Things to do in  Salt Lake City

If you’re an outdoor adventurer, Salt Lake City has endless options. Famed for its proximity to some of the best skiing in the U.S., it also makes a great launch pad for spectacular landmarks such as Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Arches National Park. Explore these sites on a scenic helicopter or plane tour or with a guided hiking excursion. For even more of a rush, try white-water rafting or riding the mountain tram over Little Cottonwood Canyon, part of the Wasatch Mountains. Explore Kennecott Copper Mine—one of the world’s largest open-pit mines—or simply spend the day floating in the salt-saturated waters of the Great Salt Lake, which is likened to the Dead Sea. Even though it’s the capital of Utah, SLC still manages to give off a small-town feel, with its friendly locals and rustic culinary scene. The city’s prominent Mormon heritage is on display at the grand cathedral in Temple Square, whose status as the headquarters of the Church of Latter Day Saints draws pilgrims (and just plain curious visitors) from around the globe. Explore the city limits by bike, Segway, or trolley; make sure you top off your day with a performance from the award-winning Mormon Tabernacle Choir; or crawl through S.L.C.'s best watering holes, which have received a boost in recent years due to the city's loosening liquors laws.