The towering Wasatch Mountain Range and unique culture makes Salt Lake City, Utah a prime spot for adventure-goers. During your trip, you’ll experience mind-blowing canyon views, delicious foods from around the world, and unique ecosystems you can’t find anywhere else.
Chapters
- Things to Do in the Salt Lake City Area
- Local Tips for When You Visit Salt Lake City
- The Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City
- Easy Day Trips from Salt Lake City
- The Bottom Line
Whenever I tell someone I used to live in Salt Lake City, they immediately want to know about my experience. Infused with Mormon culture and pioneer ancestry, Salt Lake City is one of the most unique destinations in the United States. It’s also not commonly visited, which is a shame since the city has so much to offer.
Locals will tell you (almost in a whisper), “It’s better than Colorado,” and they’re not entirely wrong. The mountains are easy to access, the city isn’t overcrowded, the altitude is lower than Colorado, and so many National Parks are just a day trip away.
Whether you’ve landed in Utah for a bucket-list ski trip, a work event, or you’re simply passing through on a road trip, here’s how to experience the best of Salt Lake City as the locals do.
Things to Do in the Salt Lake City Area
Explore Big Cottonwood Canyon
Just twelve miles away from the city, Big Cottonwood Canyon stretches through miles of alpine forests and untouched wilderness. Since it’s a National Forest, the area is pristine and home to some of the best hikes and camping spots in the state. The canyon is beautiful all year round, but it’s especially pretty in autumn. Find hikes with plenty of aspen trees, like Circle All Peak (one of my favorites).
Explore Little Cottonwood Canyon
While this canyon is more well-known for winter skiing (home to the Alta and Snowbird resorts), it’s a beautiful place to visit anytime of year. If you’re lucky enough to be there in the summertime, you must enjoy an alpine lake visit (it’s a rite of passage). My favorite is Cecret Lake, since it’s easy to access and the views are incredible. You can also continue on the hike toward Sugarloaf Peak if you want to experience more of the Utah wilderness.
Cecret Lake is only accessible during the hottest summer months, and you’ll need to travel briefly on an unpaved road to access it (it’s well-maintained, though, and suitable for small cars). You’ll also need to purchase an $8 day pass.
Visit Provo Canyon
This canyon is perhaps Utah’s best-kept secret (shh). Since it’s located in Provo, it’s a bit of a drive (45 minutes) from the city. But this distance from Salt Lake keeps Provo Canyon a local-friendly treasure. Upon entering the canyon, the views are unbeatable, and the drive alone is worth the visit. Go to the popular Bridal Veil trail (it’s paved), or flirt with year-round winter weather conditions by visiting the Big Springs Hollow Loop. Provo Canyon is a beautiful place for biking and river tubing. Make your visit a day trip and spend time in the neighboring American Fork Canyon (home to the Timpanogos Caves).
Find a Good Hiking Spot
Hiking is one of Salt Lake City’s biggest attractions and a big reason so many adventurers choose to make the city home. With glacial lakes, high alpine meadows, famous wildflower blooms, and autumn aspen trees, you’ll get many of the same views as Colorado but with fewer people and more wilderness.
When I lived in Utah, I hiked the Bonneville Shoreline nearly every week. You can access a trail entrance from Salt Lake City, Murray, or Draper — since the whole trail stretches 280 miles in total (all the way to Idaho). Usually, it’s an easy climb up to the trail, which evens out for most of the 280 miles, as it meanders along the shoreline of prehistoric Lake Bonneville.
Some other local favorite spots include Donut Falls (especially for autumn colors), Cecret Lake (a personal favorite that’s only open for summer), Mount Olympus (only for confident hikers), and Dimple Dell Regional Park (go during sunflower season or if you’re looking for a paved walk with beautiful views).
Take a Tram Ride During Wildflower Season
You’ll find Snowbird Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon, one of the most popular places to ski in the United States. In the summer, the resort opens to wildflower lovers and view-seekers with a tram ride through some of Utah’s most picturesque landscape. Take the tram in early July to catch peak wildflower season. Pack a lunch and hike to Cecret Lake while you’re out there.
Visit Redmond Heritage Farms
Have you heard of Redmond Real Salt? It’s a famous natural salt brand that’s harvested from ancient seabeds in Utah. The same company that owns the salt brand also created Redmond Heritage Farms, and it’s a must-visit, especially for health food lovers. In Utah, this is the go-to place for a healthy lunch, freshly baked sourdough bread, or trustworthy raw milk that’s sold right in the store. Visiting the store is an experience itself, and it’s a great place to find healthy electrolyte supplements (which you’ll need if you hike in altitude). Personally, I love to visit them before a Utah road trip to stock up on snacks.
Visit Moon’s Rare Books
Yes, that TikTok famous bookstore is located less than an hour away in Provo, Utah — and you must go. Stepping into the store is like stepping into a museum, since Reid Moon has collected everything from Queen Victoria’s nightgown to L.M. Montgomery’s teacup to real props from the Harry Potter movies. Every month, he displays different rare books, like works signed by Tolkien or a first-edition copy of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The whole place is super educational, especially if you catch one of Moon’s private show-and-tell events.
Enjoy Some Baked Goods or Visit a Soda Shop
If there’s anything Salt Lake City does well, it’s sugar. Since Latter-day Saints don’t drink coffee, they chose the next best thing and perfected their sugar game. If you’re a sweets enthusiast, expect to find bakeries and soda shops on every corner. My go-to is Flake Pie, a little shop that sells a large variety of sweet hand pies. I took all my friends here, and the experience was delightful. You can also live your Secret Lives of Mormon Wives dreams and create your custom soda at Swig.
Shop at Unique Local Boutiques
If you’re not dress shopping in Salt Lake City, you’re simply doing it wrong. Utah is home to some of the cutest (and most well-known) boutique dress shops in the nation. If you haven’t shopped in person yet, you’ve definitely come across these shops in your social media feed. Visit Piper and Scoot, Called to Surf, Hip & Humble, One Loved Babe, JessaKae, and Bohme. There’s a vibrant vintage clothing scene, too, especially in the downtown area. You can also find gift shops with local goods, like my personal favorite, Salt & Honey.
Explore Wheeler Historic Farm
If I had kids, this is the first place I’d take them in Salt Lake City. The farm is a 75-acre country getaway nestled just outside of the city (in Murray), and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the perfect picnic and adventure spot, since it’s a working farm, museum, and public park all rolled into one.
You’ll get to see (and pet) all different kinds of farm animals, and you’ll find historical artifacts scattered throughout the park grounds. Wheeler Historic Farm has unique tree carvings, a playground, bubbling streams, seasonal wagon rides, and entry is completely free. If you make it there on a Sunday morning, you’ll find the winter farmers’ market and meet delightful local craftsmen and vendors.
Visit Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake
I’ll be honest, not every spot near the Great Salt Lake is worth the visit. Some areas are buggy, hot, and overcrowded. But Antelope Island is pristine, full of wildlife, and many locals’ favorite destination. You’ll see antelopes (of course), bison, bighorn sheep, and birds. There’s plenty of primitive camping, and the area is a designated Dark-Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.
Enjoy a Dip in a Local Hot Springs
Mineral hot springs are a treat any time of year but especially in the winter for a little hot-and-cold therapy. There are dozens of hot springs around Salt Lake City, and there’s truly no bad choice. That said, if you’re looking for something picturesque, the Homestead Crater (in Park City) and Mystic Hot Springs are the most Instagram worthy.
Take a Road Trip to One of Utah’s Famous National Parks
In my opinion, Salt Lake City is one of the best places in the country to live if you enjoy National Park road trips. You can make it to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, the Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands all within a 6-hour drive or less. Get your yearly National Park pass and go camping in some of the most beautiful places in the country.
Visit the Ice Castles
In high-altitude areas, winter brings piles of snow and enchanting outdoor activities. One of the best is the ice castles. They’re handmade wonders that combine colorful icicles with winter activities you won’t experience anywhere else. Drink hot cocoa, fly down ice slides, and experience what it would be like to live in Elsa’s magical ice kingdom. The ice castles are found in a few places across the United States. In Utah, the location changes year by year, but it’s usually close to Salt Lake City in a high-altitude area.
Spend a Recovery Day at a Salt Cave
After a few days in the mountains, your body deserves a little pick-me-up. There are a few different spas around the city, and the area is particularly known for indoor Himalayan salt caves. These caves release dry salt into the air, which is beneficial for the skin, sinuses, and lungs. The negative ions produced by the salt are deeply cleansing, which can support good sleep, mental health, and energy levels. I love the salt caves at Soul Inception, since they include PEMF therapy with the visit.
Local Tips for When You Visit Salt Lake City
Downtown Salt Lake City is Overhyped (Except for the Food)
This is my unpopular opinion, but I’m not in love with downtown Salt Lake City. It’s great if you want to dive into Mormon history, you’re visiting a popular restaurant, or for vintage shopping. Otherwise, don’t plan to spend all your time here. The canyons, local hikes, and day trips are a lot more exciting.
Always Get Coffee Before You Go on a Road Trip (Trust Me)
If you have a coffee addiction (like me), you don’t want to be caught driving up the highway at 7:00 am on a Saturday morning thinking, “I’ll get coffee on the way.” That’s not how Utah works. For devout Mormons, coffee is forbidden, just like alcohol and some kinds of tea. This means that Salt Lake City and Park City are really the only reliable places to get a good cup of joe. When you’re on the highway, it’s anyone’s guess when you’ll pass the next coffee shop.
Be Aware of the Pollution
It’s a small price to pay for the mountain views in every direction. The Salt Lake City valley is situated in the middle of a mountain range, which means it creates a bowl effect, trapping air pollution. Stay prepared, especially if you’re sensitive.
Nothing’s Open on Sunday
In Mormon culture, Sunday is a big deal. It’s a day to rest, recharge, and spend time with your family after church. This means many local shops and even fast-food chains are closed. Just be prepared to have slower Sundays, and stock up on meals in advance, especially if you’re in a rural area.
Prepare for Altitude Changes
Salt Lake City is a little more than 4,000 feet above sea level. For most people, this is a manageable range, especially if you plan to spend a few days in the area. That said, some canyon hikes may reach up to 8,000 feet (or even higher if you’re adventurous). Pack plenty of electrolytes and carbohydrates, and be prepared for rapid weather changes when you’re at altitude.
You Don’t Have to Go to the Mountains for a Pretty View
With mountains on every side, there are stunning views everywhere in Salt Lake City. So if you struggle with mobility, low energy levels, or altitude, you won’t miss out.
The Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City (My Top 5)
Vessel Kitchen
Serving healthy comfort foods, Vessel Kitchen is my ride-or-die lunch spot in Salt Lake City. They’re a local business with a few different locations, so you can find them scattered throughout the city. Genuinely, their food is an art form, and you can get everything from protein-packed bowls to mindfully crafted salads.
La Barba Coffee and Breakfast Tacos
On a recent road trip through Salt Lake City, I planned my departure time around La Barba’s opening hours. Their breakfast tacos use simple, healthy ingredients and taste incredible. They’re a must-go any time I visit the city or send a recommended itinerary to a friend. La Barba is also a reliable spot for good coffee, which can be hard to find in Salt Lake City.
Redmond Heritage Farms
Redmond is most well-known for their popular natural salt brand. But if you’re lucky enough to visit Salt Lake City, you can get the in-person experience at the farm store. Here, you can order from the kitchen menu for a quick healthy lunch or shop for groceries. Redmond is really an experience, so save time to eat and shop at their farm store.
Eva
Who doesn’t love a good small plate? Eva is a fun spot if you enjoy trying a bunch of different dishes but don’t want to pay a high dinner bill. The space is elevated and exciting, with a variety of options from pasta to calamari.
Sapa Sushi
I always go to this restaurant when I’m in the Salt Lake City area. The sushi is consistently good, and they have a ton of options and crowd-pleasers. It’s close to downtown, so you can do a bit of exploring (visit some local boutiques) before dinner. I do recommend a reservation because this place is always busy. And since it’s Utah and Sapa has a bar, you’ll need to bring your ID to enter the building (even if you aren’t drinking).
Laziz Kitchen
I’ve always been such a fan of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food but especially since visiting Jordan in the fall of 2024. Laziz Kitchen is Lebanese-style food with a few American twists mixed in. This is a great place if you’re looking for a healthy bite that also tastes incredible. If you don’t have time to visit Laziz Kitchen in person, some of their dips and sauces are available at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets (the toum is my favorite).
Easy Day Trips from Salt Lake City
Bonneville Salt Flats (1.5 Hours)
Imagine 30,000 acres of flatlands in the middle of the Wasatch Mountains. Now add salt. The famous Bonneville International Raceway is also a geological marvel and coveted photo spot. The flats are about an hour and a half outside of Salt Lake City (so three hours round trip) and easy to access from the highway.
You can drive your car on the flats as far and as fast as you want (there’s no speed limit). Watch other racers compete or simply bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful views and unique geology that only exists in fifteen countries.
Blue Heart Springs, Idaho (3+ Hours)
Imagine Caribbean blue waters in the middle of the famous Snake River, dotted with pelicans and mergansers. If you visit the Blue Heart Springs in April or May, you’ll connect with nature on a new level (and likely, without tourists). To get to the springs, you’ll need to rent a kayak from Banbury Hot Springs and paddle for about 30–45 minutes. Get directions from the Banbury staff just to make sure you’re going in the right direction.
The Snake River is about three and a half hours outside of Salt Lake City, so it’s a bit of a road trip. But if you stay the night, you can hit all the highlights, like Shoshone Falls, Thousand Springs State Park, Malad Gorge State Park, the Hagerman Fossil Beds (with an Oregon Trail site), and Banbury Hot Springs.
Park City and Midway, Utah (45 Minutes)
In the wintertime, Park City is Utah’s main attraction. Between world-famous ski resorts and its charming historic main street, Park City offers the best that snow and wintertime have to offer. But this isn’t the only reason to visit. There’s horseback riding, ice fishing, hot air balloon rides, an alpine coaster, and high-altitude trails for hiking and biking. Park City is also home to the Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring located inside a crater.
Provo, Utah (45 Minutes)
The home of Brigham Young University (BYU) isn’t on the radar for most Utah tourists. But it should be. It’s home to Provo Canyon, American Fork Canyon, Dry Bar Comedy, a thriving farmers’ market, Moon’s Rare Books, and unique boutique shops you can only find in Utah.
The Bottom Line
With Colorado-worthy mountain views and easy access to some of America’s best National Parks, Salt Lake City is a hidden gem you should include on your bucket list.
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