Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City (We Stayed a Month)

Looking for the best things to do in Salt Lake City? You’re in the right place. This guide is built from multiple trips and a month-long stay in SLC, so everything here comes from real experience.

From downtown strolls and scenic hikes to the city’s best food and a few genuinely weird detours, here’s how to make the most of your time in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City Itinerary (1-3 Days)

One day in Salt Lake City covers downtown highlights, a quick hike, and a few local stops. Two to three days lets you explore neighborhoods, nature, and a day trip to the Great Salt Lake or Antelope Island.

Short on time? Here’s how to structure your visit based on how long you have.

1 Day in Salt Lake City

• Morning: Temple Square
• Late morning: Gilgal Sculpture Garden
• Lunch: Grab something quick nearby
• Afternoon: Utah State Capitol and grounds
• Evening: Living Room Lookout Trail for sunset
• Dinner: The Copper Onion

2 Days in Salt Lake City (Weekend)

• Day 1: Temple Square, Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Utah State Capitol, Living Room Lookout Trail for sunset, dinner at The Copper Onion
• Day 2: Ensign Peak, Marmalade District, Pizza Nono, Clark Planetarium laser show

3 Days in Salt Lake City

• Day 1: Temple Square, Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Utah State Capitol, Living Room Lookout Trail for sunset, dinner at The Copper Onion
• Day 2: Ensign Peak, Marmalade District, Pizza Nono, Clark Planetarium laser show
• Day 3: Banbury Cross Donuts, Antelope Island half-day trip, Red Butte Garden

Have more time? Keep reading! Everything you’ll see below is from our experiences in the city, but in no particular order. Pick and choose based on your priorities, as it’s a long list.

What is Salt Lake City known for?

Salt Lake City is known for its winter sports scene and access to outdoor adventuring. You’re surrounded by the Wasatch Mountain Range here, a stretch of the Rocky Mountains, so the views are spectacular.  

This city in the Salt Lake Valley is also home to the largest Mormon population in the United States. You’ll see quite a bit of that influence in the city’s historical and cultural offerings.

Outdoor Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, so the outdoor options here are world-class. These are the best trails and natural spaces worth your time.

Climb Ensign Peak.

A short but steep trail of about a mile each way offers up one of the best payoffs in the city. It’s dog-friendly as long as the weather is good, but windy at the top, no matter when you go.

To add to your hike, there are several spur trails that connect and surround Ensign Peak.

Signage along the way describes why this place is important to the local Mormon population. This is the hill Brigham Young and several of his followers climbed a few days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley.

It sold them on the idea of settling here. Once you see the views, you’ll get it, too.

Find nature’s recliners on the Living Room Lookout Trail.

This short but steep hike rewards hikers with panoramic views of Salt Lake City from stone slabs set up like living room furniture. (I just assume they were set up this way because there’s one that looks like a literal couch.)

It’s just 2.3 miles round-trip, but you’ll feel the burn on this one as you tackle nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain over that short distance. This is a very popular trail, so expect to share the trail on sunny days.

Dogs are welcome, but they should be on a leash. That said, 9/10 dogs we ran into were off-leash. While they were friendly, they did approach our own leashed pup every time.

If you’re with a dog that doesn’t like that sort of thing, you’ve been warned! People do what they want.

READ MORE: Love an epic hike? If you’re headed to Zion, you’ll want to plan a trip to the Narrows.

Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is over 100 miles of trails that follow what was once an ancient lake. The segments in Salt Lake City climb to mountain vistas and views of the city below.

This is a mixed-use trail, so watch for signage as you trek. Some of the trails are for cyclists only. 

The only bummer about this one was all of the unleashed dogs again. There was one dog roaming around the thicket without a discernible owner, likely doing his business in said thicket.

We were on a hike with Kimmy, and several of the dogs approached her off-leash. Don’t do this, people, especially when a trail is marked as leashed dogs only. You’ll ruin it for all of the other dog owners following the rules.

Explore the canyons of the City Creek Natural Area.

Ambitious travelers can connect to the City Creek Natural Area from Memory Grove Park, but that’s a lot if you’ve already been on your feet for a bit. 

We visited on a separate trip to wander the canyon-hugging trails and rocky paths. The main trail is the City Creek Canyon Trail, but if you don’t have time for a 6.5-mile roundtrip, choose your own adventure and go as far as you’d like before turning back.

This is one of the city’s more popular hiking areas, so start early or prepare to share the trails with other enthusiastic hikers. Leashed pets are welcome.

READ MORE: Utah is spoiled for choice when it comes to national parks. Check out this road trip guide through all five!

Wander Memory Grove Park.

If you’re here for steps, you can continue walking from the Anderson Tower Monument until you hit a path down to the creek below.

There’s a great off-leash area at the bottom of the park where you can let your well-behaved pooches explore along the water. If you go left at the fork at the bottom, you’ll hit several war memorials and monuments with a manmade lake on the other side.

The Pagoda is the most scenic, but there were two dudes shooting some kind of shoe ad during our visit and getting in the way of my own photography.

This is definitely one of the most scenic spots in the city, so even if your photo plans are stymied, hang back for a bit and enjoy the views from here. You’ll likely need to climb back up from where you came from once you’re done.

Spend an afternoon with the birds at Liberty Park.

If you’re traveling with your pup, Liberty Park is a great place to take them for a leashed stroll. It’s also home to the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts. This is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying state-owned contemporary folk art.

At the southern end you’ll find Tracy Aviary. Brian doesn’t love all the birds, but I must say he really liked this stop. It’s not every day you get to see so many owls in one place.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one out in the wild as that one who hooted around my window in my 20s never showed himself.

Don’t miss out on the indoor exhibits, especially if you’re visiting Salt Lake City on a cooler day. Many of the birds don’t like chilly weather, so they escape indoors to hop around in there.

Enjoy the fauna in the Red Butte Garden.

This is a lovely space to walk around, especially if the day is not too hot. If you climb to the top of Prospect Point Terrace, you get a great view of the city below. 

It’s all more impressive when things are blooming but worth a trip nonetheless. Don’t miss the waterfall and the platform walks past the Rose Garden.

There are all kinds of trails that start here into the Red Butte Canyon Research Natural Area if you’d like to do some hiking. Grab a map or scan the QR code at the ticket desk to see whether there are any trail connections closed for construction.

You may also find yourself on these paths by accident. If your walk is unpaved, then you’re probably in the natural area.

Hit the links at the Bonneville Golf Course.

If the weather’s right, you may want to spend an afternoon at a golf course. Brian can vouch for this one as a well-run course with scenic views all the way. He was particularly impressed by the 18th hole. 

Glendale Golf Course was another course he tested out for the good of this blog and the strength of our marriage. (It’s pretty much the only time we’re apart these days!) It’s a decent backup, but not as good as Bonneville.

If you’re here in the summer months, the Mountain Dell Golf Course seems to be most impressive. We just missed the window on that one.

Bring your pooch to Lindsey Gardens Park.

This was Kimmy’s favorite place in Salt Lake City, so I had to give it a mention. The lines are a little blurry here as far as the off-leash area vs. the public park for human activity, but we didn’t see anyone paying attention to that.

If you want to get technical, the off-leash section is where the steps are to ascend the hill. You’ll have fantastic city and mountain views from the top, so it’s worth a visit even if you’re not traveling with your pup.

Find more trails near Salt Lake City.

Love Utah hikes and want more of ‘em? Here are a few more popular trails in the area:

• Donut Falls: We didn’t make it to this one because the trail was covered in several feet of snow during our stay. Once the summer hits, this 3.3-mile hike is packed with people. Start early to get a good view of the unique waterfall.
• Grandeur Peak: See the splendor from the top of Grandeur Peak, a difficult six-mile hike that was too snow-packed during most of our stay. You’ll get impressive views of the Salt Lake Valley from the top.
• Limekiln Gulch: Hike to a pioneer-era limekiln, a structure used to prep limestone for use, on this one-mile trail. There’s been quite a bit of vandalism to the limekiln over the years, so be kind to this historic structure if you trek that way.

Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Some of the best things to do in Salt Lake City won’t cost you a dime. From sculpture gardens to historic landmarks, here’s where to start.

Visit Temple Square.

Temple Square is a must on Salt Lake City visits if only to appreciate the lasting influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on this city. Visits are free and tours are self-guided unless you’d like a docent. 

If you’d like a guided tour, you’ll be led around by a missionary from the church. From interactions with volunteers inside, I did get some vibes that they wanted to give me more info than I was receptive to, so we opted for a self-guided visit.

This is also where you’ll find the Family History Library, a genealogical research facility run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s free and open to the public if you’d like to trace some roots. 

This is the largest genealogical library in the world with literally millions of records on hand.

If you’d like to listen in on the Tabernacle Choir rehearsals, you can do so here on Temple Square, at least in the off-season. They’re moved to the Conference Center just north of Temple Square during the summer and winter holidays to accommodate more visitors.

Temple Square at night is also worth a quick stop. I’ve read that it’s particularly done up at Christmastime, but you’ll get to see it all lit up no matter when you’re here. 

Wander downtown Salt Lake City.

You’ve already seen some of the best Salt Lake City attractions down here if you’ve spent some time in Temple Square. Downtown Salt Lake City is also home to Vivint Arena and the Utah Jazz and the City Creek Center.

Yes, it’s a mall. It’s also a mall with one of the strangest layouts I’ve ever seen. It’s outside. Then it’s inside. Then you cross the tracks. Then you’re inside again. I was just trying to get to an Apple store, folks.

Note: City Creek Center is closed on Sundays, so you’ll need to find a different diversion that day!

See the Utah State Capitol building up close.

Head over to Salt Lake City’s version of Capitol Hill to see the Utah State Capitol’s impressive dome. Choose between a self-guided or docent-led tour if you’d like to see the interior.

The complex grounds are a great place to linger, too. On my last visit, I saw some youths playing frisbee with that big ol’ dome as their backdrop. Don’t miss The Mormon Battalion Monument out front while you’re here.

The looming sculpture recognizes the sacrifices made by Mormon pioneers who served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War.

Take a self-guided tour of the Marmalade District.

This historic district is named after the fruit trees that were planted here in the earlier part of the 20th century. While the orchards are gone, you’ll notice that many of the streets in the neighborhood retained their fruity names.

This is an easy area of the city to explore if you’re already checking out Capitol Hill. My favorite home sits at 355 Quince Street.

Stroll South Temple Historic District.

This historic district that runs up and down South Temple Street was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

There are over 100 properties included within the district’s boundaries, but a few buildings are standouts as you go for a self-guided tour:

• Cathedral of the Madeleine: This spectacular church on the National Register of Historic Places is the hub for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. It isn’t as large as the Salt Lake Temple but it’s still grand. It’s been here since 1909.
• Utah Governor’s Mansion/Kearns Mansion: Utah governors have lived in this palace of a mansion for two stretches of time: 1937 to 1957 and 1978 to the present day. Tours are offered throughout the year through Preservation Utah.
• Salt Lake Masonic Temple: This imposing building has been on this spot since 1927. Unfortunately, they no longer offer tours of the inside, but you can host your next wedding here if you’d like. 
• Walker-McCarthey Mansion: This impressive property was converted into office space for a while, then converted back into a historic mansion after years of painstaking renovation work. The grand entryway remains.
• Ladies Literary Club Clubhouse: This 1913 property has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. There was a burrito truck outside this one when we took our walk, which certainly feels important to mention. 

Admire the architecture at the Salt Lake City Public Library.

You can find your next beach (or mountain) read while you’re here, but the real draw of the Salt Lake City Public Library is the impressive architecture. The five-story library has a curved glass wall along its exterior.

Admire it all on a quick stop or linger at the on-site Hemingway Cafe. They have a menu of light lunch options and snacks if you’d like a nosh.

Go on a self-guided mural walk.

Salt Lake City has a great street art scene.

A fan favorite is the Legends of Rock near the Clark Planetarium. It’s too big to capture without a panoramic view, but all of the expected rockers are there, including Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin.

Calling Our Ancestors by Pioneer Park is another popular one. It depicts a trio of sad-looking kids meant to represent our ancestors. 

I loved the fun one on the other side of the same building, as it was painted to incorporate the surrounding fire escape.

About a quarter mile north of these two above is the SLC Pepper mural. It was painted by the same guy who did the original album cover.

Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a delicious place to be. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, including one of the best German food scenes in the country.

Start your day at the best breakfast and brunch spots.

I usually skip breakfast when I’m staying somewhere long-term, but I’ll make exceptions for a delicious, leisurely brunch.

Salt Lake City has lots of options to get your weekend (or weekday) brunch fix:

• Eggs in the City: This one operates out of an old gas station, but the food is more elevated than where it’s located suggests. I had a Reuben Eggs Benedict for the very first time at this place with zero regrets. 
• Pig and a Jelly Jar: You’re at this Southern-inspired favorite for the chicken and waffles. There’s a location in Ogden, too, if you’re day-tripping to one of the ski areas out that way. 
• Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade: I didn’t know I needed biscuits and limeade as a combo, but here we are. I need it and want more of it. They have a full menu of sandwiches and salads, but you’ll want something on a biscuit and that limeade.

If you just want coffee, we were within walking distance from The Avenues location of Publik Coffee Roasters during our stay, so that was our top pick for fresh brews. Interested in a little coffee crawl? Nostalgia Cafe is another local favorite.

Grab one of the best donuts in the country at Banbury Cross.

Sometimes you just need a little sweet treat. We had to visit Banbury Cross Donuts twice to get our little paws on some of their famous blueberry cake donuts. The first time around, we rolled in all entitled around 12:30, expecting a taste.

Nope. We learned and returned by 8:45am on a Monday. Success.

Folks, these are some of the best blueberry donuts in the country, and I’ve probably tried dozens. They’re big, frosted, and full of blueberry flavor.

If you miss the boat on your first visit, too, put that sad face away and try something else. Their strawberry-frosted and old-fashioned maple donuts are both delights.

If you must know whether we also stopped by on our way out of town, yes we did. We grabbed a few of their delectable donut holes while we were at it.

Eat at Ruth’s Diner, a Salt Lake City institution.

Ruth’s Diner has been around in some form since 1930. While the trolley car eatery’s namesake started slinging burgers for politicians and “working women” downtown, Ruth moved the joint to Emigration Canyon by 1949.

It’s been here ever since, and it’s super popular on weekend mornings for diner-style breakfasts. 

If you love an early bird dinner, though, you’ll likely walk right in. We housed a pair of burgers, an enormous helping of pasta salad, and their mile-high biscuits with room for nothing else.

The food is great with scenery to match, and homages to Ruth are all over the place.

Grab lunch at Siegfried’s Delicatessen.

Salt Lake City has a big German immigrant population compared to other Western states. The Mormon thing was a big driver for Germans converting to that faith, but others came to find a better life.

A big chunk of that was German-born Jews who wanted to start businesses in and around Salt Lake City.

For a taste of Salt Lake City’s German scene, head on over to bustling Siegfried’s Delicatessen. This place is always busy at lunchtime, and it’s for good reason. Those tasty Reuben sandwiches won’t eat themselves.

The sides lean German. That means red cabbage and spaetzle with gravy and warm potato salad. An attached deli sells all kinds of packaged snacks, too. I couldn’t leave without a sample of European wafers and hard candies because I’m a Polish old lady.

Love a good deli? Caputo’s Market & Deli, an Italian market, and Feldman’s Deli, a classic Jewish deli, are also well-regarded around town.

Try the best lobster roll outside New England at Freshie’s.

Freshie’s Lobster Co. serves up award-winning lobster rolls and other lobster-focused delights that have beat out similar eats in New England. I’m not making this up. 

New Hampshire native Lorin Smaha has won competitions with her rolls out in Portland, Maine, so you know these are legit.

The lobster promise here is “from shore to door in 24.” The lobsters are caught, cooked, and shelled in Maine before getting packaged for delivery in Salt Lake City.

Lobster rolls are expensive. They’re not any cheaper here, and you’ll likely wonder to yourself, “I could eat 12 of these. Should I sell an organ to do so?” Try to limit yourself. You can taste the quality here, but it’ll cost you.

If they have crab rolls on special when you visit, you should try those, too.

Find the best pizza in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City takes its pizza seriously, and so do I. These are our favorites:

• Pizza Nono: This neighborhood pizzeria has a rotating menu of pies inspired by life in Utah. I highly recommend the Beehive with pickled jalapenos, Calabrese salami, and honey for some sweet and spice.
• Rise by Good Day: This is a Polish bakery and catering business with a modest eat-in spot that serves pierogi pizza. They’ve moved to West Jordan since our trip, but thankfully that’s just a short drive from Salt Lake City proper.
• Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana: This Western chain has a few locations in California and Nevada, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Enjoy a variety of Neapolitan pizzas that could very well transport you to Napoli. 
• Slackwater: If you love unique toppings, this Utah chain is for you. I had their spring special with figs and ricotta. Brian ordered the Cuban Pizza Crisis. It had those Cuban vibes, but it also tasted like a hot dog somehow in the best way.

Is that not enough for you? Nomad East, Snowmobile Pizza, and Bricks Corner in the Sugar House neighborhood are all on our list for next time.

Eat award-winning barbecue at R&R.

Your diet will have to start tomorrow if you want to indulge in this award-winning barbecue. We were traveling with friends for our trip here and all shared platters of multiple meats. This is the way.

Taste your way around the world in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City’s international food scene was such a pleasant surprise. We love a diverse food scene, so we ate well here! These are the spots worth seeking out:

• Laziz Kitchen: This Lebanese eatery has three locations. The downtown Salt Lake City location may be most convenient for you, but I got my takeout in Midvale. I made two full meals out of their falafel wrap with a side of grape leaves.
• Mahidir Ethiopian Restaurant: This family-run eatery has the notable distinction of being Utah’s first Ethiopian restaurant. That’s a huge deal that should match a huge appetite. Portions are generous, budget-friendly, and delicious.
• Mumbai House: This Indian restaurant has speedy service and all the classics at budget-friendly prices. I have to thank them for introducing me to buttered naan, too.
• Chick Queen: This is a casual spot in Salt Lake City Chinatown specializing in Korean fried chicken. Order the honey garlic wings, but don’t skip the giant fried chicken sandwich either.

If you’re here for a while and looking to make some Asian food, stop by the Chinatown Supermarket. I did a walk-through of the place just to see its seafood section, and had some regrets about not getting there sooner. 

For those missing tacos, locals love Red Iguana. We didn’t make it out to the Mexican eatery, but it’s been serving up its “secret recipe” mole since 1965.

Treat yourself to Salt Lake City’s best restaurants.

“Best” is very subjective, but I’m going beyond casual dining here.

These are special occasion places known for showcasing the best of Salt Lake City’s restaurant scene: 

• The Copper Onion: You can’t have a list of Salt Lake City restaurants without The Copper Onion. Come to the brasserie for brunch, lunch, or dinner and get to know why this one has sustained the buzz. Reservations are recommended.
• Pago: There are two locations of this “wild to table” favorite. One is in downtown Salt Lake City, and the other is in one of my favorite neighborhoods at 9th & 9th. You’ll get a delicious experience either way. Reservations are recommended.
• Valter’s Osteria: I’ll get into the expected pizza spots in a minute, but if you want some high-quality Italian beyond wood-fired pies, this is it. Reservations are available by calling 801-521-4563.

Leave room for dessert.

Salt Lake City has a sweet tooth, it seems. Here are a few faves if you want a little something sweet: 

• The Dodo Restaurant: You can certainly come here for dinner, but the eatery is known in these parts for its desserts. There are 12 different desserts offered daily, but expect a variety of pies to make up at least half of that list.
• Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop: If you’re near The Avenues during your Salt Lake City stay, you’ll likely see this one a mile away. I’m rhyming now, apparently, but the whimsy of this place inspires me. Enjoy a variety of beautiful cakes and pastries.
• Normal Ice Cream: The name suggests a basic experience, but this shop is far from basic. Expect unconventional flavors and flavor combinations, chaco tacos, and bars to satiate your sweet tooth on a hot day.
• RubySnap: Once you try a Judy cookie with that perfect touch of orange zest, you’ll get why Ruby’s all, “You know you want my cookies.” No, really. It says that on the door. Buy them in bulk to save a bit per cookie and have bulk cookies.

Cultural Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has a genuinely rich cultural scene. It’s shaped heavily by Mormon pioneer history, but not limited to it. These are the museums, landmarks, and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.

Note: Some of these attractions are on the Salt Lake Downtown Discovery Pass. If you’re here for a bit longer and know you’ll be spending time downtown, check out what’s included to see if it’s worth it for discounted rates on certain admissions.

Visit This Is the Place Heritage Park.

This historic park marks the spot where Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and declared, “This is the place.” There’s more to see here than just the monument.

Before you reach the historic village, stop at the newer monument honoring three Black pioneers, including Green Flak. He was a man who joined the LDS church as a slave on the promise of freedom from Young.

Whether it was emancipation or the church that ultimately freed him remains unknown. It’s worth pausing here, especially given that the church went on to exclude Black men from the priesthood and restrict their access to temple services shortly after.

That policy that remained in place until 1978. The rest of the park doesn’t really reckon with that history, so consider yourself informed.

The paid section is a full pioneer village with costumed docents, blacksmith demonstrations, a petting zoo, and a train between attractions. It’s all great if you’re traveling with kids.

Adults will get the most out of the sculpture series starting at the Pioneer Children’s Memorial. The Pony Express monument and replica station are free and worth a quick stop on your way out.

See the Beehive House.

This is where Brigham Young lived with one of his 55 wives. No, we did not go in.

It also served as the home of two other presidents of the church,  Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith.

Fun fact: Joseph F. Smith was the nephew of THE Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS movement.

I’m not against visits inside if you’re curious. Guided tours are free and last about 30 minutes when the home isn’t under renovation. The Lion House next door is also important to the Mormon church.

This was the family home of Brigham Young, dating back to 1856. You’ll know how it got its name once you see the big cat outside.

Don’t miss the Eagle Gate monument that signals the entrance to the properties and nearby Temple Square. It’s an iconic pioneer monument in these parts.

Learn about Mormon pioneers at the Pioneer Memorial Museum.

The Pioneer Memorial Museum, also known as the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, is a quirky collection of early pioneer history. Take a wander to see the largest collection of artifacts from the early settlers of the Salt Lake Valley, all free of charge.

There’s a lot going on here, but there’s not really an organizational thread as you move your way through.

Volunteers offer scavenger hunts for kids (or adults!) who want to keep their eyes peeled for some of the more intriguing objects inside. Try not to miss the Victorian hair art. 

Pop by the Salt Lake City Council Hall.

Salt Lake City Council Hall is home to the Utah Office of Tourism, so it’s a great place to start as you decide what to do in Salt Lake City. Admire the architecture and the history of the site while you’re there.

The National Historic Landmark was completed in 1866 as the Old Salt Lake City Hall. 

Spend an afternoon on the University of Utah campus.

The University of Utah has a beautiful campus worth wandering even if you feel old doing so. (I relate.) This is a dry campus, so don’t expect things to get too wild. 

Before you leave, make two stops. The Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron Plaza just outside the stadium holds the cauldron from the 2002 Winter Games.

Check out the informational plaques and don’t miss the cute photo op where you find out how you’d medal in your chosen event.

Then head to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Rotating exhibits sit alongside permanent collections of Chinese ceramics and colorful pandemic-era murals that we found very impressive.

Tour the McCune Mansion.

The McCune Mansion looks more like a castle than a historic home, but the original owners, Alfred and Elizabeth McCune, didn’t always think so. They wanted a “simple” bungalow when they started work on the home on Capitol Hill.

Rich people are so extra.

Limited guided tours of the mansion are available on select days throughout the month. As they can vary depending on what’s going on with Preservation Utah, visit their website to see whether your trip overlaps with available tour times.

Catch a cosmic light show at the Clark Planetarium.

Exhibits inside the Clark Planetarium are free and one of the more family-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for date nights in the city, check out the events calendar for the Hansen Dome Theatre, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

We caught a laser light show set to the musical styling of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

Yes, there were many jokes made by the host about tripping out. We were slightly toasty thanks to a trip to Epic Brewing’s tapless taproom before our date but still had a great time.

I wouldn’t recommend the laser light shows for kids or obviously anyone with an aversion to flashing lights. Avoid if you have vertigo, too.

See the views from the (former) Anderson Tower Monument.

The former site of the Anderson Tower Monument offers some of the best views of the city, including a look at the Utah State Capitol from above. This spot also comes with a wacky history.

The Anderson Tower was meant to be a tourist attraction modeled after the medieval towers of Scotland.

Entrepreneur Robert R. Anderson thought he could charge for views of the city from the tower he ended up building in 1884, but he failed to think about the tower’s location.

No, it wasn’t leaning. The hilltop views here are awesome with or without a medieval tower on the site. Nobody cared. The tower fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished in 1932. You can see a plaque where it used to stand.

Bars and Breweries in Salt Lake City

Utah’s liquor laws are their own thing, but don’t let that put you off. Salt Lake City has a genuinely vibrant bar and brewery scene. You just need to know what to expect before you go.

Learn the rules first.

Yes, Salt Lake City has beer. There are state requirements around both beer strength and service across Utah, which may take some getting used to, but the beer scene remains a vibrant one.

Here’s the lowdown: If you’re at a brewery only, you must be 21 or over to go inside. Draft beers are only available at 5% ABV or below. If you want something stronger, you’ll have to buy a bottle or can of beer, unless you’re at Epic. (I’ll get into that one below.)

If you’re at a brewery serving food, kids are allowed inside but you have to order food with your beer. I’m not sure any of this matters much for things like DUIs and alcohol-related deaths, as those have been going down countrywide, but it is what it is.

Any cocktails you consume in Utah can’t have more than 2.5 ounces of total spirits. That includes no more than 1.5 ounces of primary liquor — you’ll see bartenders pouring with little monitoring caps on their bottles — and any secondary liqueurs. 

Drink barrel-aged beers at Epic Brewing.

This is a tapless taproom, meaning they pour full-strength beers out of bottles only. We had quite a good time here sampling tasters of barrel-aged beers, sours, and stouts. The bartender was a character, too, in the best way.

They’ve since expanded with a larger bar in the back, so I imagine the experience is an even better time now.

Try the Scotch ale at Bewilder Brewing.

This buzzy brewery offers readymade samplers and heavier canned pours like their highly-rated Scotch ale if that’s what you’re after. There’s a food menu, too, but they’re a brewery first. There’s no forced eating here!

Order the draft porter at Fisher Brewing.

This was our last stop on our tour of Salt Lake City, and I’m glad we made it out for the history. This one first opened in the late 1800s. Their draft porter was my fave, but they also have high-ABV canned options.

Make the drive to Bohemian Brewery.

This one is outside of Salt Lake City proper in Midvale, but it’s a short enough drive at about 25 minutes that I’ll allow it here. This one is popular if you love German lagers, chalet ambiance, and giant sausages.

The beers here are fine. You’ll get the expected light options and a few “strong” beers if you’re feeling feisty. The food is great. We definitely ordered too much. 

There was a jumbo pretzel with beer cheese, their pierogi sampler, potato pancakes, and their bratwurst plate with mashed potatoes and creamy sauerkraut. The pierogi were just OK — as a Pole I tend to be super picky — but everything else was awesome.

Sip cocktails at Bar X.

Bar X is a Prohibition-era cocktail bar co-owned by Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame. The Old Fashioned uses Buffalo Trace Bourbon from their private barrel. If you can’t decide, order the bartender’s choice.

We really liked Beer Bar, too, the more casual sibling also owned by Burrell. The food menu is the real draw here. We liked the apple sage veggie sausage topped with sweet peppers.

Eat Vietnamese and drink cocktails at The Pearl.

You can focus on the tasty Vietnamese street food, but their craft cocktail game is just as strong. Come for brunch if you want to experience a breakfast bahn mi.

Order the Japanese whisky cocktails at Post Office Place.

This spot serves up some fantastic small plates, but if you’re here to drink, it’s known for its Japanese whisky cocktails. Not into whiskey? I feel you. Try their Miso Yer’Mommy, a rum-forward cocktail with grilled pineapple.

Explore more bars and breweries worth your time.

If you’re here long enough to keep exploring, any of these are worth an afternoon:

• Emigration Brewing Co.: This one requires a food purchase with your beer. Their location in Emigration Canyon is stunning, but we had just eaten at Ruth’s next door so had no room for even a snack.
• RoHa Brewing Project: This highly-rated brewery boasts a long list of draft beers and canned options. I got a draft blood orange sour that was pretty yummy. The $5 daily grilled cheese and chips special was also quite tempting as a second lunch.
• Squatters Pub Brewery: This classic option boasts a solid menu of both draft and higher-point canned options like their popular Devastator Double Bock. Pair that with their hot tots as a lil’ snack and you’ll have a pretty great afternoon. 
• Uinta Brewing: Uinta was our very first brewery in Salt Lake City ever before the beer laws changed for the better. We still had a great experience taste-testing some of their pours. Their Mango Golden Spike is a great wheat ale to kick things off.

Unique Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Every city has its weird corners, but Salt Lake City’s are better than most. These are the offbeat stops that make Salt Lake City such a fun trip to plan.

Meet the Sphinx at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

It’s a sphinx with Joseph Smith’s face on it. What’s not to love? This free public sculpture garden tucked away from the rest of the city is a quick visit, but it’s a quirky one. Pop in to admire years of work from self-taught stonemason Thomas Child.

Child wanted to provoke questions and curiosity with his passion project, and I’ll go ahead and say he’s achieved that.

Find your favorite roundabout.

OK, there’s really only one roundabout you need to bother with thanks to the giant blue whale in the middle. That’s Out of the Blue, a full-size sculpture of a humpback whale by sculptor Stephen Kessler.

Per the artist, it’s meant as a symbol of the 9th and 9th neighborhood as being “out of the blue” in terms of the unexpected sense of belonging people feel here. That’s adorable, right? 

You can circle the roundabout for a view of this one or walk around 9th and 9th for a view from your feet. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city for peak walkability. 

See a pyramid without leaving the city.

The Summum Pyramid is zoned as a winery, but it operates as a church. You’ll know you’re there when you see the golden pyramid.

I didn’t go inside as it was closed that day, and frankly, I was a little bit squeamish. While they welcome visitors with open arms, their practices lean Egyptian in more ways than the shape of their meditation hall. It includes modern mummification.

This is just one of those weird things to see in Salt Lake City, and then keep on moving along, in my opinion. I just want to share some of the more unique things to do in Salt Lake City, even if they give me the ick.

Pay your respects to Lilly E. Gray: Victim of the Beast.

If you’re interested in dark tourism, you may want to visit Salt Lake City Cemetery/Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. There are a few big names here related to the LDS church, but the more intriguing draw is Lilly E. Gray.

The reason behind that is what you’ll read on her gravestone. Underneath her name, you’ll find “Victim of the Beast 666.” Yes, it’s creepy at first, but it’s quite sad when you learn what the real story is.

Lilly died of natural causes, but she had to live with her eccentric husband Elmer for much of her life. That husband was a bit of a conspiracy theorist who claimed that his wife was a victim of the U.S. government. It’s all very strange. 

To find the grave, enter her name into your chosen map app. Once you’re at the right set of plots, here’s a more precise location: Lilly’s grave is 10 plots in from 355 N and about 14 rows in from 1200 E. 

It’s a bit raised from the ground, not flat with the earth as you may read elsewhere. I’m only giving you more detail here as it took me two attempts to find this one.

Work on your swing at Bad Caddy Golf.

If it’s too chilly to hit the links, you can imagine yourself in Pebble Beach at Bad Caddy Golf. Play all of your favorite courses (or watch your partner do so in my case) on their golf simulators.

You can play other sports, too, like soccer and whatever soccer golf is. Book in blocks of time with an online reservation. They have a full food and drink menu, too, but we can’t vouch for that beyond our soft drinks.

Visit somber Donner Hill.

The drive into Emigration Canyon today is a scenic one, but if you were the Donner-Reed Party in 1846, it’d be much more perilous. Visit the marker that shows the ill-fated voyage of these pioneers that served as inspiration for Yellowjackets.

You’ll also learn that Brigham Young’s pioneer party followed the same path a year later with more success.

This is a quick stop as it’s just a marker, but the deep dive you’ll take into what happened here later will take up the better part of your evening.

Go nuts at the Western Nut Company.

I can’t be trusted around gourmet nuts and other snacks, so I’m shocked we left this place with only four bags of treats. They had lemon cream-covered almonds for Pete’s sake. 

Everything is reasonably priced for what you’re getting, and I would know. I’m buying nuts like, all the time.

Try all 11 herbs and spices at the first KFC.

Polish people love KFC. I grew up dipping those biscuits in my mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a thing.

When I learned that Salt Lake City is widely considered the home of the very first KFC, I had to go. 

Fun fact: Colonel Sanders is buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Muhammad Ali is there, too. If you visit the colonel’s grave, expect to find not flowers but packets of dipping sauce in honor of his memory.

Here’s the story: Colonel Harland Sanders was making chicken for a while before the idea of Kentucky Fried Chicken took off.

He just wasn’t getting anywhere with his proprietary recipe until he franchised those 11 herbs and spices to Pete Harman, a Salt Lake City businessman. 

Harman was already the owner of the Harman Café, but a good fried chicken was his holy grail. Once he bought a chunk of the recipe rights from the colonel, he was free to start selling it out of his cafe. 

That moniker wasn’t his idea, by the way. A sign painter named Rodney Anderson, who worked for Harman, had the light bulb moment while they were spit-balling ideas. They agreed that “Kentucky fried” would sell better than “Southern fried.”

The new eatery became a commercial success and the start of what would become one of the most well-known fast-food franchises on the planet. While the original cafe has since been torn down, a new KFC was built on the same spot at 3890 State Street.

Spend some time checking out the memorabilia inside, including one of the colonel’s suits and a briefcase. As far as the food, you know exactly what you’re going to get. The recipe hasn’t changed since the two men met to take over the chicken back in 1952.

Day Trips From Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is one of the best bases for road tripping in the American West.

Our favorites include Antelope Island, Park City, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Thanksgiving Point, and the Bonneville Salt Flats. We’ve covered all of them in detail in our full guide to day trips from Salt Lake City.

More Things to Do in Salt Lake City

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City and still didn’t tick everything off the list. Here are a few more things to do for next time:

• Ride one of the Salt Lake Trolley Tours for a guided experience in the city.
• Visit Hogle Zoo, hopefully when there aren’t 14 school buses in the lot. 
• Visit the dinos at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Book tickets ahead of time for this one, as it’s a popular field trip stop for the kiddos. 
• Feel an adrenaline rush at the Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area. Just make sure to register your bikes if you’re game.
• See a show about Mormons at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, once the Hotel Utah.
• Treat yourself to a classy evening courtesy of the Utah Symphony.
• Love the idea of an evening of arts and culture? Take in a performing arts show at the Eccles Theater.

When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City?

Spring and fall are perfect for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for hiking trails and day trips, while winter is ideal if you want to hit the nearby ski slopes.

Is Salt Lake City safe?

Salt Lake City is generally a safe city for visitors. Downtown is walkable and well-traveled, and we never felt unsafe across multiple trips and a full month there.

Like any major American city, homelessness is visible in parts of downtown. Be mindful of your valuables and avoid looking perpetually lost, and you’ll be fine.

Is Salt Lake City walkable?

Most attractions downtown are walkable, and public transit (UTA buses and TRAX) works well if you don’t want to walk. A car helps if you’re planning day trips or want flexibility for hikes, though.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City

We spent a full month in Salt Lake City at a short-term rental on our most recent trip, but I know that’s a luxury for most.

On our first quick trip there, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown. It’s a short walk from Temple Square, so the location is great if you’re here for the weekend.

Use the map below for more options on Salt Lake City hotels and apartments:

Is Salt Lake City worth visiting?

Salt Lake City is worth a visit, no matter when you can make it happen. Visit for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and unique food scene.

If you visit in the winter months, you’re never far from world-class skiing and other winter sports activities for the less coordinated. (That’s me!)

Despite our lengthy stay, I know we’ll be back. Utah does that to a person.

Want to stay in Utah for a while? Check out these posts:

• A Hiking Guide for Zion National Park
• How to See the Best of Bryce Canyon
• A Guide to Capitol Reef National Park
• Top Hikes at Arches National Park
• Visiting Canyonlands National Park

Exploring the rest of the West? Check these out:

• Top Things to Do in Wyoming’s Cheyenne
• Visit Fort Collins, Another of My Favorites
• Where to Stay on Trips to Yellowstone
• How to Plan the Essential California Road Trip
• How to Plan a Road Trip Through Oregon

Want to see more?