We don’t ski — but Salt Lake City still blew us away

Julie and I have never tried downhill skiing.

Now in our 50s, the idea feels more intimidating than exhilarating.

So when Visit Salt Lake invited us to explore the region, we wondered: If we dont ski, what in the world will we do? Turns out, plenty.

From snowy gardens and dinosaur fossils to Jazz games and bison sightings, Salt Lake City surprised us in all the best ways.

Its a place where nature and culture collide and where non-skiers like us can still find magic.

If youre planning a trip, Beyond Skiing: Ultimate Salt Lake City Getaway offers a great visual preview of whats possible.

It captures the citys energy, scenery, and off-slope adventures beautifully.

Red Butte Garden: A Snowy Slice of Heaven We love day hikes and botanical gardens, and Red Butte Garden combines both.

Even in late March, with snow patches lingering, we found blooming flowers, singing birds, and peaceful trails.

The garden is part of the University of Utah and offers over five miles of hiking trails across 21 acres plus access to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for longer treks.

Dinosaurs, Glaciers, and Jane Goodall The Natural History Museum of Utah awakened my inner child with its incredible dinosaur exhibits.

Julie and I were mesmerized by the skeletal reconstructions and horned skulls.

The museum also features Native American art, climate science, and rotating exhibits including one on Dr.

Jane Goodall that left us deeply moved.

Global Art With Mountain Views Nestled on the University of Utah campus, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts showcases nearly 20,000 works from around the world.

We marveled at centuries-old paintings and ornate frames, then grabbed lunch at the cafe with mountain views.

Its a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Owls That Stare You Down And Flamingos That Dont Care Tracy Aviary, located in Liberty Park, houses over 300 birds across 8 acres.

We spent ages watching owls flutter and pose, while flamingos and spoonbills strutted nearby.

If you arrive early, you can catch feedings and talks but even a casual stroll offers plenty of feathered charm.

A City Walk That Feels Like a Nature Escape Despite being a growing city, Salt Lake feels spacious and safe.

Ordinances prevent buildings from blocking mountain views, so you catch glimpses of peaks between streets.

We recommend stopping by the Eagle Gate Monument a tribute to Brigham Young and Utahs pioneer past.

The Easiest NBA Game Youll Ever Attend We stayed at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, just blocks from the Delta Center.

Walking to the Utah Jazz game was a breeze no crowds, no chaos.

Julie ordered food from our seats, and it was ready before I reached the counter.

The fans were passionate, the staff friendly, and the whole experience felt effortless.

Cross-Country Skiing for Total Beginners Falls Included We took private lessons at Solitude Nordic Center, where the staff welcomed us warmly.

Mark, our instructor, was patient and kind even when we fell (repeatedly).

Julie didnt love the experience, but I was hooked.

The snowfall, crisp air, and quiet beauty won me over.

If Nordic skiing isnt your thing, Solitude also offers snowshoeing.

Either way, the drive up the mountain is storybook-worthy.

Cherry Trees and Civic Pride at the Capitol The Utah State Capitol is free to tour and stunning inside and out.

Massive columns, sculptures, and open floors honor Utahs leaders and history.

The grounds are dotted with cherry trees and while they hadnt bloomed during our visit, the sunset views were spectacular.

A Mall With a Trout Pond and a Retractable Roof City Creek Center redefines mall culture.

It features a real creek, waterfalls, and a trout pond plus a retractable glass roof that opens on sunny days.

The mix of luxury shops and natural elements makes it feel more like a park than a shopping center.

Bison, Beaches, and Big Sky on Antelope Island Antelope Island was the highlight of our trip.

We saw bison grazing between mountains and the Great Salt Lake, plus a lone coyote trotting through the meadow.

The landscapes meadows, beaches, snow-capped peaks felt surreal.

We believe Antelope Island deserves national park status.

Its that special.

For more on where to see bison across the country, check out our guide to bison in national parks .

Where to Eat in Salt Lake City Salt Lake City serves up more than scenic views its food scene is a delicious surprise.

We started our days with rich, aromatic coffee from local cafes, some offering heavenly baked goods, others plating up fresh, healthy breakfasts that fueled our adventures.

For lunch and dinner, the variety impressed us.

Red Iguana one of Utahs most celebrated restaurants and a Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives favorite lived up to the hype with bold, unforgettable flavors.

We also uncovered outstanding Greek and Italian spots that delivered warm hospitality and mouthwatering meals.

Whether you're craving comfort food, international cuisine, or a perfect cup of coffee, Salt Lake has you covered.

Weve rounded up our favorite finds in this Salt Lake City restaurant guide .

Beyond the Slopes We may never ski downhill, but Salt Lake City reminded us that adventure doesnt require speed just curiosity.

Whether youre chasing fossils, watching owls, or soaking up mountain sunsets, this city has a way of surprising you.

It certainly surprised us..

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