What to do in Salt Lake City while house and pet sitting

Wondering what to do in Salt Lake City during a house and pet sit? From dining at exceptional restaurants to immersing yourself in Mormon culture, our top tips will help you get the most of your time in Utah's capital city. Known as SLC by locals, this buzzing destination offers the perfect combination of cosmopolitan attractions combined with easy access to the mountains for hiking, skiing and spectacular dog walks. 

Salt Lake City attractions

If you're wondering "what is there to do in Salt Lake City?" you'll be pleased to hear there are plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions to discover.

1. Great Salt Lake: You can't visit Salt Lake City without visiting the lake it's named after. The largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere offers plenty of chances to get out onto the water. Head to the Great Salt Lake State Marina for relaxing sunset cruises. Or, if you're feeling active, hire a kayak and go for a paddle. Those who'd rather stay by the shoreline can enjoy plenty of dog-friendly hikes and the opportunity to spot a wide range of birds.

2. Red Butte Garden: Operated by the University of Utah, and located in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, the Red Butte Garden offers a little spot of tranquillity. Miles of hiking trails run through the native vegetation and botanical gardens. If you visit in springtime you'll get to watch as more than half a million bulbs burst into life. As well as being a stunning spot for a stroll, the gardens also have a jam-packed year-round events calendar to enjoy with a series of concerts, art exhibitions and guided walks.  

3. Salt Lake City Public Library: Both literature and architecture fans will enjoy whiling away a few hours at Salt Lake City Public Library. This striking building was designed by the acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. As well as being home to more than half a million books, the library also has a roof terrace providing one of the city's best views – as well as a home for honeybees. Watch these interesting insects go about their business in the hives, and look out for tasting events to sample their honey.

Free things to do in Salt Lake City

Travelling to Salt Lake City on a budget? These free activities won't break the bank, but will keep you entertained for an hour or two.

1. Temple Square: Owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – aka the Mormons – Temple Square covers five blocks of historic buildings in downtown Salt Lake City. This is the church's headquarters, so it's the perfect place to learn about this all-American religion. Free walking tours, hosted by female members of the church (known as "sisters") are the perfect way to find your way around and get some insight into the church. Otherwise, you can pop into the art and history exhibitions to learn a little more.

2. Liberty Park: This sprawling city park is the perfect place to stay active while soaking up some sunshine. As well as plenty of walking and running paths, there's also a swimming pool and volleyball courts. If you're travelling with little ones in tow, they'll love the amusement park and playground. Rent a paddleboat and glide around the pond's two islands before settling in at the picnic area. There are five barbecue grills available in the park, too, if you fancy cooking up your own lunch.

3. Salt Lake Temple: This six-spire gothic temple is the most iconic building in Salt Lake City. This is one of the most sacred buildings for the Mormon religion, and its location was chosen personally by Brigham Young – the church's second president. It's the largest Latter-day Saint temple by floor area, and a true showpiece. It took a whopping 40 years to complete. Although non-Mormons can't go inside (it's closed for renovations anyway) it's well worth wandering over just to see the impressive exterior up close. 

Fun things to do in Salt Lake City

If you're an outdoorsy person, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Salt Lake City. The surrounding mountains offer plenty of opportunities for adrenaline-addicts to get their kicks. 

1. Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort: Just 45 minutes' drive from Salt Lake City you'll find Snowbird – a mountain resort known for having the longest ski season in Utah. During the colder months of the year you can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding. This is the second-snowiest area in the United States, and it all stays dry and powdery thanks to the moderating effect of the Great Salt Lake. During summer, SLC residents flock to Snowbird for hiking, climbing and other Alpine activities. 

2. Park City ski resort: Another short drive from Salt Lake City is the lively Park City ski resort. With its wide runs, large bowls and variety of difficulty levels, it's got something for everyone – whether you're a complete beginner or love nothing more than swooshing down the black runs. The village itself is styled on a colonial-era town, with wide streets lined with cute wooden buildings. Hop on the Quicksilver gondola for easy access to the neighbouring Canyons Village and its ski runs. 

3. Big Cottonwood Canyon: Hop in your car to enjoy one of North America's most scenic drives – Big Cottonwood Canyon. Just 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, this 15-mile long canyon offers stunning views of rocky outcrops and pine forests. It also provides plenty of outdoor activities. Go hiking, hop on a mountain bike or try your hand at rock climbing. If you're looking after active dogs in Salt Lake City, it's a fantastic destination for a day out. 

What to do in Salt Lake City with pets

With so many outdoorsy and active things to do, it's no surprise there are lots of things to do with pets in Salt Lake City. Here are some of our favourite things to do with a four-legged friend in tow.

1. City Creek Canyon: Salt Lake City is super green, with plenty of dog-friendly parks to explore with your new buddy. One of the best places to explore together is City Creek Canyon, one of SLC's most popular parks. As well as war memorials and a Liberty Bell replica, the park is also home to an off-leash trail. It follows the creek and trail, so your doggy companion can enjoy romping free before cooling off with a splash in the water. Just be careful on the dirt path on the opposite side of the stream – this is a popular spot for speedy cyclists!

2. Tanner Dog Park: With 13 acres of off-leash trails – and an additional 10 acres on-leash – walkies are never boring in Tanner Dog Park. It sits at the mouth of Parley's Canyon, with a small river running through it creating two watering holes. Dogs need to be kept on-leash until you reach the first watering hole, but after that they can run free. Rubbish bins and bags are provided along the route, but it's always a good idea to bring your own just in case! Both humans and dogs will enjoy checking out the historic monuments and ruins scattered throughout the park.

3. Hound & Cat: Salt Lake City has a lot of fantastic pet shops, but Hound & Cat definitely takes the (doggy) biscuit. It's located around the corner from Dayland Dog Park, and has a self-service dog wash – perfect if your buddy gets muddy. They have a wide selection of locally-made pet toys, and their cookie cabinet is packed with delectable treats made for four-legged friends. If you want to bring home a souvenir, or even give your pet's owners a "welcome home" present, they have a small but impressive selection of gifts for animal-loving humans too.

Best restaurants in Salt Lake City: Food and drink

The food and drink scene in Salt Lake City is going through a bit of a renaissance. As well as Utah classics like funeral potatoes and fry sauce, you can expect a wide range of international treats. These are some of the hottest places to eat in SLC right now.

1. Ruth's Diner: This traditional café has been a staple of Salt Lake City's dining scene since 1930. Try the famous Mile High biscuits – light and fluffy, they're the perfect vehicle for everything from traditional sausage gravy to sweet maple syrup. While this is definitely a "meat and potatoes" kind of place, there is a small selection of vegan dishes including potato burritos and Teriyaki stir fry. Try and snap up a seat on the spacious patio.

2. Pig and a Jelly Jar: This southern-inspired brunch spot is the place to go in Salt Lake City for an all-day breakfast – jet lag who? Fresh, local and organic ingredients are the star of the show, although all of the dishes are delightfully dirty. Choose from southern fried chicken piled on top of Belgian waffles with lashings of maple syrup, creamy mac and cheese topped with sumptuous pulled pork or three-egg scrambles loaded with veggies and served with Bloody Mary salsa. Best of all, dogs are welcome to join you on the patio. 

3. Log Haven: Set inside a historic log mansion in the Wasatch National Forest, Log Haven offers peaceful fine dining among wildflowers and waterfalls – all just a few minutes from downtown. Order some sharing plates like crispy roasted quail, Korean fried cauliflower and Alpine nachos or enjoy hearty main courses like bone-in pork chop, porcini-crusted chicken or bison steak with pepper sauce. There's a real focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients and you can really feel the love in each dish. Bringing a doggy companion? Call ahead and reserve one of the coveted patio tables.

House and pet sitting in in Salt Lake City

As you can see, there are lots of things to see and do in Salt Lake City. With plenty of natural attractions just a stone's throw from downtown, it's the perfect destination for outdoorsy pet sitters who love getting out and about. 

If that sounds right up your alley, start your search for pet and house sits in Salt Lake City.