Salt Lake City: Off The Beaten Path Things To Do From A Local


I grew up in the Salt Lake Valley and I thought I knew all of it's hidden gems until I worked a couple summers in the heart of Salt Lake City. I had a really cool seasonal job that involved climbing trees and riding a bike in all the neighborhoods of Utah's capitol, so I know the ins and outs of the city better than ever. 

There is no shortage of articles on Salt Lake City's must do activities, many of which are a bit overrated. I wouldn't recommend the typical suggestions like: 

• Hike Ensign Peak
• Visit the Clark Planetarium 
• Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Honestly, none of these sites are very interesting. I suspect that most people do them because that's all they know to do in Salt Lake City. 

So here are some actually fun locations in Salt Lake City, some of which are lesser known. 


Scenic Drive

A hike in Heugh's Canyon before relaxing at Scenic Dr

This street runs parallel to Foothill Drive and rests on the mountainside. The view is similar to Ensign Peak, but you can park and watch the sun set and the city light up as you eat take out. 

If you want a great hike in lieu of ordinary Ensign Peak, check out Heugh's Canyon waterfall before grabbing dinner and heading over to Scenic Drive. 


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International Peace Gardens
1160 Dalton Ave

I don't get the hype over Gilgal Sculpture Gardens. It's small and kind of boring, to be honest, but the International Peace Gardens is lovely. 

This 11-acre park highlights the history and culture of 28 countries through the use of florals, statues, and small architecture. It's free to visit and makes a great place to walk or have lunch.

Each year a flower parade and folk festival is held here to celebrate cultural differences.  


Arts of the World Gallery
802 S 600 E

This little shop is a wonder! The owner travels the world to find local artists and commission their handmade goods to sell in her shop right here in SLC.

Here, you can find tiny, hand-carved stone nativities from Peru, super soft cashmere mittens from Tibet, and so much more.
 

Anthony's Fine Art & Antiques 
401 E 200 S


Visiting this beautiful store feels like getting free admission to a fine art museum. They have the most amazing pieces here! I love the paintings, ancient mosaic, suits of armor, and jade art. There's so much to see with three floors full of gorgeous antiques.


The LDS Conference Center
60 North Temple

Okay, this one is not exactly off the beaten path but compared to the main part of Temple Square the Conference Center is underrated, super fascinating, and free! 

This is where "Mormons" hold a worldwide meeting twice a year. The building has a footprint of 10 acres and can seat up to 21,000 people. Volunteers lead free tours year-round to teach about its architecture and history. 

My favorite part was going to the roof. We happened to see it by the golden light of a spring sunset. It felt like stepping into a massive, wild garden in the middle of the city with perfect views. 


Hatch Family Chocolates 
376 8th Ave

Just a few streets northeast of Temple Square is the perfect place to get some of the best local treats! These quality chocolates are made fresh daily. 

And the best part is, each flavor comes in milk and dark chocolate! I also recommend the dark hot chocolate as it's the best cocoa I have found in the valley.


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Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park
589 E 1300 South 


Okay, this may be a common attraction, but it is really cool. The aviary is comprised of 8 acres of gardens, ponds, and indoor habitats. It houses 135 species of birds from all around the world and includes rare and endangered species. One of my favorites is the spectacled owl. 

You can go for only $5 on Monday evenings instead of the typical ticket price of $15. And you might see cute baby flamingoes!
  

Red Kiln Pottery
393 East and 1700 South 

I used to come to this studio almost daily after work to practice for hours at the pottery wheel. Sadly, they don't offer classes anymore, but they have the most beautiful pieces for sale all made by local artists in Red Kiln Studio.

If you want a souvenir or gift that is truly unique to Salt Lake City, check out their gallery. They have functional and decorative ceramics in all varieties and each piece is unique. 


Memory Grove Park 
300 N Canyon Rd


This quiet nook in the city is located just down the hill from the State Capitol Building. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or picnic. There is no playground, just some pretty stone memorials dedicated to local fallen soldiers and a lovely creek running the length of the park. 

I like Memory Grove Park best in the spring when the lilacs are blooming with a treat in hand from Eva's Bakery. You can venture farther uphill to hiking trails for a little more solitude. 


Where to Eat 



Most articles focused on SLC restaurants mention Red Iguana and I agree. Their moles are amazing. Just be sure to go to Red Iguana 2. It's the same restaurant but with a shorter wait time. 

Some other places I love in the city are Takashi (18 W Market St), and Itto Sushi (12 W Broadway.) Get the Black Magic Woman roll at Takashi and the New Orleans roll if you go to Itto!

Eva's Bakery on Main Street serves incredible breakfasts, and the chocolate almond croissants are delightful. 

I also recommend Kafe Mamai (49 E Gallivan Ave). They've got some great Caribbean food! And just around the corner is Spitz (35 E Broadway) which is part of a local chain that serves great Mediterranean street food. 

If you're in town on a Saturday in summer, see if you can find Makaya Caters' food truck in Pioneer Park. They make delicious Haitian food, and the chef is truly passionate about his work. I highly recommend the griyo platter with passionfruit juice. 

If you don't mind venturing a little south, check out Kin Sen Thai in Millcreek. Their Khao Soi is to die for! 

Check out these posts for more of my restaurant recommendations in the Salt Lake Valley: 




Hi, I'm Kaitlyn and I'm so glad you're here. Get to know me and more about my blog

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