15 Best Things To Do in Salt Lake City, Utah [Weekend DIY Itinerary to Salt Lake City]

Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous municipality of Utah. This city has immediate access to all forms of adventure, from world-class ski resorts, hiking, biking, climbing, camping, boating, and swimming. Besides that, it also has a wide range of indoor activities like theaters ballet, opera, orchestra museums, malls, and sports events.

Salt Lake City is also the only Utah city with an international airport making it one of North America’s most accessible destinations. 

Best Things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah

1. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a canyon in the Wasatch Mountains. The 24 km-long canyon provides hiking, biking, picnicking, rock-climbing, camping and fishing in the summer. The trails have stunning views you should never miss. 

2. Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah has exhibits of natural history subjects, Utah’s paleontology discoveries, prehistoric people, gems and minerals found world-wide. Enjoy breath-taking views from our observatory deck of the museum. This museum is an excellent educational centerpiece for any trip to Utah. 

3. Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden contains over 100 acres of botanical gardens and hiking trails through native vegetation. Enjoy walking and relaxing while admiring its well-manicured layout. It offers many engaging settings and views of all ages.

4. Temple Square

Temple Square is a 10-acre complex in the center of Salt Lake City. The complex is home to Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, the Seagull Monument, and two visitors’ centers. 

5. The Tabernacle

Home to the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Tabernacle Organ. It was built from 1864 to 1867 to house meetings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

6. City Creek Center

The City Creek Center is an upscale open-air shopping center dining destination in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers 110 stores and restaurants like Macy’s, Tiffany & Co., Free People, Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, Fabletics, Coach, Athleta, Michael Kors and many more. 

7. Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol is the house of government Utah. It houses the chambers and offices of the Utah State Legislature, the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, the State Auditor, and their staffs. Built-in Neoclassical revival, Corinthian style, this capitol is an architectural landmark. 

8. Liberty Park

Liberty Park is the city’s second-largest public urban park in Salt Lake. The park features a pond with two islands. There are tables for picnics and a paved trail for running and walking. 

9. Clark Planetarium

Clark Planetarium, formerly known as Hansen Planetarium, is a go-to destination for people who want to discover and learn about space and science through educational outreach, hands-on exhibits, on-site programming, and our IMAX and dome theatres.

10. Tracy Aviary

Located in Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary is an 8-acre aviary that offers exhibits, shows & encounters where guests can view & feed birds. It is the oldest aviary in the U.S. and has more than 130 different species of birds.

11. Salt Lake Temple

The original granite temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, largest LDS temple by floor area. The public is not allowed inside but can tour the outside of the church. The tour includes the history of the building and the history of the Mormon religion. 

12. Ensign Peak Park

Ensign Peak is a peak in the foothills near downtown Salt Lake City The hill has religious significance in LDS Church history. Visitors often hike in this park that offers a spectacular view. 

13. Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon and with over 800 animals. It houses animals from diverse ecosystems. Exhibits include Primate Forest, Elephant Encounter, Asian Highlands, African Savanna, Great Ape Building and many more. 

14. Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is the eighth-largest terminal lake and second saltiest in the world. It has been called “America’s Dead Sea” and provides habitat for millions of native birds, brine shrimp, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Because of its very high salinity, swimming is like floating. 

15. Cathedral of the Madeleine

The Cathedral of the Madeleine is a Roman Catholic church in Salt Lake City. It was completed in 1909. Its beautiful stonework and stained glass is a real architectural gem. 

Things to do with 3 days in Salt Lake City, Utah

Day 1 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Temple Square – Spend your first day here in Temple Square where you can find the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, and the Seagull Monument. Admire the different stunning architecture and historically significant destinations in Salt Lake City. 

Day 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Liberty Park – Be closer to nature here in the city’s second-largest urban park. With running and walking trails, you can spend a lazy afternoon here. Visit the wild side of the oldest public aviary in North America, Tracy Aviary. Familiarize yourself with different kinds of birds from all around the world. 

Day 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah’s Hogle Zoo – Have fun with different kinds of animal exhibits here in Hogle Zoo. From tigers, lemurs, snow leopards, elephants, and many other animals. 

Great Salt Lake – Spend your afternoon here in the famous Great Salt Lake. Enjoy boating and swimming in this very salty lake.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah if you’re a Backpacker

Ramada by Wyndham Salt Lake City North Temple

This hotel features an outdoor courtyard with a swimming pool, free WiFi, a coffee machine, a fitness center, and a business center. It is located 4.5 miles from Temple Square. 

Price: Starts at US$57 + US$7.82 taxes and charges, free continental breakfast, non- refundable. 

Avenues Hostel 

Featuring free WiFi, free private parking, flat-screen TV, 24-hour front desk and free breakfast. Avenues Hostel is 0.7 mi from The Tabernacle, Temple Square is 0.9 mi, while Salt Lake City International Airport is 5.6 mi away.

Price: Starts at US$35 + US$4.84 taxes and charges, non- refundable. 

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah if you’re on a Budget

Econo Lodge Downtown Salt Lake City

The Econo Lodge Downtown is located less than one kilometer from Temple Square and the Salt Lake City International Airport and the Hogle Zoo are only five miles away. Guests of this hotel will enjoy amenities like free airport transportation, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free continental breakfast, free coffee, hot chocolate available 24-hours, seasonal outdoor pool, on-site business center, and fax services.

Price: Starts at US$60 + US$8.94 taxes and charges, free breakfast, no pre-payment, free cancellation. 

Comfort Inn Downtown Salt Lake City

Located in downtown Salt Lake City, the Comfort Inn Downtown hotel is close to many popular Utah attractions like assembly Hall on Temple Square, the University of Utah, Salt Palace Convention Center, Tracy Aviary and Clark Planetarium are minutes away. Hotel features include free breakfast, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free weekday newspaper, free local calls, indoor hot tub, exercise room, business center, public computer with Internet access, and access to copy and fax service. Rooms are furnished with pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, curved shower rods, hairdryers, irons, ironing boards, and cable television.

Price: Starts at US$84 + US$10.87 taxes and charges, free breakfast, non-refundable

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City, Utah if you want Luxury

Hotel RL Salt Lake City 

This hotel features on-site dining, an outdoor pool, gym, free WiFi, patios with mountain views, cable TV, bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, microwave and fridge. A shared lounge with games is available for guests to enjoy and also bike rentals.

Price: Starts at US$131.69 includes taxes and charges, non-refundable

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square

This hotel offers free shuttle services to Salt Lake City International Airport. The hotel provides an outdoor pool, hot tub, free WiFi, refrigerator, a microwave, coffee maker, hairdryer, ironing facilities, and a safety deposit box.

This hotel also features a gym, business center, tour desk, room service, and a cash machine. Temple Square is 200 m, while Salt Palace is 300 m and 5 mi from Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square.

Price: Starts at US$160 + US$22.11 taxes and charges, Breakfast US$10, free cancellation.

Where to Eat in Salt Lake City, Utah

Takashi

Serves Japanese and Asian cuisine. This restaurant is very famous for its sushi. 

Operating Hours:

• Mon – Thu       5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Mon – Fri         11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• Fri                     5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sat                   5:00 PM – 5:30 PM

 Address:18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-2103

Bombay House

Serves Indian cuisine. Try their meaty and mouth savoring Indian curry. They serve vegetarian dishes too. 

Operating Hours: Mon-Sat       4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Address: 2731 E Parleys Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109-1619

Valter’s Osteria

Serves Italian cuisines. This restaurant has the reputation of being the best Italian restaurant in the city with an excellent range on the menu. 

Operating Hours: Mon-Sat     5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Address: 173 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1914

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