subject: Visiting Salt Lake City [print this page] No matter what your ideal vacation includes, Salt Lake City is filled with activities to entertain. Whether you prefer the outdoors, shopping, the arts, or historical sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the capitol of the Beehive State.
A popular site for families to spend their day is the Hogle Zoo. Not only does the Hogle Zoo boast exhibits like Elephant Encounter and Giraffe feeding, but you and your family can take a ride on the Zoo Train or Conservation Carousel, too.
Another site for animal lovers to visit is the Tracy Aviary in the south part of the city. This tranquil park is open 364 days a year, and contains over 130 different species of birds.
If you are drawn to the arts, try visiting the Salt Lake Art Center. Visitors to the center can either view contemporary art in the exhibitions or learn to make their own through classes and workshops available there.
There are many more galleries for connoisseurs of art to visit. Some of these include Hope Gallery and Museum of Fine Art and Phillips Gallery.
If performance art is your interest, trying attending the ballet or the opera. Deep in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is the Capitol Theatre.
The theatre is the home for a multitude of performing groups. These groups include Ballet West, the Utah Opera, and the Children's Dance Theatre.
Built in 1913 and still retaining much of its original architecture, the Capitol Theatre itself is a site to behold. Visit the box office to find ticket information and performance times.
If you are attracted to the outdoors, there are a plethora of activities both you and your family can enjoy. During the spring and summer months, Salt Lake City is a haven for fishers, hikers, and mountain bikers.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful arena for fishing, hiking, camping, and even rock climbing. Venture about an hour south to Provo Canyon, and you will find even more scenic and beautiful hiking trails.
These trails include Stewart Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Both hikes are simple enough for all members of your family to enjoy, and lead to scenic waterfalls.
More experienced hikers will enjoy tackling the trail to Mount Timpanogos. This 14-mile round trip hike is one of the most frequently visited in the Rocky Mountains.
Sports fans will enjoy all of the events that Utah has to offer. Bonneville Golf Course, found in Salt Lake City, is one of the most popular 18-hole courses in the state of Utah.
Utah is also home to its very own major league soccer team, the Real Salt Lake. Visit the Rio Tinto Stadium to find tickets, and prepare yourself for an exciting, and loud, match.
Get your fill of America's pastime by attending a Salt Lake Bees' game. The Bees are the city's minor league baseball team, and they play all throughout the spring and summer.
Utah is well-known for their dedicated basketball fans. If the NBA season is underway, then a trip to Salt Lake City is not complete without attending a Utah Jazz game.
Home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City is a playground of winter activities. Resorts like Alta, Brighton, and Sundance attract skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.
Sundance Resort, famously owned by Robert Redford, is also a destination for those seeking fun and relaxing during the winter months. Guests at the resort can not only take part in winter sports, but relax at the spa or dine at the luxurious lodge.
The spa at Sundance Resort offers treatments like stone and deep tissues massages. The Tree Room and Foundry Grill are managed by renowned chefs from across the country.
Downtown Salt Lake City is home to beautiful architecture, as well as lots of museums and history. The city was founded in 1847 by Latter-day Saint pioneers originally from the Midwest.
Possibly the most prominent building in downtown Salt Lake City is the Latter-Day Saint Temple found in Temple Square. The temple houses a Visitor's Center where anyone can learn about the history of the LDS Church and the settling of Salt Lake City.
Part of the Visitor's Center is the Family History Center. There, anyone can receive information on genealogy and how to research past family members.
Salt Lake City offers excitement and adventure for anyone who chooses to travel there. Put this destination at the top of your travel list, and you will not be disappointed!
