Salt Lake City Explore Local With RVshare

Today, we’re digging into Salt Lake City, Utah. This guide is perfect for those living in or near Salt Lake City who want to get to know the city even more. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Salt Lake City, this is the guide for you!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

There are so many great parks right in the city! Perfect for taking extended lunch breaks, letting the kids get out some energy, or having a relaxing afternoon.

Liberty Park

Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Liberty Park offers 80 acres to hike, picnic, swim, and more. Be sure to visit Tracy Aviary (a rare and exotic bird sanctuary), take the kids to the splash pad or amusement park, and get on a paddle board!

Memory Grove Park

Another park right in town is Memory Grove. You possibly have celebrated a wedding or party at the beautiful Memorial House. But more than weddings, you can enjoy this quaint party every day of the week. It’s great for taking a stroll and also offers an off-leash area for your pup to run free.

Great Salt Lake State Park

Just 20 minutes outside of Salt Lake City is Great Salt Lake State Park. This park is well known for sailing in its salty waters and is home to the Great Salt Lake Yacht Club. 

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island State Park is located just outside the city but is worth the drive. While you’re here, take a swim in the Bridger Bay Day-Use Area, go on a guided tour of The Fielding Garr Ranch (the first residence in the area), and keep an eye out for bison! (Though be sure to use caution around the wildlife!)

Antelope Island State Park is also home to some of the best hiking trails in Salt Lake City. The Fray Peak trail is the most popular of the many trails to choose from. This trail is long (7 miles roundtrip), but worth it. Fray Peak Trail gets you to the highest point on Antelope Island, providing breathtaking views of the island, Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Mountains.

Wildlife in Salt Lake City, UT

In addition to spotting bison in at Antelope State Park, there are lots of other opportunities to see wildlife in Salt Lake City. Bird watching is a fun way to pass the time, whether you’re casually looking for them in your bike yard or heading out to the trail.

City of Salt Lake City Plant Guide

While out and about, take a moment to notice the plants that call Salt Lake City home, too. How impressed your friends will be when you go on a hike and can point out plants by name! Okay, we would be impressed at least if you pointed out a Copper Spine Pricklypear or Showy Goldeneye bloom. Check out our regional plant guide for more.

These Salt Lake City hot spots have great food and atmosphere, but there are so many we could add with these favorites. They make for great takeout options during coronavirus limitations, too!

Feldman’s Deli

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, head to Feldman’s Deli for the best in the city. This New York-style deli has amazing half-pound sandwiches. Can’t decide which one to try? We’ll just say, the Sloppy Joe is the most popular for a reason!

Takashi

For the best sushi in the city – and country – Takashi is a must. Expect a wait, but oh will it be worth it! Not only will the sushi absolutely blow you away, but Takashi also has incredible ramen, hibachi, and more.

Settebello

Settebello was created to recreate Pizza Napoletana as it has been made in Napoli, Italy (the birthplace of pizza!) for more than 200 years. Any of these pies will make your mouth water, but their specialty is definitely the classic Margherita.

Caffé Molise

While we have Italian on the brain, Caffé Molise is one of the best in the city. On the menu, you’ll find loads of classic Italian dishes and an amazing wine list to pair.

Sweet Lake Biscuits and Limeade

If you’re a frequent visitor of the SLC farmer’s market, you’ve probably stopped by for a fresh limeade at the Sweet Lake stand. Be sure to check out their brick and mortar restaurant for amazing brunch all year round!

Food & Drink Activities in Salt Lake City

So maybe you’re not only looking for great food but to do something out of the ordinary while you eat and drink, too! We bet these fun food activities will pique your interest.

Salt Lake Bike and Brew Tour

Can you picture a more perfect day than to bike around the city and sample some of SLC’s best microbreweries? We can’t, either! Gather some of your pals and check out this bike and brew tour.

The Baking Hive

Change up date night and take a baking class! At The Baking Hive, you can order delicious custom desserts or learn how to make it yourself. They also offer classes for kids, too.

More Fun Things to Do

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Salt Lake City this weekend – or anytime – there is no shortage. From educational opportunities to getting active to finding the perfect places to shop, we have you covered!

Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol has many exhibits to experience – many you can explore online while it’s temporarily closed to visitors. When you can visit in person, be sure to take a tour of the Capitol and spend time in the surrounding grounds as well. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or to curl up with a book for the day.

Temple Square

Temple Square has beautiful gardens across its 35-acre plaza. Catch a free performance of the Tabernacle Choir, take a tour of the historic home of Brigham Young, or enjoy a meal at one of its four restaurants.

Catch a Game

For a fun date night or family night out, head to Vivint Smart Home Arena. Here you can see the Utah Jazz play or catch other concerts and shows throughout the year.

Skiing and Snowboarding

One of the very best parks about Salt Lake City is the amazing snow. Here are some of our favorite spots to ski and snowboard around SLC.

Brighton

Brighton is very well known for its ski school, as well as kids-ski-free policy. Children 10 years and younger and ski with a paying adult. These slopes are perfect for all levels, though, from brand new beginners to those more experienced. Brighton also offers kids summer programs for year-round learning and fun. This resort also has great dining, lodging, and shopping.

Snowbird

Snowbird is one of Utah’s snowiest resorts and is perfect for both skiing and snowboarding. When deciding which trail to hit, err on the side of caution, as the difficulty ratings on Snowbird’s runs tend to be underestimated. We also love Snowbird for its unique helicopter skiing and tours. There’s also a great spa on site, in addition to restaurants and lodging.

Solitude

Solitude is a quiet area that is appealing to both beginners and more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The slopes are great, but what’s also nice about Solitude is the Nordic Center. The center has both classic and skate styles of Nordic skiing and has about 12.5 miles of trails to explore. If you’ve never cross-country skied or snowshoed before, there are plenty of opportunities to learn!

As much as there is to do in Salt Lake City, there’s so much to do within just a couple hours of the city. 

Park City

Park City is about 45 minutes outside of Salt Lake City and makes a great place for a day-trip or long weekend. Favorite activities here are the annual Sundance Film Festival, amazing restaurants, or, of course, great skiing.

National Parks in Utah Near Salt Lake City

Utah is home to a handful of the nation’s National Parks. All five hours drive or under, each park will make a perfect destination for a quick getaway.

• Capitol Reef National Park: 3.5 hours

• Arches National Park: 3.5 hour drive

• Canyonlands National Park: 4 hour drive

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Salt Lake City that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in SLC? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.