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10 things you have to do in SLC

Writer: Munca Media Team Munca Media Team

Salt Lake City, the capital city of Utah, boasts a robust art scene, phenomenal people, breathtaking views, and a unique history. A visit to this vibrant city will immerse you in a world of art with its many art galleries, design studios, and museums.


Salt Lake City is also a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts due to it's close proximity to a number of ski areas, mountain ranges, and national parks. SLC has everything you need for a fun adventure, whether you want to go hiking, planning a corporate retreat, trying out a new restaurant, expanding your knowledge, or having a wild night out. Salt Lake City has everything you need and If you aren't sure where to start, here's a handpicked list of the top 10 things to do.




Fall Leaves in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Hiking through Big Cottonwood Canyon


The Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City is definitely a haven for nature lovers, with thick forests, rugged peaks, and wildlife. A visit to Big Cottonwood Canyon will be packed with so many things to do, from hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, skiing, snowboarding, and most importantly an opportunity to disconnect to enjoy the outdoors. There are multiple trails within Big Cottonwood Canyon that range from easy trails that can be described as a casual walk with the kids to harder trails that can be described as an intense workout. No matter what your physical shape may be; Big Cottonwood Canyon has a place for everyone.



Hiking through Utah
Cottonwood Canyon during the Fall

Big Cottonwood Canyon is about 40 minutes away from the Salt Lake City International Airport and about 30 minutes away from Downtown Salt Lake City. Thus, to get there, you can either utilize rideshare through Munca to ensure the optimal ride everytime or a van rental service if your group exceeds more than 12 people through an amazing local company called Rabbit Rentals. We strongly recommend to visit Big Cottonwood Canyon as enjoying the outdoors is a must when visiting Utah. Big Cottonwood Canyon doesn't disappoint as it also definitely provides great views for a great photo.





If you're interested in history, science, or culture, the Natural History Museum of Utah is undoubtedly a cool place to visit in Salt Lake City. The museum is a wonderful educational center due to its extensive collection of engaging and thought-provoking interactive displays, which range from minerals and metals to wildlife and plants. Also, the museum's remarkable exhibits of dinosaur fossils from the past make it a must-see.


You can get to the Natural History Museum of Utah by utilizing the optimal rideshare functionality within Munca. With Munca you can rely on the optimal ride everytime no matter where you are traveling from.




Red Butte Gardens
Red Butte Gardens

Red Butte Garden is a wonderful destination for aspiring botanists and those who are looking for a serene escape from the day-to-day tasks. You can enjoy its well-planted plots, bubbling fountains, start of the art venues, attractive walkways and the occasional outdoor concert. Furthermore, there is a botanical garden, an amphitheater for summer performances, and an arboretum. It's a great place to learn about gardening when in Salt Lake City.


Red Butte Garden is not only a state arboretum that offers a great view of the outdoors, but it also boasts scenic venues that create an unforgettable experience for events.


Rose House at Red Butte Garden
Rose House at Red Butte Garden


Whether you are looking to host your next corporate retreat, enjoy the wonders of a wedding or just looking to smell the fresh air. Red Butte Garden is a must see on your SLC adventure and you can get there utilizing the optimal rideshare functions within Munca.


Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Temple Square in Salt Lake City

Temple Square is the most popular place to visit in Salt Lake City and one of the most historic landmarks in the United States. Temple Square is a ten acre complex that spans 5 city blocks of historical landmarks, visitor centers, and family oriented activities that is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) . Temple Square was originally referred to the single city block in which the temple was built, has since expanded to offer a breadth of things to do.


Temple Square during Christmas Season
Temple Square during Christmas Season


Temple Square is not only a significant role in Salt Lake City's heritage, but it also plays a significant role in the culture in Salt Lake City. Millions of visitors come to Salt Lake City and enjoy the scenic views at Temple Square for its annual Christmas light display. Those who travel here during the Christmas season will feel infused with the seasonal spirit and the warm-hearted atmosphere of the holiday seasons. If you find yourself in Salt Lake during the winter months, just don't forget your coat and if you find yourself in Salt Lake during the warmer months, don't forget your water bottle. Temple Square is a place where historians can immerse themselves in history, families can enjoy the attractions, and an iconic place of worship. With more tourists visiting Temple Square attracts tourists than Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, Temple Square is a must-visit for your next SLC adventure.



Child riding through the state capitol
Spring Time in Salt Lake City

One of Salt Lake City's top attractions, the Utah State Capitol is a spectacular example of neoclassical revival and Corinthian style architecture that exudes a sense of royal grandeur. The Utah State Capitol is the governing house for the state of Utah and serves as a recreational park for many tourists and locals. If you are looking for an ideal place to enjoy unparalleled views of Salt Lake City and a chance to unwind after a long day of hiking, then the Utah State Capitol is the place for you.



People enjoying Spring in Utah
Don't forget to stop for a selfie

The Utah State Capitol not only serves as a recreational area to many civilians and an important place of conducting business for many politicians. The Utah State Capitol is an excellent venue to host your next event. The Utah State Capitol offers a wide array of settings for your next family gathering, wedding or corporate event. Just be sure to include a stop by The State Reception Room also known as The Gold Room. Here you can find an assortment of lavish furnishings, a 24-karat gold leafing restored to perfection to resemble the magnificent aura when it was first built, and a beautiful ceiling mural painted by world-renowned artist Lewis Schaettle. The Utah State Capitol is a must-do for your next SLC adventure, and you can get here using Munca. Whether you are visting the Utah State Capitol from your hotel in Park City or your bed and breakfast in downtown; Munca provides your preferred ride every time.



A wedding in Salt Lake City
Rentable venues at the State Capitol


Shopping Center in Salt Lake City
The Splendors of City Creek Mall

City Creek Center, otherwise known as City Creek; is a mixed use development situated in the center of downtown Salt Lake City. City Creek offers an upscale open-air shopping center that has a retractable roof, over 100 stores from national brands such as Lululemon to local luxury men's store such as Utah Woolen Mills, a simulated creek near Temple Square, a spectacular sky bridge, varying fashion related events and restaurants to fit any dietary needs.



Shopping Center in Salt Lake City
Beautiful design of City Creek


Exploring Salt Lake City can truly work up an appetite, and City Creek has a host of dining options for your next SLC getaway. If you are looking for a great place to go on a romantic date with your spouse, we highly recommend Brio Italian Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, or The Capital Grille. On the contrary, if you are looking for something fairly inexpensive yet absolutely delicious there are a host of places that we recommend such as Blue Lemon, Cafe Rio, Costa Vida, J.Dawgs, Zimbu and more.



Children playing in Salt Lake City
Recreational Areas at City Creek

City Creek isn't just for those who want to shop and eat splendid food; City Creek also offers a host of recreational events for the little ones in your group. You can bring your little ones to The Real Salt Lake Play Area for a fun indoor playtime. Real Salt Lake Play Area is typically open from 10:00am - 9:00pm. You can also bring the little ones to feed the fishes in the City Creek pond, which you can find at the Trout pond near the Customer Service Desk on Level 1, outside of Macy's. Lastly, you can bring your little ones to enjoy the amazingly orchestrated water fountain shows that provide a majestic aura after dusk. If you are traveling alone, with family, for work or just looking to enjoy your city; City Creek is a must for all who are in Salt Lake City. Whether you are traveling to City Creek from your office in Lehi or your home in Herriman; Munca provides your preferred ride every time.




Swimming in Salt Lake City
The Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere that spans a surface area of 950 square miles. The surface area of the Great Salt Lake can vary, primarily driven by its 16ft in depth. Droughts throughout the region and the West Desert Pumping Project that was established to deter flooding in Urban areas contributed to bringing the lake to historic lows. Despite, the historic lows of the lake's surface area, the Great Salt Lake is still Utah's largest natural lake and is prone to rapid rising level. The Great Salt Lake has three major tributaries, the Jordan, Bear, and Weber river deposit over 1.1 million tons of minerals into the lake. The Lake's minerals accumulate that provide the lake with a high level of salinity and density. It is currently estimated that the Great Salt Lake contains over 4.5 billion tons of salt in the Great Salt Lake. These higher levels of salinity and density provide a 'floating feeling' when swimming through the lake.

Swimming in Utah
Taking a dip in the Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake isn't just a great place to catch some rays and float around. The Great Salt Lake is filled with rich history and has supported so many forms of life since the Ice Ages. The Great Salt Lake was once a portion of Lake Bonneville, which at its zenith was nearly as large as Lake Michigan. The Great Salt Lake was home to the Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute tribes that lived very close to the lake. However, it is widely accepted among many Native American Leaders that the natives never used the lake for food, as it was too salty. This same sentiment was shared among the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Brigham Young. It is believed that the followers of the LDS Church tasted the salty levels of the Great Salt Lake and ultimately determined it would be a safe haven as they were fleeing religious persecution. It was through this moment that Salt Lake City earned its name, as Brigham Young called Salt Lake City after the Great Salt Lake.


A view of an island in salt lake
Antelope Island

The Great Salt Lake is a must-see for anyone visiting Salt Lake City. You can even explore the 11 recognized islands, with Antelope Island being the largest. This beautiful spot is ideal for a variety of water-based activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating, as well as just relaxing by the lake with a picnic and taking in the scenery. The Great Salt Lake has something for everyone in your group to do, and makes for a great solo reflection adventure as well. Whether you are traveling to the Great Salt Lake from your lodging in the Avenues or your home in Cottonwood Heights; Munca provides your preferred ride everytime.




Child with Polar Bear at Zoo
Nora the Polar Bear at the Utah Hogle Zoo

Utah's Hogle Zoo is a must-visit on any travel to Salt Lake City and a great way to become a champion for wildlife. Hogle Zoo is a 42 acre zoo located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Hogle Zoo was initially established in Liberty Park in 1911, but soon relocated to the mouth of Emigration Canyon in 1931. Hogle Zoo was able to relocate successfully through a generous donation of land by Mr. and Mrs. James A Hogle.



map of a zoo
Hogle Zoo Map

At its earlier days, Hogle Zoo consisted of an elephant named Princess Alice who gave birth to the world's first elephant born in Utah, Prince Utah. Since the Hogle Zoo has expanded to host both indigenous species such as the Mojave Desert Sidewinder and exotic species such as the Tomato Frog.



people having fun in Salt Lake City
Zoo Brew

Utah's Hogle Zoo not only has a breadth of species to learn and become a champion advocate for. The Hogle Zoo has a wide array of events that range from zoobrew a private event that caters to an adult only crowd to Zoo lights a Christmas themed event that caters to families with little ones. Hogle Zoo is a wonderful spot whether you are looking for an adventure with your colleagues or taking the whole family to unwind for the day. You can always count on a great time at Hogle Zoo with every visit, and you can always count on Munca for an optimal ride with every trip.



A photoshopped rendering of Space and Clark Planetarium
Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City should be at the top of your list if you are seeking family-friendly things to do, a corporate bonding event or even a first date. The Clark Planetarium is located in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City, across the street from the Vivint Smart Home Arena, and two minutes away from the Gateway Mall. The Clark Planetarium initially opened in April 2003 which provided an alternative for the former Hansen Planetarium. With a 55-foot dome that became America's first 'pitless' dome to a 10,000 Square Feet Exhibit; The Clark Planetarium has something for everyone.


Exhibit at the Clark Planetarium
Exhibit at the Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium is not only a great place to have an enjoyable time, but its a great place to witness history. The Clark Planetarium is one of the few institutions in the world that has an authentic moon rock sample. This portion of the moon was acquired through the heroic Apollo 15 mission and is currently housed in an exhibit dedicated to the Apollo moon landings.



Space in SLC
Hansen Dome Theatre


The Clark Planetarium also hosts a series of short films that not only explore the vast wonders of Space, but phenomenal films that explore our home planet, Earth. Ranging from Into Americas Wild 3D in the Northrop Grumman IMAX to the Worlds Beyond Earth in the Hansen Dome Theatre. If you're seeking an enjoyable way to learn about space and science, the Clark Planetarium is the place to go. What's more interesting is that you can enjoy the exhibits and activities at no cost. There is so much to explore in the world(s) around us, and there are so many options in regard to commuting to the Planetarium. Whether you are taking your significant other on a date night or looking to transport your entire group; you can always rely on Munca to provide the optimal ride every time.




Women enjoying Salt Lake City
Nightlife in Salt Lake City

Most people would like to think that Salt Lake City is a 'boring' place with nothing to offer, especially for those who are looking to socialize at night. Salt Lake City isn't a 'dry' city, and Utah isn't a dry 'state'. Salt Lake City boasts an exhilarating nightlife scene with bars and nightclubs to fit any social preference. If you are looking for a spot with music and dancing then we recommend: The Exchange by Twist, Lake Effect, Echo, Karma, Ibiza, Sky Lounge, Urban Lounge, Flankers or Liquid Joes. If you are looking for a spot with live music or a little bit more laid back we recommend: Whiskey Street, Keys on Main, Tavernacle Social Club, or Sun Trapp.



Fans at Utah Jazz Game
Utah Jazz Star Jordan Clarkson and a fan

Salt Lake City's nightlife isn't just limited to nightclubs and bars, there are also plenty of venues and events to fulfill your quest for city life adventures. The Vivint Smart Home Arena is home to various entertainment events such as MMA events, the Utah Jazz games, major concerts like Jimmy Buffett, NHL games, and more. Salt Lake City has gained a massive amount of popularity in the last two decades which has brought not just new faces to the Beehive state, but it has brought more entertainment for not just locals but visitors as well. With so much to do in Salt Lake City at night, we strongly encourage to always remain safe.


Bars in SLC
Salt Lake City Nightlife

Salt Lake City is a relatively safe city, but things can happen, and we highly recommend keeping these things in mind when exploring. Remember that Salt Lake City is an elevated city. Salt Lake City is approximately 4,226 feet above sea level, and this can radically impact those who come from lower elevated cities. We strongly encourage to pace yourself if you choose to partake in consumption of alcoholic beverages and if you are 21+ years old. Please remember that Salt Lake City adheres to all Federal regulations, and you must be 21 years old to purchase or consume any alcoholic beverages. In addition, you should never drink and drive, especially in Salt Lake City. The Utah Highway Patrol and Salt Lake City Police Department retains an exceptional record of ensuring everyone's safety with strict DUI enforcement. In fact, Utah is the only state that has a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05% which is about two standard drinks. While some may scoff at this strict rule it has actually saved countless lives with fatal crashes dropping by nearly 20% in 2019. Utah is a fun place with so much to do, but remember it's never worth risking another life over a good time. Please enjoy Salt Lake City responsibly, have fun be smart, and remember you can always rely on Munca for a safe ride home. Whether you are looking for the most luxurious ride to the club to impress your date or if you are looking for the most affordable ride home after buying too many rounds for the group; Munca will always offer the most optimal ride every time.


Views of Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Skyline

Salt Lake City is an amazing city with a home for everyone. We can truly attest that the people in Salt Lake City are the friendliest, adventurous people, and genuine people out there. It's home to a rapidly growing economy and immense amount of brilliant people coming from institutions such as University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Utah Tech University, and more. Salt Lake City is a must for your next vacation trip or your next corporate retreat. As most local Utahns would say, Salt Lake City is 'different by nature' and in Utah 'life is elevated'.


Utah Highway sign
Welcome to Utah

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