It may be Utah's capital, but Salt Lake City maintains a small-town vibe with its eclectic neighbourhoods, coffeehouses, yoga studios and farm-to-table restaurants. Salt Lake City is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with snow-dusted mountains, forested trails and scenic bike routes.

Things to do

Don't miss the Natural History Museum of Utah, located on the University of Utah campus. It's housed in a cavernous building designed to feel like an indoor canyon. Inside you'll find exhibits on indigenous culture, paleontological finds and dinosaur fossils.

Occupying a four-hectare city block, Temple Square is the beating heart of America's Mormon Church. Guided tours are a great way to admire the beautiful 19th-century Temple and the magnificent neo-Gothic Assembly Hall. If you're visiting on a Sunday, you can hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in the domed Tabernacle auditorium.

Salt Lake City is one of America's adventure sport capitals, luring in skiers, rock climbers, cyclists, paddlers and trail runners. Just 30 minutes out of town, Wasatch Mountain State Park offers year-round adventures, such as hiking, horseback riding and camping under the stars. Golfers can tee off at the Wasatch Mountain Golf Course, a high-elevation course framed by rugged peaks and lush forests.

Salt Lake City treats diners to global cuisine. Tables fill up fast at Red Iguana, an authentic Mexican restaurant known for its chocolate-based mole sauces and impossibly tender shredded roast pork. Wash it down with a salt-rimmed margarita.

Getting around

Downtown Salt Lake City is easy to get around on foot or by using the bike-share program. The city is also serviced by local buses and taxis. Salt Lake City International Airport is eight kilometres away.