What's There To Do In Salt Lake City, Utah?

Sep 19, 2024

Salt Lake City is not just Utah's vibrant capital but also a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and myriad recreational activities. Whether you're drawn to its historic charm, stunning architecture, or the call of the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city. Dive into this comprehensive guide to make the most of your visit.

20 Popular Things to Do or Places to See in SLC

1. Utah Museum of Fine Arts: Offers a diverse art collection ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces.
2. Ensign Peak: A short hike that provides stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
3. Gilgal Sculpture Garden: Features quirky and thought-provoking sculptures, including a sphinx with the face of Joseph Smith.
4. Marmalade Hill Historic District: Explore this charming neighborhood known for its historic architecture and quaint streets.
5. The State Room: A live music venue hosting a variety of performances, from local bands to well-known artists.
6. Bar X: Famous for its craft cocktails, this bar offers a cozy, retro atmosphere ideal for relaxing evenings.
7. Capitol Theatre: Catch a ballet, opera, or a dramatic performance in this historic venue.
8. The Rest: A speakeasy-style restaurant located beneath Bodega, known for its unique ambiance and creative cuisine.
9. Redwood Drive-In Theatre: Enjoy a movie under the stars at one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the area.
10. Antelope Island State Park: Just a drive away, this park offers hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities, especially bison.
11. High West Distillery: Experience Utah's first legal distillery since 1870 with a tour and tasting session of their unique whiskeys and spirits.
12. The Leonardo Museum: A museum blending science, technology, and art in interactive exhibits that encourage creative thinking and innovation.
13. Sugar House District: Known for its vibrant nightlife, boutique shopping, and trendy eateries, perfect for an evening stroll or a night out.
14. Utah Opera: Attend a world-class opera performance at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre.
15. Bonneville Salt Flats: Drive out to witness the vast, surreal landscapes and maybe even catch a land speed record attempt in action.
16. Publik Coffee Roasters: Enjoy a local brew or participate in a coffee tasting session at one of Salt Lake City's favorite coffee spots.
17. Historic Main Street: Explore Park City’s historic area with its eclectic mix of art galleries, restaurants, and bars, just a short drive from Salt Lake City.
18. Keys on Main: A dueling piano bar offering a lively and interactive musical experience.
19. Big Cottonwood Canyon: Ideal for scenic drives or to access mountainous trails for hiking and biking during the summer and skiing in the winter.
20. Brewvies Cinema Pub: Watch the latest films while enjoying a meal and a drink in this cinema that caters specifically to adults.

Explore the Outdoors near Salt Lake City

Great Salt Lake

• What to Do: Try sailing, kayaking, or simply floating in the buoyant waters of this vast lake.
• Unique Feature: Famous for its salinity, which provides a unique swimming experience similar to the Dead Sea.
• Ideal For: Water sports lovers and those looking for a unique natural experience.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for water activities, spring and fall for bird watching.

Wasatch Mountain Range

• What to Do: This mountain range is perfect for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
• Highlights: Home to world-class ski resorts like Alta and Snowbird.
• Ideal For: Outdoor adventurers and families looking for excitement.
• Pro Tip: The fall colors are spectacular, making it a great time for photography enthusiasts.

Hit the Road: Scenic Drives and Motorcycle Rides in Utah

• Routes to Explore: The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway or the Alpine Loop offer breathtaking mountain views and well-maintained roads perfect for a scenic drive or a motorcycle ride.
• Ideal For: Road trippers and riders looking to explore beyond the city.
• Tips: Rent a car or a motorcycle from local providers like Riders Share for a customized experience.

Whether you’re renting a Harley-Davidson or hitting the road on your own two wheels, SLC offers no shortage of beautiful sights and fun things to do throughout the city and beyond. In just a few hours’ drive you can visit some of the most beautiful and unique parks in the world!

Let a Local Rider Show You the Best of Utah's Roads

The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and Alpine Loop are just the start. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours in Salt Lake City led by locals who know the mountain passes, the canyon roads, and the routes that most visitors never find on their own. If you're in town and want to see Utah from the seat of a motorcycle without spending the morning planning, a guided ride is the easiest way to get on the road.

Discover Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks through Day Trips

Utah boasts five stunning national parks, collectively known as the Mighty Five, each offering unique landscapes and adventures. These parks are a major draw for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The closest of the five to SLC is Arches National Park, at about 3.5 hours.

The 5 National Parks

1. Zion National Park: Known for its deep red cliffs, Zion is perfect for hiking or canyoneering, with trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows attracting visitors from around the world.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park: Famous for its unique hoodoos, natural amphitheaters, and breathtaking vistas, Bryce Canyon is a haven for hikers and stargazers.
3. Arches National Park: This park features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, making it a favorite for photographers and geology enthusiasts.
4. Canyonlands National Park: Offers a dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River, ideal for those who enjoy remote trails and stunning river views.
5. Capitol Reef National Park: Known for its white sandstone domes and the historic orchards where visitors can pick fresh fruit, Capitol Reef blends natural beauty with a touch of history.

Planning Your Visit

Each park is accessible by car from Salt Lake City and offers a variety of activities from hiking and rock climbing to scenic drives and educational ranger-led programs. Consider staying overnight in one of the park's campgrounds or nearby lodging to fully experience the natural beauty at sunrise or sunset.

Salt Lake City’s Best Events

Sundance Film Festival

Held annually in January in nearby Park City, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious independent film showcases. It attracts filmmakers, celebrities, and film enthusiasts from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy film screenings, Q&A sessions with directors, and exclusive premieres of groundbreaking indie films. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for a unique cultural experience, this event is an excellent reason to visit the Salt Lake City area in winter.

Salt Lake City Marathon

The Salt Lake City Marathon, typically held in April, offers a scenic race route that takes participants through some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Liberty Park and the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop. With race options ranging from a full marathon to a 5K, this event welcomes runners of all skill levels. Even if you’re not running, the marathon brings the community together with cheering sections, food trucks, and entertainment along the course.

Utah Arts Festival

The Utah Arts Festival, held every June in downtown Salt Lake City, is the state’s largest celebration of visual and performing arts. The festival features hundreds of local and international artists showcasing their work, live music performances, film screenings, and hands-on workshops. This family-friendly event is perfect for art lovers and those looking to experience the creative culture of Utah.

Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials: AMA Land Speed Grand Championship/FIM Land Speed World Records

The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, held at the Bonneville Salt Flats, showcase the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship and FIM Land Speed World Records. This annual event attracts speed enthusiasts worldwide, aiming to break records across various motorcycle classes. Racing across the stark, flat landscape, participants test the limits of speed and innovation in a thrilling display that captivates motorsports fans.

Looking for something to do? Get ready to Explore SLC?

Salt Lake City offers a plethora of activities that range from urban exploration to adventures in the wild. Whether you're taking in the historical sights, enjoying a leisurely day on the lake, or venturing out on scenic drives and motorcycle rides to nearby national parks, there’s an abundance of experiences waiting for you. Plan your itinerary to capture the essence of Utah’s capital and the natural beauty that surrounds it.