From Urban Gems to Mountain Escapes
Summer in Salt Lake means culture-packed city blocks sit just 30 minutes from wildflower-dotted mountain trails. Pack your hiking boots AND your concert tee—this guide is your ticket to that sweet spot where urban energy meets mountain escape.
Live Music and Outdoor Festivals
Think you need to hit a major coastal city for summer festival vibes? Think again. From the Twilight Concert Series at the Gallivan Center to the Utah Beer Festival sprawling across The Gateway, or the Days of 47 Rodeo, Salt Lake's summer calendar is packed with events where world-class acts and local talent share the spotlight. Looking for even more melodic options? Check out our guide to where to experience live music in Salt Lake for a more intimate yet still buzzing experience.
Dine on Patios and Rooftop Bars
Those mountain-cooled summer evenings? They're practically begging you to dine under the stars. And unlike cities where you'll wait weeks for a rooftop reservation, Salt Lake's patio scene is both spectacular AND accessible. Here's where locals soak up those 9 p.m. sunsets (and for more options, browse our guides to Salt Lake's best patios and rooftop bars with stunning views):
Van Ryder
250 S State St (inside Le Méridien) | Open Tuesday-Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Perched atop Le Méridien hotel, Van Ryder delivers panoramic sunset views alongside curated cocktails and a seasonal menu focused on local, sustainably sourced ingredients. This elevated rooftop bar is perfect for a date night, pre-show drinks, or a casual evening out with friends.
Eva
317 S Main St | Open daily 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tucked away behind its Main Street storefront, Eva's cozy back patio is one of downtown's best-kept secrets. The Mediterranean-inspired small plates are ideal for sharing, and the lush, intimate setting makes it feel like you've found a hidden garden in the middle of the city.
The Green Pig Pub
31 E 400 S | Open daily until 1 a.m.
A classic downtown sports bar, The Green Pig Pub is the perfect stop before or after one of Salt Lake's many summer festivals. Located directly across from Library Square, it's a prime spot during events like the Utah Pride Festival, Living Traditions, and the Utah Arts Festival. Head up to the rooftop for laid-back vibes, cold drinks, and views of the city buzz below.
Explore Museums and Galleries
Need a break from that mountain sunshine? Duck into surprisingly spacious museums that rarely feel crowded (even in peak season). In what other city can you go from dinosaur fossils to avant-garde installations in a single afternoon?
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
410 Campus Center Dr | Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. Wednesdays)
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is your gateway to global visual arts, with galleries that span ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. Located on the University of Utah campus, the UMFA offers a cultural deep dive into human history and creativity from around the world.
Natural History Museum of Utah
301 Wakara Way | Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (and until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays)
Perched in the foothills above Salt Lake City, the Natural History Museum of Utah is packed with interactive exhibits that bring the region's story to life—from shimmering minerals and prehistoric fossils to vibrant displays of Utah's unique plants and animals. The dinosaur exhibits alone are worth the trip.
The Leonardo Museum
209 E 500 S | Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where science, art, and innovation collide, The Leonardo Museum sparks creativity for visitors of all ages. With ever-changing exhibits and hands-on experiences, this downtown gem encourages curious minds to think differently, explore boldly, and reimagine the world around them.
Explore Salt Lake’s Scenic Mountains
Remember the last time you went from sipping coffee downtown to standing on a mountain peak in under 30 minutes? No? That's because in most cities, it's impossible. But here in Salt Lake, these trail treasures are closer to downtown than your morning commute. Want more hiking options? Check out our guide to the best hiking trails near Salt Lake for trails suited to every skill level.
Lake Blanche
Mill B South Fork Trailhead, Big Cottonwood Canyon | Best wildflower viewing July-August
Lake Blanche delivers one of the most rewarding hikes in the Wasatch. This moderately strenuous trek features a steady, steep ascent through forested canyon terrain before opening up to a stunning alpine lake framed by dramatic peaks like Sundial and Dromedary. It's a local favorite for sunset views, wildflowers, and a true sense of mountain escape.
Cecret Lake
Albion Basin Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Canyon | Open seasonally (typically July–September)
This short and scenic out-and-back trail is a hit with families and beginner hikers. Just one mile in, you’re greeted by the crystal-clear waters of Cecret Lake, nestled in a high alpine basin. Surrounded by wildflowers in midsummer and moose sightings in the early morning, it’s a serene and accessible taste of Utah’s mountain magic.
Bells Canyon Lower Falls
Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead, Sandy | Best wildflower viewing June-July
Offering a little bit of everything, the Bells Canyon trail showcases the diverse beauty of the Wasatch Front. Start with a peaceful climb past a scenic reservoir, then continue on to a dramatic lower waterfall viewpoint. It’s a great half-day adventure with just the right balance of challenge, scenery, and payoff.
Biking and Scenic Cruising
Forget fighting traffic or searching endlessly for parking. Salt Lake's wide streets and dedicated bike lanes make two-wheel adventures a breeze. Rent a cruiser from GREENbike SLC and pedal along the Jordan River Parkway Trail (21 miles of uninterrupted trail!), loop around the duck pond at Liberty Park, or explore the tree-lined streets of the historic Avenues neighborhood. If you prefer mountain views with minimal effort, take a scenic drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon—just 20 minutes from downtown, the temperature drops 10-15 degrees, and the Instagram-worthy vistas appear around every bend.
Want more outdoor space to explore? Don't miss our guide to Salt Lake's best public parks for picnic spots, sports courts, and family-friendly play areas.
Cool Down: Water Activities & Local Treats
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake Marina or Antelope Island State Park | Open sunrise to sunset daily
Let's be clear: this isn't your average lake experience. Where else can you float effortlessly like a cork, spot free-roaming bison, and watch the sunset paint salt flats pink—all in one visit? Launch a kayak from the Great Salt Lake Marina and paddle through water nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean, or head to Antelope Island where you can swim in the buoyant waters and then hike alongside 700-pound bison. Pro tip: sunset paddles offer otherworldly photo ops that'll make your friends think you've left the planet. For an in-depth guide to exploring this unique natural wonder, check out our article on how to experience the Great Salt Lake.
Liberty Park Pond
600 E 900 S | Open daily, paddle boat rentals available seasonally
Located in one of Salt Lake City’s most beloved urban parks, the Liberty Park Pond offers a relaxed way to get on the water. Paddle boat rentals are available in the warmer months, making this a fun, easy outing for families, couples, or anyone looking to float the afternoon away.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Center
2155 W Forest St, Brigham City | Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Just an hour's drive from downtown Salt Lake, Bear River Refuge transforms 80,000 acres of wetlands into nature's greatest spectacle. The refuge isn't just a pit stop for millions of birds on the Pacific and Central Flyways—it's your front-row seat to see more than 250 species without breaking a sweat. Snap photos from accessible trails winding through marshes, or get the scoop at the James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center right off I-15.
Normal Ice Cream
169 E 900 S | Open 12 to 10 p.m. daily
This isn’t your typical cone. Normal Ice Cream dishes out inventive soft serve flavors like miso cherry or honey lavender, all served with a playful twist. Find their signature silver trailer or stop by their storefront for handcrafted toppings and rotating seasonal creations that are anything but ordinary.
Dolcetti Gelato
902 E 900 S | Open Monday-Thursday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
With over 40 rotating flavors each month—ranging from classic stracciatella to bold takes like Thai tea or rosemary lemon—Dolcetti Gelato is a locally loved spot for European-style indulgence. The charming, art-filled shop adds to the experience.
Fillings & Emulsions
1475 S Main St | Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pastry lovers, take note: this modern bakery is known for its Cuban-inspired takes on classic French pastries. Think guava-stuffed croissants, tangy lemon tartlets, and perfectly flaky pastelitos. Fillings & Emulsions is a must-stop for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
RubySnap
770 S 300 W | Open Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
RubySnap isn’t just a cookie shop—it’s a full-on flavor adventure. Each cookie is named after a 1940s-inspired pin-up persona and baked with unique ingredients like mangoes, dark chocolate, or cracked pepper. Grab a box and thank us later.
After-Dark Adventures
When the summer sun finally sets, Salt Lake's nightlife comes alive with options that go beyond the typical bar scene. Here are two favorites that showcase our quirkier side:
Catch a Show at Wiseguys Comedy Club
194 S 400 W | Showtimes vary
Feel like laughing so hard your face hurts? Wiseguys brings the funny—from rising stars to big-name headliners—in an intimate setting where you're never more than 50 feet from the stage. Unlike comedy clubs in bigger cities, you won't need binoculars to see the performers or a small loan to cover the two-drink minimum. Just grab tickets in advance (shows sell out fast), arrive 30 minutes early for prime seats, and prepare for a night where the only thing that might hurt tomorrow is your cheeks from laughing.
Try Social Axe Throwing
Multiple locations | Reservations recommended
Ever had the urge to hurl sharp objects after a day of sightseeing? Social Axe Throwing has you covered. This uniquely Utah night out turns lumber and steel into surprising date-night gold. Complete novice? No problem. Their instructors will have you sticking axes in targets within 10 minutes (seriously—it's weirdly intuitive), and by the end of your session, you'll be trying trick shots like you were born with an axe in hand. Book ahead and wear closed-toe shoes—your Instagram followers aren't ready for the victory pics you'll be posting.
How to Plan Your Summer Trip to Salt Lake
What to Pack
- Light layers for hot afternoons and cooler mornings
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle
- Hiking shoes if you're heading into the mountains
Getting Around
- TRAX light rail connects the airport to downtown
- Rideshares, bikes, and e-scooters are easy to find
- A rental car is helpful for accessing the canyons and state parks
Best Times to Visit
June ushers in some of Salt Lake’s highly-anticipated annual festivals, like the Utah Pride Festival and the Utah Arts Festival. Come July, the mountain trails are in full bloom as our community celebrates the Wasatch Wildflower Festival. Snowbird typically kicks off Oktoberfest mid-August, and Craft Lake City takes place the second weekend of August.
Tips for first-time visitors
- Plan your stay here for easy access to dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions
- Use the UTA Free Fare Zone to hop around central Salt Lake
- Add a half-day trip to Antelope Island or the Bonneville Salt Flats if you’ve got the time
Plan Your Trip Now
Still scrolling? That's fine—we'll be here when you finish booking those flights. Because once you've experienced a Salt Lake summer—where your morning hike, afternoon museum visit, and evening rooftop cocktail are all just minutes apart—you'll wonder why you didn't visit sooner. Your mountain-to-metro summer adventure is waiting.
