The capital of Utah is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Salt Lake City is located between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch mountain range; it’s a Jackpot when it comes to finding things to do.
The high season runs from December to March, where you will find all the winter activities and activities related to skiing. The second high season is the peak of summer, when car trips to Utah become very popular and people visit the lakes for water activities in the sun. April to June and September to November are the intermediate seasons when you will find all these attractions much quieter.
Many people use Salt Lake City as a launch pad, fly into the city, and then rush straight to Utah’s national parks and iconic trails. But we will show you why it is worth staying in this city. There are so many things to do in Utah, and this guide covers the 25 ultimate things you can do while visiting Utah.
By renting a bicycle or by public transport, you can easily get around Salt Lake City to see these sights. Alternatively, you can rent a car to make many day trips and regularly visit the Great Salt Lake.
The best things to do in Salt Lake City
1. Liberty Park
Salt Lake City has a nice selection of parks and green spaces. This park is the oldest and the second largest in the city, extending over 80 hectares. It is the ideal place for a morning walk with a coffee or somewhere to spend an hour or two in the after afternoon with a book under a tree.
There is a huge lake where you can rent pedal boats, kilometers of well-maintained trails, playgrounds and a paddling pool for children. The park is really quiet. It is an excellent place for the green areas of the city center and a convenient connection with nature.
The park also has Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens, but we will cover this as an attraction in its own right after. It is a paid Zoo in the center of the park which is closed with an entrance fee. The rest of Liberty Park is not fenced and can be enjoyed for free. It is a fantastic place to relax.
2. Great Salt Lake
Everyone knows the great salt lake. It is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere — impressive titles. Known for its magnificent views, the lake is a hot spot for birdwatchers, attracting thousands of migratory birds.
You can visit lakefront sites like the Spiral Pier, viewpoints in Great Salt Lake State Park or beaches like Pelican Beach. It is magnificent to walk and admire, especially at sunset, around the pink water area of the lake. Similarly, you can swim in hot weather – only pay attention to irritation due to the high salt content.
Visiting this beautiful lake is definitely an activity on the bucket list. Depending on where you are going, it only takes about 20 minutes by car to reach the shores of the lake. It is worth renting a car and it is one of the most convenient day trips in the city.
3. Antelope Island State Park
When we talk about the Great Salt Lake, we must mention the Antelope Island State Park. This sheltered piece of coastal Peninsula protrudes into the lake. The beautiful peninsula is full of quiet beaches with miles of hiking and horseback riding.
4. Historic Wheeler Farm
Wheeler Historic Farm is a fascinating farm that offers guests impressive exhibits and experiences. It is family run and located just outside of downtown Salt Lake City. If you are traveling to Salt Lake City with children, we highly recommend it.
Children can enjoy cart rides, animal experiences and a large playground. Matures will love the time capsule experience with historical exhibits, the farmer’s market, and seasonal events like Pumpkin Days. You can also visit the farm on certain days.
