Are you traveling to Salt Lake City and wondering what to do while you’re there? Here are a few of the must do items from our family’s visit. Be prepared to spend several days in Salt Lake and surrounding areas as there is a plethora of wonderful adventures waiting for you once you arrive in Salt Lake.

1. International Peace Gardens

Weather you’re local to the Salt Lake City area or just visiting you won’t be disappointed by the International Peace Gardens.

We visited the gardens on a hot August day and the enormous trees and lush foliage were the perfect escape from the brutal Utah Summer sun. Here you’ll find gardens representing countries and cultures from around the world. If flowers aren’t your thing you can also view beautiful sculptures, winding walkways, a creek and a serene park setting in the middle of a bustling city. The gardens were in full bloom during our August visit, but I’m sure each season has unique views to love. For more information here’s a link to the official website: http://www.slcpeacegardens.com/

2. Temple Square

No matter your faith, Temple Square in the heart of Salt Lake City is a must see. With it’s 35 acres of beautiful gardens, amazing architecture, art and history it has something for everyone.

My family is not LDS but even so I was in awe over the architecture and immaculately kept grounds at Temple Square. I can only imagine what these lovely buildings and Temple look like on the inside. Here’s a link to the Temple Square website for more information: http://www.templesquare.com/

3. Family History Library

While at Temple Square the Family History Library is a fascinating stop. It is the largest genealogical library in the world and they have volunteers on site to help guests trace their family history. Plan several hours if you are invested in tracing back your family tree. My husband and I each worked on our family history for three hours and could have spent days more. In just a few hours we were able to find so much however! It became addicting to see who our ancestors were. My husband traced his back to as far as 700 AD,  and discovered he was related to a dutchess. I found that my mother’s side is littered with adoptions which proved a bit more difficult to trace back. The volunteers were especially helpful tracing back my side. They provided many resources and suggested different avenues (websites, calling relatives etc.) to verify information. I cannot wait to visit again.

4. The Great Salt Lake

This one is on my list simply because well it’s the Great Salt Lake but also because it’s absolutely weird and nothing like I pictured. The land itself is actually really dirty and the shallow water is crawling with flies and brine shrimp. Being from the Pacific Northwest, we are used to gorgeous sea scapes full of life, and Salt Lake seems to pack quite the opposite punch, so for me it was underwhelming to say the least. I’m not sure what people do there…. there is a lot of camping space and I believe ATV trails. In the past I’ve heard about the therapeutic qualities of the water. The middle of the lake may be different, but the shore line was so engulfed with flies we did not go in. If you are in the area and have the time I’d still check it out simply for the experience of seeing such a peculiar dead yet very alive ecosystem.