What to do in Salt Lake City, UT

Activities, attractions and tours

Salt Lake City
Liberty Park which includes a park and picnicking
Salt Lake City
Temple Square featuring a park and a city
Utah State Capitol featuring night scenes and a garden

Salt Lake City Attractions

Salt Lake City has a reputation for being family friendly, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint in this department. However, things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah, can appeal to any type of traveler. From casinos to national parks, there is a diverse array of activities in this city. Take a guided bike tour, visit your favorite underwater creatures at the nearby Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, or spend at day at the city’s namesake body of water: Great Salt Lake. Whether you head to Utah to explore the great outdoors, look into your family tree, or find some great eats, you will find attractions in Salt Lake City right up your alley.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Salt Lake City neighborhoods range from the downtown district, rich with art and culture, to outskirt districts covered with wildlife. No matter the speed of your trip, there is a district here to meet your needs.

Capitol Hill — This neighborhood gets its name from its proximity to the state capitol. Situated just north of the important building, the area offers interesting architecture, impressive views of downtown, and a few independent businesses.

The Avenues — The Avenues region is east of Capitol Hill. In this relatively progressive neighborhood, you can find lots of people roaming on bicycles, plenty of cafes, and an eclectic collection of both residents and visitors. Visit the famous mansions here, many of which are historic and open to the public, and grab a wheatgrass shot.

Poplar Grove — One of the largest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, Poplar Grove is named for the trees that are found in abundance in the area. The neighborhoods is the site of 9 Line, a trail that welcomes bikers, joggers, and walkers to travel along the old railroad corridor.

Downtown — Home to Temple Square, downtown is the oldest part of the city. Aside from housing the Salt Lake Temple, the district also boasts a bounty of restaurants, theaters, and museums. Many city tours in Salt Lake City center around the bounty of activities in this region.

Things to See in Salt Lake City

From natural beauty to performing arts, there are plenty of things to see in Salt Lake City before you put on a pair of tennis shoes and get more active. Grab a camera and take some postcard-worthy shots at Big Cottonwood Canyon, or practice your floral photo taking at Red Butte Garden. Things to see in Salt Lake City also include arts and culture, including Broadway performances at venues like Capitol Theater downtown.

Things to Do & Attractions in Salt Lake City

Once you’re ready to hit the streets of Utah running, you will find plenty of activities in Salt Lake City that entertain you while burning some calories. Hike one of the local canyons, or travel through the city on a bike. The outskirts of the city also offer horseback riding through forestland, and summer is an excellent time to hit the links on a local golf course. If you are more interested in Salt Lake City tours from above, take a hot air balloon ride across the lake. Of course, other things to do in the city are bit tamer, such as researching your family history at the famed Family Search Center.


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What to do in Salt Lake City


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Explore areas of Salt Lake City

Utah State Capitol featuring heritage architecture and an administrative building

Downtown Salt Lake City

4/5(123 area reviews)

Heart of the state, Downtown Salt Lake City offers lively experiences with shopping at City Creek Center, performances at Eccles Theatre, and historic sites like Temple Square. Easily accessible via TRAX light rail.

Downtown Salt Lake City
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Sugar House

5/5(1 area review)

Often called Salt Lake's "Second Downtown," this bustling hub boasts shopping centers, various dining options, and attractions like Westminster College and Sugar House Park. Easily accessible via the S Line streetcar.

Sugar House
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Midvalley

While you're in Midvalley, take in top sights like Fashion Place Mall or Big Cottonwood Canyon, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Murray North Station or Fashion Place West Station.

Midvalley
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Cottonwood Heights

Nestled between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, this city offers easy access to outdoor adventures in the Wasatch Mountains. Explore the multi-use trail along Big Cottonwood Creek or visit the commercial areas along Fort Union Boulevard.

Cottonwood Heights
Hogle Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals

East Bench

While visiting East Bench, you might make a stop by sights like Donut Falls and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

East Bench
Salt Lake City featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city

Central City

If you're spending time in Central City, check out sights like Trolley Square or Salt Lake City Public Library and hop on the metro to see more the city at Trolley Station or 900 East Station.

Central City

 

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Day trip destinations from Salt Lake City