Best Attractions in Salt Lake City

North America's largest ski resort spans 7,300 acres across two former resorts connected by the Epic Pass. Over 330 trails, 41 lifts, and two mountain villages make it the crown jewel of Utah skiing, just 35 minutes from downtown SLC. World-class terrain for every level — from Payday beginner runs to the steep chutes of Murdoch's Run.

One of Utah's most iconic resorts, Snowbird drops 3,240 vertical feet across 3,240 acres of Wasatch terrain. The resort averages 500 inches of annual snowfall — among the deepest in North America. In summer, it transforms into a mountain biking, hiking, and aerial tram destination with jaw-dropping canyon views.

Alta is a skier-only resort (no snowboards) with a legendary reputation for the Greatest Snow on Earth. Operating since 1938, it maintains old-school mountain culture while delivering consistently deep powder on 2,600 acres. The resort's Alta/Snowbird interconnect gives skiers access to nearly 5,000 acres across two mountains.

Brighton has been the family-friendly resort of choice for Utahns since 1936. With 1,050 skiable acres, reasonable lift ticket prices, and excellent beginner terrain, it's the best place to learn to ski or snowboard in Utah. Night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays is a local favorite — and it's one of only two resorts in Utah to allow snowboards.

True to its name, Solitude offers some of the best uncrowded skiing in Utah on 1,200 acres with 77 runs and an excellent Nordic center. Strong intermediate and advanced terrain, shorter lift lines than its neighbors, and a charming European-style village set it apart. The Honeycomb Canyon area is among the best in-bounds powder stashes in the Wasatch.

The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City, Temple Square is the most visited tourist attraction in Utah with over 5 million visitors annually. The 35-acre complex includes the iconic Salt Lake Temple (currently undergoing renovation), the Tabernacle — home to the world-famous Choir at Temple Square — the North Visitors' Center, and beautifully manicured gardens. Admission is free for all.

Utah sits atop one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds, and this stunning Rio Tinto Center is the best place to see them. The Past Worlds gallery features 17 full-scale dinosaur mounts including Allosaurus and Utahraptor. The Native Voices exhibit highlights the living cultures of Utah's Indigenous peoples. Considered one of the top five natural history museums in the United States.

Salt Lake City's Clark Planetarium delivers immersive space experiences in the heart of downtown. The main exhibit floor is free and features interactive hands-on science displays exploring the solar system, black holes, and Utah's space heritage. The 3D IMAX dome theater screens both educational astronomical shows and Hollywood films on a massive curved screen.

The state's comprehensive art museum houses a permanent collection of over 19,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity — from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary Utah artists. The Dumke Gallery of Utah Art celebrates the state's rich artistic heritage. First Thursdays offer extended evening hours with live music and special programming.

Salt Lake City's most architecturally stunning church, the Cathedral of the Madeleine is a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece built between 1900 and 1909. The interior features hand-carved Indiana limestone, stunning stained glass windows, and original murals. The cathedral hosts internationally recognized musical performances, including its beloved Christmas concerts — all free and open to the public.

Established in 1938, Tracy Aviary is the nation's oldest municipal aviary, housing over 140 species of birds from around the world. Located within the lush grounds of Liberty Park, the recently expanded facility includes a flamingo lagoon, free-flight experiences, and beautifully landscaped botanical gardens. The keeper talks and bird encounters make it a memorable experience for all ages.

Home to over 800 animals across 42 acres, Utah Hogle Zoo is Salt Lake City's beloved wildlife destination. The Rocky Shores exhibit immerses visitors in Pacific Northwest habitats with polar bears, sea lions, and harbor seals. The African Savanna and giraffe feeding experience are perennial highlights. The zoo's conservation programs actively protect endangered species worldwide.

One of Earth's great natural wonders, the Great Salt Lake is 3–5 times saltier than the ocean, making floating effortless. Great Salt Lake State Park provides the best access for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching — over 7 million migratory birds visit annually. The surreal glittering flats and vivid pink-hued water (from halophilic algae) create unforgettable sunsets.

The largest island in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island is home to a free-roaming bison herd of 700+ animals — one of the largest publicly owned herds in the US. Stunning 360° views of the lake, the Wasatch, and the Oquirrh Mountains reward hikers on the Frary Peak Trail. The island also hosts pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, and abundant shorebirds.

Salt Lake City's most beloved urban park spans 80 acres in the heart of the city. Liberty Park features a large pond with paddleboat rentals, extensive walking and running paths, tennis courts, playgrounds, an amusement park for kids, and the adjacent Tracy Aviary. It's the city's premier gathering space for festivals, concerts, and summer outdoor activities.

A 100-acre botanical garden perched on the foothills of the University of Utah campus, Red Butte offers manicured formal gardens, wild hillside trails, and panoramic city views. The summer outdoor amphitheater concert series draws headlining national acts from June through September. The 4-acre floral garden and 5-acre fragrance garden are peak beauty in May and June.

One of the most accessible canyons from the city, Millcreek offers 200+ miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking from spring through fall, plus groomed cross-country ski trails in winter. Dog-friendly on alternating days. Donut Falls (easy, 1.8 miles) is among the most popular family hikes in the Wasatch. The Big Water Trail offers advanced mountain biking terrain.

Home to the Utah Jazz NBA team, Vivint Arena is the premier entertainment venue in Salt Lake City, hosting 180+ events annually. Beyond Jazz games, the arena brings in major concert tours, the Utah Grizzlies AHL hockey team, and large-scale entertainment events. The 18,000-seat venue is walking distance from dozens of downtown restaurants and bars — perfect for a pre-game dinner.

Salt Lake City's premier performing arts venue, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater opened in 2016 as the centerpiece of the downtown arts district. The 2,500-seat main theater hosts Broadway touring productions, comedy shows, and major musical acts. The venue's state-of-the-art acoustics and sight lines have earned national recognition.

Downtown's open-air gathering place hosts free outdoor events year-round — summer concert series (Twilight Concert Series), food truck festivals, and outdoor movie nights in warm weather; a popular ice skating rink in winter. Located steps from City Creek shopping and TRAX light rail, the Gallivan Center anchors Salt Lake's vibrant downtown social scene.

Utah's largest and most beloved farmers market draws thousands of visitors each Saturday morning from June through October. Over 150 vendors fill Pioneer Park with fresh produce, locally raised meats, artisan foods, baked goods, handmade crafts, and live music. It's the best place to experience SLC's local food culture and meet the farmers and makers behind Utah's agricultural bounty.