- Top Attractions
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Why Visit Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City's foundation by Mormon pioneers in 1847 established a unique urban plan. The grid system, originating from Temple Square, numbers streets outward, a detail often missed by visitors. This square features the iconic Salt Lake Temple, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that took 40 years to complete. Its distinctive architecture makes it one of the top attractions in Salt Lake City, shaping the city's visual and cultural core.
Flanked by the Wasatch and Oquirrh ranges, the city offers unparalleled outdoor access. You can hike City Creek Canyon just minutes from downtown. Winter brings 'The Greatest Snow on Earth(R)' to seven world-class ski resorts within an hour's drive. A key experience when visiting Salt Lake City is floating in the Great Salt Lake's high-salinity waters or seeing the free-roaming bison on Antelope Island.
Beyond what is Salt Lake City famous for, its food scene is unique. Try the local invention, fry sauce, or a hearty pastrami burger. While Jell-O is the state snack, the city boasts a thriving craft brewery and distillery scene that defies stereotypes. The Downtown Farmers Market showcases Utah's agricultural heritage, offering fresh, local ingredients from across the state.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, blooming flowers, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooler, fall colors, fewer tourists
- Wintercold, possible snow, quiet streets
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #Hat
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 with day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #TempleSquare
- #RedButteGarden
- #UtahStateCapitol
- #NaturalHistoryMuseum
- #HogleZoo
- #CityCreekCenter
- Visit the Great Salt Lake
- Explore the Utah Olympic Park
- Sample local craft beer
- Hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Attend a performance at the Eccles Theater
Recommended Hotels in Salt Lake City by Experience
Things to do in Salt Lake City
Discover
Exploring Salt Lake City reveals iconic sights like Temple Square, panoramic views from Ensign Peak, and the vast expanse of the Great Salt Lake. The Natural History Museum of Utah and Red Butte Garden showcase the region's diverse heritage.
Experience
Hike or ski the Wasatch Mountains' famous trails. Experience a performance by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Browse the Downtown Farmers Market for local goods or attend the annual Utah Arts Festival for a dose of creative culture.
Temple Square
Historic headquarters of the LDS Church with stunning grounds.
Great Salt Lake
The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Museum exploring Utah's natural history and landscapes.
Utah State Capitol
Neoclassical government building with art and city views.
Red Butte Garden
Botanical garden and arboretum with trails and concerts.
Ensign Peak Hike
Short trail leading to panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley.
City Creek Center
Upscale open-air shopping center with a retractable roof.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The quickest route from the Salt Lake City airport to city center is the TRAX Green Line light rail (20 min, ~$2.50). You can also find a Salt Lake City shuttle bus or book a rideshare.
Getting Around
The public transport in Salt Lake City, run by UTA, includes TRAX light rail and buses; a FAREPAY card offers discounts. The city's grid system is very walkable, and GREENbike sharing is an option. For greater flexibility, consider a car rental.
Local Essentials
When driving in Salt Lake City, note its wide streets and grid layout, but be aware of one-way streets and winter conditions. Take advantage of the downtown Free Fare Zone on public transit. For first-timers, remember to stay hydrated due to the altitude.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Salt Lake City's unique flavors like the iconic pastrami burger and ubiquitous fry sauce. The local cuisine loves a farm-to-table ethos and a leisurely weekend brunch is a ritual. Time to taste the city.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Salt Lake City, eat at Red Iguana's vibrant space, expect lines. Sip brews at Squatters Pub Brewery's lively setting, try seasonal. Enjoy The Park Cafe's classic diner vibe, go early.
Red Iguana
Authentic mole and Mexican dishes. Expect a long wait.
Valter's Osteria
Upscale Tuscan-Italian dining experience. Book ahead.
The Copper Onion
Modern American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
R&R Barbecue
Award-winning slow-smoked barbecue in a casual setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Salt Lake City's heritage through events like the Days of '47 Parade, celebrating Mormon pioneers' 1847 arrival. The Living Traditions Festival showcases the city's diverse cultures with authentic food, crafts, and performances.
Enjoy
Discover must-see contemporary Salt Lake City cultural activities. The Twilight Concert Series features indie and national musicians. The Utah Arts Festival presents visual arts, dance, and street theater from a variety of artists.
Sundance Film Festival
A world-renowned January festival for independent cinema.
Living Traditions Festival
A free multicultural festival in May with food, music, and art.
Utah Pride Festival
June celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a large parade.
Utah Arts Festival
June event with 165+ visual artists and diverse performances.
Days of '47 Parade
July 24th pioneer heritage parade with floats and bands.
Oktoberfest at Snowbird
A family-friendly festival with beer, food, and music.
Salt Lake City Greek Festival
A September celebration of Greek culture with food and dance.
Clean City with Stunning Views
Salt Lake City is so clean and easy to get around. The mountains are right there, creating a beautiful backdrop everywhere you look. We really enjoyed walking around Temple Square; the grounds are immaculate and peaceful. A great place for a relaxing trip.
So Close to Amazing Skiing
Being able to stay in a city and be on the slopes at a place like Park City in under an hour is incredible. The access is just so simple. You get city amenities and food options at night, and world-class skiing during the day. Perfect for a long ski weekend.
More Than Just Mountains
There's a lot to do besides the winter sports. We spent time wandering through Liberty Park, which was huge and very nice. The Tracy Aviary inside was a cool find. The city has a good food scene too, with plenty of interesting local spots to try out.
The Powder is Real!
Salt Lake City has the best access to skiing I've ever seen. The snow they talk about is legitimate; we had an amazing powder day at Snowbird. It's truly light and deep. Getting from the airport to the hotel and then to the slopes was just so efficient.
Great Convention City
Was here for a conference and found downtown very walkable and safe. The convention center is modern and well-organized. Had some great meals within walking distance, and I am now a huge fan of the local fry sauce. Made the work trip much more enjoyable.
Cozy and Scenic Winter Trip
What a lovely winter destination. The city feels very calm, and the view of the snow-covered Wasatch mountains is constant. We enjoyed exploring the shops in the 9th and 9th neighborhood. It felt like a nice, quiet escape with a beautiful setting.