South Salt Lake UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near South Salt Lake, Utah.
1. Temple Square
SPIRITUAL HEART OF UTAH
Temple Square serves as the religious center for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City. Visitors can enjoy tranquil urban gardens with immaculate landscaping and rooftop vistas, while experiencing the serene atmosphere and historical architecture. The square also offers cultural activities, organ recitals, and choir performances in a historic venue that provides a peaceful interlude from city life.
2. Natural History Museum of Utah
SCIENCE OF UTAH'S LANDSCAPE
The Natural History Museum of Utah functions as the state's premier museum of natural history, providing an engaging introduction to the science behind Utah's remarkable landscape. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays over 5,000 artifacts that showcase the region's natural wonders and scientific heritage. Visitors can explore multiple levels of educational content in a modern facility designed to highlight Utah's unique natural environment.
3. Big Cottonwood Canyon
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Big Cottonwood Canyon is consistently rated as one of Salt Lake City's top attractions for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon offers spectacular mountain scenery, hiking trails, and recreational activities throughout all four seasons. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Utah's landscape while enjoying activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding depending on the season.
4. Utah State Capitol Building
GRAND HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
The Utah State Capitol Building showcases grand architecture with impressive domes and columns situated on a hill overlooking Salt Lake City. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding valley while exploring educational exhibits about local culture and government. The building offers both self-guided exploration and informative guided tours that highlight the state's political history and architectural significance.
5. Great Salt Lake
ICONIC NATURAL WONDER
The Great Salt Lake is a tranquil destination known for its stunning sunsets and unique buoyancy experiences that allow visitors to float effortlessly. Photographers frequently visit to capture the lake's otherworldly beauty and striking landscapes against Utah's mountain backdrop. The lake provides a one-of-a-kind natural experience, though some visitors report strong odors and varying conditions depending on water levels and season.
6. Chinatown
CULTURAL DINING DESTINATION
South Salt Lake's Chinatown offers a vibrant collection of authentic Asian restaurants, markets, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore a range of ethnic dining options that showcase Chinese cuisine alongside other Asian culinary traditions. The area serves as a cultural hub where guests can enjoy shopping for specialty ingredients and products while experiencing diverse flavors in a laidback neighborhood setting.
7. Clark Planetarium
COSMIC DISCOVERY CENTER
Clark Planetarium features interactive science exhibits, immersive 3D IMAX experiences, and captivating dome light shows that bring the cosmos to life. Visitors can explore unique space artifacts while engaging in hands-on learning activities suitable for all ages. The planetarium offers cosmic simulations and educational programming that make complex astronomical concepts accessible and entertaining.
8. City Creek Center
UPSCALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
City Creek Center is a modern multi-level shopping destination featuring picturesque waterfalls and architectural elements that create a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. The mall offers a variety of dining choices alongside a thoughtful blend of upscale national retailers and local boutique stores. Located near historic landmarks in downtown Salt Lake City, this shopping hub combines convenience with an elevated retail experience.
9. This Is The Place Heritage Park
LIVING PIONEER HISTORY
This Is The Place Heritage Park combines historical education with outdoor activities in a setting that commemorates Utah's pioneer heritage. Visitors can experience horseback riding, explore pioneer exhibits, and enjoy natural landscapes that showcase the region's settlement history. The park features historical insights through living history demonstrations, children's activities, and a petting zoo that makes the past accessible to all ages.
10. Ensign Peak
PANORAMIC CITY VIEWS
Ensign Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the surrounding valley, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. Though relatively small compared to nearby mountains, this hiking destination provides a perfect vantage point for photography and city observation. Visitors can reach the summit via a moderately challenging trail that rewards hikers with spectacular vistas of the urban landscape against a mountain backdrop.
11. Mount Wire
HISTORIC HIKING DESTINATION
Mount Wire features a small summit that hosts a historic airway beacon, offering excellent hiking opportunities near South Salt Lake. Visitors can climb the ladder to the top of the beacon structure to experience great views of the Salt Lake area and surrounding landscapes. The mountain provides outdoor enthusiasts with a rewarding destination that combines physical activity with historical significance and natural beauty.
12. Antelope Island State Park
WILDLIFE AND SALT FLATS
Antelope Island State Park is described as truly amazing, particularly noted for its striking colors and population of roaming buffalo. The park offers visitors a chance to experience the unique ecology of the Great Salt Lake region while observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, beaches, and salt flats while potentially encountering bison, pronghorn antelope, and various bird species throughout the year.
13. Salt Lake City Public Library
ARCHITECTURAL LITERARY HAVEN
The Salt Lake City Public Library impresses visitors with its enormous and beautifully designed building that showcases modern architectural excellence. The library serves as both a literary resource and a community gathering place with multiple floors of books, media, and public spaces. Visitors appreciate the thoughtful design elements and public amenities that make this much more than a traditional library experience.
14. South Salt Lake Barbecue Scene
SMOKY CULINARY DELIGHTS
South Salt Lake's barbecue scene represents one of the area's culinary gems with multiple establishments offering smoked meats and traditional sides. Visitors can sample different regional barbecue styles and flavors in this laidback neighborhood known for its diverse dining options. The barbecue restaurants provide a casual dining experience featuring slow-cooked meats prepared with various rubs, sauces, and smoking techniques that highlight this classic American cuisine.
15. Cathedral of the Madeleine
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
The Cathedral of the Madeleine showcases beautiful architecture and serves as an important religious and cultural landmark in Salt Lake City. Visitors can attend mass and enjoy performances by the chorus accompanied by the cathedral's impressive organ music. The historic building provides a peaceful sanctuary with ornate details and artistic elements that reflect its religious significance and architectural heritage.