Salt Lake City is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and urban charm, offering endless photo opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. Whether you're drawn to the majesty of the mountains, the allure of city streets, or the vibrant hues of local murals, SLC has something to capture your imagination (and your camera's lens). Here's a guide to some of the best spots to snap stunning photos in Salt Lake City.
1. The Great Salt Lake
The namesake of the city, the Great Salt Lake, is a must-visit for breathtaking sunset shots. The vast, reflective waters create a mirror-like effect that makes for stunning photos. Head to Antelope Island for the best views and wildlife sightings, including bison and antelope roaming the landscape.
2. Liberty Park
Liberty Park is the ultimate blend of nature and city life. Capture the peacefulness of the lake, the charm of Tracy Aviary, and the buzz of locals enjoying this sprawling green haven. With its historic features and seasonal events, you’ll find endless angles and stories to tell through your photos.
3. Ensign Peak
For panoramic views that’ll make your followers double-tap in an instant, hike up Ensign Peak. It’s the perfect spot for sunrise or sunset shots, with the city lights twinkling below. The short hike is a breeze and rewards you with breathtaking vistas that scream “Instagram gold.”
4. Temple Square
No visit to Salt Lake City is complete without a stop at Temple Square. The iconic Salt Lake Temple, lush gardens, and historic buildings offer endless photo opportunities, especially during the holiday season when the square is adorned with festive lights.
5. City and County Building
This architectural gem in Washington Square is a perfect subject for urban photography. The intricate details of the historic building and the surrounding park provide a picturesque setting. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, and it’s easy to see why.
6. Mural Tour
Salt Lake City is home to an ever-growing collection of street art and murals that add vibrant colors to the urban landscape. Check out the local art scene and find murals by talented artists in neighborhoods like Sugar House and the Granary District. Explore Visit Salt Lake’s mural tour for a guided glimpse into the local art scene.
7. Red Butte Garden
For nature lovers, Red Butte Garden is a botanical paradise with seasonal blooms that offer a colorful backdrop for photos. From spring flowers to fall foliage, every season brings new beauty to capture. The garden’s peaceful ambiance and diverse plant life make it a haven for photographers seeking natural beauty.
8. Bonneville Salt Flats
Feeling adventurous? A short drive from the city, the Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique and otherworldly landscape perfect for dramatic and minimalist photography. The endless white salt and vast sky create a surreal environment that's ideal for creative shots.
9. The Gateway
The Gateway is a vibrant urban playground that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment with eye-catching public art installations and murals. It’s the ideal spot to capture the dynamic energy of Salt Lake City. The mix of modern architecture and lively atmosphere provides countless photo opportunities.
10. Millcreek Canyon
Craving a quick escape to the great outdoors? Millcreek Canyon offers lush forests, scenic trails, and beautiful streams just a stone’s throw from the city. It’s a perfect spot for nature photography in every season. Whether you’re capturing the vibrant fall colors or the serene winter snowscapes, Mill Creek Canyon is pure photographic bliss.
