Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a brief visit, there’s always something to do in Salt Lake City. The capital of Utah boasts nearby natural gems, modern masterpieces, and educational sights. Thanks to its ideal location, the city is a great destination all year-round. If you’re traveling with kids or not, there’s something in Salt Lake City for you. To make the most out of your weekend, check out these things to do:
Discover the Local Food Scene
Order a sandwich at Sugarhouse and shop at the farmers market. One of the best ways to get a pulse of a city is through its food. While culture is often reflected in the way a group of people speak or behave, cuisine is one of its tangible manifestations. A city’s specialty is based on generations and generations of tradition. Recipes of a specific dish reflect the area’s customs and natural resources. The great part about the Salt Lake City is the variety of options for everyone. Whether you’re a vegan or allergic to gluten, there are plenty of options for you. Besides the dishes, drinks can also provide a pulse of the culture. At the Beehive State’s capital, it’s best to skip the chain stores and grab a cup of coffee at a cafe. Plus, you can listen to live music by local artists as you sip on your cup of java.
If you want to get an inside look into the drink-making process, you can pay a visit to any of SLC’s 13 breweries. You’ll learn everything, from the fermentation to the packaging of beers, ciders, and ales.
Explore a Park
Is it really a visit to Utah if you didn’t pay a visit to a park? While all its Mighty 5 parks are three to four hours away from the capital city, there are plenty of nearby options. One of the best destinations that’s only minutes away is the Great Salt Lake State Park. One of the biggest salt lakes in the world offers stunning views and fun activities for the entire family. You can ride a bike or take a hike to get a full view of its features. During the summer, it’s a great place to take a dip. Because of its salinity, it’s so much easier to float in it. If you just want to relax, you can sunbathe and relax at the white sand beach. For an unforgettable view, try to catch the sunset and see the colors reflected in the water.
A great alternative is Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which is half an hour away from the city. You can go fishing and catch different types of trout. There’s also the option to have a picnic with the entire family while you admire the view.
Experience Snowy Salt Lake City
There’s a reason why the 2002 Winter Olympic Games was held in Salt Lake City — it has everything you can want when it comes to winter activities. You only need to take a 30-minute trip from downtown to get to the nearest ski resort. You can ski, snowboard, or ride a snowmobile to your heart’s content. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s something for everyone.
If you want to take a break, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate as you appreciate the view of snow-capped mountains. Another way to stay toasty in the middle of winter is a visit to a geothermal cave. The Homestead Crater, which is less than an hour’s drive from the city, is one of Utah’s best sites. With an average temperature of 93 degrees, it’s the only warm scuba diving spot in the mainland.
Visit a Museum
One of the best ways to get to know a city is to explore its museums. It’s where you can discover the area’s rich history and colorful traditions. At SLC, a great place to start is the Natural History Museum of Utah. You can learn all about the state’s fantastic natural resources and even dinosaurs. It’s a fun and educational trip for the kids.
The city also boasts a vibrant art scene. Don’t miss out on a visit to one of its many art galleries and discover great works by local artists. You can admire different types of pieces, from paintings and films to handmade crafts and wood carvings.
One of the greatest things about Salt Lake City is that there’s always something for everyone. Whether you want to stay active or just want to relax, you can have an unforgettable time.
