Salt Lake City is known for its iconic museums and religious landmarks—but there’s so much more to discover beyond the obvious. I spent a few days exploring the city and found that if you’re willing to look, there’s something interesting around nearly every corner. From peaceful gardens to local art, unique architecture to scenic overlooks, these are some of the unique places to visit in Salt Lake City that added so much depth to my experience and made my time there even more memorable.

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Salt Lake City Public Library

I absolutely loved this library! It’s not only a library, but the main floor has a coffee and pastry shop, book stores, and multiple other small businesses inside. The library itself is incredibly impressive with a TON of children’s activities throughout. The rooftop has one of the best views of the entire city and a bee farm! I would 100% put a visit to the library on your list of unique places to visit in Salt Lake City.
Good to know: Parking is validated!

If you’re interested in visiting the Leonardo Museum, it’s right next door.
I visited both within the free 2-hour parking limit.

Ensign Peak

This short but steep hike leads to panoramic views of Salt Lake City. A peaceful escape just minutes from downtown, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. It’s a very popular spot for visitors and locals alike, so get there early and be prepared to add some distance for parking.

International Peace Garden

Located in Jordan Park, this tranquil oasis features garden sections representing cultures from around the world. It’s not a must-visit destination, but if you have some time, it’s worth it. It takes no more than 30 minutes to walk through the whole park.

Red Butte Garden

A huge botanical garden with trails, seasonal blooms, and stunning mountain views. I was impressed with the sheer size of this place and could spend a whole day walking around. I was truly at peace in this garden!

SLC Visitors Center

If you’re already downtown, the Visitors Center is an easy stop—and honestly, a pretty cute one. Alongside the usual coupon booklets and tourist maps, you’ll find a great selection of locally made merch. From SLC-themed t-shirts and jewelry to postcards and snacks, much of what’s stocked here is made by local artists and small businesses. It’s a quick stop, but one that gives you a feel for the city’s creative community.

Temple Square

Even if you’re not religious, Temple Square is worth a visit for its gardens, fountains, and historic buildings. It’s one of the city’s most iconic spots. The main temple is under construction for the next couple of years, but there is still so much to see right now. For more information about the history of Temple Square, free walking tours, free choir concerts, and more, visit Visiting Historic Temple Square. If you head up to the North end and visit the Conference Center, you can see a model of the Temple that’s under construction, as well as one of the best views in the entire city!

The Gateway District

The Gateway District is a very new, modern part of town that hosts restaurants, shops, activities, and outdoor spaces for gathering. The Clark Planetarium and Children’s Discovery Museum are located in this part of town as well as Dave and Busters, a theatre, a comedy club, and more entertainment. It’s really well taken care of and a great place to take an afternoon stroll.
I took quite a few pictures, but the official marketing video below does a better job at capturing all there is to offer.

The Maven District

A trendy, hyper-local neighborhood focused on building community, fostering creativity, and supporting female-owned businesses. It’s a beautiful street full of murals, picturesque storefronts, and cute shops. If you’re looking for a place to stroll, the Maven District is perfect. You can grab a coffee, visit a bookshop, or even practice some self-care at Maven Well!

Union Pacific Depot

Built in 1909, the Union Pacific Depot was once one of the most important transportation hubs in the American West. It played a major role in connecting Salt Lake City to the rest of the country and was a key part of western expansion. While it’s no longer an active train station, the building still stands tall near The Gateway, with its grand architecture and historical plaques hinting at the city’s past. It’s a quick stop if you’re in the area, but one that adds a layer of history to your exploration of downtown. Once inside, there’s a beautiful bar if you want to grab a drink while you roam around and admire the architecture.

City Creek Center Mall

Even if you’re not much of a shopper (like me), City Creek Center is still worth a visit. This open-air mall is absolutely beautiful—sunlight pours in through the retractable roof, a creek runs through the center, and the elevated walkway offers amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s a peaceful and scenic place to stroll, people-watch, or grab a coffee. And if shopping is your thing, there’s a solid mix of high-end and familiar stores to spend an afternoon exploring. Plus, it’s super easy to get to—right along Salt Lake City’s free TRAX line in the heart of downtown.

Dreamscapes

Dreamscapes is an immersive art experience where recycled materials become surreal installations. It’s like walking through a living dream—quirky, interactive, and perfect for creative photos. Although much smaller than Denver’s MeowWolf, this is an interesting space. I thought it was overpriced and not great for solo travelers, as it didn’t have any phone stands or places to set your phone for photo ops.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Tucked in a residential neighborhood, this hidden garden features bizarre and symbolic stone sculptures. It’s weird, unique, and a quick stop for some fresh air and a walk. It takes about 15 minutes to walk through the garden and admire all the sculptures and flowers.

Summary

Spending nearly two weeks in Salt Lake City gave me the time and space to explore more than just the top tourist spots. While some of the places on this list—like Red Butte Garden or Temple Square—are well-known and often recommended, others are smaller stops that might fly under the radar if you’re only in town for a short time. But that’s what I love about traveling: finding a mix of iconic sights and quieter corners that make a city feel more personal.