So you're planning a trip to Salt Lake City and wondering what's actually worth your time? Having lived here for eight years, let me tell you - this place keeps surprising me. Just last month I discovered this tiny underground jazz club that isn't even on Google Maps yet. That's the thing about Salt Lake, it's got layers beyond the obvious.
When people ask me about fun things to do in Salt Lake City, they're usually imagining Temple Square or maybe skiing. Sure, those are great, but this city's got way more going on. I've put together everything you need - from hidden gems to practical details other guides skip. When I first visited, I wasted half a day trying to find parking near Liberty Park because nobody mentioned the secret lot off 900 South. Won't let that happen to you.
Outdoor Adventures That'll Blow Your Mind
Look, if you don't get outside here, you're missing half the experience. The mountains aren't just pretty background - they're the city's playground. Last summer I took my niece to Ensign Peak and her jaw dropped at the sunset view. "It looks like someone poured gold over the whole city," she said. Kid wasn't wrong.
Must-Do Hiking Spots
Don't make the mistake I did my first year - buying expensive hiking gear immediately. Start with these accessible trails:
Top 5 Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Downtown
1. Ensign Peak Trail - Panoramic city views without breaking a sweat (0.8 miles round trip, trailhead at Ensign Vista Dr)
2. Donut Falls - Waterfall flowing through a rock donut hole (3.5 miles, Big Cottonwood Canyon)
3. Lake Blanche - Tough but worth every step (7 miles, Mill B South Fork)
4. Bell Canyon Lower Falls - Best bang for your buck (4.5 miles, Wasatch Blvd)
5. Bonneville Shoreline Trail - Pick your own adventure (multiple access points)
Here's the scoop on trailheads and logistics:
| Trail | Distance from downtown | Parking situation | Best time | My personal tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensign Peak | 10 minutes | Small lot, fills by 9am | Sunrise/sunset | Go Wednesday nights for telescope stargazing |
| Donut Falls | 25 minutes | $6 fee June-Oct | July-Sept | Water shoes essential if you want the full experience |
| Lake Blanche | 30 minutes | Gets crowded by 7am | July-Oct | Pack twice the water you think you'll need |
Water Activities Beyond the Great Salt Lake
Everyone talks about the Great Salt Lake but never mentions the stink in late summer. Instead, try these actual fun things to do in Salt Lake City's waterways:
• Stand-up paddleboarding at Jordanelle Reservoir (rentals starting at $25/hour at Park City SUP)
• Floating the Provo River (Tube rentals $20 at High Country Adventure)
• Kayaking at Deer Creek State Park ($10 park entry, kayaks $35/day)
My favorite? Floating down Provo River on a hot August day with cold drinks in the cooler tube. Pure magic.
Culture Fix: More Than Just Temple Square
Temple Square's fine if you're into architecture, but Salt Lake's cultural scene runs way deeper. That Natural History Museum? Spent three hours there during a snowstorm and forgot about the weather completely.
Must-Visit Museums
| Museum | Address | Hours | Admission | Don't Miss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural History Museum | 301 Wakara Way | 10am-5pm daily | $14.95 adults | 5th floor terraces with panoramic views |
| Clark Planetarium | 110 S 400 W | Mon-Thu 10:30am-8pm, Fri-Sat till 11pm | Free (shows $10) | Laser shows set to Pink Floyd |
| Utah Museum of Fine Arts | 410 Campus Center Dr | Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, weekends noon-5pm | $12.95 adults | Contemporary Native art collection |
Fair warning: The Leonardo Museum charges $19.95 and honestly? It's underwhelming unless they have a special exhibit you're dying to see.
Historic Neighborhood Wanderings
Skip the generic downtown stroll and dive into these areas:
The Avenues: Victorian houses with mountain views. Grab coffee at Publik (3 locations, but the Aves spot has best patio at 931 E 900 S). Seriously, their honey latte changed my morning routine permanently.
9th and 9th: Funky boutiques and the best ice cream at Normal (9th Ave & 900 S). Try their honeycomb crunch flavor - I drive across town for it.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden: Bizarre Mormon-themed statues hidden in plain sight. Free (open dawn to dusk) at 749 E 500 S. Weirdest date spot I ever tried, but memorable!
Foodie Adventures That Won't Bankrupt You
People sleep on Salt Lake's food scene because they hit chain restaurants. Big mistake. These spots deliver flavor without pretension:
Local's Lunch Spots Under $15
• Caputo's Deli (314 W Broadway): Best Italian sub ($12) - get it with spicy peppers
• Lone Star Taqueria (2265 Fort Union Blvd): Fish tacos that ruined me for others ($4.50 each)
• Feldman's Deli (2005 E 700 S): Pastrami that justifies the 20-minute wait ($14)
Dinner Worth Dressing Up For
• Current Fish & Oyster (279 E 300 S): $$-$$$ - Raw bar splurge (oysters $3-$4 each)
• Valter's Osteria (173 W 300 S): $$$ - Authentic Northern Italian. Their gnocchi haunts my dreams
• Takashi (18 W Market St): $$-$$$ - Reserve 30 days out for sushi that competes with coastal cities
Pro tip: Valter himself still works the dining room most nights. Tell him Sandra from the neighborhood sent you - might snag extra olive oil for bread dipping.
After Dark: Unexpected Nightlife
Yeah, the liquor laws are weird. No, you can't just walk into a bar. But once you know the rules, there are genuinely fun things to do in Salt Lake City after sunset:
Bar Rules Simplified: Become a "member" by signing a sheet at the door ($5-15 fee) or order food with drinks. Annoying? Yep. Dealbreaker? Nah.
| Spot | Vibe | Address | Hours | Must-Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under Current Bar | Craft cocktails | 270 S State St | 4pm-1am daily | Smoked Old Fashioned ($14) |
| Garage on Beck | Dive bar with live music | 1199 N Beck St | 11am-1am daily | Fried pickles & local beers |
| Water Witch | Speakeasy | 163 W 900 S | 5pm-1am daily | Bartender's choice ($16) |
My confession: I avoided Water Witch for years because it looks sketchy from outside. Biggest regret. Inside feels like a 1920s apothecary with genius mixologists.
Seasonal Highlights: When to Do What
SLC transforms completely each season. This calendar prevents disappointment:
Salt Lake City Seasonal Activity Guide
Winter (Dec-Feb): Skiing obviously (Brighton night skiing FTW), but also: Snowshoeing at Millcreek Canyon ($6 entry), Capitol Building Christmas lights, Sundance Film Festival shuttles (Jan)
Spring (Mar-May): Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point (April, $20), hiking lower elevation trails like Bell Canyon, farmers markets reopening (April 15 at Pioneer Park)
Summer (Jun-Aug): Outdoor concerts at Red Butte Garden ($55+), floating the Provo River, drive-in movies at Redwood Drive-in ($12/car)
Fall (Sep-Nov): Alpine loop drive for fall colors (Sept-Oct), apple picking at Allred Orchards ($25/bag), haunted houses like Nightmare on 13th ($35)
Family Fun That Won't Bore Parents
Scouting activities for my sister's kids taught me kids' spots either delight all ages or make adults want to flee. These pass the test:
Tracy Aviary: Way cooler than it sounds. Interactive bird shows ($19 adults, $15 kids at Liberty Park). Pro tip: Go at 11am for flying demonstrations.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: Sharks and penguins ($25 adults, $20 kids). Their rainforest exhibit actually feels humid - wild detail.
Wheeler Historic Farm: Free entry (activities $3-$10) - cow milking demos at 5pm daily. My nephew still talks about holding baby chicks there.
Smart Visitor Strategies
Wish I knew these earlier:
Transportation: TRAX light rail gets you to most tourist spots ($2.50/ride). Uber/Lyft plentiful. Parking? Downtown garages max $15/day. Street parking free Sundays.
Altitude Adjustment: Drink double the water you think you need. First day headaches are real - ask me how I know.
Money Savers: Visit first Sunday of month for free museum days (UMFA, Natural History). Get Connect Pass if hitting 3+ attractions ($79/2 days).
Salt Lake City Fun FAQs
What are fun things to do in Salt Lake City when it rains?
Clark Planetarium IMAX films: Cosmic collisions on a 70ft dome ($10)
Dreamscapes immersive art: Instagram heaven ($24)
Antelope Island driving tour: See bison herds from your car
Public library rooftop: Gorgeous views with coffee protection
Honestly though? Grab rain gear and hike anyway - waterfalls explode after storms.
What are unique free things to do in Salt Lake City?
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden (bizarre Mormon art)
• State Capitol building tour (marbles halls with views)
• Liberty Park people-watching (plus Tracy Aviary exterior)
• Olympic Cauldron Park (2002 Winter Games relics)
• Urban murals in Granary District (start at 800 S 400 W)
My favorite? Watching sunset from Ensign Peak - costs zero dollars but feels priceless.
What are fun things to do in Salt Lake City during winter besides skiing?
• Snow tubing at Soldier Hollow ($25/hour)
• Hot springs soaking at Homestead Crater ($16)
• Capitol Hill Christmas lights walk (Dec only)
• Indoor rock climbing at Momentum ($22 day pass)
• High West Distillery tour in Park City ($25 with tastings)
Pro suggestion: Soldier Hollow's conveyor belt lift means maximum sliding, minimum climbing.
Is Salt Lake City fun for young adults?
More than you'd think! Brewery scene explodes weekly (TF Brewing, Fisher), live music at Kilby Court dive ($15 shows), summer Twilight Concert Series ($45), and surprisingly decent club scene at Sky SLC (18+ nights). Just manage liquor law expectations.
Bottom Line From a Local
The most fun things to do in Salt Lake City often aren't in brochures. It's finding secret hot springs with friends after snowshoeing. It's stumbling onto a bluegrass jam session in Sugar House Park. It's realizing this "quiet Mormon town" buzzes with creative energy once you know where to look.
Skip the checklist tourism. Wander alleys in the Granary District. Talk to bartenders at Water Witch. Hike somewhere obscure on a Tuesday morning. That's when Salt Lake gets under your skin - and honestly? You might start browsing real estate sites before your flight home.
Leave a Comments