13 Fun Things to Do in Salt Lake City, as Recommended by the Locals 

As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City (SLC) has a fascinating history rooted in Native traditions (the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute tribes inhabited the Salt Lake Valley long before Europeans arrived), religious migration, and western expansion. Officially founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and other Mormon pioneers seeking religious freedom, SLC was somewhat culturally homogenous throughout its earlier stages of European settlement. With the transcontinental railroad’s completion in 1869, the city became more accessible and began attracting non-Mormon settlers, miners, and entrepreneurs. Fast forward 156(ish) years, and SLC now has a thriving cultural scene driven by people of many ethnicities, religions, and lifestyles. 

If you’re planning a trip to SLC, you’re in good company. The city’s cultural growth and stunning natural beauty attract visitors from around the world, with a record 12 million people flocking to Utah’s state parks in 2023. To get you started, we asked the locals about some of their favorite things to see and do in this stunning city, and their answers did not disappoint! Below, you’ll find some locals-approved suggestions for fun things to do in SLC! 

1. Check out the exciting food scene 

SLC is quickly gaining attention as one of the West’s most dynamic destinations with a booming food scene, so it follows that the first suggestion we got from the folks at VisitSaltLake.com (a guide dedicated to all things exciting in the city) was to explore the city’s culinary offerings. The best place to begin, of course, will depend on what you’re in the mood for. For example, the Sugar House area has great coffee culture and brunch options, gastropubs, and vegan/vegetarian fare. The 9th and 9th area is full of indie restaurants and cozy patios. The Granary District is a former warehouse area that has transformed into a hotspot for breweries, bakeries, food startups, and pop-up-style eateries. If you want to keep your options open, downtown SLC is a central hub with everything from award-winning fine dining to local food trucks! 

 

2. Immerse yourself in the arts 

Beyond the plate, Salt Lake’s cultural scene is also thriving. You can spend an awestruck evening with Ballet West (named initially Utah Civic Ballet) or the Utah Symphony in the gorgeous Abravanel Hall. People also flock to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to enjoy European, American, and Modern and Contemporary art, as well as artifacts from India, Polynesia, Mesoamerica, and others. The museum is located on Salt Lake City’s University of Utah campus and houses a collection of nearly 20,000 works spanning centuries.  

3. Get outside  

Access to the outdoors is remarkably easy in Salt Lake City! Hiking spots like Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass feature regional wildflowers and moose sightings. Ensign Peak is a short hike offering panoramic city views. Suppose you’re in the mood for something more challenging? In that case, you can try a day at Mount Raymond, or if you’d like a more leisurely day out, the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail at Silver Lake is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery and wildlife.  

Head 30 minutes into the Wasatch Mountains, and you’ll find world-class skiing at resorts like Snowbird and Brighton. At sunset, be sure to make time for Antelope Island, where bison roam and the views over the Great Salt Lake are unforgettable! The park’s dark skies are also perfect for observing stars and celestial events. Oh, and in case you weren’t sure, Salt Lake is, in fact, a saltwater lake with a concentration 2-7 times saltier than the ocean. While people don’t typically swim there, it does offer a serene, otherworldly backdrop for camping and hiking in Great Salt Lake State Park. 

4. Get your sports fix 

Salt Lake City is an enthusiastic sports town, home to the NBA’s Utah Jazz, Utah Hockey Club, and major league soccer and rugby teams. There’s a lot of buzz around SLC’s extreme sports scene as it preps to host the 2025 X Games, too. Show up in June to watch skateboarding, motocross, and BMX legends compete against up-and-coming athletes for the title of world champion (and a share of over $1 million in prize money). If winter sports are more your thing, plan ahead to attend the 2034 Winter Olympics! 

5. Visit Temple Square 

Andrey Olinov, co-founder of SLC Bus Tours, knows a thing or two about how to show visitors a great time! “There’s no shortage of must-see spots,” he says. “And the best way to experience it all? With us! SLC Bust Tours is launching Salt Lake City’s first hop-on, hop-off sightseeing experience featuring double-decker buses, live narration, and curated stops that make navigating the city effortless; plus, riders receive discounts at top attractions and restaurants.  

One of the most iconic places to visit (and a key location featured in Olinov’s tours) is Temple Square, a 10-acre historic and religious site in the city’s heart. It serves as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), drawing millions of visitors annually from all walks of life for its impressive architecture, gardens, and serene spiritual atmosphere. Temple Square is also home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir and hosts fun community events that draw huge crowds in every season!  

6. Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah 

Olinov also recommended an afternoon (or take your time and spend the whole day) at the Natural History Museum of Utah. A museum highlight is the Past Worlds exhibit, featuring more than 30 reconstructed dinosaur skeletons excavated from sites around the state. Another of the museum’s highly popular exhibits is “Native Voices,” developed in collaboration with Utah’s Native American tribes. This circular gallery presents the indigenous art, culture, and contemporary perspectives of Utah’s eight federally recognized tribes. There are also fascinating exhibits featuring information about gemstones and minerals found in the area, as well as the history and ecology of Great Salt Lake.   

Good to know: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (9 pm on Wednesdays). 

7. Enjoy the serenity of Red Butte Garden 

If you’re a fan of all things flora, Olinov suggests a trip to Red Butte Garden. Operated by the University of Utah, it serves as the state’s official arboretum and is renowned for its over 100 acres of plant collections, scenic landscapes, and hiking trails. The themed gardens include (but aren’t limited to) a children’s garden complete with splash pad, a fragrance garden featuring pathways, bridges, and a wisteria-adorned pergola, and a medicinal garden showcasing plants with medicinal uses. The site also hosts an amphitheater and offers workshops, lectures, and classes focused on horticulture, conservation, and education.  

Good to know: The Gardens are open daily with exceptions, and the hours change seasonally. It’s best to consult their official website for the most up-to-date info before visiting. 

8. Spend a night out at the Eccles Theater 

If you’re in the mood to be entertained, look no further than the Eccles Theater, says Olinov. The venue features a main auditorium designed to host larger-scale productions, including Broadway shows and concerts, and a black box theater supporting more intimate performances ranging from dance and theater to film and concerts. There’s also the Live! At the Eccles series: a lineup of comedy, music, and a whole host of other live entertainment events. The theater is surrounded by a lively urban atmosphere near hip restaurants, eclectic shops, and other attractions. 

9. Take a local food walking tour 

“SLC Bust Tours offers more than transportation for guests to explore the city,” says Olinov. “We’ve partnered with Local Food Walking Tours to offer combo experiences that immerse guests in Salt Lake’s culinary scene.” The tours offer guests the opportunity to try foods from a few of the local restaurants around town while learning about the city’s history along the way! 

10. Delight in The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum 

“Salt Lake City offers a rich mix of culture, creativity, and community, and the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum captures all of that in one unforgettable experience!” says Carlos Toledo, the museum’s marketing manager. “Located in the heart of downtown, the museum is a must-visit for families, educators, and anyone who believes that learning should be joyful and hands-on. It hosts standout exhibits that blend Utah’s history with hands-on learning, like the Stillson River Railroad, the largest train set exhibit in the Intermountain West, where children can learn about train infrastructure through an interactive model rail system, and the iDig Dinos excavation site filled with real fossils!” 

“What truly sets the Children’s Museum apart is its commitment to accessibility, early childhood education, and environmental learning,” says Toledo. “The future largest rooftop children’s garden in the country is just one example: an urban oasis where kids can learn about pollinators, plant life cycles, and sustainability through direct interaction with nature. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Discovery Gateway is not just a stop on your itinerary. It’s an opportunity to ignite imagination, curiosity, and connections that will endure long after your visit!”  

Good to know: The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Monday. They’re closed on Tuesdays.  

11. Venture off the beaten path to the Gilgal Sculpture Garden 

“Residing in Salt Lake City, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden stands out as one of my most cherished locations to visit in town,” says Parker Warren, CEO of local media firm PWA Media. “The neighborhood’s quiet but distinctive location hides a unique gathering of stone art and motivational sayings along its peaceful pathways. This uncommon place lacks tourist attraction qualities, offering visitors a unique and meditative SLC experience. I always discover fresh sights during my visits because the place tends to show something new each time I return!”  

The garden is the brainchild of masonry contractor and LDS church bishop Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. (1888-1963), and represents two decades of thoughtfully crafted works expressing his deep spiritual beliefs and philosophical reflections. It’s celebrated as Utah’s only designated “visionary art environment,” about which Child said: “You may think I am a nut, but I hope I have aroused your thinking and curiosity.” It’s truly a hidden gem well worth exploring! 

Good to know: Garden hours are April–September: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and October–March: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. It’s closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 

12. Get your groove on at the Twilight Concert Series 

“Visitors should not miss the Twilight Concert Series during summer,” says Warren, “we consistently suggest it to visitors as a must-do SLC experience. The venue welcomes both hometown and national musical performers while creating an eclectic festival mood. The community gathering holds its events in the Gallivan Center and Liberty Square’s open spaces to unite people while providing gourmet food trucks and creative arts displays. The series is truly a beloved cultural event!”  

13. Meander the 9th and 9th  

Up for some people watching? Warren suggests spending a little time in the 9th and 9th. “We truly adore hanging out in the popular 9th & 9th neighborhood in Salt Lake City,” he says. “The area boasts countless things to explore, from vintage bookstores to coffee places to vegan eateries. Its annual street fair gives the place a lively, artistic feel.” The neighborhood also features independent boutiques with diverse offerings, public art exhibits, and tree-lined streets with historic homes.  

SLC welcomes you! 

People from all over visit SLC for its world-class outdoor sports and natural beauty, but many stay for its safe neighborhoods, good schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. SLC also offers abundant job opportunities in tech, healthcare, finance, higher education, and more. Whether you’re just visiting or thinking about making SLC your forever home, the locals are more than happy to show off their beautiful city. We hope their suggestions inspire you to explore everything it has to offer!