Salt Lake City brings together the best of two worlds: the luxuries of a major city with the relaxed kindness of a small mountain town. Resting in a mountain valley surrounded by the Wastach Mountains and the Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake is year-round destination that is sure to rejuvenate and inspire. A hub for both outdoor adventures and modern metropolitan activities, Salt Lake City has a little something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Discover the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River during your Salt Lake getaway. The Great Salt Lake is 2,100 square miles of stunning water from which it gets its name; the water’s evaporation process leaves behind salty deposits. As a TripAdvisor reviewer states, “The water is very dense and salty and you really float. Just stretch your arms, lie on your back on the water and enjoy the scenery.”
Make sure you stop at Antelope Island during your Great Salt Lake visit. The largest island in the lake, it offers 28,022 acres of lush landscapes and rocky mountain terrain. The island’s state park is open everyday and features 25 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. You can also take a tour of the Fielding Garr Historic Ranch House, relax at the beach picnic area, or head out from the marina for a day of fishing in the lake!
2. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy a tour of Temple Square. This three-block plaza hosts nearly 20 attractions related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each of which offers a truly unique insight into the rich history and beliefs of this community. Half or full-day tours are available to take you around the area and explore the many interesting sites. The towering Salt Lake Temple is a must-see on your tour; built in 1927, the temple includes beautiful Egyptian, Gothic, Moorish, and Colonial rooms. Another popular stop is the Family History Library which is the largest genealogy library in the world!
3. The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Stop by to discover incredible dinosaur skeleton exhibits, Native American culture exhibits, and a variety of interactive programs that is perfect for travelers of all ages. The museum hosts over 5,000 artifacts on display that feature Utah’s paleontology discoveries and preserved items from the state’s prehistoric peoples. You can take incredible trips to the top of a three-story indoor canyon, hike along trails that start right outside the front door, and stop by the Museum Cafe for a snack in between all the fun!
4. Considered to have the “Best Snow on Earth,” Salt Lake is an undeniable destination for winter travelers. Salt Lake, or
colloquially called “Ski City” to winter-lovers, is home to four luxury ski resorts all within easy driving distance or accessible via public transit. Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude are ski resorts in a class of their own: acres and acres of deep, unspoiled snow, challenging runs for adventurers of all ages, and assortment of amenities that will make your getaway totally stress-free. With a total of 416 runs across all four resorts, and a highest vertical drop of 2,900 feet at Snowbird, Salt Lake completely redefines the ski vacation.
And that’s not all--there are nine other ski resorts scattered throughout the Salt Lake area, so you’re sure to find the place best suited for you!
5. Salt Lake puts you in a central location to experience all of nature’s most incredible wonders. Over 60 national and state parks are located within a few hours of Salt Lake, make it a great home base for endless outdoor adventures. Discover all that the wild West has to offer at Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, Wasatch National Forest, which boasts 2.1 million acres of wilderness, Snow Canyon State Park, featuring steeps walls and roads that draw in cyclists, and Bryce Canyon National Park, where stunning carved spires create incredible natural amphitheaters.