Salt Lake City
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Salt Lake City - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Clark Planetarium
With an array of free hands-on exhibits and state-of-the-art full-dome and IMAX theaters, Clark Planetarium is a great family attraction, and it's reasonably priced, too. Traipse across a moonscape and learn about Utah's contributions to spaceflight, but save a few minutes for the Planet Fun Store.
110 S. 400 W, Utah, 84101, USA385-468–7827Sight Details
Rate Includes: Exhibits free; movies from $7 -
2. Granary District
Downtown and Central CityIf downtown Salt Lake City is growing fast, this historic manufacturing and railroad district on the southwest side of downtown is positively booming. Many of the neighborhood's handsome late-19th-century and early-20th-century warehouses and factory buildings have been converted into mixed-use developments, and in seemingly every direction, shiny new condos and apartments are going up. Many of the city's hottest drinking, dining, and shopping venues are in the Granary District, including Fisher Brewing, Laziz Kitchen, Water Witch, and The Pearl. West 900 South, between 300 West and South West Temple, is especially rife with buzzy places to eat and drink.
Utah, 84101, USA -
3. Liberty Park
Salt Lake's oldest (and second-largest) park contains a wealth of intriguing amenities, including the Tracy Aviary, the Chase Home Museum, several playgrounds, a large pond, a swimming pool, and volleyball and tennis courts, on its eight square city blocks, which total about 80 acres. Weekly farmers' markets on Friday nights and the city's biggest Pioneer Day celebration (July 24) mark a busy summer schedule annually. Within walking distance of a number of inviting neighborhood restaurants, it's also a nice place for a stroll before or after brunch or dinner.
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4. Millcreek Canyon
Running parallel to and just north of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this lush, steep-walled mountain canyon east of Millcreek and run by the Salt Lake County Parks office and the U.S. Forest Service is a wonderful destination for hiking, picnicking, camping, and mountain and road biking, and the meandering 9-mile drive up into the canyon is itself beautiful. There's also an inviting restaurant, Log Haven, located less than halfway up Mill Creek Canyon Road. Certain trails are open to bikes only on odd- or even-numbered days, and dogs are welcome but can only be off-leash on odd-number days. There are about two-dozen well-maintained trails within the Millcreek Canyon system, ranging from shorter (3 to 5 miles) scrambles to challenging 13-mile round-trip adventures, but even the relatively quicker jaunts entail elevation gains of at least 1,000 feet. Good bets if you have only two or three hours include the 4.4-mile loop to Dog Lake and the 3-mile round-trip trek from Elbow Fork to Lambs Canyon Pass—wildflower viewing on these trails is especially dramatic from mid-June through mid-September. Although accessible on foot year-round, the upper section of the canyon closes to vehicles from November through around mid-June, depending on snowfall. Note that the upper half of Mill Creek Canyon Road is expected to be closed to road bikes due to road construction from 2024 through 2026.
3800 Millcreek Canyon Rd., Utah, 84124, USA385-468–7275Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5 per vehicle -
5. Natural History Museum of Utah
Stop and admire the sleek copper and granite form of this contemporary museum on the University of Utah campus before stepping inside to learn about the formation of the region's incredible landscape of parks, mountain ranges, lakes, and basins. Immerse yourself in prehistoric Utah, home to prolific research on dinosaurs and some of the most famous fossil recoveries in history. Superb rotating exhibits, which can touch on anything from environmental themes to the ancient cultures of Asia and Africa, typically take place once or twice a year.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
With more than 21 acres of display gardens and another 80 undeveloped acres laced with 5 miles of hiking trails, this tranquil, mesmerizing nature space provides many enjoyable hours of strolling. Of special interest are the Perennial, Fragrance, and Water Conservation gardens, the Daylily Collection, the Water Pavilion, and the Children's Garden. Lectures on everything from bugs to gardening in arid climates, workshops, and concerts are presented regularly. The popular Summer Concert Series attracts well-known musicians, from Bonnie Raitt to Pink Martini, as well as prominent performing arts companies like Ballet West. The pristine amphitheater seats approximately 3,000 people on its expansive lawn. The excellent Botanic Gift Shop offers books, soaps, sculptures, and fine gifts.
300 Wakara Way, Utah, 84108, USA801-585–0556Sight Details
Rate Includes: $14 -
7. Salt Lake City Public Library
Designed by Moshe Safdie and built in 2003, this spectacular contemporary structure has become the city's cultural center and one of the country's most architecturally noteworthy libraries. Inspired by the Roman Coliseum, it features a six-story walkable wall that serves as both sculpture and function, allowing for great views and a path up the building. From the rooftop garden you get a 360-degree view of the valley and mountains. Hemingway Café (the on-site branch of the Salt Lake Roasting Co. coffeehouse), the outstanding Art at the Main gallery, a handful of shops, a writing center, and a public radio station provide ways to spend the entire day here. Kids can fall in love with reading in the Crystal Cave and Treehouse Room in the huge children's section. Other noteworthy features include a Teen Lounge, an extensive Alternative Press/Zine Collection, and a collection of beehives on the rooftop where visitors can learn about beekeeping and honey harvesting. There are several other libraries in the system, including the Tudor-style Sprague Library that opened in 1928 in the city's popular Sugar House neighborhood.
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8. Temple Square
When Mormon pioneer and leader Brigham Young first entered the Salt Lake Valley, he chose this spot at the mouth of City Creek Canyon for the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a role it maintains to this day. The buildings in Temple Square vary in age, from the Tabernacle constructed in the 1860s to the Conference Center constructed in 2000. The centerpiece of the square, the striking Salt Lake Temple isn't open to the general public but is a sacred pilgrimage destination for members of the faith. Built of blocks of granite hauled by oxen and train from Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Temple opened in 1893, 40 years to the day after the start of its construction. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Square is the attention to landscaping, which turns the heart of downtown Salt Lake City into a year-round oasis. The Church takes particular pride in its Christmas decorations, which make a nighttime downtown stroll, or horse-and-buggy ride, a must on December calendars. Some of the square's notable buildings include the Beehive House, Brigham Young's restored 1854 home; the Family History Library, which houses the world's largest collection of genealogical data, and where Mormons and non-Mormons alike can research their family histories; and the stately 1911 Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The Salt Lake Temple and parts of Temple Square are currently undergoing a four-year renovation and restoration, which is expected to be completed sometime in 2025.
Main St. and N. Temple, Utah, 84150, USA801-240–8945 -
9. Utah State Capitol
The State Capitol, built in 1912, hosts Utah's legislature annually from January to March. The exterior steps offer marvelous views of the Salt Lake Valley. In the rotunda beneath the 165-foot-high dome, a series of murals, commissioned as part of a Works Progress Administration project during the Depression, depicts the state's history. Don't miss the gold-leafed State Reception Room, the original state supreme court, and the Senate gallery. Free guided tours are offered on weekdays from 9 to 3 (on the hour), except on holidays.
350 N. State St., Utah, 84111, USA801-538–1800Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends, Free -
10. Church History Museum
In this angular 1980s building just west of Temple Square, you can view artifacts and works of art relating to the history and doctrine of the Mormon faith, including personal belongings of church leaders Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. There are also samples of Mormon coins and scrip used as standard currency in Utah during the 1800s and beautiful examples of quilting, embroidery, and other handicrafts. Upstairs galleries exhibit religious and secular works by Mormon artists from all over the world. In the courtyard out front, you can visit the Deuel Cabin, an 1847 pine structure that's one of two surviving homes built by Salt Lake City's earliest pioneers. The courtyard also has access to the church's Family History Library, where anyone is welcome to research their genealogy.
45 N. West Temple, Utah, 84150, USA801-240–3310Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
11. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center
Completed in 2000, this massive center features a 21,000-seat auditorium with a 7,000-pipe organ and a 850-seat theater. Equally impressive are the rooftop gardens landscaped with native plants and streams to mirror the surrounding mountains. Visitors can see the center on 45-minute tours; all guests must be accompanied by a guide. The Center is home to the biannual General Conference and regular concerts by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
60 W. North Temple, Utah, 84150, USA801-240–0075 -
12. Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
The region's premier children's museum, geared toward kids ages 2 to 10, has three floors of lively hands-on experiences. Kids can participate in a television newscast, learn about dinosaurs by seeing what it's like to be a paleontologist, tell stories through pictures or radio, climb into a Life Flight helicopter, or revel in a kid-size town with grocery store, vehicles, a house, and a construction site. The family-friendly restaurants of the surrounding Gateway Center, including the HallPass food hall, are steps from the museum.
444 W. 100 S, Utah, 84101, USA801-456–5437Sight Details
Rate Includes: $14, Closed Tues. -
13. Family History Library
This four-story library houses the world's largest collection of genealogical data, including books, maps, and census information. Mormons and non-Mormons alike come here to research their family history.
35 N. West Temple, Utah, 84150, USA801-240–6996Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
14. Governor's Mansion
Built by silver-mining tycoon Thomas Kearns in 1902, this limestone structure—reminiscent of a French château with all its turrets and balconies—is now the official residence of Utah's governor. In its early days the mansion was visited by then-president Theodore Roosevelt and other dignitaries from around the world. The mansion was faithfully restored after Christmas lights caused a fire in 1993 that destroyed much of the interior. Free hour-long tours are given by Preservation Utah the first Wednesday of each month from April through November, by appointment only (call or book online at least 24 hours in advance).
603 E. South Temple, Utah, 84012, USA801-533–0858-Preservation Utah tours -
15. Great Salt Lake State Park
Parts of Great Salt Lake are as much as nine times saltier than the ocean and second only to the Dead Sea in salinity. What makes this massive body of water so briny? There's no outlet to the ocean, so salts and other minerals carried by rivers and streams become concentrated in this enormous evaporation pond. Easy access to this wonder is possible at this state park on the lake's south shore, 16 miles west of Salt Lake City. A pavilion, souvenir shop, and dance floor honor the park's glory days when ballroom dancing and the lake brought thousands of visitors to its shores. The state park used to manage the beaches north of the pavilion, but the lake is generally too shallow here for floating (Antelope Island State Park is better for that). What you can do here is walk down the boat ramp to Great Salt Lake State Marina and stick your legs in the water to experience the unique sensation of floating on water that won't let you sink. Your feet will bob to the surface, and you'll see tiny orange brine shrimp floating with you. Depending on water levels, you can also rent boats and stand-up paddleboards here and shower off at the marina.
13312 W. 1075 S, Utah, 84044, USA801-828–0787Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5 per vehicle -
16. Hogle Zoo
This 42-acre zoo, nestled at the base of Emigration Canyon, has been a delightful destination for families since 1931. In the African Savanna you can spy zebras, giraffes, and ostriches; Asian Highlands showcases big cats in natural surroundings; Rocky Shores includes underwater viewing of polar bears, sea lions, seals, and otters; and Elephant Encounter has elephants and white rhinos in a simulated African plain. In between you'll find many exhibits with species native to the West, including wolves and bison. A children's zoo, interactive exhibits, and special presentations make visits informative for all ages. Just for fun is the Lighthouse Point Splash Zone, with a tube slide, the Zoo Train, and a carousel.
2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., Utah, 84108, USA801-584–1700Sight Details
Rate Includes: $22 -
17. Land Cruiser Heritage Museum
Nearly 100 models of Toyota Land Cruisers, some dating back to the early 1950s, fill this quirky museum that has something of a cult following among fans of old autos and four-wheel vehicle enthusiasts. In a rugged state like Utah, these rugged SUVs have quite a fan base, but folks come from all over the world, admiring the extensive collection of memorabilia, scale models, and artwork, plus a very cool 10-by-13-foot 3D map of the state of Utah. The museum is tucked away in a curious old industrial complex in the shadows of the 600 North overpass.
470 W. 600 N, Utah, 84101, USA505-615–5470Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15, Closed Sun. -
18. Memory Grove Park
Severely damaged by a freak tornado in 1999, Memory Grove was carefully restored as a city park with veterans' monuments, beautiful landscaping, and the waters of City Creek. You can hike, jog, or bike on the paved road or dirt trails along City Creek Canyon. More trails commence here, including the 100-mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
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19. Pioneer Memorial Museum
Covering the pioneer era from the departure of the Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the hammering of the Golden Spike, this massive collection traces the history of pioneer settlers in 38 rooms—plus a carriage house—on four floors. Administered by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, its displays include clothing, furniture, tools, wagons, and carriages. Be careful with kids—this museum is as cluttered as a westbound covered wagon loaded with all of a family's possessions.
300 N. Main St., Utah, 84103, USA801-532–6479Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends -
20. Salt Lake City and County Building
The castle-like seat of city government was the city's tallest building from its 1894 construction to 1973. On Washington Square, at the spot where the original Mormon settlers circled their wagons on their first night in the Salt Lake Valley, this building served as the state capitol for 19 years. Hundreds of trees, including species from around the world, and many winding paths and seating areas make the grounds a calm downtown oasis. In summer the grounds host major Salt Lake arts and music festivals. Free tours are given on Monday at noon during the summer and by request at other times through Preservation Utah.
451 S. State St., Utah, 84111, USA801-535–7704Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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