Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City offers a travel experience that defies easy categorization. It is a place where urban sophistication meets high-alpine adventure, often within the same hour. While the city is globally recognized as the spiritual headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its cultural landscape has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, innovative dining, and a thriving arts scene.
For the outdoor enthusiast, few metropolitan areas in the United States offer such immediate access to world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Yet, you do not need to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate the city’s charm. From serene gardens and historic landmarks to interactive museums and bustling markets, the capital of Utah provides a surprisingly varied itinerary for families, solo travelers, and couples alike.
Understanding the geography of the valley is key to maximizing your visit. The city is laid out on a grid system that radiates from the iconic Salt Lake Temple, making navigation relatively straightforward for first-time visitors. However, the true magic of the area lies in the contrast between the flat, walkable downtown core and the steep, pine-covered canyons that rise abruptly to the east.
As a visitor, you will find that the city’s history is deeply intertwined with the pioneer migration of 1847, but the modern identity is much more complex. Today, you are just as likely to spend your morning touring a historic homestead as you are spending your evening sipping craft cocktails in a repurposed warehouse. This blend of the sacred and the secular, the historic and the hip, creates a unique energy that keeps travelers coming back.
Whether you are planning a short layover en route to the national parks or an extended urban vacation, the challenge isn’t finding things to do—it is narrowing down the list. To help you curate the perfect itinerary, we have compiled the essential stops that define the essence of the Salt Lake Valley.
From iconic architectural wonders to natural oases in the heart of the city, these destinations offer a comprehensive look at what makes this mountain metropolis tick. Here are the best attractions to experience in Salt Lake City.
This Is The Place Heritage Park
| Address | 2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (801) 582-1847 |
We took our Primary group here for a day camp, and it was fantastic! I highly recommend it. It was very affordable, and they got to push handcarts, do pioneer chores, attend pioneer school, pan for gold, ride ponies, and learn about early hospitals. There was way more to do than what we could fit in one day. There was a playground, restroom, and picnic area that we used for lunch.
I’m amazed at what the experience this place has to offer. If you didn’t know, the reason it’s called This Is The Place is because LDS Prophet Brigham Young said to the pioneers when they arrived in Salt Lake City that “This is the right place.” The staff were super friendly and super knowledgeable. The activities were pioneer-themed, such as panning for gold (Fools’ Gold, did you think it was real?) They’ve got a blacksmith, trains offering tours around the park, and so much more I can’t even begin to list. Overall, 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I had my wedding reception at the Garden Place & I couldn’t be happier with my choice of venue. The staff were extremely helpful, supportive & very kind the day of & during all the time leading up to the big day. The Garden Place is so stunning, had plenty of space to host all of our guests! My favorite part of this venue is the option to be inside or out & I think our guests enjoyed that as well!
Great place to visit if your a Mormon, history buff or want to spend time with your family and kids. There are train rides, visiting historic buildingd, petting animals, bakeshop and souvenir stores to see. It features the early history of Salt Lake and there are plenty to explore so spend atleast half a day or more here.
Depends on the weather or time of the week, as activities vary depending on the number of volunteers they have available. There tends to be better activities on Pioneer Day or on weekends in the summer. Overall, a fun, family-friendly place to learn about Utah and Mormon Heritage.
Liberty Park
| Address | 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 972-7800 |
Beautiful park. Gazebos everywhere. Ducks all over the place, but mostly by the water. Lots of athletic spots. Tennis, volleyball, etc. Parking spots galore. Definitely a great spot.
Showed up just in time to read the swings before they closed, This park is so nice, It definitely needs work but it's probably because we don't have any money for parks and other things that matter to people anymore. Hopefully the government will start funding things so that it can be appropriately maintenance and so that the regular bathrooms can be reopened instead of having to use porta potties.
Trees are tall and green, its relaxing to sit by the benches. There are swans on the lake. Some parts of the hills are not well maintained, the lake needs cleaning, the water fountain is dry.
VERY VERY pretty but almost completely taken over, unfortunately, by the homeless. Three stars for the beauty but I would probably not recommend if you are a woman or walking alone. That's just me personally. They do have a TON of parking and pavilions and lots & lots of tables for picnics but just felt very unsafe. The homeless were honestly overtaking the park. They had set up their world within the park. It was like the non-homeless were invading. That said, the park was GORGEOUS. Great walking path and the sights were beautiful. Lots of water with wildlife and the beautiful SLC mountains in the back. HUGE loop with smooth, pavement. I'm glad I went - but would not go back and only visited once in my extended stay in the area.
There are numerous activities available like basketball, tennis, grass to lay down on, pedal boats to pay for a certain amount of time in, and a play area for kids.
Utah's Hogle Zoo
| Address | 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 584-1700 |
We visited Hogle Zoo around 9:30am on a Sunday and had a great experience! We purchased our tickets online while driving to the zoo, so there was no wait when we arrived.
Going early was definitely worth it. Many of the animals were being fed while we walked through, so we got to see almost every animal the zoo had to offer. The lions and tigers were the only ones who weren’t very active—they were happily snoozing away!
We also got to feed the giraffes, which was a very friendly and exciting experience for our toddler. It was definitely one of the highlights of our visit!
The new seal pool and area were great. It was large, and the seals were very active and fun to watch. The food was definitely on the expensive side, but the bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained. My husband even said it was one of the cleanest men’s bathrooms he has ever been in!
Overall, we had a great visit and would definitely come back.
My husband and I went during the Memorial Holiday. I have never been before. It was a wonderful adventure. We enjoyed strolling through the park and we were able to see all the animals except for the nocturnal ones. But I was so excited to feed the Giraffes, and to see the Polar bear swimming in his pool, watching the Rino walking on those beautiful feet (i kept calling them tippy toes, youll understand when you see them). It was a great experience. We plan on bringing our Grandbabies this summer.
We had such a great experience at Hogle Zoo this week! The zoo was incredibly clean and well-maintained, which made our visit even more enjoyable. They have an excellent summer program with student volunteers who were friendly, knowledgeable, and helped make the experience engaging, not only for the animals but for kids like my daughter as well.
There were plenty of activities happening throughout the day, so we always had something fun to do between exhibits. One of the highlights was seeing all the baby animals, especially the adorable new baby orangutan baby Weila! It was such a special experience.
If you're looking for a fun family outing, I highly recommend visiting Hogle Zoo!!
This place was great for what it was. It is relatively smaller compared to something like the Detroit zoo. Definitely a wide variety of animals for a relatively small space but definitely a wonderful place to visit. This is definitely a family place with lots of activities for children. Would recommend buying tickets online as they were two dollars cheaper compared to purchasing at the gate.
Wonderful zoo! My kids are very sensitive to how animals are treated and they were very impressed with the space and care provided to all the animals. A lot of great diversity and beautiful animals!
We had 3 hours to kill before going to the airport and were able to stash our bags in guest services. It was the perfect amount of time to see everything and not feel rushed.
Clark Planetarium
| Address | 110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (385) 468-7827 |
Very nice planetarium for individuals and families. Lots of programs to watch both in imax and in the dome. Plus interactive displays for the kids. Nice shop inside for fun, creative, and learning toys for kids. Lots of kids. And can be a bit distracting when we watching the shows. But it was a very enjoyable experience.
We've cone here a few times and our grandchildren have loved it. Tons of educational video games, all free. The last time we came they had a Kpop demon hunter music Lazer show in the dome theatre. They liked that also. Will come again.
We stopped at the Clark Planetarium before heading to a concert nearby and it was a great place to explore! The exhibits are free, it's air conditioned, the bathrooms are clean, and they have a gift shop. We didn't have time to catch a show, but we would love to next time.
This place is incredible. It’s free to enter, $1 parking with their QR code and entertaining for hours. I only went with educated adults and all of us had a blast. We could have stayed here for a full day easily. We played the mars simulation for at least 2 hours and then came back the next day just for that. The other games, models, simulations, etc. are all incredibly educational and entertaining. Everything is hands on and they do a great job of showing complex topics in a really simple, easy to remember way. Their shows are also all incredible. I highly recommend coming here multiple times and going to both the imax and dome theaters if possible.
Great for all ages, there were even babies crawling around safely in some areas. I’ll be taking my kids here often.
Kids get a chance to put hands on some real science. "Whoa. How cool" or "how does it do that?" Free to roam all the levels without charge. We watch KPop in a laser show form that was a big sing a long for the kids. We had a great time. 10 out of 10 as far as im concerned.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
| Address | 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 972-7860 |
Such a cool spot!! Super relaxing, with some interesting history. It seems gimmicky at first glance, but it truly is a labor if love both for the original artist and for those who maintain it now. Absolutely worth a visit!
Cool sculptures, definitely someone's take on Mormon inspired original historical art. Fun place to chill and check out.
A small, unassuming, and free attraction — but surprisingly fascinating.
To truly appreciate the history of the garden and the meaning behind the individual artworks, it’s worth walking all the way to the end first and taking time to read the photos and descriptions displayed under the covered area. Once you understand the background and how the artworks came to life, exploring the garden becomes far more enjoyable and you start to see the pieces from a completely different perspective.
One of my favorite parks in the Salt Lake area. Unique art structures and beautiful gardens. A great place to sit and contemplate!
The masonry in this place is so amazing. The flowers are beautiful. A nice peaceful stroll.
Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park
| Address | 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 596-8500 |
This place was amazing! My wife doesn’t love birds but she had a great time. They have a huge collection of rare and unique birds. They offer AZA Reciprocity, but their prices are more than fair. Definitely come early as they are fed at open. I would highly recommend this place for a leisurely stroll or educational visit.
I had my wedding at the chase mill inside the aviary last week and it was absolutely prefect. Amazing venue with fantastic staff and just so beautiful. We even got to have a guest bird which was so cool! Can't recommend it enough
My wife and I visited for her birthday. I surprised her with an "Indoor Owl Experience" as she's always loved owls. Absolutely stellar experience. 10 stars. It was delightful as well as informative and we both got to (carefully and under supervision) hold owls! Highly suggest visiting whether you're just looking for a nice walk around the park (though I suggest going on a day when it's not 90+ degrees out) or you're looking for a close encounter with the feathered kind, you won't regret it!
My husband and I had an amazing time at the Tracy Aviary. Very kind, friendly staff that is knowledgeable about the birds. Lots of bird varieties and they’re so beautiful. The place is not very big but we took our time, reading signs and asking questions and stayed for 4 hours. We attended two bird shows and both were amazing. So cool to see the birds up close and learn more about them. Hopefully they can upgrade the exhibits to give the birds larger spaces to enjoy and fly
Tracy Aviary was a wonderful place to visit. We went on a weekday, so it wasn’t busy, which made it easy to explore the entire aviary in about two hours. The grounds were beautiful, with a wide variety of birds and an incredible floral scent throughout the gardens.
There were many different plants to enjoy, and everything was clean, well maintained, and thoughtfully laid out. It was a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and we truly enjoyed our time there. I would definitely recommend visiting, especially on a weekday if you prefer a quieter experience.
Utah State Capitol
| Address | 350 N State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84114 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 538-3074 |
I recently visited the Utah State Capitol and was blown away by the new North Capitol Building! The architecture is a perfect blend of modern innovation and classic style—it’s amazing to learn that they even adjusted the construction footprint by 18 inches just to protect the roots of the historic sequoia trees on the grounds. The new space is beautiful, and I love how it emphasizes public access. If you're a local or just passing through Salt Lake, it’s a must-see. The added parking makes the visit so much more convenient than before, too!
The park near the Salt Lake City Legislature building is a peaceful and well-maintained spot. It’s great for a relaxing walk, enjoying open green spaces, or just sitting and taking in the surroundings. The landscaping is nice, and there’s a calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind.
The Legislature building itself is impressive, both architecturally and historically. The structure is grand and beautifully designed, with interesting details and a sense of significance that reflects the city’s history. Walking around the building and its grounds gives a good sense of the local government and the city’s character; a visit here combines natural beauty with cultural and civic interest — perfect for sightseeing, photos, or a peaceful afternoon outdoors.
This is an absolutely beautiful and incredibly clean area! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to spend quality time with family and friends, or simply enjoy a stunning scenic view. It is a gorgeous, green, grassy spot with picture-perfect views. If you enjoy a lively, bustling environment surrounded by people, you will love it here. The area is always beautifully active with people coming, going, and taking photos to capture their memories. It is truly one of the best places to visit for a wonderful time
One of the coolest capital buildings I've visited! The building itself has amazing architecture and the views of the Salt Lake City Skyline and mountains is just as stunning. I highly recommend stopping by the Utah State Capitol!
One of the best places for views in the city. I ALWAYS TOOK people here when they visited. Often has great lighting and you look good. There are fun gift shops around and an old Epsiscopal church on the hill. At night the lights of valley sparkle real pretty. Lots of bee themed things
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
| Address | 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 456-5437 |
We have a BLAST here! The Children’s Museum offers a Construction Zone, Bakery Area, Subaru Shop, Farm, Bank, Grocery Store, Water Play, Bee Themed, Indoor Playground, Train Show, Dinosaur Zone, Helicopter, Art Studio, Etc. The price is reasonable. They order discounted parking at the front desk so be sure to ask about that. I belt was $2 for three hours in the parking garage. Overall, it was a great experience and the kids absolutely loved it. The staff was all around if we had questions and they were keeping everyone clean all throughout our visit.
The trip was great! I’d suggest it for kids 3 and up. I liked how they had different areas, so the kids could explore and play with various things. The only strange thing was that we had to pay for parking, but others in our group didn’t. If we’d all paid separately, parking would have been covered. The parking system was also a bit odd. They have a new system, you scan an QR code and if you don’t have signal they have WiFi, but since there’s no service in the parking lot, it doesn’t make sense because they need to send you a text to verify.
So cute for the kiddos! It is not crowded at all! I recommend you to bring your own snacks because here they don’t sell anything more than water bottles ☺️ you can eat at the rooftop.
It is the perfect place for these hot days 🥹 children can play freely! My kids are 3 and 1 YO, and it is just perfect.
We brought my 5 year old son and my 9 yr old daughter for a fun day and when we arrived we were told we , as adults and parents had to pay as well. First off let me start by saying, paying for the parking lot is tedious work. They don’t even have cell phone service so you have to connect to their WiFi. Second, When I asked the attendant why adults had to pay if we were just supervising not even using the facilities, she replied, we encourage parents to play as well. As if I would climb up the top of the slide or the beehive???!!! Are we serious? 🙄 are we serious??? And the state of their facilities is great, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the kids love it, but if they’re charging that much per adult, I’m sure they could invest in some new aprons. It’s not that hard!! So many kids use them daily and they are so worn out the Velcro won’t even stick anymore!!!
Three floors packed full of hands-on activities for all ages! Even the 17 year old had a blast. I recommend planning at least two hours for this one.
Memory Grove
| Address | 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 972-7800 |
Beautiful solemn park. Many memorials to the fallen soldiers sailors airmen and marines of past battles. City creek flows through it. Many benches to rest. There is a path up to the capital.
⭐️ Memory Grove Park – Peaceful and Beautiful Spot Near the Utah State Capitol 🇺🇸🌳
A very well-kept and peaceful park just below the Utah State Capitol. 🌿
There are large grassy areas, plenty of benches to sit and relax, and small streams and ponds running through the park. 💧
You can walk directly down the stairs from the Capitol and explore the monuments, fountains, and memorials along the way — including tributes honoring fallen soldiers. 🕊️
Free entry, scenic views, and calm atmosphere make it a perfect stop for a relaxing walk or quiet reflection. 🏞️✨
I visited from Florida to meet my long distance boyfriend for the first time. After ensign peak, this is the second trail he took me on.
The park was beautiful, families having picnics, lovely memorials on the trail and so many dogs a long the trail as well. I’m from Florida so at most we have small hills, I’ve been on plenty of trails down here but nothing compares to Utah. The trails are so clean and well maintained. It made me appreciate Mother Nature so much more. There was a bunch of creeks with little waterfalls and even though they were tiny, I’d never seen a waterfall in my life so I was just in awe taking in all the gorgeous views. Saw many dogs jumping in the water, and running along the trail. Such divine nature, kind people, and the prettiest dogs of all different breeds. If you ever visit Utah I recommend this trail a long with ensign peak because they are definitely beginner trails.
I’ll be back in November though and I am so ready to take on the harder trails and hikes.
I really had so much fun! Thank you Utah for all your picture perfect views!
We went to an art installation featuring art and music about the dying Great Salt Lake. It was really cool. We will be back! Beautiful jewel in the heart of Salt Lake City.
One of the many parks in Salt Lake City, located not too far from the Capitol building. It was busy with people and lots of dogs (all getting along and having fun). A stream cuts through the park, creating a relaxing and peaceful space.
There are several displays that commemorate the spirit of freedom and liberty in our country. The installations invite you to reflect on these foundational ideas.
Some of the installations were in disrepair and could benefit from some TLC. Still, it’s worth a visit.
Museum of Illusions Salt Lake City
| Address | 110 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
What a fun museum!
The manager was super friendly, and was ready to help and answer any questions we had.
The illusions are so fun and rather trippy. I love the directions on the wall and the inspo pics on the iPad. I do wish that there were more, because some of the inspo pics are of other setups and it’s hard to recreate them. I also wished there were more places to prop up your phone, or a stand. If you plan to go, bring a tripod! Overall so fun and it took us about 2 hours and we had the place to ourself on a Tuesday afternoon 👏🏼
Museum of Illusions Las Vegas – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Museum of Illusions was such a fun experience for the whole family. It was full of interactive exhibits, mind-bending illusions, and plenty of opportunities to take creative pictures. My kids had a great time trying to figure out what was real and what was an illusion, and I enjoyed it just as much as an adult. It’s a great activity when you want something fun, different, and entertaining for all ages.
We had a great experience at the Museum of Illusions. Admission is a bit on the expensive side, but we felt it was worth it. The only downside was the parking situation, which was somewhat confusing for first-time visitors. It would have been helpful if the receptionist had asked whether we had driven and briefly explained how to use the parking QR code. Aside from that minor issue, everything was well organized, and we had a fun and memorable visit. Overall, a very good experience.
A few days ago I had the awesome opportunity to wander around the Museum of Illusions. I was amazed by how friendly and informative the staff were. We ran into them several times in different exhibits and they were quick to explain things and even helped us get amazing photos. Jason and Layla were particularly helpful. I could tell they love their job and relish seeing so many minds blown by the interactive and unpredictable pieces. Anyone looking to experience something new and is tired of the same old classic “Utah adventures” should skip the miniature golf, bail on the bowling, ditch whatever sequel is in the theater, and try something out of box. In fact, when you finish your visit you may not know if the box is even there.
A great time was had. Great grandpa & great aunt Amy were in town. We - grandma, grandson and guests - needed something to do on a rainy Saturday. When we arrived - 1:30ish - we had the place mostly to ourselves, it was awesome. By the time we had made our way through the joint was hoping. The interactive exhibits were a blast. My grandson liked the Vortex tunnel the best and must have gone through it a dozen or more times.
David one of the dosents helped us get some cool pictures in one of the exhibits. One of the photos David took with great grandpa's phone came out with some interesting flairs.
Washington Square
| Address | 451 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 972-7800 |
Really beautiful park! Gorgeous trees, plenty of space to move around, lovely flower gardens, all wrapped around a truly stunning building. Fun art in the parking lot. Something for everyone. Even saw some squirrels.
Went here for their art festival, very nice, enough places to park and reasonably priced.
I absolutely love visiting Washington Square. That's definitely a highlight of downtown Salt Lake that you must see.
No bump into people from all over the world visiting the beautiful historic building. I often get asked questions about it from people from all over the us as well as the world.
There are plenty of paved pathways and 6 beautiful circular floral gardens. It's a beautiful building to take engagement pictures, I see a lot of high school graduation pictures taken here too.
Their security here is on point and the very best in the city. This is where the mayor of Salt Lake city's office is as well. So it is the city and county building.
If you decide to bring your dog, they will love it! Please remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times and to pick up after them.
Love the art of lights 😍❤️😍 you can't never be disappointed !!!
Park near the city hall in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately it is not maintained and not clean however it is worth the visit
Temple Square
| Address | 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 240-8945 |
What a beautifully landscaped area. Unfortunately the temple is still under a 6 year renovation project but the new visitors center just opened. It was fascinating to learn about a religion that I knew very little about. I'm sure I'll never become Mormon but it was interesting learning about the history and practices of their religion. IMHO, this is what's great about the US. We should all be able to practice whatever we believe or nothing at all.
What a beautiful temple. It is under renovations, so we couldn't get very close, but I got some beautiful photos, I think. We were there at 7:30 p.m. and were lucky enough to find a free parking spot a block away from the Conference Center, which is across the street from Temple Square. There is street metered parking. I was told it is $3.50 an hour. There is also underground parking with an entrance kind of in the middle of a street. It says $25 (a day?), but will be free if you get your ticket validated by someone when you take a tour or visit a museum. If you Google Temple Square, you can find more options for validation.
More about the grounds. They are lovely with many trees, flowers, and nice covered areas with benches which will make your chats slightly more private, if you need that. Green grassy areas, and there were families with children playing on the grass.
The Choir at Temple Square was rehearsing inside the Tabernacle, and we could hear them from outside the building. I was told that on Thurdays you can go in and listen for 45 minutes, and then you need to leave, as they will be recording.
I also saw the Family History Center across another street by Temple Square. Oh, also many beautiful statues depicting the life of the Savior and moments in Church History.
The Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Always Love the Beautiful Grounds at Temple! Great place to take family and to experience a very, peaceful and inviting experience you'll want to do again and again. There are new exhibits and statues and wide array of flowers and colorful trees. And the Temple is Amazing! Christmas time is always a Beautiful tribute to the Savior with Nativities and Lights. Highly Recommend!
Temple Square is a truly remarkable destination that combines history, architecture, and tranquility in a way that's hard to describe. The beautifully maintained gardens, stunning historic buildings, and peaceful atmosphere made it one of the highlights of my visit to Salt Lake City.
I especially appreciated how welcoming and knowledgeable the staff and volunteers were. They were happy to answer questions and share the rich history of the site without being intrusive. Walking around the grounds was incredibly relaxing, and every corner seemed to offer another beautiful view or architectural detail worth admiring.
Whether you're visiting for religious reasons, history, or simply to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, Temple Square is well worth the visit. It's a place that inspires peace, reflection, and appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage. I left feeling refreshed and grateful for the experience.
I couldn't walk up to the temple itself due to construction, but I got to see the tabernacle where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practices, the outside if the locked chapel, and the new visitor center. The missionaries were super helpful and more than willing to answer my questions. A beautiful place to visit, especially if you're Mormon. I recommend buying tickets ahead of time for the guided tour downstairs in the visitor center.
Land Cruiser Heritage Museum
| Address | 476 W 600 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (385) 385-5246 |
Great little museum for Land Cruiser enthusiasts. There were so many different models for different years, different models. They had models from Japan, Canada, Venezuela, Columbia, and Australia. So steering wheels were on both the left and the right. There was information posted at each vehicle and even audio from online telling more information and stories about the vehicle. We spent over an hour there.
If you love Land Cruisers this museum is amazing! So many variants and collections not sold in the US, explanations of where they have gone (everywhere) and knowledgeable friendly staff. I can’t wait to go back, this is an automotive nerds dream, I love this place!
During a recent trip to Iceland, my son and I rented a Toyota Land Cruiser and quickly fell in love with this incredible vehicle 🚙❄️. It handled everything so well that we couldn’t stop talking about it even after the trip ended.
Later, my son discovered that there is a museum in Salt Lake City dedicated to the Land Cruiser, and we immediately knew we had to visit it! 😄 The museum has an amazing collection and does a great job telling the story and history of this legendary vehicle.
Seeing so many different models and learning more about how the Land Cruiser evolved over the years was really interesting. If you’re a fan of this iconic SUV or just love unique car history, this place is definitely worth checking out! 👍🚗
What a cool find in Salt Lake City Utah! A whole collection of Toyota’s land cruisers from 50’s onward from all over the world! And in all formats. It sparks my imagination of adventures!
And even the “toy” collection is amazing with color charts.
I had an awesome time. Excellent collection of well-prrserved vehicles and pieces of history. Great to see all the different Toyota Land Cruisers and learn about their history. The staff was super friendly and knew a lot about every vehicle. Everything was really clean, and you can tell they put a lot of effort into taking care of the collection. If you're into cars, off-roading, or just want to check out something unique, I'd definitely recommend stopping by. It was way cooler than I expected!
Pioneer Park
| Address | 350 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (801) 535-7800 |
This park offers a nice mix of open space, walking paths, and recreational areas right in the heart of the city. It's a great place to take a stroll, relax outdoors, or spend time with family and friends. One of the highlights is the community atmosphere, especially during local events and market days that bring plenty of energy to the area. With lots of room to explore and enjoy the outdoors, it's a popular spot for both visitors and locals.
Loving Liberty Park great place to ride bikes walk look at the Avery and they cleaned the pond with the ducks!!🥰😍❤️
The farmers market here is amazing!! Soooo many vendors. There is currently construction though on the north side of the park, so many of the vendors were located in a closed off street. The reason I knocked a star off is because parking is very difficult to find.
I did not feel safe here as a 6', 200 lb. man...Thought the other posts were exaggerating but if anything, they are being generous. I could have lived with the drug deal going on in front of me for the sake of having a nearby place to run my dogs while visiting beautiful SLC but the beer cans and garbage (including human food sprayed all over the ground inside the dog park) was the last straw...My plan now is to drive the dogs to one of the many beautiful and safe other dog parks downtown
This was such a special place. This was the finish line for my 196th marathon! It was a public holiday so as I finished the marathon, I ran with the parade into the finish line. Everybody was so friendly and nice. It was that amazing, amazing place!
Pioneer Memorial Museum
| Address | 300 N Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (801) 532-6479 |
I had a most interesting and enjoyable visit. There are extensive exhibits which I appreciated as I enjoy reading about the pioneers. Parking is available on the street, staff were welcoming, all in a well mantained beautiful building. Highly recommended.
Very interesting collection of Western artifacts and early Mormon pioneers. Well worth a visit. Staff is very nice.
Great museum! This is very informative. They have all sorts of artifacts from the pioneering era. The amount of things they were able to keep is astonishing. From election pamphlet to huge carriage, it is quite a lot of things to see. If you want to visit this museum fully you will need more than an hour. This is a free activity that is totally worth it.
Absolutely awesome museum! And it’s FREE 99! Some people
Complain that the exhibits are too repetitive or the pictures are too much. This is less of an educational aesthetic museum and more of a real time archive you can step into so yes there are hundreds of photos of people on the walls and hundreds of folded quilts or forks etc. It is a housing unit for these historical artifacts. Loved it!
I love this museum! It shows stuff the pioneers had and used. The things may be old, but they’re very nice to look at.
Tips for Visiting Salt Lake City
To ensure your trip to the Salt Lake Valley is as smooth as it is memorable, it helps to understand a few local nuances before you arrive. The city operates differently than many coastal metros, particularly regarding transportation and seasonal weather. By planning ahead and respecting local customs, you can navigate the city with the confidence of a seasoned local and unlock experiences that many tourists miss.
1. Understand the Altitude and Sun
Salt Lake City sits at roughly 4,300 feet above sea level. If you are arriving from sea level, you may tire more easily and feel the effects of the sun more intensely. Drink twice as much water as you normally do, apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, and take it easy on strenuous hikes during your first 24 hours.
2. Leverage the TRAX Light Rail
Parking downtown can be expensive and confusing due to the large block sizes. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates a free fare zone for TRAX light rail and buses in the downtown core. Use this free zone to hop between Temple Square, City Creek Center, and the Capitol area without moving your car.
3. Watch for the "Inversion" in Winter
While summer offers clear blue skies, winter can bring a phenomenon called an inversion, where cold air traps pollution in the valley. If you are visiting in January or February, check the air quality index. If it is a "red" day, it is the perfect excuse to head up into the canyons where the air is clear and temperatures are often warmer.
4. Respect the Cultural Divide
While Salt Lake City proper is quite progressive and diverse, the state of Utah has unique liquor laws that date back to its pioneer history. In restaurants, you must generally order food if you intend to drink alcohol, and draft beer is typically lower in alcohol content than bottled beer. Bars are open, but expect a different ordering protocol than you might be used to.
5. Time Your Canyon Visits Strategically
The Cottonwood Canyons (Big and Little) offer some of the best recreation in the country, but they are prone to traffic congestion, especially on weekends and powder days during ski season. If you are driving up to see the leaves in the fall or hike in the summer, go early in the morning or use the ski bus services in the winter to avoid gridlock.
Salt Lake City rewards the curious traveler. While the stunning mountain views will likely be your first takeaway, the warmth of the community and the depth of the historical narrative will be what stays with you long after you leave. It is a city that manages to feel like a small town while offering the amenities of a major urban center.
As you explore the diverse attractions listed above, leave room in your schedule for spontaneity. Some of the best memories are made by stumbling upon a local coffee shop in the 9th and 9th district or catching a sunset from the foothills. Regardless of the season, the crossroads of the West is ready to welcome you.
