around the World

Visit Temple Square

Temple Square is one of Salt Lake City’s most visited destinations. It’s the headquarters of the Mormon Church and has some of the best architecture in the city. 

The square is the site of some of the first settlers in the city. It took over 40 years to complete and quickly became the city’s heart. Many of the buildings are built from quartz monzonite, making them dazzle in the sunlight. 

You’ll see landmarks such as the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and the mid-19th century Beehive House. The highlight of the square is the 19th-century Salt Lake Temple. This massive building is an architectural wonder full of ornate art and sculptures. 

Travel Tips

• Take a Free Guided Tour: To get the most out of your visit, join one of the free guided tours the Mormon missionaries offer. They’ll give you insight into the history and architecture, and the tours last around 30 minutes.
• Visit the Tabernacle for a Concert: If you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the free organ concerts at the Tabernacle.
• Explore the Visitor Centers: They’re filled with exhibits, and the staff can provide more details about the history of the buildings.

Read also: America’s Most Gorgeous Cities

Enjoy the Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is one of the city’s most popular green spaces. It’s run by the University of Utah and has endless trails and landscaped gardens. 

You’ll see native plants and ornate fountains. Walk through striking pathways and archways covered in flowers. Each section features unique plants and ecosystems. 

Visit during events to see live music and special art events. You’ll get to enjoy annual performances, lectures, and family-friendly activities. In the summer, check out the garden’s outdoor concert series to see some of the city’s top musical acts. 

Travel Tips

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The pathways can be long, and some areas have uneven terrain.
• Check the Event Calendar: Check Red Butte’s event schedule online before visiting. If you’re into music, their summer concert series is interesting.
• Visit in Spring or Fall: The gardens are especially beautiful in spring and fall when the flowers bloom and the colors change. The weather is also more pleasant.

Read also: Beautiful Gardens in the US

Hit the Slopes of Utah Olympic Park

Utah Olympic Park is where the state hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The park has bobsled courses, ski jumps, and other Olympic venue sites. Athletes still train here, and you can watch them push the limits of their sports. 

Take a tour of the park and see historical memorabilia. You’ll learn about the park, the Olympic games, and the state’s sporting history. 

After your tour, try tubing down Soldier Hollow. Or try skating at the speed of sound at the Utah Olympic Oval. If you’re feeling brave, you can sign up for special courses where you learn several winter sports. 

Travel Tips

• Book a Bobsled Ride: You get to ride on the actual Olympic track with a trained pilot.
• Visit the Olympic Museum: Don’t miss the Olympic Museum located at the park. It’s packed with memorabilia from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
• Go Off-Season for Fewer Crowds: If you visit in spring or fall, you’ll have the park mostly to yourself.

Read also: US National Parks

See This Is the Place Heritage Park

This is the Place Heritage Park may have a strange name, but it’s well worth visiting. It features historical recreations, rides, and over 50 historic homes. 

You’ll enjoy train rides, animal shows, and multiple restaurants. The space is filled with exciting views and nature. 

Don’t miss the chance to ride horses along the park’s trails. You’ll follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Look back to see monumental views of the valley and the city in the distance.

Travel Tips

• Try the Pony Express Ride: Don’t skip the horse ride along the historic trail. You get amazing views of the valley while learning about the Pony Express.
• Plan for a Picnic: Bring a picnic or grab food at one of the park’s restaurants.
• Check the Event Schedule: This park hosts seasonal events like holiday celebrations and historical reenactments. Look up the schedule before your visit to catch something special during your trip.

Read also: The Greenest Cities in the U.S.

Tour the State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol building has free tours not to miss. This historical building was designed in 1916 and is one of the country’s most iconic capitol buildings. 

On the tour, you’ll enter the inside of the building and see historical artwork and sculptures. The building is like a well-curated museum. You’ll see pieces including murals, paintings of former leaders, and historical scenes. 

Nearby, check out Memory Grove Park, one of the best places in the city to picnic and walk. You’ll get great views of the capital and take in the beautiful mountain air. You can hike the park’s popular Freedom Trail to the foot of the mountains.

Travel Tips

• Take the Free Tour: Don’t miss the free guided tour of the Capitol. Tours run every 30 minutes.
• Explore Memory Grove Park: After your Capitol visit, take a stroll through Memory Grove Park. It has fantastic views of the Capitol with the mountains in the background.

Read also: Locations for Nature Lovers in the U.S.

Hit the Slopes of Brighton Ski Resort

Brighton Resort is one of Utah’s most popular ski resorts. It started in 1936 as Utah’s first ski resort. Today, it has over 65 trails with varying difficulties. 

Hit the slopes and check out the challenging and beginner-friendly trails. The resort gets over 500 inches of snow and rises over 1,800 feet. 

You’ll look out over the mountains and get amazing views of the stunning terrain. There are several amazing restaurants and bars to relax in after your adventures. For winter sports fans, this place is hard to beat. 

Travel Tips

• Buy Lift Tickets Early: To save time and money, buy your lift tickets online ahead of time. It’s usually cheaper, and you’ll avoid long lines at the ticket office.
• Try Night Skiing: Brighton offers night skiing on select trails. It’s a unique way to enjoy the slopes with fewer crowds and beautiful mountain views under the stars.
• Check Out the Terrain Parks: If you’re into freestyle skiing or snowboarding, don’t miss Brighton’s terrain parks. They have features for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

Read also: America’s Most Luxurious Cities

Drive to Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a nature lovers’ paradise just outside the city. The canyon surrounds Big Cottonwood Creek. You’ll see stunning wildlife and endless mountain wilderness, with hiking trails and campgrounds. 

In the winter, enjoy skiing at the nearby Eagle Ridge. Enjoy the drive up the canyon and see majestic views of the natural surroundings. If you love fishing, stop by the creek and try your luck at catching dinner. 

If you visit in the summer, hike during the early morning to avoid the heat. In winter, watch for winter storm warnings and avoid heavy snowfall on the roads.

Travel Tips

• Take the Scenic Drive: The drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon is breathtaking. If you’re visiting in the fall, the colors are incredible, making it perfect for a scenic drive or a photo stop.
• Fish Early in the Day: If you’re fishing in Big Cottonwood Creek, get there early in the morning. It’s quieter, and the fish are more active before the crowds arrive.
• Be Prepared for Weather: In winter, check the weather forecast before heading up the canyon. Snowstorms can make roads tricky, so it’s best to go when the conditions are clear, especially if you’re driving up for skiing.

Read also: Least Walkable Cities in the US

Get Your Thrills at Lagoon Amusement Park

Lagoon Amusement Park is a seasonal theme park featuring thrilling roller coasters and other rides. It’s located just a short drive north of the city. 

In the summer, drive north to the amazing theme park. You’ll ride the Lagoon Roller Coaster. Built in 1921, it’s the seventh-oldest roller coaster in the world. 

The amusement park is popular for its Lagoon-A-Beach water park. You’ll enjoy thrilling rides and a relaxing pool perfect for escaping the heat. After your adventures, you’ll enjoy great food and gifts at the Pioneer Village. 

Travel Tips

• Arrive Early for Shorter Lines: Get there when the park opens to make the most of your day. This way, you can hit the popular rides, like the Lagoon Roller Coaster, before the lines get long.
• Take Advantage of Lagoon-A-Beach: If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t forget to check out Lagoon-A-Beach. It’s a perfect way to cool off after the roller coasters, with water slides and a lazy river to relax.
• Grab Lunch at Pioneer Village: After riding all day, take a break at Pioneer Village for a delicious meal.

Read also: Fascinating Facts about America

Step into History at the Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the country’s best places to see dinosaur skeletons up close. Utah is ground zero for paleontology and fossil collecting. In this museum, you’ll see the mightiest living creatures in history. 

Make sure to spend the entire day at the museum. It’s located in a 163,000-square-foot space with dozens of memorable exhibits and galleries to enjoy.

Learn about the state’s rich natural history, from prehistoric animals to modern humans. Explore a collection of artifacts from stone tools to weapons. See dinosaurs and extinct animals that once walked the earth here. 

Travel Tips

• Arrive when the museum opens at 10 AM: It gets busy in the afternoon, especially on weekends. Early arrival means fewer crowds and better views of the exhibits. Parking is free but can fill up.
• Check out the guided tours at 1 PM: The museum offers free daily tours that dive deeper into exhibits like the dinosaur gallery and Native Voices. It’s a great way to learn without missing hidden details.
• Download the NHMU Trailhead app before visiting: The app is free and enhances your experience with interactive maps and extra details about exhibits. It also suggests nearby hikes, like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Entry fee: $22.95 for adults, $$17.95 for kids (ages 3-12).

Read also: US Hidden Treasures

Walk along the Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of Utah’s most stunning natural sights. The area covers over 30,000 acres. The dried salt on the surface looks like snow, creating an optical illusion not to miss. 

Visit in the morning to avoid the heat if you’re traveling in summer. If it rains, the flats become a mirror-like wetland. 

Racers often hit the flats in powered vehicles to break land speed records. Time your visit with these incredible shows of horsepower to experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. 

Travel Tips

• Visit After Rain for the Mirror Effect: If you can, plan your visit after rainfall. The flats turn into a massive reflective mirror, creating a surreal experience perfect for photos.
• Bring Sunglasses and Water: The glare from the salt flats can be intense, so pack sunglasses and plenty of water. The sun can be harsh, especially in the summer.
• Check for Speed Events: If you’re into racing, check the schedule for land speed events at the flats. Watching these high-speed records being broken is a thrilling experience.

Read also: Inexpensive Places To Visit in the US

See the Stars at Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium has an amazing IMAX theater that will leave you speechless. Sit back and enjoy science-focused shows and learn about the heavens.

Walk through interactive exhibits and well-curated galleries dedicated to astronomy. Enter a massive tornado and see real moon rocks. 

For a truly immersive experience, visit the Hansen Dome Theatre. You’ll see amazing shows about space in this 360-degree theater space. You’ll feel like you’re actually walking on the moon!

Travel Tips

• Plan your visit for a weekday afternoon: It’s quieter than weekends, and you’ll have more space to enjoy the exhibits.
• Catch the free public star show on Friday nights: Local astronomers host free telescope viewings outside the planetarium (weather permitting). It’s an amazing way to see planets and stars up close.

Entry fee: Free for exhibits. Dome and IMAX shows are $10 each. Open daily, 10 AM to 7 PM for Sunday – Thursday and 10 AM to 10 PM Friday – Saturday.

Read also: Historical US Cities

Pin It Now, Read It Later

USA

---

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Mail
• Pinterest
• TikTok