Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
With over a dozen ski resorts less than an hour from the city and five national parks in southern Utah alone, it’s easy to fill multiple vacations exploring Salt Lake City’s natural treasures. But during your inaugural visit, you’ll want to spend some quality time getting to know the urban heart of SLC.
Temple Square
You can’t visit Salt Lake without stopping into Temple Square to admire the epic architecture and impeccably maintained grounds. Don’t miss the chance to go inside the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and Assembly Hall on a free 30-minute walking tour. Make sure to check the schedule for organ recitals at the Tabernacle too – hearing the 11,623-pipe organ is an experience you won’t forget.
City Creek Center
For upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment downtown, locals and visitors alike gravitate to the City Creek Center. This open-air mall features high-end stores, casual eateries, fine dining restaurants, a retractable roof, and a creek running through the property. In winter, the creek becomes a skating rink. City Creek offers the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
Capitol Building
Utah’s grand state capitol building is a must-see both inside and out. The grounds feature expansive lawns, colorful flower gardens, and statues honoring important figures in Utah’s history. Tours of the building’s interior showcase marble floors, a gorgeous grand staircase, and ornate decorative details. Make sure to look up in the dome – it’s breathtaking.
University of Utah
The University of Utah campus, nestled against the towering Wasatch mountains, is one of the prettiest college campuses in the country. Hang out in the Picturesque Red Butte Garden or hike up to an iconic overlook on the A trail. Don’t miss the tranquil cherry blossoms at the Park Building in spring. Stop into the campus art and natural history museums for a taste of university life.
Liberty Park
Between downtown and Sugar House, Liberty Park serves as SLC’s unofficial backyard. Its lush grounds have something for everyone with a large pond, aviary, and playgrounds. In summer, cool off in the lazy river at Seven Peaks Water Park. Enjoy a round of mini golf or rent a paddleboat. Liberty Park is the perfect place to picnic, fly a kite, or just relax on a sunny day.
Salt Lake Bees Baseball Game
Catch America’s pastime in downtown Salt Lake with the minor league Salt Lake Bees. The Bees are the Triple A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, meaning future MLB stars often suit up for the Bees before going pro. Ticket prices are family-friendly, and the beautiful ballpark is located right next to the iconic Salt Lake Temple, making for great photos.
Natural History Museum of Utah
At the stunning Rio Tinto Center, the Natural History Museum of Utah brings the state’s diverse landscapes and creatures to life through interactive exhibits and multimedia experiences. Wander through recreations of red rock canyons and slot canyons, see dinosaur fossils unearthed in Utah, and come face-to-face with a replica Utahraptor. With educational experiences tailored for all ages, it’s easy to spend hours exploring here.
Hogle Zoo
From adorable arctic foxes to majestic Amur tigers, Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake’s Emigration Canyon is a must-visit. This 42-acre zoo at the mouth of beautiful Emigration Canyon features animals from around the world in thoughtfully designed habitats. Don’t miss Utah’s own Great Basin desert tortoises. Visit the giraffes and feed the friendly goats in their open petting area. Hogle Zoo offers fun for all ages.
Salt Lake Farmers Market
For a taste of SLC’s passionate local food scene, time your trip to coincide with the downtown Salt Lake Farmers Market on Saturday mornings or Tuesday evenings. Browse booths bursting with vibrant produce straight from Utah farms and artisanal food products to take home. Live music and chef demos further enliven the urban market’s festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to grab lunch from one of the popular food trucks!
How to Get Around Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City covers a sizable 110 square miles along the picturesque Wasatch Front. With attractions spread out, you’ll need to utilize all the transportation options to efficiently explore during your first visit.
Public Transportation
The UTATrak light rail system links downtown Salt Lake City with the University of Utah campus and suburban communities to the south. UTA also operates an extensive bus system that serves the entire valley.
Taxis and Rideshares
SLC has no shortage of taxi and rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. However, wait times can be long during peak hours, pricing varies widely, and you can’t guarantee vehicles will fit your group. Rideshares work best for quick point-to-point transportation rather than extended sightseeing.
Charter Buses
For the easiest transportation experience, consider renting a charter bus for group sightseeing. With , you can select the perfect vehicle from minibuses for 20 people up to motorcoaches holding 56 passengers. Our professional team will pick you up wherever you’re staying, bring you directly to attractions, and take the hassle out of getting around an unfamiliar city. Whether you’re traveling with a church group, school club, family reunion, or sports team, makes exploring Salt Lake City easy and fun for your whole group. And with top-notch service across the state, we’re your transportation solution for everything from SLC day trips to exploring southern Utah’s national parks.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you’re familiar with Salt Lake City’s highlights and transportation options, all that’s left is deciding when you want to visit! Late spring and summer offer the most sunshine and the widest range of seasonal activities. But Utah’s dry climate means even winter delivers plenty of crisp, sunny days perfect for touring Temple Square and escaping into museums. No matter when you visit Salt Lake City for the first time, will be here to handle the transportation logistics for your group. Contact us today at to rent the perfect charter bus and start planning your unforgettable Utah getaway. Our team will walk you through our spacious bus options, plan efficient routes to maximize sightseeing, and take the hassle out of group travel. We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful city!