The best things to do in Salt Lake City span temples, trails, lake views, museums, gardens, the capitol, and day trips nearby.
Planning a short stay or a long weekend? This guide cuts the guesswork. You’ll see the can’t miss landmarks, easy nature escapes, and a few short drives that deliver big scenery. Every pick sits in the city or within a simple day trip, so you can stack them into one tidy plan.
What you’ll find below: a quick table for fast picks, then bite-size sections with timing tips, transit notes, and nearby bites. Where hours or seasons shift, always check the venue page before you go. Two official links are included mid-article for easy reference.
Top Things To Do Around Salt Lake City: Smart Picks
| Stop | Why Go | Need-To-Know |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Square & Conference Center | Iconic downtown grounds, art, and music | Free entry; large areas open while renovation continues |
| Natural History Museum of Utah | Striking building with fossils and Great Basin stories | Timed tickets help on busy days |
| Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island | Sunsets, shorebirds, and free-roaming bison | Bring water and sun gear; bugs spike in warm months |
| Big Cottonwood Canyon | Quick alpine air and boardwalk strolls | No dogs; watershed rules apply |
| Red Butte Garden | Terraced paths and seasonal blooms | Concerts sell out; daytime is calm |
| Utah State Capitol | Marble rotunda, art, and city views | Free tours on weekdays |
| Bonneville Salt Flats | Otherworldly photo stop and speed history | Check closures during racing events |
| Tracy Aviary & Liberty Park | Bird shows and shady loops | Great with kids; plan a picnic |
| Downtown Main Library | Rooftop terrace and bold design | Open daily; quiet break near coffee |
| Eccles Theater | Touring shows and local performances | Buy seats early for popular runs |
Temple Square And The Conference Center
Set your bearings at the city’s most visited block. Walk landscaped paths, step into the Tabernacle when open, and see large-scale art and exhibits inside the Conference Center. Volunteer guides answer questions, and evening music fills the halls during event seasons. It’s an easy first stop before dinner on Main Street.
For current access details and hours, see the official Temple Square page — it lists seasonal schedules, open buildings, and tours. Temple Square information.
Natural History Museum Of Utah
The copper-clad building sits above the city with views across the valley. Inside, dinosaur finds share space with gems, native peoples’ stories, and hands-on labs. Plan 90 minutes to two hours, more if you’re a rock hound. Wednesday evenings run late, handy for pairing with dinner in the Foothill area.
Great Salt Lake And Antelope Island
Drive west to the marina for big-sky photos, or keep going to the island for beaches and wildlife. On the causeway, the water shifts color with light; on trails, you may spot bison, pronghorn, and pelicans. Summer brings bugs near shore, so pack spray and wear layers. Sunsets here linger, which makes this a perfect last stop of the day.
Park updates, events, and basic planning live on the state site: Antelope Island State Park.
Big Cottonwood Canyon And Silver Lake
Fifteen miles from downtown, the road climbs to cool air and granite walls. In warm months, the flat boardwalk at Silver Lake works for all ages and strollers. When snow returns, the same basin hosts Nordic trails while nearby resorts spin lifts. Bring snacks, start with a full tank, and expect cell gaps in upper reaches.
Red Butte Garden
Terraced paths wind through themed beds and high desert plants. Spring brings bulbs; fall paints the foothills; winter mornings feel still and bright. The amphitheater hosts popular concerts; by day the trails tempt slow wanders with city views. Pair a garden lap with the nearby museum for an easy car-free day on U campus shuttles and buses.
Utah State Capitol
Climb the steps for a postcard look over the skyline. Inside, polished stone, murals, and exhibits trace state stories. Free guided tours run on weekdays; self-guided maps work any day the doors are open. The lawns bloom with cherry trees each spring, drawing locals for photos and picnic blankets.
Bonneville Salt Flats Day Trip
Point the car west toward Wendover for a landscape that feels like snow but crunches underfoot. The white crust stretches to the horizon, and during racing season the area hosts land-speed events. Surfaces can be wet in shoulder months; stay on the marked edge if signs restrict driving. Bring sunglasses, water, and a simple rag to wipe salty shoes.
Tracy Aviary And Liberty Park
Shady paths, feathered stars, and keeper talks make this an easy half day. Bird shows run on select days; kids love the splash pad and the seed stations. Loop the outer path of Liberty Park after your visit, then grab tacos or gelato on 9th and 9th a short drive away.
Downtown Main Library And Rooftop
Moshe Safdie’s glass arc sweeps around a sunny plaza. Inside, reading galleries rise around the atrium with quiet desks and city views. Ride the elevator or stroll the rooftop walkway for a 360° look at the valley. It’s a calm pause between theater, dinner, and late-night coffee on Broadway.
See A Show At Eccles Theater
Touring Broadway hits and concerts fill this modern hall on Main Street. Lines move fast, sightlines feel clear, and the lobby art makes a fine pre-show meet point. If seats sell out, check for weekday matinees or stand-by tickets. Nearby garages validate after evening shows at many restaurants.
How To Use This Guide In One Weekend
Daylight runs long from late spring to early fall, so stack outdoor blocks then. In winter, keep mountain time to midday and slide city picks to late afternoon and evening.
Here’s a sample plan you can tweak.
| When | Stop | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 Morning | Temple Square walk, Conference Center exhibits | Free tours add context |
| Day 1 Afternoon | Natural History Museum + Red Butte | Use rideshare; parking fills |
| Day 1 Evening | Eccles Theater show | Dine on Main before or after |
| Day 2 Sunrise | Big Cottonwood Canyon | Arrive early for easy parking |
| Day 2 Midday | Downtown Main Library | Walk the rooftop terrace |
| Day 2 Sunset | Great Salt Lake or Antelope Island | Pack spray and water |
Timing, Transit, And Simple Logistics
Best Seasons
Spring and fall bring mild air for city walks and canyon drives. Summer heat peaks in late afternoon on the lake shore, so aim those visits for sunset. Winter shines for snow sports and cozy museum time.
Getting Around
TRAX light rail links the airport to downtown, then to the University line for the museum and garden area. Rideshare works well at night when trains thin. If you plan a canyon day or the salt flats, rent a car and start early.
Safety And Courtesy
At the lake and the flats, bring water, hat, and sunblock. Obey posted closures at the salt flats during racing weeks. In the canyons, no dogs and no swimming keeps the watershed clean. Pack out snacks and keep a spare layer for sudden mountain chills.
How These Picks Were Chosen
We looked for stops that pair easy access with strong payoffs: views, stories, wildlife, and stages. Official sites and current notices guided the logistics, and each pick can slot into a weekend without tricky permits or gear. That mix gives first-time visitors a clear path and leaves room for repeats on a longer stay.
Neighborhood Pairings That Click
Downtown Core
Start with the temple grounds, swing by the City Creek fountains, and grab a bite on Main Street before a curtain call at Eccles Theater. Many hotels sit within a ten-minute walk, which keeps the car parked and stress low.
Foothill And The U Campus
Ride the University TRAX line to the museum and garden district. Coffee shops and casual eats cluster near the stadium station. On clear days the foothill benches glow at golden hour, so end with a ridge walk inside the garden.
West Toward The Lake
Leave downtown after lunch, stop at the marina in late afternoon, then finish on the island for lingering light and easy wildlife viewing. Keep snacks sealed and give bison a wide berth.
Budget Savers And Smart Splurges
Free wins: capitol tours on weekdays, the library rooftop, temple grounds, and city parks. Transit from the airport to downtown with light rail costs less than a rideshare. Smart splurges: a theater night, museum tickets paired with lunch near Foothill, or a DIY salt flats run with gas, snacks, and a photo stop.
Food Stops Near Each Pick
Near The Temple Grounds
Main Street and Regent Street offer quick Thai, pizza slices, and bistros. Book dinner before a show night to skip the pre-theater rush.
Near The Museum And Garden
Foothill Drive has easy parking and quick service spots. For a view, pack a sandwich and find a bench above the terraces.
Near Big Cottonwood
Grab breakfast in town, then head up the canyon. After the hike, Silver Fork and Brighton areas have sit-down options.
Rain Plan And Cold-Day Swaps
If a storm rolls in, swap the canyon and lake blocks for the museum, library, or a matinee show. Many downtown sights sit within a few blocks, so you can stay dry with short walks under covered arcades.
Tickets And Closures
Peak months see sellouts for concerts and museum nights. Racing weeks can close the salt flats to vehicles. Check official pages, and always keep a buffer for traffic on canyon roads during powder mornings and leaf season.