Things To Do
Temple Square
Engage in some classic Utah action by visiting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Temple Square
City Creek Center
Looking to shop? Hopefully not on Sunday, because the mall is closed that day. City Creek is regarded as a world-class fashion and dining destination in the heart of Salt Lake City, offering over 100 stores and restaurants in a casual, pedestrian-friendly setting.
Midway Ice Castles
The Midway ice castles are popular to visit during the winter in Utah to get some great pictures. Since 2011, the Ice Castles have been dedicated to creating an experience that will live on long after the ice melts. For all who enter through the icicle-adorned archways, the time spent at Ice Castles is a source of joy and inspiration. Please ensure the venue is open before committing, as closing times vary based on weather.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Dinosaurs, yeah. We got 'em. The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) is a museum located in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The museum shows exhibits of natural history subjects, with an emphasis on Utah and the Intermountain West. The mission of the museum is to illuminate the natural world and the place of humans within it.
Log Haven
Log Haven, long synonymous with wildflowers, waterfalls and fine canyon dining, is located in a historic log mansion in the Wasatch National Forest, minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Named 'Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.' by USA Today and America's Most Scenic Restaurants (as featured in Forbes), so it is not to be missed if you're looking for a romantic dinner while you're here!
Homestead Crater Mineral Dome - Hot Spring!
First, a fun fact: Did you know, The Homestead Crater is the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental United States? Yeah, me neither. Don't be confused, Homestead Crater isn't only for scuba diving! It is primarily used as a place to soak and escape the cold. This geothermal hot springs located inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome was formed over 10,000 years ago. Whether you visit on a calm day or during a winter snowstorm, the temperature inside is always a balmy 90 to 96 degrees. The underground cavern — a hole at the top of the dome lets in sunlight and fresh air — is one of Utah’s more unique destinations.
Strawberry Reservoir - Ice Fishing
Though we cannot speak to this experience, ice fishing is a hot activity here in Utah, with many ice-fishing on Strawberry Reservoir. Imagine showing up early in the morning to a beautiful, serene lake in the high Wasatch Mountains. Greeted by your trusty Ice Fishing Guide with a hot beverage and some insight on where we'll be fishing. The host will take you by snowmobile from the parking lot to our spot on the lake, a 1-2 minute journey! They'll drive slow and can fit up to two people with them on the snowmobile. When we arrive, they'll have their warm enclosed tent warmed up and gear ready to go so you can sit back and start fishing! The guide can share techniques and insight on ice fishing, give you pointers and help you catch a beautiful rainbow or cutthroat trout. However, if you're not interested in the coaching or insight, the host is happy to just take you to the good spots with all the right gear and let you fish in peace.
Woodward Park City - Tubing
Not looking to ski, but down to try some professional snowtubing? During winter months this world-class action sports facility offers up the Tubing Park, home to some of Utah’s longest tubing lanes. With seven lanes at 1,200 feet long, there’s room for the whole family. Two-hour slots start at the top of every hour, and with a cafe and cafeteria on site you can grab some TexMex, a pizza, or maybe a plate of nachos after your ride. Located at the site of the former Gorgoza Park, Woodward Park City is just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.
Snowbird Ski Resort
Only a 45-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, Snowbird’s jaw-dropping home in Little Cottonwood Canyon makes this unparalleled resort feel worlds away. The Bird—as devotees affectionately refer to it—spans more than 2,500 acres of mountain peaks, snow-packed bowls and wide-open groomed runs.
Snowbasin Ski Resort
Located just 45 minutes north of Salt Lake International Airport, at Snowbasin you’ll spend less time traveling and more time on the slopes. Composed of three unique areas, Snowbasin Resort offers bucket-list terrain for every skier. Backed by the most advanced lift-system in Utah, enjoy bottom-to-top access from the three prestigious lifts.
Nordic Valley Ski Resort
Not only a favorite resort of Hannah and Marc's, but Nordic Valley is a far more budget friendly resort with the average ticket price being $29-$35 for a day pass if bought in advanced. Nordic Valley is famous for its ski school, intermediate and advanced slopes, and family friendly atmosphere. Leading up to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Austrian downhill skiers used this mountain as a training venue before their events. The slopes of Nordic Valley proved lucky as they went on to win numerous medals.
Park City
When people think of Utah they often think of two things: 1) Mormons 2) Park City Experience both while you're here! There is so much to do in Park City, and is often a trip in and of itself. Please refer to the visitparkcity.com tourism page for more details on things to do in Park City, as there is far too much to list on this page alone!
Red Flower Studios - Glass Blowing
Glass blowing and TSA? Not exactly a match made in heaven, but was a unique experience Marc and Hannah enjoyed while visiting Park City. Red Flower Studios is a place to come let your inner creative run wild with color, shape, and fire. “Create Your Owns” are your gateway to enter the hot shop and work hands-on with hot glass. Stare into the fire, apply and melt in your color, shape with your breath and hands. After completion of each hot glass item that is made, they will have to sit in an annealer where they will slowly cool down over night. Items may be picked up Thursday - Saturday 2-8pm. Other arrangements might be possible, such as shipping or another day to pick up. Please contact the studio about these.
Utah Olympic Park - Museum and Bobsledding
There are a few Olympic Parks here in Utah, this one in particular is the one located in Park City! There's plenty to experience here, for history buffs or adrenaline junkies alike! Experience a thrill of a lifetime in a bobsled on the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Sliding Track on the Winter Bobsled Experience. Too intense? Perhaps visit The Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation, which was established in 1989 with a mission to preserve the rich history of skiing in the Intermountain Region. The museum strives to provide a world-class facility which highlights the many contributions made in ski area development, athletic competition, snow safety, ski innovation and ski teaching methods. Guided tours are available!
Ice Skate the Utah Olympic Oval
Cautionary Note: The Olympic Oval here and Olympic Park are NOT in the same location, so plan accordingly. Bobsledding and Museums not your cup of hot cocoa, but still craving that Olympic experience? Ice skating is always fun – but Public Skating at the Utah Olympic Oval is special. The 400-meter ice Oval holds more Olympic world records than anywhere else as the “Fastest Ice on Earth.” It’s an experience not to be missed!
Moab, Utah
Not into skiing but still looking to make your visit a vacation? Every year, it is a tradition for Hannah and Marc to visit Moab, Utah for Valentine's Day. This is a great opportunity to visit one of the most unique National Parks in the country while crowds are non-existent, with possible snow providing a beautiful contrast to the reds, oranges, and blues synonymous with Moab's scenery. The weather is plenty warm for hiking with a jacket and hat, but we would suggest avoiding activities like mountain biking or overnight camping, as it can get muddy.
Goblin Valley State Park
If you find yourself driving back from Moab, we'd suggest taking a detour to Goblin Valley. Goblin Valley State Park is a state park of Utah. The park features thousands of hoodoos, referred to locally as goblins, which are formations of mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, some as tall as several yards. You'll feel like you're on Mars! We would suggest keeping this as a detour, and would not advise staying because beyond the park, there is not much to do in this remote area.