Are you looking for some unique and memorable experiences in Salt Lake City? If you’re tired of the same old tourist attractions and want to explore the hidden gems of this vibrant city, thenhere are offbeat experiences that you can have in Salt Lake City, without breaking the bank or wasting your time.
Discover the colourful murals of Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is home to some amazing street art that showcases the creativity and diversity of its residents. You can find murals depicting everything from historical figures to abstract patterns, from social messages to whimsical characters. Some of the best places to see these murals are the Granary District, the Gateway, and Sugar House. You can also take a self-guided tour using this handy map.
Hike to the Living Room
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with a rewarding view, then check out the Living Room trail. This trail leads you to a rocky overlook that resembles a living room, complete with stone couches and chairs. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the valley below. The hike is about 2.5 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours. The best time to go is in the morning or evening, when the sun is not too harsh.
Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is not your typical museum. It’s a state-of-the-art facility that showcases the natural wonders of Utah, from dinosaurs to minerals, from plants to animals. You can learn about the geology, ecology, and culture of this diverse region through interactive exhibits, stunning displays, and immersive experiences. The museum also has a rooftop terrace that offers a spectacular view of the city and the mountains.
Catch a Broadway show at the Eccles Theater
Who says you have to go to New York to see a Broadway show? You can enjoy some of the best musicals and plays at the Eccles Theater, a modern and elegant venue that hosts touring Broadway productions. You can catch classics like The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton, as well as new hits like Dear Evan Hansen, Hadestown, and Moulin Rouge. The theatre also has a six-storey glass lobby that offers a stunning view of Main Street.
Visit the Leonardo Museum
The Leonardo Museum is a museum unlike any other. It’s a place where art, science and technology come together to inspire curiosity and creativity. You can explore exhibits that challenge your senses, spark your imagination, and make you think. You can also participate in workshops, events, and programs that let you create your own art, science, or technology projects. The Leonardo Museum is a place where you can unleash your inner genius.
Wander around the Gilgal Sculpture Garden
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is one of the most unusual and intriguing attractions in Salt Lake City. It’s a hidden oasis that features 12 original sculptures and over 70 engraved stones created by Thomas Battersby Child Jr., a local businessman and Mormon bishop. The sculptures and stones reflect his personal beliefs, values, and interests, ranging from religion to literature to astrology. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
Browse the books at the Salt Lake City Public Library
The Salt Lake City Public Library is not just a place to borrow books. It’s a place to enjoy the beauty and functionality of architecture, design and art. The library is housed in a stunning building that features a curved glass wall, a spiral fire place, and a rooftop garden. The library also has a café, a shop, an art gallery, and a theater. You can spend hours browsing the books, magazines, and media, or just relaxing in the cozy and inviting spaces.
Tour the historic Temple Square
Temple Square is the heart and soul of Salt Lake City. It’s a 10-acre complex that houses the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the largest Mormon temple in the world. You can also see other historic and religious buildings, such as the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. You can take a free guided tour of the square, or just walk around and admire the architecture, gardens and fountains.
Relax at the Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is a botanical garden and arboretum that offers a peaceful escape from the city. You can stroll through 21 acres of gardens that feature over 5,000 plant species, from native to exotic. You can also hike on 5 miles of trails that offer scenic views of the mountains and the valley. The garden also hosts concerts, festivals and events throughout the year.
Learn about genealogy at the Family History Library
If you’re interested in tracing your family roots, you’ll want to visit the Family History Library, the largest genealogical library in the world. The library is operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and offers free access to millions of records from all over the world. You can search for your ancestors online or with the help of volunteers and staff. You can also attend free classes and workshops on various topics related to genealogy.
