Salt Lake City may be known for skiing, but Utah’s biggest city and capital is much more than a mountain town. This elevated urban destination boasts a walkable downtown and a vibrant nightlife, with beautiful views thanks to its setting among the Wasatch Mountains. Whether you’re looking to adventure outdoors, visit historic sites or go shopping, Salt Lake City is the place.
If you’re planning a quick getaway or longer stay, don’t miss out on these top things to do in Salt Lake City. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Catch a Live Performance
Utah is a haven for the arts, and downtown has multiple theaters and performance halls. Visit the 2,500-seat Eccles Theater for touring Broadway shows and comedians, and enjoy intermission on a patio overlooking Main Street.
Or stroll to the historic Capitol Theatre to watch performances by Ballet West and the Utah Opera.
If the symphonic arts are your jam, don’t miss a concert at Salt Lake City’s renowned Abravanel Hall. Beloved for its perfect acoustics and staircase adorned in 24-karat gold leaf, this local landmark hosts the Utah Symphony.
Go on a Hike
Salt Lake City’s mountain-adjacent location makes hiking easy without venturing far from downtown. If you like your trails with a beautiful sunset views, hike to Ensign Peak — trail ascends 398 feet to a hilltop where you can see the Great Salt Lake..
Looking for a longer stroll? The 100-mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs along the foothills near downtown and showcases valley vistas as it passes the University of Utah and Hogle Zoo.
For steeper mountain treks, drive about 30 minutes to Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon, the site of four world-class ski resorts.
Go Shopping
Shop till you drop at City Creek Center on Main Street, just a short walk from TownePlace Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown. This beautiful indoor-outdoor mall features a creek running through the middle and plenty of luxury and well-known retailers. Enjoy the impressive architecture, robust food court and retractable roof that makes it an all-weather retail destination.
Tour the State Capitol
The prominent Utah State Capitol’s neoclassical design mirrors that of the U.S. Capitol, and it stands on a hilltop overlooking the city. Completed in 1916 from locally sourced granitelike quartz and Georgian marble, this beautiful building is known for the art decorating its rotunda, which depicts scenes from Utah’s history.
It’s one of the top places to visit in Salt Lake City — visit for free self-guided tours, but plan an April trip to see blossoms on the property’s 433 Yoshino cherry trees.
Take a Bike Tour
There are many Salt Lake City tours, including options for bicyclists. Discover the city’s sights by bike on a guided tour beginning at Liberty Park. This urban oasis features 80 acres of green space perfect for picnicking, walking, in-line skating and bird-watching at Tracy Aviary.
It’s also the start of the Brewery Roll of Salt Lake City, which showcases the city’s best breweries and area history. You’ll pedal to Gilgal Sculpture Garden to learn about this quirky statue-filled park and then ride to three nearby breweries for complimentary sips.
Hop on a Trolley Tour
Get the best city overview on a 90-minute tour in a classic trolley car. Beginning at Temple Square, Salt Lake’s most popular tourist attraction, the trolley travels to the Governor’s Mansion, Salt Lake City Public Library, historic cathedrals, multiple shopping destinations and more.
Take a Chocolate-Making Class
Chocolate lovers: Don’t miss a craft chocolate and cheese class at Caputo’s. Salt Lake City is a leader in craft chocolate production, and this class teaches about Utah’s chocolate scene while expanding your palate with chocolaty treats and cheese.
Wander Vibrant Gardens
From downtown, drive or ride Salt Lake’s TRAX light rail about five miles to discover Red Butte Garden, a blooming botanical garden on the University of Utah’s campus. This 100-acre flower-filled paradise boasts great hiking trails, too. Stay for a concert in the outdoor amphitheater on summer nights.
Make the most of your garden visit by staying right on-site at the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park. It’s a quick walk to Red Butte Garden.
Explore the Natural History Museum
In addition to the botanical garden, the University of Utah is home to Utah Museum of Fine Arts, which displays works from its collection spanning nearly 20,000 art pieces, as well as traveling exhibitions.
Across the street, learn about the Beehive State at the Natural History Museum of Utah. This modern copper building is nestled along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and features engaging exhibits on gems, prehistoric people and paleontology.
Make sure to visit the “Native Peoples” exhibit to learn about the history, traditions, art and modern-day presence of Utah’s Indigenous peoples.
The museum also has an impressive dinosaur collection, which features skeletons collected around the state, including a Utah raptor, stegosaurus, allosaurus and the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls.
Enjoy Restaurant-Hopping
Taste bites of local cuisine and view public art on a Salt Lake City Food and Drink Walking Tour. This chef-curated experience includes samples of award-winning cheeses, salamis, chocolates and Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches.
Beyond the tour, dine at one of Salt Lake’s best restaurants without leaving Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown. Its French brasserie, Adelaide, is beloved for its New Orleans–inspired dinners paired with craft cocktails.
End your night upstairs at Van Ryder, Salt Lake City’s hippest rooftop cocktail bar.
Watch a Game
Love sports? Cheer on the city’s major league basketball and hockey teams at the Delta Center. Located a quick walk from AC Hotel by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown, this indoor arena also hosts large concerts.
Go Skiing
Salt Lake is home to the “Greatest Snow on Earth” thanks to climate conditions over the Wasatch Mountains that create fluffy snow perfect for powder skiing. You can even ski it the same day you fly in; the Salt Lake City International Airport is less than an hour away from 10 ski resorts along the Wasatch Front.
Utah’s ski season typically begins in late November and ends in early April, with snow totals averaging 500-plus inches annually. If you love the snow, but not sliding down it, go snowshoeing in the Cottonwood Canyons instead.
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