Tour Salt Lake City, Utah for Adventure, History, and Beauty
Salt Lake City, Utah is home to the worldwide headquarters of the Mormon Church, officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is also where the Great Salt Lake lies, and where the cultural Utah Symphony and Utah Opera perform. Tourists flock to the area each year to explore the historic sites, take a body "float" on the salt lake, and see the picturesque backdrops that surround the city.
The population of Salt Lake City is estimated at 181,743. Its elevation is at 4,330 feet above sea level with nearby mountains being Snowbird (8,100 feet) and Hidden Peak (11,000 feet). The Salt Lake is situated in a mountain valley near the Wasatch Mountains, which are located to the north and east. To the west of the valley are the Oquirrh Mountains. The city is located on land that was once a lake called Lake Bonneville. Some portions of the city are situated on terraces that were formerly beaches, or "benches."
Salt Lake City's climate is typically warm, sunny, and dry during the summer months. Residents enjoy low humidity as well. During fall, temperatures cool a bit, and the foliage is spectacular. Winter offers cold days with temperatures usually above freezing during daylight hours. At night, the mountains often have powdery snow. Spring offers comfortable-to-cool weather in the valley with cold enough weather for snowing in the mountains.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City offers a variety of activities for outdoorsmen, families, history buffs, shoppers, and night owls. There are many choice restaurants in the area for dining. Some of the types of cuisine you might enjoy include French, Mexican, American, Italian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Cajun, and Indian. Some popular restaurants include La Caille, Bombay House, Olio Ristorante at The Salt Lake Sheraton, Q 4 U Hickory Smoked Barbeque Restaurant, Rio Grande Cafe, The Bayou, Benihana, and The Roof Restaurant.
Activities for the Family
If traveling with family and kids, you'll enjoy the Hogle Zoo (www.hoglezoo.org ). Some of the friends you might meet at the zoo include the sand cat, Navajo sheep, meerkat, Utah prairie dog, Thomson's gazelle, white rhinoceros, spider monkey, giant marine toad, burrowing owl, emperor goose, green-winged teal, and many other fantastic animals. The zoo offers special exhibits year round, kids' activities, an art show, zoo memberships, classes, and more.
The Lagoon Park (www.lagoonpark.com ) amusement park is sure to be a blast with more than 40 rides, from rapids to roller coasters. Some of the rides include the Carousel, Centennial Screamer, Doubler Thunder Raceway, Baby Boats, Boomerang, Rocket, Scamper, Sky Scraper, Samurai, Wild Kingdom Train, and Terroride. Also, don't miss the Lagoon-A-Beach and Pioneer Village while you're there.
Cultural Attractions in Salt Lake City
The city boasts many cultural attractions to stir your mind or to help you wind down after a fun-filled day. The Hale Centre Theatre offers live stage musicals and play comedies all year long. It is a family-friendly theater. For ballet, check out a classical or contemporary ballet performance at the Ballet West. Opera has never sounded better at the Utah Opera Company. At the Sandy City Amphitheater in the South Valley area, entertaining shows range from country to classical to ballet. Jazz lovers will want to catch the Utah Jazz in action.
Historic Places
The Gardner Village has a mill that was built in 1877. The mill and village have been restored and feature country furniture, historic homes, quaint shops that surround the mill, and a restaurant. The Heber Valley Historic Railroad (www.hebervalleyrr.org ) will take you on a journey to Deer Creek Lake, across the Heber Valley, and through the Provo Canyon. It's a steam passenger railroad that touches on history and scenery while traveling through the breathtaking canyon.
There's also Trolley Square with beautiful old-time trolley car barns, dining, shopping, and entertainment. For a glimpse into city history, explore the Capitol Building in Salt Lake City, Temple Square, and the Fort Douglas Military Museum.
Outdoor Fun and Adventure
If you enjoy the outdoors, Salt Lake City offers several campgrounds such as the Mountain Shadows RV Park or the KOA. There's ample hiking and climbing in the mountainous areas if you're the adventurous type. Skiing is available at The Canyons Ski Resort at Park City, Deer Valley Ski Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, Alta Ski Area, and Solitude Mountain Resort. Also, there's the Homestead & Snowbird snowmobile tours with beautifully-groomed trails. For warmer months, you can enjoy a game of golf, a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city, a Salt Lake tour, or even a hot air balloon ride.
Salt Lake City Lodging
Salt Lake City offers plenty of places for lodging including bed and breakfasts, ski lodges or resorts, and hotels. Several popular bed and breakfasts include the Haxton Manor B & B, Parrish Place Bed and Breakfast, Castle Creek Inn Bed and Breakfast in Salt Lake City, and the Armstrong Mansion. Hotels include Ramada Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Super 8, The Skyline Inn, Best Western, Discovery Inn, Days Inn, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Baymont Inn and Suites, Crystal Inn Salt Lake City, and many others.
As you can see, there's much more to Salt Lake City than just the "salt lake." It's a great place to travel with family or friends and enjoy fun activities any time of the year.