You will feel this history in the quiet reverence of locals who greet you with genuine warmth and an unmistakable sense of community pride that feels both grounded and hopeful. Today, it is not just a gateway to the Wasatch Mountains but a vibrant urban oasis where outdoor adventure seamlessly blends with rich cultural roots, offering travelers a unique mix of rugged beauty and welcoming hospitality.
Do Salt Lake City the way locals do: start slow at Antelope Island State Park, eat where the regulars do at Sol Agave, let the evening run long at The Green Pig Pub.
Top things to do in Salt Lake City
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Temple Square
Check tours & tickets2
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Airy facility with marine-life displays of 2,400+ animals including penguins, seahorses & stingrays.
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Lagoon Amusement Park
Seasonal theme park/water park offering thrill rides & live shows, plus a pioneer village & camping.
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Liberty Park
Home to an aviary & museum, this serene landmark features a lake with ducks & paddle-boat rentals.
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Utah's Hogle Zoo
Modern, 42-acre zoo boasting hundreds of animals & tropical gardens, plus a train & carousel.
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Natural History Museum of Utah
Modern venue with 10 galleries exploring earth science & Utah’s native cultures in a scenic locale.
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Hill Aerospace Museum
Free attraction displaying planes, missiles & aerospace gear, plus exhibits on Air Force history.
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Thanksgiving Point
Nonprofit complex housing gardens, an interactive farm, cafes, shops & the Museum of Ancient Life.
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Sugar House Park
This sprawling green space with a pond lures locals for long walks, bike rides, basketball & soccer.
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Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point
A large glass-walled building housing more than 400 science- & nature-themed interactive exhibits.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Sol Agave
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Skillets Breakfast & Brunch
Website13
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food
Website14
The Park Café
Buzzy cafe serving up homestyle breakfasts, burgers & salads in a cozy setting with park views.
Website15
Gourmandise
French-inspired nook with an all-day cafe menu that's renowned for its made-from-scratch desserts.
Website16
Siegfried's Delicatessen
Busy, kitschy deli & marketplace presenting traditional German specialties & imported groceries.
Website17
Crown Burgers
Local fast-food chain serving signature pastrami-topped burgers, gyros & other Greek eats.
Website18
Moochie's Cheesesteaks
Lively joint serving Philly cheesesteaks, meatballs & sides in a simple setting with patio seating.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Salt Lake City
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Antelope Island State Park
Island park with trails for hiking & horseback riding, plus a historic home & free-roaming bison.
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Memory Grove
Serene space with monuments, fountains, creekside paths, an off-leash area & picnic tables.
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Land Cruiser Heritage Museum
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Great Salt Lake State Park
Recreation area providing boat slips, panoramic viewing areas of the lake & interpretive exhibits.
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City Sights - Salt Lake City Tours
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Great Western Cyclery & E-Bikes
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25
Antelope Island State Park
Island park with trails for hiking & horseback riding, plus a historic home & free-roaming bison.
Website26
Memory Grove
Serene space with monuments, fountains, creekside paths, an off-leash area & picnic tables.
Website27
Ensign Peak Trailhead
Website28
Deer Creek State Park
Park with mountain views offering camping & trails, plus boating & fishing in Deer Creek Reservoir.
Website29
Jordanelle State Park
Fishing, boating & water-skiing on Jordanelle Reservoir, along with hiking trails & campgrounds.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
The Green Pig Pub
TV-filled sports bar serving beers, cocktails & pub grub in a buzzy space with live music & trivia.
Website31
White Horse Spirits & Kitchen
Elevated craft cocktails and locally sourced fare are on offer at this relaxed brick-walled bar.
Website32
Gracie's
Gastropub serving American eats & cocktails in a buzzy space with live music, TVs & Downtown views.
Website33
Lake Effect
Craft drinks & global small plates are served in an intimate setting with live music.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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