Rio Tinto Center's stunning architecture forms a multistory indoor 'canyon' that showcases exhibits to great effect. Walk up through the layers as you…
Getty Images
Salt Lake City
Sparkling Salt Lake City (SLC), with its bluebird skies and powder-dusted mountains, is Utah's capital city. The only Utah city with an international airport, it still manages to emanate a small-town feel. Downtown is easy to get around and fairly quiet come evening. It's hard to grasp that some 1.2 million people live in the metro area. While it's the Mormon equivalent of Vatican City, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) owns a lot of land, less than half the population are church members. The university and excellent outdoor access have attracted a wide range of residents. A liberal spirit permeates the coffeehouses and yoga classes, where elaborate tattoos are the norm. Foodies find much to love among the multitude of international and organic dining options. And when the trail beckons, it's a scant 45 minutes from the Wasatch Mountains' brilliant hiking and skiing. Friendly people, great food and outdoor adventure – what could be better?
Explore Salt Lake City
- Natural History Museum of Utah
Rio Tinto Center's stunning architecture forms a multistory indoor 'canyon' that showcases exhibits to great effect. Walk up through the layers as you…
- Museum of Ancient Life
A family-friendly museum at Thanksgiving Point that houses one of the world's largest displays of mounted dinosaurs. The exhibits, many of which are hands…
- Thanksgiving Point
Fifty-five acres of gardens, a petting farm, golf course, giant movie theater, dining and shopping: what doesn’t the Thanksgiving Point infotainment…
- Family History Library
Thousands of people come to Salt Lake City every year to research their family history here, the largest genealogical resource on earth. Because the LDS…
- Temple Square
The city's most famous sight occupies a 10-acre block surrounded by 15ft-high walls. LDS docents give free, 30-minute tours continually, leaving from the…
- Clark Planetarium
You'll be seeing stars at Clark Planetarium, home to the latest and greatest 3-D sky shows. There are free science exhibits and an IMAX theater, too. The…
- RRed Butte Garden
Both landscaped and natural gardens cover a lovely 100 acres, with access to 5 miles of trails in the Wasatch foothills. Check online to see who's playing…
- WWheeler Historic Farm
Kids can help farmhands milk cows and there are also tractor-drawn wagon rides into the wooded back acres at this historic 1898 farm. Tours of the farm…
- CChurch History Museum
Adjoining Temple Sq, this interactive museum has impressive exhibits of pioneer history and fine art.
Latest Stories from Salt Lake City
Planning Toolkit
Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.
Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Salt Lake City.
See
Natural History Museum of Utah
Rio Tinto Center's stunning architecture forms a multistory indoor 'canyon' that showcases exhibits to great effect. Walk up through the layers as you…
See
Museum of Ancient Life
A family-friendly museum at Thanksgiving Point that houses one of the world's largest displays of mounted dinosaurs. The exhibits, many of which are hands…
See
Thanksgiving Point
Fifty-five acres of gardens, a petting farm, golf course, giant movie theater, dining and shopping: what doesn’t the Thanksgiving Point infotainment…
See
Family History Library
Thousands of people come to Salt Lake City every year to research their family history here, the largest genealogical resource on earth. Because the LDS…
See
Temple Square
The city's most famous sight occupies a 10-acre block surrounded by 15ft-high walls. LDS docents give free, 30-minute tours continually, leaving from the…
See
Clark Planetarium
You'll be seeing stars at Clark Planetarium, home to the latest and greatest 3-D sky shows. There are free science exhibits and an IMAX theater, too. The…
See
Red Butte Garden
Both landscaped and natural gardens cover a lovely 100 acres, with access to 5 miles of trails in the Wasatch foothills. Check online to see who's playing…
See
Wheeler Historic Farm
Kids can help farmhands milk cows and there are also tractor-drawn wagon rides into the wooded back acres at this historic 1898 farm. Tours of the farm…
See
Church History Museum
Adjoining Temple Sq, this interactive museum has impressive exhibits of pioneer history and fine art.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Salt Lake City
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.