Top 12 Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Thinking of making a trip to Salt Lake City? If you have never been there, this article will give you some cool ideas on how to best spend your time in the capital of Mormon. Apart from mountains and deserts, there are many more places to visit and things to explore and enjoy in the surrounding area. In this article, we are going to focus on the 12 best things to do in Salt Lake City.

1. Temple Square

Visiting Temple square is a must-do while in Salt Lake City. You will learn many things about the Mormons, who consider the square as their holy place. Strange-looking buildings, flower beds and the monuments will fascinate you. The most prominently visible things there are the Mormon Tabernacle and the Mormon Temple. If you are interested in the Mormon faith, you will find great resources in the information centers. You will also enjoy the tranquil and breathtaking sights.

2. Natural History Museum

This architecturally appealing museum is one of the most attractive natural history museums in the United States. With more than 1.5 million specimens and objects, it has become an attractive place for curious people who want to know more about dinosaurs, different kinds of fossils and rare gemstones. The visit can be very rewarding because you will gain vast knowledge of the past. And it’s true that we can understand the present only when we know the past. There are experienced guides in the museum and they will help you reveal many things of historical importance. Numerous people from all over the world visit the museum everyday.

3. Salt Lake City Public Library

The library has a huge collection of books; although many people say that the architecture of the library is what impressed them the most. While there, take a break and read a book at the on-site café of this stunningly beautiful library. Or you prefer to be in nature, just grab a book and sit in the garden close to the library. Walk down the library square and you will find a lot of shops and cafes. No payment is needed to explore the library, and you will find it open every day. This library will fascinate you, even if you are not a bookworm!

4. Great Salt Lake

Visit the Great Salt Lake and marvel at the mineral deposits left by the process of evaporation. This experience can be one of the most memorable things you can do in Salt Lake City. The area has a lot of picnic spots and hiking trails. While heading towards the park, you may catch sight of a bison or other wildlife. Swimming in the lake is a pleasant experience. At the visiting center, friendly and informative staff are ready to help you. Enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and the turquoise waters of the lake.

5. Antelope Island

Antelope Island has two different faces. From the mainland, there is a vast barren and deserted land. But if you head towards the Great Basin, you will explore a great variety of flora and fauna. The Island is full of wildlife—coyotes, many kinds of birds and waterfowl, and bobcats. There are around 600 American bison on the island. You will catch sight of many wild animals while driving along the roads. Many people visit the camping areas. There are a lot of recreational opportunities. The island has scenic points where you will find many people hiking and biking. And don’t miss the amazing experience of swimming in the salty water of the Great Salt Lake.

6. City Creek Mall

Visit this amazing shopping and dining destination when you go to Salt Lake City. Located near Temple Square, City Creek Mall offers luxury goods and products from many reputable brands. There is no lack of dining options. Among other restaurants, visitors like a local favorite—A Taste of Red Iguana. A unique feature of City Creek Center is that it has a glass roof that is fully retractable. Over the main street, there is a sky bridge. Hourly shows are offered by The America First Credit Union Fountain. After dusk, they add fire elements to the fountain. Visitors fall in love with the pleasant sights.

7. Red Butte Garden

This unbelievably beautiful garden has many species of flowers, butterflies and birds. You will like the walking and hiking trails that span five miles. The garden is also popular for bird watching, art exhibits and summer camps. Visitors enjoy the electric tram that helps you see the trails within a short time. The kind and helpful staff will always help you find whatever you need. Visiting this beautiful garden is one of the best things to do in Salt Lake City.

8. Bonneville Salt Flats

If you visit Bonneville Salt Flats, you will see one of the most wonderful landscapes in the world. A vast expanse of hard, white salt crust will leave you breathless. This environmentally critical place is known for its unique geology. It is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. It is difficult to drive vehicles on the salt flats in spring because in this season the salt is moist and water stands on the surface. Contact the Salt Lake Field Office and they will notify you of the closure dates.

9. State Capitol

Designed in the Neo-Classical style, the State Capitol is the symbol of the state of Utah. You can see this building from different points because it is 300 feet above the surrounding areas. A marvelous dome has added to the beauty of the building. From 2004 to 2008, a preservation project restored the original beauty of this marvelous building. Each year, thousands of people visit the State Capitol Because of the beauty and historical significance of this magnificent building.

10. Utah Olympic Park

Visiting Utah Olympic Park can be one of the most interesting things to do in Salt Lake City. The park was built in 2002 for the Winter Olympic Games. Many people now go there for ski jumping, rock climbing, extreme tubing, and ziplining. You can even get aerial ski training. This park is in fact one of the recreational highlights of the state. It has been 16 years since the Olympic Games took place here, but you will find the park still buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm.

11. The Beehive House

Brigham Young was the leader of the Mormon faith. The leader once lived in this house with his 19 wives and 56 children. Built in 1854, the house attracts thousands of visitors each year. As a symbol of the strong sense of community shown by the followers of Brigham Young, the turret of the house has a beehive. The house now serves as a museum. You will see the objects belonging to the people who lived in this house.

12. Utah Museum of Fine Arts

This museum is a favorite place for people who are interested in fine arts. The museum is a part of the University of Utah. Inaugurated in the 1950s, the museum now has more than 20 galleries. You will witness about 17,000 objects collected from all over the world. There are a lot of classical and modern pieces. So there is a great chance that you will find something interesting in the museum.