Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, land of national parks, invites you to discover its charm. With a combination of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant urban life, this city in the heart of Utah offers unforgettable experiences both in nature and on its streets.

From historical tours to desert adventures, every corner reveals the history of this mountainous metropolis. Exploring Salt Lake City means immersing yourself in the diversity, entertainment and cultural pillars of the country, surrounded by natural wonders that only this region can offer.

After booking a guided tram tour of Salt Lake City and its surroundings, you will enjoy a journey through mountain landscapes, wide plains and canyons, showcasing the best of the American West. During the trip, you will learn about the history of Salt Lake City and the role of the railway industry in the development of Utah.

In addition to the scenery, the tour includes stops at historical and natural sites that offer a deeper insight into the local culture. From the Cathedral of the Magdalene, geysers and vents to Council Hall, this tour is full of beautiful sites. Each stop is an opportunity to capture panoramic views and learn about historical landmarks, all without worrying about driving or finding your way.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 hours to see the city's main icons.
• What you should know: the tram departs from downtown Salt Lake City and runs in the mornings and afternoons. Exact times and frequency of trips may vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to book in advance.

If you are in Salt Lake City, you have the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and one of the most iconic in the world. You can join a day trip or even take a multi-day tour to explore this natural paradise in depth. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal activity, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as its vast areas of forest and wildlife.

In the park, you can see hot springs, thermal pools, fumaroles and the iconic Yellowstone Lake, which stretches across a landscape surrounded by mountains. This tour is ideal for nature and photography lovers, as every corner of the park offers beautiful views and a wealth of flora and fauna that amazes visitors.

Details of interest

• Duration: the length of the tours is suitable for all tastes, times and personal interests. You can stay for just 8 hours or book a 4-day excursion to Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks.
• What you should know: although Yellowstone is not located within Salt Lake City, there are tours that depart from the city and offer direct transport to the park. Departure times are usually in the early morning and, depending on the package, include transport, guides and accommodation.

The Great Salt Lake, also known as the 'Dead Sea of the United States', is one of the most iconic places to visit near Salt Lake City. This lake is one of the largest and saltiest bodies of water in the Western Hemisphere.

You can visit on your own or hire a boat trip on the Great Salt Lake to learn more about its history, the wildlife that inhabits its surroundings, and the environmental changes it faces.

In addition, many tours include boat trips to explore areas that are difficult to access and enjoy the sunset views, which paint the water with vibrant colours. This visit is ideal for those interested in nature and geology, as it is a unique geographical phenomenon on the continent.

Details of interest

• Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by boat (depending on the activity).
• What you should know: the lake is located about 30 minutes from the city of Salt Lake City. Excursions usually depart from the pier, where you can rent boats or take guided tours.

The state of Utah is known as one of the best astro-tourism destinations in the world, and the Bonneville Salt Flats are one of its most notable attractions.

These salt flats are a salt desert that stretches out like an endless white sea, located less than two hours from Salt Lake City. This place is famous not only for its surreal landscapes but also because it is the site of some of the most impressive land speed records ever set. If you are planning a visit, I recommend booking an excursion to the Bonneville Salt Flats, which will allow you to enjoy the place with a guide, transport and interesting details about its history and natural phenomena.

You can explore the salt flats on foot or by bicycle and capture photographs that look like they're from another world, thanks to the perspectives and contrast of the white salt. That's why sunrise and sunset are ideal times to get the best pictures of the place. Fancy a plan when the sun goes down? With a bit of luck, you'll be able to see the Northern Lights in the night sky above these salt flats when geomagnetic storms occur.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours for a self-guided tour.
• What you should know: the salt flats are a 1.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, and although you can see them from the open air, it is the guided tours that allow you to explore the place in detail.

If you are drawn to mystery and the paranormal, I invite you to book a ghost tour. You will be surprised by the number of stories, myths and legends of ghosts that haunt the streets of Salt Lake City. It is an ideal experience for those who want to discover a different side of the birthplace of American national parks, far from the typical tours.

Stories about former residents, tragic events and strange apparitions offer a unique insight into the city's history, mixed with the supernatural and full of suspense. This activity is available all year round and is undoubtedly one of the essential things to do in Salt Lake City on Halloween.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 1.5 hours.
• What you should know: this activity takes place mainly at night, departing from a meeting point in the city centre. Warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour is on foot.

Experiencing a live basketball game is an adrenaline-filled and exciting activity, and in Salt Lake City, the local Utah Jazz team has a fan base that transforms every game into an unforgettable event. Games are held at the iconic Vivint Arena, where the atmosphere is charged with energy with every play, and fans support the team with contagious enthusiasm.

Attending a Utah Jazz game not only allows you to enjoy the action on the court, but also to be part of one of the city's most beloved sporting traditions. What's more, when you purchase tickets to the Utah Jazz stadium, the show doesn't end on the court: during half-time and breaks, the stadium offers additional entertainment, from live music to contests and interactive shows for all spectators.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2-3 hours.
• What you should know: Tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak season, so it is advisable to purchase them in advance.

Located southwest of Salt Lake City, the Bingham Copper Mine is one of the largest copper mines in the world and, as a whole, an engineering marvel.

This site offers the opportunity to learn about the extraction process and see up close the enormous machines and equipment used in mining. Upon arrival, you will be impressed by the immensity of the excavation, which extends over 4 kilometres wide and 1.2 kilometres deep. A guided tour will explain the history of the mine, its economic importance, and the complex process that the ore undergoes from extraction to transformation into copper products.

In addition to learning about the impact and contributions of mining to the local economy, by booking a tour of the Bingham Copper Mine, you will gain a better understanding of the environmental challenges and conservation measures that are being implemented at the site to mitigate its impact on the environment.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
• What you should know: the mine offers guided tours at certain times, and due to its location and structure, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing.

The heart of a city is revealed through its flavours, or at least that's my opinion, and Utah is no exception. Food tours of the state capital allow you to sample a variety of unique flavours, from traditional Southwestern American dishes to innovative creations that combine fresh ingredients and modern techniques.

Among the dishes you can try are famous Southern-style sauces and barbecues, game dishes, and homemade desserts that reflect the soul of the region. In addition, some tours offer tastings of local products, such as artisan cheese or mountain honey, adding a special touch to the experience. Are you ready to delight your palate? Booking a food tour of Salt Lake City is the perfect excuse to explore the city and discover its best restaurants.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 to 3 hours.
• What you should know: It is advisable to book in advance, as food tours are often in high demand, especially during the summer.

Follow in the footsteps of Salt Lake City's history and its influence on American culture and religion. The tour takes you to the most iconic sites, such as the famous Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the historic Avenues neighbourhood.

During the tour, an expert guide shares details about the city's founding, the challenges faced by its early settlers, the Ute tribe —from whom the state inherited its name—and the impact of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the community. To make the most of this experience, I recommend booking a guided bus tour of Salt Lake City, which will allow you to comfortably visit the key points while enjoying detailed explanations.

One of the highlights is the organ recital at the Tabernacle, a unique experience to hear one of the largest and most famous instruments in the world. Whether you opt for a walking or bus tour, this experience adds a spiritual and artistic dimension to your visit.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours, including the organ recital.
• What you should know: It is advisable to book in advance, as these tours are popular with visitors.

The Timpanogos Caves, located in American Fork Canyon National Park, are a natural wonder that you won't want to miss. The tour takes you through a cave system with impressive formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns that have been forming for millions of years. Opting for a guided tour makes the experience even more educational, as you will learn about the geology of the region and the history of the cave. In addition, the trail to the caves is quite an adventure, offering spectacular views of the canyon and surrounding forests.

Inside the caves, the cool, humid atmosphere immerses you in an amazing and mysterious underground world. Each chamber has its own unique features, with crystals and formations softly illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. It is an ideal experience for those who enjoy caving or want to engage in adventure and nature activities in Utah.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 1.5 hours inside the caves.
• What you should know: the walk to the entrance is approximately 1.5 km uphill. Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the temperature inside the caves is cool. Entry is regulated by guided tours, so book in advance.

Park City, just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, is one of the most prestigious and visited ski destinations in the United States. The Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort ski resorts offer a wide variety of slopes for skiers of all levels.

With a snow season that usually lasts from November to April, Park City is ideal for enjoying winter sports in a spectacular mountain setting. In addition, its resorts have modern cable cars, ski and snowboard lessons, and an infrastructure that makes the experience easier for first-time visitors.

Details of interest

• Duration: it is recommended to spend at least one full day.
• What you should know: the ski resorts can be busy in high season; in fact, it hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, so it's a good idea to book in advance. Fancy a visit in summer? Of course! This is an ideal park for lovers of mountain activities and sports enthusiasts in general.