Red Butte Gardens

Are you are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? Red Butte Gardens is a wonderful arboretum and botanical garden located in the foothills of Salt Lake City. It is off the University of Utah campus.

It’s a great place for an afternoon stroll where you can admire all the flowers, trees and relaxing water features. They even have various sculptures throughout the garden to admire. Pull up a bench, listen to the tinkling water and the breeze through the trees.

There are 5 miles of trails to check out and there is also an amphitheater with a Summer Twilight Concert series.

I wasn’t able to attend a concert as they sell out quickly, but while walking around I was treated to hearing the Fitz and the Tantrums practice for their show that night. So cool!

If you go, don’t forget your sunscreen, water and a hat or an umbrella. It can get a little toasty depending on what time of day or year you go. However, there are numerous benches to sit and and enjoy the shade.

Red Butte Gardens also has an absolutely amazing gift shop! It’s a great place to find unique gifts for your nature loving friends and family. Make sure you check it out before you head out!

They also have great air conditioning if you get a little overheated walking around. 😄 Before or after the gardens stop by Ruth’s Diner for a fabulous brunch nearby on their gorgeous back patio.

Tracy Aviary

If you are a bird lover like me and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City, head over to the Tracy Aviary in Sugar House. I went to check out the newly hatched, adorable, baby flamingos. They are so fluffy and cute when they are babies!

I took this adorable video of a fussy baby flamingo searching for a shady spot to take a nap.

The Tracy Aviary revolves around a central lake. Circle around the lake and explore birds from all over the world in a beautiful park like setting.

If you’re looking for a fun and yummy restaurant in the area try Finn’s Cafe for breakfast or lunch.

Heber Creeper

If you like history and trains and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City, check out the Heber Creeper.

It’s a near hundred year old historic train that was brought down from Canada, that you can ride through the Heber Valley.

They have a ton of different holiday themed train rides or ride the signature Deer Creek Express.

This ride comes complete with an old time western gun fight, fiddlers and tales from the old west.

Sit on the left side when boarding the train to get a great view of the Deer Creek reservoir and the Wasatch Mountains.

This historic train even has seats that flip direction, so you don’t have to ride facing backwards on your journey back.

When I come back I’m definitely booking the Chocolate Lovers Train where you can sample local artisan chocolates. Everything’s better with chocolate!

Explore Park City

Are you a skier, foodie, shopper or movie buff and looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? On your way back from Heber City why not stop in and explore Park City. Park City is also only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.

This historic mining town is home to world class skiing, Utah Olympic Park and of course the Sundance Film Festival.

Stroll along and check out all the shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Egyptian Theater where they hold screenings for Sundance.

This is definitely a pricey town, proven by the car I parked next to. If you don’t have a McLaren budget and are looking for an affordable lunch or dinner option without having to cash in your IRA like this guy, stop in at Red Banjo Pizza for a refreshing beverage and a delicious scratch made slice. This place is also vegetarian and gluten free friendly.

Snowbird Summer Scenic Tram

Nature lover and looking for things to do in Salt Lake City? Less than an hour from Salt Lake City is the beautiful ski resort of Snowbird.

Take a ride on Snowbird’s Signature Aerial Tram for a majestic view of the Salt Lake Valley. It is one of only 9 ski resort trams in the United States.

The tram is fully enclosed with a breathtaking 360 view of the surrounding mountains. There are also windows in the floor, so you get a full view of everything.

Our tram operator even pointed a moose that was grazing near a small lake on the way up the mountain. First wild moose I’ve seen in my life!!

If you are really adventurous you can pay extra to sit in the rooftop balcony on top of the tram as you ride up and down the mountain.

I’m a little afraid of heights, so I was just fine staying inside. 😄 The tram does have windows that open, so you can still feel that mountain breeze coming in.

The tram ride takes about 13 minutes each way and runs along a 1.6 mile cable, climbing 2900 vertical feet up to the summit of Hidden Peak.

Once at the summit spend some time drinking in the stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.

There is even a cafe with a bar now at the top that is open on weekends. Watch out for the chipmunks if you sit outside as they can be very bold, hoping to sample some of your food.

Bring a jacket as it can get cold up there at 11,000 feet and your hiking shoes if you want to try walking back down the mountain.

I hope you enjoyed my ideas for things to do in Salt Lake City. If you’d like more restaurant recommendations for your trip read my list of the Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City with something for everyone.

Looking for cheap flights to Salt Lake City? Check out my other posts on finding plane tickets, packing tips for discount airlines or using points and miles for a free trip.

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