12 Best Things to Do and See in Salt Lake City
Exploring Salt Lake City on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Salt Lake City, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Salt Lake City. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Utah's Hogle Zoo is a large Salt Lake City wildlife park where animals are presented in landscaped spaces that evoke different natural habitats. The visit highlights species from several continents within a spacious site that combines animal viewing, walking paths, and views of the surrounding scenery. Located east of the city, the zoo benefits from a backdrop of the Wasatch range, strengthening its identity as both a discovery reserve and a tourist attraction.
2. The Gateway
The Gateway is a large urban complex in Salt Lake City that combines shopping, work, and leisure in one lively place. It offers shops, restaurants, coworking spaces, offices, as well as cultural venues and areas that sometimes host exhibitions or discovery activities. Its modern, open atmosphere makes it a convenient place to take a break, wander around, or work in a dynamic setting. Located near downtown, The Gateway reflects the city’s contemporary and multifunctional side.
3. Liberty Park
Liberty Park is one of Salt Lake City’s major green spaces, loved for its shaded paths, lawns, playgrounds and peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city. It also features a pond, sports facilities and areas for walking, cycling and family picnics. The park includes several leisure attractions and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take a break in the heart of the city.
4. Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City invites visitors to explore the natural history of Utah and the world through diverse collections and interactive exhibits. Discover dinosaur fossils, minerals, rocks, animal specimens, and displays on geology, evolution, and desert and mountain ecosystems. This science museum also offers educational spaces that make the visit accessible for families and anyone curious about the natural sciences, in a modern setting with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
5. Salt Lake Utah Temple
The Salt Lake Utah Temple is one of the most iconic religious buildings in Salt Lake City. Located in the heart of Temple Square, it attracts visitors with its monumental light stone architecture, soaring spires, and solemn atmosphere. This place of worship, associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is best explored from the outside to admire its façades and the surrounding gardens. The whole site offers a peaceful break in the middle of the city and helps visitors better understand the spiritual and cultural significance of the landmark.
6. Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park
Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park is a bird-focused site in the heart of Salt Lake City, set in the leafy surroundings of Liberty Park. This bird park combines wildlife observation, animal displays, and education in an urban setting. It appeals both for its close encounters with species and for its nonprofit mission to raise awareness about the avian world. Its location in a large public park gives it a natural feel while keeping it firmly connected to the city.
7. Utah State Capitol
The Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City is a vast civic building that attracts both visitors and locals. It features monumental architecture, spacious and bright interiors, and pleasant views over the city and the surrounding mountains. This historic site also serves as a government office and sometimes hosts official events or ceremonies. Its well-kept grounds, elegant rooms, and gardens make it a popular place for a cultural visit, a peaceful stroll, or a wedding in a grand setting.
8. The Leonardo
The Leonardo in Salt Lake City is an original museum that blends art, science and technology in interactive exhibitions accessible to everyone. Visitors can discover creative installations, playful experiences and spaces dedicated to innovation, inviting them to explore a wide range of themes such as culture, design and contemporary science. The venue also serves as an event space, making it a lively and versatile destination, appreciated both for a family visit and for a private event or a cultural outing in the heart of the city.
9. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum in Salt Lake City is an interactive museum designed to spark children’s curiosity through play and hands-on experimentation. Visitors can explore fun areas dedicated to science, building, creativity, everyday jobs, and sensory activities, often designed for learning by doing. It is an ideal family outing, with facilities adapted for younger children that encourage exploration, imagination, and active learning in a friendly and educational atmosphere.
10. Clark Planetarium
The Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City is an ideal place to explore astronomy and science in a fun way. Visitors can discover interactive exhibits about space, the planets, Earth and scientific phenomena, as well as immersive dome shows that make you feel like you are traveling through the heart of the universe. The site also offers activities to better understand the stars, space missions and technologies related to sky observation, making it an enriching visit for families and curious travelers alike.
11. Gilgal Sculpture Garden
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden in Salt Lake City is a unique garden where visitors discover original sculptures scattered among the trees, paths, and rocks. This small park draws visitors with its atmosphere that is both peaceful and unusual, blending naive art, mysterious symbols, and compositions in stone, metal, and concrete. You can wander freely to admire surprising works around every corner, in a green setting that invites both curiosity and relaxation.
12. Land Cruiser Heritage Museum
The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum, in Salt Lake City, is a museum dedicated to the history and evolution of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Visitors can discover a collection of classic vehicles and iconic models that illustrate the different generations of this 4×4, renowned for its ruggedness. The museum offers a close-up look at the design, uses, and technical changes of this vehicle over time. It is an interesting visit for car enthusiasts as well as curious travelers who want to better understand the heritage of a model that has become a cult favorite around the world.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
