Top 20 Things to Do in Salt Lake City: Your Ultimate Guide

Temple Square is the beating heart of Salt Lake City and a must-see for any visitor to this incredible city. This beautiful public square is the spiritual center of Mormons worldwide. The most visited tourist attraction offers visitors spectacular views of stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and impressive artwork. The site is home to attractions like the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the historic Tabernacle, and the beautiful Reflecting Pool.

Antelope Island State Park is a unique natural wonder that is a must-see when visiting Salt Lake City. The park offers breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. Take a hike on one of the many trails and experience breathtaking sunsets you won't soon forget. The island is home to a herd of bison that roam freely and can be observed up close.

Located in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City's Hogle Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers! The zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, bears and many more. Visitors can also watch live animal shows, take a ride on the Zoofari Express, and even feed the giraffes!

The Utah State Capitol is an architectural masterpiece that rises in Salt Lake City and attracts tourists to its majestic halls. Upon entering the Capitol building, visitors are greeted by stunning marble floors, grand columns, and intricate details that immediately take your breath away. The interior is adorned with locally sourced materials, from woodwork to artwork, adding to the charm of this already impressive monument. As you make your way up to the rotunda, a breathtaking view of Great Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains awaits. Don't forget to take a photo or two to commemorate your visit! Also visit the nearby Historical Society and Salt Lake Temple.

Shop 'til you drop at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City! There are over 100 stores, restaurants and cafes to explore at this premier shopping center. But that's not all - the center also features a retractable glass roof and a unique creek that runs through the mall, creating a serene and beautiful atmosphere. Pro-tip: Be sure to visit the center during the winter vacations, when it transforms into a magical wonderland with Christmas lights and a stunning tree. And if you need a break from shopping, nearby Temple Square is a must.

Discover the wonders of Utah's extraordinary natural heritage at the Natural History Museum of Utah. The museum's stunning architecture and captivating exhibits take visitors on a fascinating journey through time, from the region's prehistoric past to its most recent habitats. Learn about the state's unique geology, ecology and anthropology through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Don't miss the incredible display of dinosaur fossils and breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley from the outdoor terrace. Nearby, you can visit Red Butte Garden, a charming botanical garden with over 21 acres of colorful flora and fauna.

Liberty Park is a must-see when you're in Salt Lake City! This sprawling park offers something for everyone with its lush vegetation, recreational activities, and picturesque scenery. Take a walk around the lake, have a picnic with friends and family, or ride the Ferris wheel at the amusement park. Also visit Tracy Aviary, located in the park and home to over 400 birds from around the world.

Are you ready to be impressed by one of the most beautiful buildings in Salt Lake City? Then you shouldn't miss the Conference Center. Built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this massive 1.4 million-square-foot building is a feast for the eyes. It can seat up to 21,000 people and is famous for its impressive architecture, which includes a beautiful organ with 7,667 pipes.

Located in the foothills of Salt Lake City, Red Butte Garden is a must-see for nature lovers, hikers and anyone looking for a quiet place to relax. Covering over 100 acres of meticulously maintained botanical gardens, this oasis is home to over 21,000 plants and impressive exhibits. A special feature of Red Butte Garden is the amphitheater, where visitors can enjoy live music amid a stunning natural setting.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City, be sure to visit Memory Grove Park. This hidden gem is a paradise for joggers and walkers. The paved path winds through lush greenery and along the calm waters of City Creek. Also check out the monuments and memorials in the park that commemorate the city's rich history. And if you're lucky, you might even see some friendly ducks and geese waddling around! The park is very close to the Utah State Capitol and the City Creek Center shopping mall.

Are you ready to take a trip back in time? Then don't miss George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden, just a short drive from Salt Lake City. Walk through the picturesque grounds, where you can see life-size dinosaur replicas in their natural habitat - and even stand in the path of a T-Rex! You'll learn about dinosaur behavior, marvel at their majestic presence, and maybe even play a game of dinosaur-themed miniature golf! And after your visit, don't forget to buy a souvenir of your adventure at the gift store.

If you want to experience the best of Salt Lake City's history and culture, be sure to visit This Is The Place Heritage Park! This sprawling park is filled with fascinating exhibits and interactive attractions that showcase the city's unique heritage. You can tour replica pioneer homes, take a train or pony ride, and enjoy live demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing and spinning. And if you're hungry, don't forget to try the delicious homemade fudge! Pro tip: The nearby Hogle Zoo offers even more fun for the whole family.

When you visit Salt Lake City, you can't miss Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens! This hidden gem is home to more than 400 birds from around the world and features stunning botanical gardens. It's a great place to relax and just soak in the beauty of nature.

If you're looking for a unique and charming shopping experience in Salt Lake City, don't miss Gardner Village. This historic village is filled with quaint stores, delicious restaurants, and beautiful walking paths that will delight travelers of all ages. One of the standout features of Gardner Village is the variety of boutiques, all offering unique and handmade goods from local artisans.

A trip to Salt Lake City wouldn't be complete without a visit to Park City Mountain! With over 7,300 skiable acres, it's no wonder this ski area hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. But don't worry, there's plenty to do year-round: Hiking, mountain biking, and scenic lifts with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The Salt Lake Utah Temple is a must-see for anyone interested in the rich history of Salt Lake City. As the largest temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this impressive building is not only a symbol of faith, but also a testament to the pioneering spirit of early Utah. Visitors can take a free guided tour to learn about the temple's intricate architecture and fascinating history. And don't forget to check out the beautiful gardens that surround the temple.

Union Station in Salt Lake City is a must-see for all history buffs and railroad enthusiasts. This beautiful and well-preserved building was built in 1908 and served as a hub for train traffic in the early 20th century. Today, it houses a museum with interactive exhibits that provide a unique glimpse into the city's past. Check out the original ticket offices and board the restored trains on display. Don't forget to explore the surrounding area, including the popular Gateway shopping complex and the historic Rio Grande Depot, just a short walk away.

Ensign Peak is an iconic location that offers an unparalleled view you won't want to miss! This mountain peak overlooks Salt Lake City and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire cityscape. You can see the Great Salt Lake, the surrounding mountains and the famous Temple Square.

Are you ready to embark on a journey through time and discover the wonders of ancient life? Then the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point in Salt Lake City is the place for you. Here you can see more than 60 complete dinosaur skeletons up close, including the largest display of mounted dinosaurs in the world. Don't miss the interactive exhibit where you can touch real fossils and learn about the different dinosaur species.