Things to do in Salt Lake City
Utah’s world-renowned natural beauty and outdoorsy lifestyle means capital Salt Lake City is often just a quick stopover on the way to nearby ski resorts and national parks.
We say no fair! With SLC’s many attractions, sporting events, family activities and nightlife, it deserves more love than that. Here’s our pick of things to do in Salt Lake City…
Natural History Museum of Utah:
Although natural history might not be everyone’s idea of a good time on holiday, the exhibitions on offer at the MHMU will make your brain tingle. Even the building’s LEED-certified copper-and-glass exterior is special.
Location:301 Wakara Way, +1-801- 581-4303.
Hatch Family Chocolates:
Do your tastebuds a favour and get yourself down to Hatch Family Chocolates during your Salt Lake City stay. Established by Grandma in 1917, four generations of her family have gone on to become professional chocolate dippers and confectioners. Next time we’re in town we’ll be all over the Karmel Malone Krispie with Milk Chocolate. Yummers.
Location: 376 8th Avenue, Suite A, +1-801- 532-4912.
Real Salt Lake, Utah Jazz & Utah Grizzlies:
Salt Lake locals love their sports, so if you’re in town when a game’s on, be sure to get in on the action. Soccer team Real Salt Lake call Rio Tinto Stadium, 9256 South State Street, Sandy, +1-801-727-2700, home, while basketball team Utah Jazz play downtown at the Energy Solutions Arena, 301 West South Temple, +1-801-325-2000. Professional ice hockey team the Utah Grizzlies are based at Maverik Center, Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City (a suburb of SLC), +1-801-988-8000.
The Living Room Hiking Path:
You don’t have to head out into the wilds to get your hike on. The Living Room is a moderately-challenging walk beginning at Red Butte Garden near downtown and ending at a sandstone “sofa” and “chairs” where you can kick back and enjoy views of Salt Lake Valley, the Great Salt Lake and the Oquirrh Mountains.
Temple Square:
Enjoy Salt Lake City’s Temple Square, complete with stunning gothic spires. It’s Utah’s most-viewed attraction, with an estimated 3-5 million visitors annually. Time your trip right and you could even catch a free performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, otherwise known as ‘the MoTab’. The holiday lights from Thanksgiving to New Years are also pretty spectacular. Location: 50 West North Temple, +1-801-240-4872.
Great Salt Lake:
Approximately 17 miles outside of Salt Lake City, on Interstate 80, ext 104, is the Great Salt Lake. The largest lake west of the Mississippi, it covers some 2,100 square miles. Living up to its name, the Great Salt Lake’s salinity is as high as 27%, second only to the Dead Sea.
Discovery Gateway:
If you’re holidaying in Utah with kids in tow, children’s museum Discovery Gateway offers 60,000 square feet of interactive fun, including workshops and exhibitions like a 30-foot beehive and a multimedia story factory.
Location: 444 West 100 South, +1-801-456-5437.
City Creek Center:
Salt Lake City’s City Creek Center will win over even the most hardened shopaholic. The shopping and dining destination, complete with fully-retractable glass roof, hourly fountain shows, waterfalls, and a sparkling creek, won the ‘Best Retail Development in the Americas’ gong. So there.
Location: 50 South Main Street, +1-801-521-2012.