10 Fun Things To Do Near Salt Lake City, Utah (That Locals Actually Love)
Looking for unforgettable things to do in
Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding area? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or just passing through on a road trip, Salt Lake City in
Salt Lake County has way more to offer than you might expect.
From mountain trails just minutes from downtown to colorful street murals and a salty lake that looks like another planet, this area is full of surprises.
Below are
10 of the best things to do near Salt Lake City, written with first-time visitors in mind and sprinkled with tips locals know and use.
1. Explore Temple Square & Downtown Salt Lake City
If it’s your
first time in Salt Lake City, start downtown at
Temple Square. Even if you’re not religious, this area is the historic heart of the city and one of the most famous places in Utah.
Within a few walkable blocks, you’ll find:
- Salt Lake Temple (outside views only during renovations) – the iconic centerpiece of the city.
- Tabernacle – home of the famous Tabernacle Choir; you can sometimes catch rehearsals or free performances.
- Visitor centers and gardens – small museums, art, and peaceful walkways.
The architecture is beautiful, especially at sunset when the buildings glow softly against the mountains. From there, you can wander over to:
- City Creek Center – an upscale open-air mall with a creek literally running through it.
- Gallivan Center – often hosts free concerts, winter ice skating, and community events.
Local tip: Parking downtown can add up, so check for validated parking at City Creek Center or ride TRAX light rail into the city center.
2. Hike (Or Drive) Up Big Cottonwood Canyon
If you want those classic
Utah mountain views without driving all day, head to
Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 20–25 minutes southeast of downtown Salt Lake City.
This canyon is part of the
Wasatch Mountains and offers:
- Scenic Drives – even if you don’t hike, the winding road and huge rock walls make it worth the trip.
- Hikes for all levels – from kid-friendly strolls to steep alpine climbs.
- Two major ski resorts – Brighton and Solitude in the winter.
A couple of popular hikes:
- Donut Falls – a relatively easy family hike to a waterfall that seems to pour through a “donut hole” in the rock.
- Silver Lake – at the top of the canyon; it has a mostly flat boardwalk loop around a pretty lake.
In summer, the wildflowers are bright and the air feels cooler than in the valley. In fall, the canyon turns into a wall of red, orange, and gold.
Pack a light jacket – even in July, the temps can drop quickly once the sun goes down.
3. Visit the Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island State Park
You can’t visit Salt Lake City and skip the
Great Salt Lake. It’s one of the saltiest lakes in the world and the reason the city got its name.
The best place to experience it is
Antelope Island State Park, about a 45–60 minute drive from downtown, depending on traffic.
What you can do there:
- Walk along the shore – the lake looks almost endless, especially on calm days.
- Spot bison – yes, real wild bison wander around the island.
- Take photos at sunset – the reflections on the water (or salt flats) can be stunning.
- Swim or float – in warmer months, you can actually float due to the high salt content, though it can be a bit messy and smelly.
Some parts of the shore can have bugs, especially in late spring and early summer, so bring
bug spray and closed-toe shoes.
If you time it right, the sun setting over the lake is one of the most surreal sights in Utah.
4. Walk, Bike, or Scooter Through Sugar House
Looking for a neighborhood that feels a bit more local and laid-back? Check out
Sugar House, just southeast of downtown Salt Lake City.
It’s one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, but it’s now a mix of:
- Trendy coffee shops
- Casual bars and breweries
- Unique boutiques and thrift stores
- Tree-lined residential streets
The star of the area is
Sugar House Park, a large green space with walking paths, a pond, and open lawns perfect for:
- Picnics
- Frisbee or catch
- Stroller walks
- Jogging and dog walks
On a warm evening, the park fills with locals winding down their day. It’s a great spot to people-watch and feel the real rhythm of Salt Lake City.
Travel idea: Grab a coffee from a local shop, walk a loop around the park (it’s about 1.4 miles), and then treat yourself to dessert or a local beer nearby.
5. Discover the Natural History Museum of Utah & Red Butte Garden
Up above the city on the east bench of the valley, near the University of Utah, you’ll find two great attractions side by side:
The
Natural History Museum of Utah is a modern, interactive museum with:
- Impressive dinosaur skeletons (Utah is famous for dinos)
- Displays on local Native American history
- Hands-on exhibits for kids
- Huge windows with sweeping city views
Right next door,
Red Butte Garden is a beautiful botanical garden built into the hillside, with:
- Desert plants and colorful flowers
- Paved walking paths and benches
- Outdoor concerts in summer (bring a blanket and picnic!)
If you enjoy cultural attractions but also like being outside, this combo is perfect. You can easily spend half a day here.
6. Ride the Snow at Brighton, Solitude, Alta, or Snowbird
If you’re visiting in winter or early spring,
skiing and snowboarding are some of the best things to do near Salt Lake City. The city sits just below the Wasatch Mountains, so you can leave a downtown hotel and be on the slopes in about 30–45 minutes.
Four major resorts are close by:
- Brighton – laid-back and family-friendly, with night skiing.
- Solitude – quieter, great tree runs, fewer crowds.
- Alta – skiers only; famous for its powder.
- Snowbird – more advanced terrain and a scenic tram.
Even if you don’t ski, resorts like
Snowbird offer:
- Scenic tram rides (summer and fall, too)
- Restaurants with mountain views
- Summer activities like alpine slides and hiking
Because the airport is so close, Salt Lake City is a popular base for “long weekend” ski trips. You could easily ski in the morning and be back in the city for dinner and drinks the same night.
7. Wander the Street Art in the Granary District
If you like murals, coffee, and a slightly gritty, creative vibe, the
Granary District is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City right now.
Once a warehouse and industrial area, it’s now filled with:
- Large colorful murals on almost every block
- Local breweries and taprooms
- Trendy cafes and bakeries
- Converted warehouse spaces with small shops or events
It’s the kind of place where you can just wander with no plan:
- Snap photos of street art
- Grab a coffee or craft beer
- Catch a local event or food truck
If you enjoy photography or Instagram, this is one of the best areas in Salt Lake City for urban-style shots.
8. Climb or Hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Another easy-to-reach mountain escape is
Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 25–30 minutes from Salt Lake City. It’s smaller than Big Cottonwood Canyon, but the granite walls here are dramatic and steep.
Popular things to do:
- Rock climbing and bouldering – the canyon is world-famous for climbers.
- Hiking – trails like Cecret Lake (near Alta) offer big views for moderate effort.
- Scenic drives – especially in early summer and fall.
In winter, this canyon is the home of
Alta and
Snowbird ski resorts. In summer, it’s a cooler spot to escape the city heat.
The canyon road is narrow, so drive carefully. Always check weather and road conditions, especially in winter, when you might need four-wheel drive or chains.
9. Visit the Hogle Zoo & This Is The Place Heritage Park
If you’re traveling with kids—or just enjoy history and animals—set aside a day for the east side of Salt Lake near Emigration Canyon.
Hogle Zoo offers:
- Over 800 animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes
- Train rides and a carousel
- Hands-on learning areas for kids
Right up the road is
This Is The Place Heritage Park, a living history village that recreates 19th-century Utah life with:
- Historic buildings and costumed interpreters
- Horse-drawn wagon rides
- Pony rides and a petting area for kids
- Views overlooking the entire Salt Lake Valley
Together, these two attractions make for a full, family-friendly day and give you a peek into both Utah’s
wildlife and its
pioneer history.
10. Catch a Game, Concert, or Festival in the City
Salt Lake City might not be as big as Los Angeles or New York, but its
sports and event scene is surprisingly strong—especially for a city this close to the mountains.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Watch the Utah Jazz (NBA) play at the Delta Center downtown.
- Catch a Real Salt Lake (MLS) soccer match at America First Field in nearby Sandy.
- Attend a concert at venues like The Depot, The Complex, or USANA Amphitheatre.
- Stop by a local festival, such as the Utah Arts Festival or farmer’s markets.
If you’re a planner, check event calendars before your trip. Sometimes, a random Tuesday night in Salt Lake City turns into a highlight when you stumble into a live show or game you didn’t expect.
Final Tips for Visiting Salt Lake City
To make the most of your time in and around Salt Lake City, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Altitude: The city sits around 4,200 feet above sea level, and the mountains are even higher. Drink water and don’t overdo it on your first day.
- Weather changes fast: You can have sun in the valley and snow in the canyon on the same day. Layers are your friend.
- Transportation: Renting a car makes it easier to reach the canyons and the Great Salt Lake, but the light rail (TRAX) is handy for downtown, the airport, and some suburbs.
- Four seasons: There’s truly something to do in every season—skiing in winter, wildflowers in spring, hiking and lake days in summer, and incredible fall colors in the canyons.
What Will You Do First Near Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is one of those places where you can wake up downtown, grab a coffee, and be standing next to a mountain lake or a bison herd before lunch. It’s a rare mix of
city life, mountain adventure, and unique history—all packed into one easy-to-navigate area.
Which of these 10 things to do near Salt Lake City sounds best to you?
- Floating in the Great Salt Lake?
- Hiking Big Cottonwood Canyon?
- Exploring downtown and Temple Square?
- Wandering through street art in the Granary District?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you’ve been to Salt Lake City before, I’d love to hear your own favorite spots and hidden gems.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media. It might just inspire someone’s next Utah adventure.
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