Salt Lake City is a bustling metropolis with so many things to do. It can be challenging to choose from them all. It’s filled to the brim with history, art, shopping, and the great outdoors. Singles and families alike won’t be short on things to do during the summer.
So how on earth are you supposed to decide?
Well, it just so happens that we have a list of the top nine ways for you to spend a summer day in Salt Lake City. That’s almost enough to fill every weekend of the season without even trying.
Let’s see how much fun you can get into this season.
1. Enjoy the Water of Great Salt Lake
We would be remiss if we didn’t put the Great Salt Lake at the top of a list about Salt Lake City.
It’s literally the entire reason that it’s called Salt Lake City.
There is so much you can do to fill a day on the lake. The vast 1500 square mile body of water sits in a state park where you can enjoy your time from sunrise to sunset.
Once a part of the even larger Lake Bonneville, what makes the Great Salt Lake so unique is how salty it is. It’s only slightly less salty than the Dead Sea, which means you can float in the water effortlessly.
You can rent just about anything to enjoy your time on the water. Kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, and jetski tours are all on the table.
Not to mention, the view of the sunset over the lake is breathtaking.
2. Take in Nature at Red Butte Garden
Located on the campus of the University of Utah, Red Butte Garden is a massive botanical garden. It’s the largest one in the Intermountain West.
It covers 100 acres of land, so it’s easy to lose yourself in on a gorgeous summer afternoon.
The 21 acres of display gardens give you plenty of unique flora and fauna to enjoy. There’s a rose garden, a fragrance garden, an herb garden, a medicinal garden, a children’s garden, and more to explore.
There are also over five miles of hiking trails through the garden’s natural landscape.
On top of the stunning views, Red Butte Garden offers guided tours, year-round events, and hosts classes for all ages.
3. Go Shopping at the Urban Flea Market
If treasure hunting is more your speed, you might feel more at home digging through the spoils at the Urban Flea Market.
This flea market is a spectacle that only happens once a month, so plan accordingly!
On the second Sunday of each month (except May when it falls on the first Sunday) from 10 am to 4 pm, you will find over 100 vendors ready to sell their wares. You’ll absolutely find things you’re not going to see anywhere else.
It only costs $2 to get in, and parking is free!
4. Hike Your Way up to Grandeur Peak
Grandeur Peak is an 8,299-foot mountain summit overlooking Salt Lake Valley.
Anyone in the market for a beautiful hike will love this trail and the views it offers at the top. It’s an incredibly friendly path that’s wide and well-marked. Despite being somewhat steep, it’s manageable.
That makes it perfect for anyone that wants to try summitting a mountain for the first time.
You’ll find the trailhead at the Church Fork Picnic Area in Mill Creek Canyon. From there, it follows a small creek into the forest before climbing from to a saddle. And then it’s only another half mile to the peak.
All in all, you’re looking at about six and a half miles to get to the top and back again.
5. Catch a Flick at the Redwood Drive-In Theater
The drive-in is a time-honored tradition in the history of theater. It’s a fantastic way to spend a summer night with your friends, family, or significant other.
The Redwood Drive-In knows how to do movies right.
With four big screens, there is plenty of space for everyone to come and enjoy a flick. Every screen shows a different set of movies each night so that you can choose your favorite.
For only $10 for adults and $1 for kids between 5 and 9, you get to see two movies!
The sound from the film transmits via FM radio into your car so you can enjoy the movie in comfort. You’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. And you can even sit outside your car as long as you stay in your parking spot.
Considering the drive-in costs half as much as it would to see two movies in a regular theater — the experience is well worth it!
6. Take a Trip to Liberty Park
Standing in the middle of Salt Lake City, Liberty Park is 80 acres of green to give you a break from the cityscape.
There’s fun to be had for the entire family on a hot summer day waiting for you in this beautiful park. It’s a wonderful place to go if you want to spend your time outdoors without hiking involved.
Liberty Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and ponds full of ducks to feed
Just imagine the memories you can make!
7. Visit the Tracy Aviary While You’re There
Even though Tracy Aviary is technically in Liberty Park, we think it deserves a spot all its own because it’s not something you’re going to want to miss!
The aviary lets you get up close and personal with over 100 different bird species.
It’s not only a lot of fun; it’s educational as well! You should absolutely head on over if you’re hoping to learn something new this summer. Your kids are sure to love it as well.
8. Take a Bicycle Tour of Salt Lake City
Have you ever looked at a city and wondered what it might look like from a bicycle?
Wonder no longer! These bicycle tours of Salt Lake City are here to guide you through the historic city so you can get your workout in and learn all about it.
Each tour typically lasts around three hours and offers you a different view of Salt Lake City, depending on your tastes.
Ride in a giant loop around the city, sample beer during a Bike & Brew Tour, or take a tour at sunset to learn more about the city’s underground past. There are even walking and hiking tours available.
For the big loop tour, you have your choice of going by regular bike or electric bike. And they offer pedicabs for those who want to tag along but can’t ride a bike for that long.
It’s a fun, fast-paced way to enjoy Salt Lake City in all its glory.
9. Listen to Tunes at the Twilight Concert Series
For over 30 years, the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City has hosted the annual Twilight Concert Series.
Each year in August and September, a top-notch lineup of bands from all over gather in Salt Lake City to put on live shows for everyone to enjoy. They range from local artists to internationally acclaimed bands to give everyone a spotlight.
With tickets starting at only $10, the Twilight Concert Series is an affordable way to enjoy some good music on a warm summer night.
In Conclusion
Few cities are bustling with activity quite like the capital of Utah. Salt Lake City has so much to offer that this list could be virtually endless.
One thing’s for sure — you won’t get bored!
These nine ways to spend a day are far from the only things you can do in Salt Lake City this summer. Once you get out and about, you’ll discover all kinds of new things to add to the top of your list for summers to come.
Dominique Daniels is the Business Manager at The Marq. With over five years of property management experience, she begins and ends each day loving what she does. She finds joy in helping current and future residents and makes The Marq a place everyone loves to call home.
