bigtravelbuzzSalt Lake City is the capital and largest city in the state of Utah, located in the western United States. It is known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and rich Mormon heritage. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as numerous museums, historic sites, and other attractions.
Some of the top places to visit in Salt Lake City include Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol Building, the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hogle Zoo. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting nearby attractions like Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Antelope Island State Park.
Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit depends on your interests, with spring and fall being popular times for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and winter being ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Getting around Salt Lake City is easy thanks to a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, light rail, and commuter trains. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.
There are plenty of dining options in Salt Lake City, ranging from casual cafes and diners to high-end restaurants serving contemporary cuisine. Street food is also popular, with food trucks and vendors selling everything from tacos and burgers to falafel and sushi.
When it comes to accommodation, Salt Lake City has a range of options to suit all budgets. There are plenty of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as more affordable motels and budget-friendly chain hotels.
Places to Visit in Salt Lake City
Here are some places to visit in Salt Lake City:
Temple Square: This is the most famous attraction in Salt Lake City, featuring the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and other historic buildings.
Utah State Capitol: The capitol building is a prominent landmark in Salt Lake City, with an impressive rotunda and stunning views of the city from the top of the hill.
Natural History Museum of Utah: This museum has a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, as well as exhibits about the geology, ecology, and anthropology of the region.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: This botanical garden covers 100 acres and has a variety of plants from around the world, as well as hiking trails and outdoor concerts in the summer.
Great Salt Lake: This vast inland sea is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and birdwatching.
Utah Olympic Park: This park was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics and now serves as a training facility for Olympic athletes. Visitors can take guided tours, try bobsledding, ziplining, or watch ski jumpers.
Hogle Zoo: This zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world, including polar bears, lions, and elephants.
City Creek Center: This upscale shopping mall in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City has over 100 stores and restaurants, as well as a retractable roof and a creek that runs through the center of the mall.
Pioneer Park: This park was once the site of Salt Lake City’s first cemetery and now features a farmers’ market, outdoor concerts, and food trucks.
Clark Planetarium: This planetarium has interactive exhibits about space and science, as well as an IMAX theater and a dome theater for star shows.
Best Time To Visit Salt Lake City
The best time to visit Salt Lake City is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer. However, if you want to visit during winter, Salt Lake City is a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Just keep in mind that the temperatures can be very cold, and snowfall can sometimes make traveling difficult. Summer (June to August) can also be a great time to visit, with plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy, but it can also be crowded and hot.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a vibrant city located in Utah, which offers a range of activities for visitors. Here are some things to do in Salt Lake City:
Visit Temple Square: This is one of Salt Lake City’s most popular attractions, which includes the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and Assembly Hall.
Explore the Great Salt Lake: This is one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, which offers swimming, boating, and hiking opportunities.
Hiking and skiing: Salt Lake City is surrounded by mountains, making it a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Visit the Utah State Capitol: This historic building features a stunning dome and offers tours for visitors.
Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah: This museum features interactive exhibits, including a dinosaur exhibit, and is a great place for families.
Check out the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: This botanical garden features a range of plant species and is a beautiful place for a picnic.
Visit the Clark Planetarium: This planetarium offers immersive exhibits and a range of educational programs.
Catch a show at the Eccles Theater: This state-of-the-art theater hosts a range of performances, from musicals to plays.
Shop and dine at City Creek Center: This shopping and dining center features a range of high-end stores and restaurants.
Visit the Utah Olympic Park: This park was the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers a range of activities, including ziplining and bobsledding.
How to get around in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, light rail trains, and commuter trains. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates the public transportation system in Salt Lake City. The TRAX light rail system connects many popular destinations in the city, and the FrontRunner commuter train runs between Salt Lake City and Provo. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars are also available. Many popular attractions in Salt Lake City are within walking distance of each other, especially in the downtown area.
Where to eat in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is home to many excellent restaurants and dining options. Some popular places to eat in Salt Lake City include:
The Copper Onion – a restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
Red Iguana – a Mexican restaurant that is famous for its mole sauce.
Takashi – a sushi restaurant that is known for its fresh fish and creative sushi rolls.
Eva – a small plates restaurant that features locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
HSL – a restaurant that offers a modern take on classic American dishes.
The Pie Pizzeria – a pizza restaurant that serves a variety of pizzas, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Sweet Lake Biscuits & Limeade – a restaurant that serves Southern-style biscuits and limeade.
Pretty Bird – a fried chicken restaurant that offers a variety of sandwiches and sides.
Settebello Pizzeria – a pizzeria that serves Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Café Niche – a restaurant that serves American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Salt Lake City.
Famous street stalls in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is not particularly known for its street food scene, but there are some street stalls and food trucks that offer delicious bites. Some popular ones include:
The Chow Truck – known for their gourmet sliders and hand-cut fries.
The Tin Angel Cafe – offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Waki Paki – serves up delicious sushi rolls, poke bowls, and Japanese-inspired street food.
The Salty Pineapple – known for their Hawaiian-style shaved ice and other tropical treats.
Cupbop – offers Korean-style street food, particularly their signature dish, a bowl of rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat topped with a spicy sauce.
These street stalls can be found at various locations around the city, so be sure to check their websites or social media for their current whereabouts.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
Luxury accommodation
Salt Lake City has a variety of luxury accommodations to choose from. Here are some options:
The Grand America Hotel – This is a five-star hotel located in downtown Salt Lake City. It has elegant rooms, a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and fine dining options.
The Little America Hotel – This hotel is also located in downtown Salt Lake City and has spacious rooms and suites, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City – This is a boutique hotel located in a historic building in downtown Salt Lake City. It has stylish rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
The Waldorf Astoria Park City – This luxury resort is located about 30 minutes from Salt Lake City in the mountains of Park City. It has luxurious rooms, a spa, multiple restaurants, and is located near ski resorts and outdoor activities.
The St. Regis Deer Valley – This is another luxury resort located in the mountains of Park City, about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City. It has ski-in/ski-out access, a spa, fine dining options, and luxurious rooms and suites.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge – This luxury lodge is also located in the mountains of Park City, about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City. It has ski-in/ski-out access, a spa, fine dining options, and luxurious rooms and suites.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
Budget accommodation
There are various options for budget accommodation in Salt Lake City. Some of the popular ones are:
Avenues Hostel – A budget-friendly hostel located in the Avenues neighborhood with dormitory-style rooms and private rooms.
Camelot Inn & Hostel – A basic hostel with private rooms and shared bathrooms. Located near downtown Salt Lake City.
Royal Garden Inn – A budget hotel located near the Salt Palace Convention Center and downtown Salt Lake City.
Motel 6 Salt Lake City Downtown – A basic motel located near the Salt Palace Convention Center and downtown Salt Lake City.
Super 8 by Wyndham Salt Lake City – A budget hotel located near the Salt Lake City International Airport.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other budget accommodation options available in Salt Lake City depending on your preferences and budget.
Travel Tips Salt Lake City
Here are some travel tips for Salt Lake City:
Plan your visit according to the weather: Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons, so it’s important to plan your trip based on your preferences. If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, visit during the winter months. If you prefer hiking and outdoor activities, visit in the summer or fall.
Rent a car: While Salt Lake City does have public transportation options, they may not be as convenient for travelers. Renting a car will give you more freedom and allow you to explore the area at your own pace.
Dress appropriately: Depending on the time of year you visit, the weather in Salt Lake City can be extreme. Make sure to pack appropriately for the season, including warm layers for the winter months and lightweight clothing for the summer.
Visit the national parks: Salt Lake City is located near several national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Plan a day trip or overnight stay to experience the stunning natural beauty of these parks.
Take advantage of the outdoor activities: Salt Lake City is known for its outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. Make sure to plan time for these activities during your visit.
Visit Temple Square: Temple Square is the most popular tourist attraction in Salt Lake City and is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take a free tour of the square and learn about the history and significance of the area.
Try the local cuisine: Salt Lake City has a thriving food scene, with plenty of local restaurants and cafes to explore. Don’t miss out on trying some of the city’s unique cuisine, including fry sauce and funeral potatoes.