Top Things to Do in Salt Lake City During ARVO 2025

We’re excited to see everyone at ARVO 2025 in Salt Lake City in May! We love ARVO…the incredible presentations and posters that highlight breakthrough research from our community, the opportunity to get out an about in new places and of course see all of you!

Feel free to bookmark this list for use before, during and after the show!

Don’t forget to visit Phoenix-Micron at Booth 1019 – (And yes, we are having another party this year…stay tuned in the next few days!)

Enjoy!

Places to Go | Restaurants | Desserts | Spas | Beer | Hotels

Places To Go SLC

This is the Place Heritage Park
This Is The Place For FUN in the West! Explore a Pioneer Village, Ride Trains and Ponies, play at Irrigation Station Splash Pad and Pan for Gold

The Salt Lake Temple
Located in historic Temple Square and the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka Mormons) in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

Things to Do with Kids – A Listing
Kid-friendly meets grownup-pleasing in Utah. Whether it’s hiking, dining, shopping or park wandering, we’ve found the sweet spot that keeps you and the little ones in perfect harmony.

Discovery Gateway – Children’s Museum
A wonderful children’s discovery museum in downtown.

Treehouse Museum (Children’s)
Children’s Museum so cool! 50 minutes from SLC. A giant tree grows at the center of the Museum, with themed galleries branching off on two levels.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) at the University of Utah is your destination for global visual arts (Closed Mondays)

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art believes in the power of the art of our time. (Closed Mondays)

Hale Center Theater
Hale Center Theater – Enriching Lives Through World-Class Theatre

BYU Museum of Art
The BYU Museum of Art supports the University’s mission by providing a space where art experiences inspire dialogue and connection with our campus, community, and the world.

Dreamscapes
World of Pure Re-Imagination: An immersive art labyrinth featuring a collection of surreal, walk-through scenes.

Hill Aerospace Museum
With over 70 aircraft on display, and thousands of historical Air Force artifacts, Hill Aerospace Museum offers an incredible opportunity for discovery and excitement for the whole family!

Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West and together with the University of Utah, is the State Arboretum of Utah. We are located University of Utah campus.

The International Peace Gardens
Located on the bank of the Jordan River in Salt Lake City and part of Utah history, the garden was conceived in 1939 and dedicated in 1952, the International Peace Gardens has welcomed tens of thousands of travelers from every corner of the globe.

The Leonardo (Museum)
The Leonardo’s mission is to fuse science, technology, and art in experiences that inspire creativity and innovation in people of all ages and backgrounds

Parley’s Historic Nature Park
One of the best off-leash parks in the city, Parley’s also offers unique insight and first-hand experiences with Salt Lake City’s history and natural environment.

Cathedral of the Madeline
Cathedral of the Madeline – such an incredible choir!

Salt Lake Trolley Adventure
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind sightseeing “show-tour” led by theatrical performers! An adventure filled with marvelous mansions, captivating cathedrals, and majestic mountain views.

Abravanel Hall
Abravanel Hall – Abravanel Hall is an architectural and artistic icon in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Built as the home of the Utah Symphony in 1979.

All Places in Salt Lake City (Listing)
17 great places to see/do in Salt Lake City!

Best Restaurants SLC

Hall Pass – Utah’s first ever food hall with music/beer/cocktail service and in walking distance from the Salt Palace.

Laan Na Thai – Laan Na Thai is literally a hole in the wall, and it’s phenomenal!

Matteo – Inspired by the recipes and techniques passed down through generations of Matteo’s family and perfected by Chef Damiano Carlotto. Every dish is an ode to the rustic, comforting, and soul-warming cuisine of Italy.

Log Haven – Nature is Delicious Here- Salt Lake City’s Log Haven has been a magnet for romance since its inception 100 years ago.

Valter’s Osteria – A modern twist on a Tuscan Granary, with full bar, seasonal outdoor dining and a private room, our intimate, but bustling Osteria welcomes you.

Tea Rose Diner – Tea Rose Diner has fabulous red curry and fresh spring rolls. “Lovely little Thai food place off the beaten path. Just be careful about the spice levels if you are one who likes to have their Thai food spicy.”

Afghan Kitchen – We bring the rich flavors of Afghanistan to the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our menu is a symphony of traditional Afghan food, each prepared with love and the finest ingredients.

The Pearl – An innovative Vietnamese menu and a thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu inspired by the flavors and aromas of Southeast Asia. A gorgeous bar room and laid-back environment for all to enjoy.

Burgertory – The supreme horror movie-themed gourmet burger haunt.

Peteing Disorder.com – Salt Lake’s Quintessential running list of food experiences.

Marcato Kitchen – Reimagining the classic Italian-American Stromboli with a chef-driven, artisanal approach.. From farm-fresh produce to locally made cheeses and cured meats.

Manoli’s – Reinterprets Greek cuisine by using fresh, local and seasonal products. All dishes are prepared from scratch, allowing a variation of styles and techniques to emphasize the importance of seasonal and local bounty.

Lake Effect – The perfect blend of culinary artistry and mixology mastery with our chef-prepared food menu and curated cocktail and drink menu.

Best Desserts SLC

Passion Flour – Vegan Patisserie & Café

F&E – Fillings and Emulsions – International and French techniques, to take breads and pastries to the next level with breathtaking flavor, texture and color combinations.

Granary Bakehouse – An artisan bakery offering daily baked goods using the freshest locally available ingredients.

Ruby Snap – RubySnap is an exceptional cookie bakery celebrated for using fresh ingredients to design innovative flavor combinations

Hatch Family Chocolates – Unreal hand dipped chocolates! & house-made ice cream

Sweet Hazel & Co. – Vegan Sweets & Savory Bakes That Everyone Can Enjoy!

Matcha Cafe Kyoto – A deep appreciation for the rich traditions of Japanese tea culture, and a mission to share the exquisite taste and health benefits of matcha with the world.

Parfé Diem – Pudding Parfaits – there’s pudding, then there’s parfé diem.

Dolcetti Gelato – Located at 9th and 9th in Salt Lake City—serving macarons and pastries, tea and espresso, and a rotating cabinet of over 150 artisanal gelato flavors.

Momo’s Gourmet Cheesecakes – Personal sized cheesecakes: Oreo, Raspberry, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, and Plain/Original. Four new weekly flavors available rotating every Wednesday. Gluten free options available.

Doki Dessert – Utah’s Best Japanese Dessert Cafe – A taste of Japan

Monkey Wrench – Salt Lake’s premier vegan ice cream shop. Full coffee bar, housemade baked goods, and milkshakes.

Rockwell Ice Cream Company – Handcrafted ice cream and inclusions from scratch daily. Our dedicated team mixes and churns each batch to perfection.

Best Day Spas SLC

Basalt Day Spa
Massage and Spa – Beautiful, serene, organic local options, welcoming tea, wonderful scents, aromatherapy, perfect background sounds, crisp, clean, modern, customer service focused, relaxing.

The Kura Door – Spa
Japanese Day Spa – Experience the Art of Spa

Coco Art & SPA
Our oasis is designed to help you reconnect with the peaceful, serene energy of an island getaway without ever leaving the city.