Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is bordered by the dense waters of the Great Salt Lake and the snow-capped mountains of the Wasatch Range. This city will embrace you with its laid-back, friendly style. Also, you’ll find the perfect opportunities to do your favorite outdoor activities.
In this article we provide you with 15 unique things to do in Salt Lake City, and some essential tips for enjoying this great city to the fullest.
15 Unique Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Hike Ensign Peak for a City View
Throughout the year Salt Lake City is popular for many fun things to do such as bird watching, hiking, and running. At the Ensign Peak trailhead begins a popular route for hikers. Although it is a short trail, it has a steep and steady climb to the top. As a reward, you will have incredible views of the Great Salt Lake Valley and mountains.
Here you will also find historical information about the valley by Native American tribes and Mormon settlers. Experience this approximately 1.4 km round trip hike, considered moderate difficulty, and takes an average of 39 minutes to complete.
Explore Liberty Park’s Trails and Aviary
Since 1938 Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park has been open to the public. The facility not only housed hundreds of birds but also other animals such as seals, monkeys, and kangaroos. Over the past 80 years, Tracy Aviary has evolved into the 8-acre natural oasis it is today. Enjoy a whole new natural experience with exhibits, with spaces inhabited by griffon vultures, macaws, hawks, and North American owls.
Visit Temple Square’s Historic Buildings
If you’re interested in history and architecture, don’t miss the beautiful columns of the Salt Lake Temple, Temple Square’s landmark. In the historic three-block central square, there are gardens and some of the most significant buildings of the Mormon Church. During the summer, you will have a free guided tour around the beautiful gardens in the Main Street Plaza.
The tall Church Office Building offers wonderful views from its observation deck. Also visit the temple, the adjacent North Visitor Center to learn more about Mormon culture, and the fascinating Museum of Church History and Art.
Ski at Alta and Snowbird Resorts
If you prefer adrenaline-filled adventures, you’re in luck. Head to Snowbird and Alta Ski Area, one of America’s premier ski resorts. Both resorts total 4,700 acres of skiable terrain, and 19 lifts, including an aerial streetcar and four high-speed quad lifts. Your vacation can be memorable with Snowbird’s luxury accommodations and quality amenities.
Relax at the Red Butte Botanical Garden
The Red Butte Botanical Garden and Arboretum is located on the University of Utah campus in the hills above Salt Lake City. If you’re interested in learning more about horticulture and getting tips for your garden, you’re in the right place. Enjoy a long walk through the Natural Area, which has native plants and trees.
In the warmer season, you can find colorful planters and various events throughout the week. In the amphitheater and the Orangerie greenhouse, movie nights and open-air concerts are held.
Check Out Tracy Aviary’s Bird Shows
Since 2009 Tracy Aviary underwent a major renovation to provide a new experience for visitors. A new Bird Show Theater was built to include new programs that are more appealing to the public.
Starting at 11 a.m., you can enjoy bird shows, which are free and included in the main admission price. Experience the thrill of watching birds fly overhead and learn more about the variety of birds at Tracy Aviary.
Discover Family History at the Family Search Library
FamilySearch Library is known for being the successor to the Genealogical Society of Utah since 1894. Its primary mission was to gather genealogical records and help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints learn their family histories.
Today, it is considered the largest genealogical library in the world, with names of millions of deceased people. Learn about the thousands of books and special family history facts in the largest repository of all genealogical information ever collected by the Church.
Ride Bikes through Downtown Salt Lake City
If it’s your first time visiting the city or your stay is very short, one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City is to go on a bike tour of Salt Lake City. You can stop at various points of interest in and around downtown and bike from Liberty Park to the Salt Lake City Public Library. Travel at your own pace and get some exercise while enjoying the scenery.
Attend Oktoberfest at Snowbird
Each year the Oktoberfest at Snowbird attracts thousands of visitors, making it one of Utah’s largest festivals. The annual festival includes a biergarten featuring a variety of traditional German-style beers and those brewed by local Utah breweries such as Shades Brewing, Moab Brewery, Bohemian, Uinta, and Squatters. During weekends in September and October, admission to Oktoberfest is free and runs from noon to 6:00 p.m.
See Animals at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
The Hogle Zoo, Utah’s largest zoo, offers daily programs, wildlife demonstrations, bird shows, and special events such as public giraffe feedings and other close animal experiences.
If you’re traveling with a child, they can enjoy a ride on the Zoofari Express train or explore the Lighthouse Point splash pad, a nice place to cool off during hot days. But there are so many other fun things to do in this part of Salt Lake City.
Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS
Tour the Natural History Museum of Utah
Visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City is a spectacular thing to do for all ages. The diversity of specimens is astounding, for example, Native Voices is a moving exhibit about the indigenous peoples of Utah. There is also a terrace from which you can view the city and its surroundings. Enjoy a magnificent collection of dinosaur fossils and an excellent explanation of the evolution of life throughout the geological eras.
Try Craft Beers with the Brewery Pass
If you are a beer lover, the Salt Lake City Brew Tour is a great thing not to miss to get up close and personal with Utah City’s local craft beer. Here you can learn all about the history and production of beer while enjoying around 12 types of craft beer with snacks. Get your Brewery Pass and enjoy discounts at local breweries. You might just find your new favorite beer!
Take a Mural Tour in Downtown Salt Lake
Salt Lake City, Utah’s largest city, is the epicenter of street art in the state. Exploring street art while taking a motorcycle ride is a unique experience not to be missed.
From colorful works of abstract art to realistic portraits and social messages, there is something for every taste and artistic style on the streets of Salt Lake City.
Drive to the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island
One of Utah’s most special wilderness areas is Antelope Island, a place full of wildlife. During your tour of the island, you can learn all the interesting facts about the ecosystem of one of the largest salt lakes in the world.
Did you know that its high salinity level makes it a unique environment for endemic species to thrive? Utah’s Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, is home to some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in Utah.
Explore the Utah State Fair Attractions
Every fall in early September, the Utah State Fair is held for 11 days at the Utah Fairpark. Here you’ll find many exhibits and everything from agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture to various cooking contests. This can be the ideal place to have fun and enjoy shopping, street food, concerts, and many other things to do in Salt Lake City
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