Things to Do in Salt Lake City
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Salt Lake City

23 curated spots from Salt Lake City itineraries

Activities & Attractions

9 curated experiences

Temple Square
Do
morning

Temple Square

Walk the grounds, visit the historic religious buildings, and take in the city’s most important spiritual landmark.

1h 30m · Free
Big Cottonwood Canyon Hike
Do
morning

Big Cottonwood Canyon Hike

Choose a moderate, scenic hike with mountain views and fresh air; bring trail shoes, water, and a light layer.

3h · Free
Ensign Peak Trail
Do
late_afternoon

Ensign Peak Trail

Short but steep hike from a neighborhood trailhead to a viewpoint overlooking downtown Salt Lake City, the valley, and the Great Salt Lake; popular for late-afternoon light and sunset views.[5][3]

1h 15m · Free
Liberty Park Walk and Tracy Aviary Exterior Grounds
Do
afternoon

Liberty Park Walk and Tracy Aviary Exterior Grounds

Stroll the loop path under big trees, watch locals jogging and picnicking, and, if you like, pay to enter Tracy Aviary to see bird exhibits inside the park.[3]

1h 30m · Park Free; Aviary ~$15
Natural History Museum of Utah
Do
afternoon

Natural History Museum of Utah

Modern architecture with exhibits on Utah's geology, paleontology, and indigenous cultures. Excellent context-setter for the parks ahead.

2h · $15 per person
Salt Lake City Neighborhoods: 15th South & Sugar House Explore
Do
afternoon

Salt Lake City Neighborhoods: 15th South & Sugar House Explore

Walk these hip neighborhoods for independent bookstores, modern galleries, vintage shops, and street art. Allow for unstructured wandering.

2h · Free
Salt Lake City Trails: Ensign Peak or Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Do
morning

Salt Lake City Trails: Ensign Peak or Bonneville Shoreline Trail

Easy to moderate hike with views of Salt Lake Valley. Choose Ensign Peak for a quick 1.5-hour loop or Bonneville for longer scenic rambling.

1h 30m · Free
This Is The Place Heritage Park
Do
afternoon

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Visit the recreated pioneer village, historic homes, and monuments marking the end of the Mormon Trail, with costumed interpreters and exhibits on early Utah life.[1][3]

2h · $15-20
Utah State Capitol
Do
afternoon

Utah State Capitol

Tour the state capitol area and enjoy one of the best elevated views over downtown and the Wasatch Front.

1h 15m · Free

Restaurants & Food

14 local favorites

Red Iguana
Eat
late_evening

Red Iguana

Beloved local Mexican restaurant renowned for its moles and regional specialties; consider the mole sampler or an enchilada plate.

1h 30m · $18-35 per person
Avenues Proper
Eat
evening

Avenues Proper

Neighborhood gastropub and brewery known for elevated comfort food and house beers; try a burger, seasonal entrée, and a local brew if you drink.

1h 30m · $20-40 per person
Bambara
Eat
evening

Bambara

Contemporary American with a focus on Utah's bounty—think lamb, trout, and seasonal vegetables. Award-winning wine list.

1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Copper Onion
Eat
afternoon

Copper Onion

Casual Italian-inspired spot with housemade pasta, wood-fired vegetables, and natural wines. Try the tagliatelle or seasonal risotto.

1h 15m · $18-32 per person
Eddie McStiff's
Eat
evening

Eddie McStiff's

Brewery and restaurant with craft beers, burgers, and Southwest flavors. Casual, energetic vibe popular with hikers.

1h 15m · $16-28 per person
Eva
Eat
morning

Eva

Start with a polished breakfast in the downtown core before heading to historic sights; order a pastry, eggs, or a coffee drink.

1h · $20-35 per person
Flour Restaurant
Eat
morning

Flour Restaurant

Modern minimal café featuring locally sourced pastries, eggs, and coffee. Go for the ricotta toast and cappuccino.

45m · $15-25 per person
Moab Diner
Eat
morning

Moab Diner

Local institution with excellent pancakes, huevos rancheros, and strong coffee. Grab a table early (opens 7 AM).

50m · $12-18 per person
Red Rock Bakery
Eat
morning

Red Rock Bakery

Artisanal bakery with sourdough, croissants, and specialty coffee. Minimalist interior design matches your aesthetic.

45m · $8-14 per person
Sorrel Reserve
Eat
afternoon

Sorrel Reserve

Farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu featuring Utah and regional ingredients. Modern minimal design.

1h · $22-38 per person
The Cheesecake Factory (City Creek Center)
Eat
midday

The Cheesecake Factory (City Creek Center)

Large menu with salads, sandwiches, and pastas right inside City Creek; it’s not unique to Salt Lake City but is very convenient and reliable between downtown sights.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
The Copper Onion
Eat
evening

The Copper Onion

End with a comfortable downtown dinner; focus on seasonal plates and a relaxed pace after the hike.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
The Daily
Eat
morning

The Daily

Bright, modern café with good coffee, egg dishes, and pastries; order an avocado toast or breakfast sandwich to fuel your morning downtown walk.

1h · $15-25 per person
The Park Cafe
Eat
morning

The Park Cafe

Have a casual breakfast before or after your canyon outing; expect hearty brunch plates and coffee.

1h · $18-30 per person

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