In the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, you will find one of the most iconic landmarks in Utah. Temple Square is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The historic Salt Lake City temple is currently undergoing a massive renovation, but it is still considered a top place to visit in Utah.
Spanning two city blocks, City Creek Center is a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining destination in the heart of Salt Lake City. The Center features a fully retractable glass roof for a climate-controlled, open-air shopping experience year-round. Anchored by the region's flagship Nordstrom and Macy's, the Center features over 100 shops and restaurants including luxury retailers, unique-to-market stores, and emerging brands.
Located on the campus of The University of Utah and minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the Natural History Museum of Utah features an outstanding display of paleontology (in addition to beautifully curated exhibits such as first peoples, the Great Salt Lake, life land and native voices) that covers eons of Utah's history.
Utah's Hogle Zoo is a 42-acre zoo located just East of downtown Salt Lake City. It houses animals from diverse ecosystems, including Graffes, Lions, Polar Bears, and Otters to name a few. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is located in Draper, Utah. About 20 minutes South of downtown Salt Lake City. It currently houses 4,500 animals representing 550 species, including Penguins and Sharks! The public aquarium currently consists of five main exhibits encompassing over 136,000 ft.
Thanksgiving Point is a 501 non-profit indoor and outdoor farm, garden, championship golf course, and museum complex in Lehi, Utah, United States. Its five main attractions include Ashton Gardens, Butterfly Biosphere, Farm Country, Museum of Ancient Life, and Museum of Natural Curiosity. If you are bringing the family, plan on stopping here for the day.
Big Cottonwood Canyon located Southeast of downtown Salt Lake City and minutes away from the wedding venue, is home to Brighton and Solitude Resorts. With plenty of summer activities from hiking to mountain biking to taking the drive over Guardsman Pass into the Heber Valley and Park City, you can make an entire day out of it.
Little Cottonwood Canyon located Southeast of downtown Salt Lake City and minutes away from the wedding venue, is home to Alta and Snowbird Resorts. With plenty of summer activities, including hiking, biking, disc golf, ropes courses, riding down the alpine slide, mountain coaster or up the Snowbird Tram to the 11,000 ft. summit of Hidden Peak. It's a perfect summer spot to escape the heat of Salt Lake City and enjoy the 360° views.
Utah's only amusement park sits about 30 minutes North of downtown Salt Lake City. Lagoon is home to one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still operating in the World as well as a host of rides, activities, and fun.
For an easy day trip, head to Antelope Island State Park. This island on the Great Salt Lake has sandy beaches with amazing photo-worthy views of the surrounding valley and towering Wasatch Mountains. It is home to wild pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and bison — it’s not unusual to catch a glimpse or two. There are trails of all difficulties that crisscross the island and are open to hikers, mountain bikers and horses.
Smith's Ballpark, located just minutes South of downtown Salt Lake City, is home to the Salt Lake Bees. The AAA-affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim MLB team. Tickets are cheap, hot dogs are delicious, and the family will have a great time!
America First Field in Sandy, UT is located 20 minutes South of downtown Salt Lake City and home to Real Salt Lake, a Major League Soccer team. A perennial playoff team and 2009 MLS Cup Champion, there is no shortage of fun to be had with a great atmosphere and passionate fanbase.
For those feeling real adventurous, Utah is home to 5 magnificent National Parks. Also known as Utah's Mighty 5, these National Parks offer a lifetime of memories and some of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States...not to mention the stunning scenery! From the Red Rock Canyons of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks outside of Moab to the high elevation hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park to endless, expansiveness of Capital Reef National Park and the jaw-dropping backdrop of Zion National Park. Just remember, Utah is hot in the summer, so pack a lot of water!