Salt Lake City blends city culture, religious history, and accessible nature, with immediate access to alpine adventure at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, many nearby ski resorts, five national parks within a few hours’ drive, and a food and bar scene that has quietly become one of the better ones in the Mountain West. The city offers neighborhoods with distinct personalities to fill a long weekend without repeating yourself. This fantastic list covers seven categories of fun things to do: entertainment, day trips, arts, sports and recreation, family fun, dining, nightlife, and shopping, with enough specific detail to plan around.
Dining Highlights
Red Iguana
Red Iguana at 736 W North Temple has been serving regional Mexican food in Salt Lake City since 1965. The Cardenas family has been making these recipes for generations, drawing from culinary traditions rooted in San Luis Potosí and Chihuahua. The restaurant is best known for its seven house-made moles (pronounced MOH-lays), each distinct in character. Mole Negro is the most complex, built from dried chile mulato, Mexican chocolate, raisins, peanuts, walnuts, and banana. Mole Coloradito is a reliable entry point for first-timers, warmer and slightly sweeter. The Cochinita Pibil (co-chee-NEE-tah PEE-beel), slow-roasted pork rubbed with achiote, orange juice, and spices, is one of the best things on the menu and one of the best things to eat in the city. Red Iguana has been voted Best Mexican Restaurant in Utah for more than 25 consecutive years. If there is a line outside, get in it. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm.
Settebello Pizzeria
Settebello is known for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana. Their wood-fired pizzas feature fresh ingredients and a perfect crust. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Pair your pizza with a craft beer from the brewery next door for a perfect meal.
Experiences and Entertainment
Wiseguys Comedy Club
Wiseguys at The Gateway mall has been running since 2014 and has become one of the more respected comedy clubs in the region. The lineup has included Kevin Hart, Joe Rogan, Tracy Morgan, Wanda Sykes, David Spade, and Lewis Black. The main Showroom seats 300. In February 2025, the club opened a third room at the same location called The Cabaret, which seats 250 and runs its own weekly lineup of touring comedians. Tickets are only valid when purchased through Wiseguys’ official site or seatengine.com. The club does not honor tickets from StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, or any third-party reseller.
Getout Games
Getout Games at 202 W 400 S runs four escape rooms: Egyptian Tomb, Zombie on a Chain, The Heist, and Reactor Room. The production values are higher than most escape room operations. The tomb actually looks and feels like a tomb, and game masters stay in character throughout. Each room holds up to 10 people. Groups can book a single room or reserve multiple rooms for larger events at a flat rate of $237.92 per room before tax. Hours are Monday through Thursday noon to 10 pm, Friday noon to 11 pm, and Saturday 11 am to 11 pm. Closed Sundays.
Social Axe Throwing
Social Axe Throwing at 1154 S 300 W, Suite E is Utah’s original indoor axe throwing venue, open at this Salt Lake City location since 2018. The space is a converted steel fabrication shop with old cranes still overhead. The main event is $30 per person for two hours. A coach covers safety, splits the group into teams, runs three to four competitive games plus a bracket tournament, and finishes with a trick shot lesson. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.
Van Ryder
Van Ryder is the rooftop bar atop the Le Méridien Hotel at 131 S 300 W, and it is the best rooftop drinking option in the city. The views cover downtown Salt Lake and the Wasatch Range simultaneously. The menu runs to shareable plates made from locally sourced ingredients: brisket smoked for 18 hours, masa beer-battered fish tacos, and salads topped with cotija and pickled red onion. It works as an early dinner spot and a late drinks destination equally well. Open Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 5 pm. The bar is 21 and over. Reservations are recommended on weekends.
The Tavernacle Social Club
The Tavernacle at 50 W Broadway has been running dueling pianos in downtown Salt Lake since 2002. Two grand pianos face each other. The audience writes song requests on slips and tips to move them up in the rotation, and another audience member can outbid the first by a dollar. Nothing is off the setlist. The format creates genuinely unpredictable nights. Open every night 6 pm to 1 am, 21 and over.
Day Trips from Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s location is one of its most underappreciated qualities. It sits at the northern end of Utah with the state’s most spectacular landscapes spread to the south and east. A rental car and a few hours of driving open options that most cities can’t match.
Park City
Park City is 35 miles east of Salt Lake City via I-80, typically a 40-minute drive through Parley’s Canyon. Historic Main Street is a walkable stretch of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and bars with a mountain town character that holds in every season. Utah Olympic Park at 3419 Olympic Pkwy offers summer attractions built around the 2002 Winter Olympics infrastructure: extreme tubing down actual ski jumps, an extreme zipline, an alpine slide, and the Action Tower for kids aged 3 and up. The Flying Ace All-Stars freestyle show runs most Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm from mid-June through late August, featuring national team skiers and snowboarders launching off jumps and flipping up to 60 feet above a pool.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is about four hours south of Salt Lake City and rewards an early start. The park’s hoodoos, thin orange and red spires that form along the canyon rim, exist nowhere else on earth in this concentration. Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point are both accessible from parking areas near the visitor center. The Navajo Loop Trail is a 1.3-mile hike that drops to the canyon floor and back. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle.
Zion National Park
Zion is approximately 4.5 hours south via I-15 and is better treated as an overnight trip, though a long day is possible. The canyon walls rise over 2,000 feet, and the main road takes visitors directly through the canyon’s center. The Narrows, a hike through the Virgin River itself in knee-deep water through slot canyon walls, is one of the most distinctive trail experiences in the country. Water levels vary, so check conditions before going. Entrance is $35 per vehicle.
Arches National Park and Moab
Arches is about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, a drive of roughly four hours. It makes sense as a destination day trip or an overnight with a base in Moab. The park holds more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, which is the image most people associate with Utah. The Windows section near the park entrance gives access to several large arches on a relatively short walk. Entrance is $35 per vehicle, and timed entry reservations are required during peak season. Check in advance at recreation.gov.
Bonneville Salt Flats
About 100 miles west of Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats cover 30,000 acres of vast, shimmering salt crust from a prehistoric, dried-up sea. The flats are famous for land speed record attempts during Speed Week and offer spectacular views and sunsets, making it a favorite spot for photographers and outdoor adventurers alike.
Arts and Galleries
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts at 410 Campus Center Drive on the University of Utah campus holds a permanent collection of nearly 22,000 objects spanning African, Asian, European, American, and ancient world art across more than 20 galleries. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, with Wednesday hours extended to 8 pm. Admission is free on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of each month. Standard adult admission is $19.95, with reduced rates for seniors at $16.95 and youth ages 6 through 18 at $16.95. Children under 5 are always free.
The Granary District Murals
The Granary District, roughly between I-15 and 300 West from 600 South to 1000 South, has been a site of large-scale public mural work for several years. The city’s Redevelopment Agency funded a mural grant program that commissioned more than 15 artists to create work on the exterior walls of privately owned buildings in the district, making it the most mural-dense area in Salt Lake City. The work ranges from abstract and geometric to figurative. It is a self-guided walk, and the Salt Lake City Public Art Program maintains a map of the murals at publicart.slc.gov.
Salt Lake City’s Mural Walk
Beyond the Granary, murals are spread across downtown and into the Gateway area. Visit Salt Lake has mapped a self-guided mural tour that covers downtown, The Gateway, and the Granary District and can be navigated using TRAX and Greenbike stations along the way. Checking in at six murals through the Visit Salt Lake app earns a prize from the Salt Lake Visitors Center.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
A unique cultural site in Salt Lake City, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden features 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. The garden reflects the spiritual journey of its creator, Thomas Child, and is a hidden gem for visitors interested in art, history, and religion.
Sports and Recreation
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail traces the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric inland sea that once covered most of present-day Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City’s portion of the trail runs 13.5 miles from North Salt Lake to Parley’s Canyon, hugging the base of the Wasatch foothills directly above the city. The trail is multi-use, with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers sharing it, and offers some of the best views of the Salt Lake Valley available without driving into the mountains. Access points include City Creek Canyon at the west end and Emigration Canyon to the east. Best seasons are spring through fall.
Momentum Indoor Climbing
Momentum has four locations in the greater Salt Lake area. The Millcreek location at 3173 E 3300 S is the flagship, with bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing alongside yoga, a training area, and a sauna. A day pass runs $20. The gym is open Monday through Friday starting at 6 am and on weekends starting at 10 am. Momentum is known among serious climbers for quality route-setting and for a community that skews experienced without being unwelcoming to beginners.
Utah Jazz
Catch an NBA game at the Vivint Arena, home to the Utah Jazz, Salt Lake City’s professional basketball team. The arena is located downtown and offers an electric atmosphere for sports fans. The Jazz have a passionate fan base, and games run from October through April.
Salt Lake Bees
For baseball enthusiasts, the Salt Lake Bees are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Their new home, The Ballpark at America First Square in Downtown Daybreak, offers fantastic views of the surrounding rolling hills and easy access via TRAX. The season runs from April through September.
Family-Specific Activities
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Hogle Zoo at 2600 Sunnyside Ave is a 42-acre zoo on the eastern bench of the city, at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. It holds roughly 800 animals across exhibits, including the African Savanna with giraffes and zebras, Rocky Shores with sea lions and otters, and Asian Highlands with tigers and snow leopards. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a distinction held by only 10 percent of animal institutions. Standard admission is $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 3 through 12 when purchased online. Children 2 and under are always free. The zoo runs discounted Wild Wednesdays on the last Wednesday of select months, with tickets for $6 online. Parking is free. Open daily 9 am to 6 pm in spring and summer.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium at 12033 S Lone Peak Pkwy in Draper is about 20 minutes south of downtown Salt Lake City. It is home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species, with ecosystems from Antarctic waters and South American rainforests to Utah’s own waterways. The centerpiece is a 300,000-gallon shark exhibit with a 40-foot walk-through tunnel and seven species of sharks. Penguin Encounters and Stingray Encounters are available at extra cost and require advance booking. Standard tickets range from $17.95 to $27.95 for adults, depending on date, with lower rates for children, teens, students, seniors, and military. Open daily 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Mondays.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
Discovery Gateway at 444 W 100 S in the Gateway District is an interactive children’s museum designed for ages 1 through 12. The exhibits are hands-on throughout. Kids can anchor a television newscast, work inside a kid-scaled grocery store, explore a construction zone, and climb through a three-story structure. Admission is $12 per person for all ages 1 and up. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, with extended Friday hours until 8 pm.
Nightlife and Live Music
Water Witch
Water Witch at 163 W 900 S in the Central 9th neighborhood is the most critically recognized bar in Salt Lake City. It was a 2025 finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Bar Program, one of five finalists nationally. The bar is small, minimalist in design, and cocktail-focused, with seasonal menus that change regularly and bartenders who will build something off-menu based on your preferences. Open Monday through Wednesday, 3 pm to 1 am, and Thursday through Sunday, noon to 1 am. Adjacent through the back hallway is Bar Nohm, a sister bar with an izakaya-influenced food menu from a James Beard-nominated chef and the best sake selection in the city.
The State Room
The State Room at 638 S State St is a 299-capacity, 21-plus live music venue that books national touring acts across genres, including indie, folk, rock, Americana, jazz, and blues. It has good acoustics, a reserved floor plan on most nights, and a reputation for an audience that shows up for the music. The State Room Presents also runs the larger Commonwealth Room at 195 W 2100 S for bigger shows.
Shopping and Markets
Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park
The Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park, 300 S 350 W, is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the United States and has been running for 34 years. More than 300 vendors from within 250 miles of Salt Lake City set up every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, running from June through late October. The range covers fresh produce, grass-fed meats, dairy, honey, baked goods, raw milk, local sauces and ferments, and specialty items including handmade stroopwafels and artisan bread. The market circles the full perimeter of the park, with the highest concentration of produce stalls along the 300 South edge. A Winter Market runs at The Gateway on Saturdays from mid-November through mid-April, 10 am to 2 pm.
Trolley Square
Trolley Square at 602 E 500 S is a shopping center built inside a 1900s trolley car barn. The brick buildings, preserved trolley cars, and the landmark lighted water tower make it a genuinely distinct shopping environment. The tenant mix includes Weller Book Works, a family-owned independent bookstore that has been operating since 1929, alongside Pottery Barn, Whole Foods Market, and a rotating collection of local boutiques and restaurants. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, noon to 5 pm.
The 9th and 9th District
The 9th and 9th neighborhood at approximately 900 E 900 S is the city’s most concentrated block of independent local retail. The strip along 9th South is walkable and dense with boutiques, gift shops, artisan jewelry, vintage clothing, and niche food shops. The businesses here tend to be owner-operated and locally specific. Hip and Humble is a standout gift and home goods shop in the neighborhood. The area also has a strong restaurant and coffee shop presence, making it easy to spend a morning or afternoon here without needing a car.
City Creek Center
City Creek Center at 50 S Main St is a large open-air mall in the heart of downtown, connected directly to Temple Square. It carries national brands including Nordstrom, Apple, Tiffany, and a range of clothing and lifestyle retailers. The design includes a retractable glass roof and a working creek running through the center of the property. It is the most convenient shopping option for visitors staying downtown.
Additional Attractions and Highlights
Natural History Museum of Utah
Located on the University of Utah campus, this museum offers fascinating exhibits on Utah’s geology, archaeology, paleontology, and natural history. The museum also features spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains, with nearby hiking trails for outdoor adventure.
Red Butte Garden
A botanical garden and arboretum on the University of Utah campus, Red Butte Garden features beautiful floral walks, picnic areas, and summer outdoor concerts. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and families.
Utah State Capitol
Completed in 1916, the Utah State Capitol is an architectural landmark located on Capitol Hill. Visitors can take free tours to learn about Utah’s government and history while enjoying spectacular views of the city and surrounding rolling hills.
Sugar House Park
This 110-acre park in the Sugar House neighborhood offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and rolling hills, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors.
Liberty Park and Tracy Aviary Botanical Garden
Liberty Park is the oldest park in Salt Lake City, featuring walking trails, a large lake, and the Tracy Aviary Botanical Garden, home to more than 500 bird species and beautiful plant collections.
Thanksgiving Point
Located just outside Salt Lake City, Thanksgiving Point is a family-friendly destination with gardens, museums, a children’s garden, and seasonal events such as the Tulip Festival.
How To Pick The Right Activity
If you’re based in the city for a few days and want to stay close, the entertainment and nightlife sections of this guide will carry you through. Start with a comedy night at Wiseguys or a dueling piano show at the Tavernacle, work your way through the craft cocktail scene anchored by Water Witch, and fill your days with the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the Granary District murals. That’s a full trip without getting in a car.
If you have wheels and a flexible schedule, the day trip options change everything. Park City is 40 minutes away and works in any season. Bryce Canyon and Zion require more commitment but deliver landscapes that have no equivalent anywhere else in the country. Arches and Moab make the most sense as an overnight.
Families traveling with kids have a strong set of dedicated options between Hogle Zoo, the Living Planet Aquarium, and Discovery Gateway, and any of the national parks work well for older children who can handle a few miles on a trail.
For food, Red Iguana is the clear priority. The seven house-made moles alone are worth building a meal around, and the Cochinita Pibil is one of the best things to eat in Salt Lake City. There are two locations at 736 W North Temple and 866 W South Temple. Both are open Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm. If there is a line, get in it. The mole is worth it.
