Things to Do Salt Lake City

Greg @ WalknTours
11 hours ago
3 min read

Salt Lake City is a unique destination where outdoor adventure meets history, culture, and city life. Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains and located near the Great Salt Lake, it offers a mix of scenic beauty and urban experiences. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or longer, there are plenty of things to do Salt Lake City for every type of traveler.

From historic sites and museums to hiking trails and lake views, Salt Lake City combines nature and culture in a way few cities can.

Take a Self-Guided Mormon Pioneer Walking Tour of Salt Lake City

One of the best ways to experience Salt Lake City is by walking through its historic downtown—and this self-guided walking tour brings that history to life.

This GPS-based tour takes you through the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, where stories automatically play as you walk. You’ll explore the city’s early days as a Mormon pioneer settlement and learn how it grew into the modern capital of Utah.

Along the way, you’ll visit key landmarks such as:

Temple Square, the historic center of the city
Important pioneer-era sites and early buildings
Downtown streets filled with history and hidden stories

The tour blends storytelling with real locations, helping you understand what you’re seeing rather than just walking past it. It’s designed to feel like exploring with a knowledgeable guide—without being tied to a schedule.

Because it’s self-guided, you can:

Start whenever you want
Go at your own pace
Stop for food, photos, or exploring along the way

Most people spend about 1–1.5 hours completing the tour, depending on how often they stop.

👉 Check out the Salt Lake City self-guided walking tour here:

Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City

There are plenty of free things to do in Salt Lake City, especially outdoors and downtown.

Temple Square (grounds) – One of the most visited sites in Utah
Utah State Capitol Grounds – Great views of the city and mountains
Liberty Park – A large park perfect for walking and relaxing
Memory Grove Park – Scenic trails and quiet green space
Downtown Walking – Explore historic streets and architecture

Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City (Paid & Free)

These are some of the best things to do in Salt Lake City.

Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island – One of the most unique natural attractions in the U.S.
Natural History Museum of Utah – Known for dinosaur fossils and regional history
Utah Olympic Park (nearby) – A legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics
Red Butte Garden – Beautiful botanical gardens and trails
City Creek Center – Shopping, dining, and downtown energy
Hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon – Easy access to mountain trails

Things to Do in Salt Lake City with Kids

Salt Lake City is very family-friendly, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

Hogle Zoo – A popular attraction with animals from around the world
Clark Planetarium – Interactive exhibits and space experiences
Natural History Museum of Utah – Great for kids and learning
Liberty Park & Playground – Open space for families
Great Salt Lake Visits – A fun and unique experience for kids

Things to Do in Salt Lake City at Night

Salt Lake City has a growing nightlife and evening scene.

Downtown Dining & Bars – A mix of casual and upscale options
Live Music & Events – A strong local music scene
Theater Performances – Local and touring shows
Evening Walks Downtown – A relaxed way to experience the city
Stargazing Nearby – Just outside the city for darker skies

Other Things to Do in Salt Lake City

If you have more time, here are a few additional ideas:

Uetliberg-style mountain views (Wasatch Range hikes) – Incredible scenery just minutes away
Day Trip to Park City – Ski town with year-round activities
Bonneville Salt Flats – A unique and otherworldly landscape
Local Food Scene – Growing and increasingly recognized nationally
Art Districts & Local Neighborhoods – Explore areas like the Maven District