Take a Day Off the Slopes: Go on a tour of Salt Lake City’s Best Winter Attractions
Utah’s famed powder snow at Park City ski resorts like Deer Valley, and local favorites like Snowbird or Alta ski resort makes it a skier’s paradise. But did you know that just a short drive from the slopes lies one of America’s most fascinating cities? Salt Lake City, steeped in history, architecture, and cultural landmarks, offers the perfect day trip for skiers looking to mix adventure with exploration.
Taking a break from the mountains not only recharges your legs but also gives you the chance to experience Salt Lake City sightseeing tours that showcase its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant urban appeal. For the most efficient and enjoyable experience, the Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour by City Sights is the city’s longest-running and most popular tour, ensuring you see it all without stress.
For those visiting on a Sunday morning or Thursday evening, the tour becomes even more special with the opportunity to hear the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square perform live—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Here’s a complete guide to Salt Lake City’s must-see attractions for your next winter day off the slopes.
1. Temple Square: The Heart of Salt Lake City
At the heart of downtown lies Temple Square, the city’s most famous attraction. This 35-acre complex is the spiritual and cultural center of Salt Lake City and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Salt Lake Temple, with its Gothic-inspired granite spires, is the centerpiece of Temple Square (though it’s currently undergoing restoration). Nearby, the Tabernacle—home of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square—is an architectural marvel with its unique acoustics and historic organ.
Fun Fact: The Tabernacle was completed in 1867 and is renowned for its pin-drop acoustics. Guides often demonstrate this by dropping a nail at the pulpit—you can hear it from 250 feet away!
2. Utah State Capitol: Panoramic Views and Stunning Design
Perched atop Capitol Hill, the Utah State Capitol is one of the most beautiful statehouses in the country. Completed in 1916, its neoclassical architecture, towering dome, and panoramic views of the city and Wasatch Mountains make it a must-see.
Inside, the Capitol’s grand rotunda features intricate marble, historic murals, and exhibits showcasing Utah’s political history. Winter visitors are treated to spectacular views of the snow-draped city below.
Fun Fact: The Capitol grounds feature over 400 Yoshino cherry trees gifted from Japan. They bloom each spring, creating a scene reminiscent of Washington D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms.
3. Family History Library: Trace Your Roots
Salt Lake City is home to the Family History Library, the largest genealogical research center in the world. Operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this remarkable facility offers visitors the chance to trace their family roots—free of charge.
Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just curious about your ancestry, the library’s vast collection of records, expert assistance, and user-friendly tools make it an engaging stop. Many visitors leave with incredible discoveries about their family history.
Fun Fact: The Family History Library houses over 3 billion records from countries around the world, including birth, marriage, death, and immigration records. It’s a bucket-list stop for anyone interested in uncovering their heritage.
4. City Creek Center: Shopping, Dining, and History
Located in the heart of downtown, City Creek Center is a world-class shopping and dining destination that beautifully blends modern design with Salt Lake City’s history. Opened in 2012, the center features more than 100 stores, including luxury brands, local boutiques, and popular eateries.
What sets City Creek apart is its unique, open-air design and the picturesque creek running through the property, complete with waterfalls and fish. The shopping center even has a retractable roof, making it ideal for winter visits.
Fun Fact: City Creek was designed to reflect the natural beauty of Utah, and the stream flowing through it is a nod to the original City Creek, which provided water to Salt Lake City’s pioneers in the 1800s.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, shop, or enjoy a delicious meal after your Salt Lake City day tour, City Creek Center is the perfect stop.
5. This Is the Place Heritage Park: Where Utah Began
Just east of downtown, This Is the Place Heritage Park offers a living history experience that transports visitors back to Utah’s pioneer days. The park commemorates the spot where Brigham Young famously declared, “This is the place,” as he led the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
Explore the charming pioneer village, complete with historic homes, blacksmith shops, and demonstrations of 19th-century life. Even in winter, the park’s scenic beauty and historic significance make it a worthwhile stop.
Fun Fact: The park includes a monument featuring 56 bronze statues of Utah pioneers and other significant figures, making it one of the largest monuments of its kind in the United States.
6. The Cathedral of the Madeleine: A Gothic Treasure
The Cathedral of the Madeleine is a breathtaking landmark that showcases Salt Lake City’s rich architectural diversity. Built between 1900 and 1909, this stunning Roman Catholic cathedral combines Gothic and Romanesque styles with intricate stained glass windows and awe-inspiring murals.
Visitors are welcome to admire the cathedral’s ornate interior, which features colorful frescoes and stunning craftsmanship. The cathedral also hosts choir performances and special events throughout the year.
Fun Fact: The Cathedral of the Madeleine is the only cathedral in the United States under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene. Its magnificent interior was inspired by Spanish Gothic architecture.
7. The Church History Museum: A Journey Through Utah’s Past
Located near Temple Square, the Church History Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its influence on Salt Lake City.
Exhibits include artifacts from the early pioneer days, interactive displays, and inspiring artwork that tells the story of the city’s founding and growth. It’s a great stop for history buffs and families alike.
Fun Fact: The museum’s collection includes a replica of the golden plates, which, according to Church history, were translated into the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith.
8. Pioneer Memorial Museum: Relics of the Past
For those wanting an even deeper dive into Utah’s pioneer heritage, the Pioneer Memorial Museum is a must-see. This extensive museum houses one of the largest collections of pioneer artifacts in the world, including antique furniture, clothing, tools, and even pioneer wagons.
Fun Fact: The museum is often referred to as the “Attic of Utah” because of its vast and eclectic collection of items from the 1800s.
9. The Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour: Your Gateway to the Best Attractions
Salt Lake City offers so much to see that trying to fit it all into a day on your own can be overwhelming. That’s why the Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour by City Sights is the perfect solution. As the city’s most popular and longest-running tour, it provides an efficient, comfortable, and informative way to explore all of the top attractions.
On this guided Salt Lake City bus tour, you’ll travel a 20-mile loop around the city and make stops at highlights like:
• Temple Square for a recital of one of the most famous pipe organs in the world
• Utah State Capitol Hill for an inside look at the country’s second most beautiful capitol plus a scenic lookout of the valley
• Cathedral of the Madeleine to see inside a gorgeous century-old church
• This Is the Place Heritage Park to see the Old Mormon Trail and scenic mountain and city views
With top-rated pro tour guides sharing stories, history, and local insights, the tour ensures you’ll see it all.
Bonus Tip: If you’re here on a Thursday or Sunday, the tour can include the unforgettable experience of hearing the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square perform live—a memory you’ll treasure forever.
Taking a break from skiing doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop. Salt Lake City’s unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty makes it the perfect destination for a winter day trip. From iconic landmarks like Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol to hidden gems like the Family History Library and This Is the Place Heritage Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
By joining the Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour, you’ll experience the city’s highlights in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible, leaving you free to relax and soak in the sights.
Next time you’re skiing at Park City ski resorts, Deer Valley, or Snowbird ski resort, make sure to set aside a day to explore the magic of Salt Lake City—you’ll be glad you did.
Book your Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour today and discover why SLC sightseeing attractions are the perfect companion to Utah’s world-class ski slopes!