Salt Lake City Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Nestled beneath the dramatic Wasatch Front, Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of rich pioneer history, booming urban culture, and immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore the crossroads of the West where metropolitan amenities meet rugged wilderness.
Salt Lake City is a destination of dramatic contrasts. One moment you are standing amidst the polished granite of historic Temple Square, and twenty minutes later, you can be deep in a rugged canyon surrounded by alpine wildflowers or deep powder snow. It is a city where the metropolitan bustle sits right at the doorstep of the American wilderness, framed perfectly by the steep, imposing rise of the Wasatch Front to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west.
Beyond its famous religious history and Olympic legacy, modern Salt Lake is a thriving hub of culture, craft brewing, and culinary innovation. The wide, grid-laid streets, originally designed to be wide enough for a wagon team to make a U-turn, now host a vibrant mix of tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and artists. Whether you are here to chase the “Greatest Snow on Earth” or to witness the surreal stillness of the Great Salt Lake, this high-desert capital surprises visitors with its depth and beauty.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Crossroads of the West
Salt Lake City’s history is inextricable from the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in 1847, who famously declared, “This is the right place.” This heritage is preserved in monuments and museums across the valley, but the city has evolved into a diverse patchwork of cultures. From the Greek Festival to the thriving LGBTQ+ community, SLC is far more eclectic than its reputation suggests. The juxtaposition of the Church’s headquarters with a booming counter-culture and coffee scene gives the city a unique, dynamic energy.
Geologically, the city is just as fascinating. It sits on the bed of the ancient Lake Bonneville, the remnants of which form the Great Salt Lake today. This geography creates the unique “lake effect” snow that makes the local ski resorts legendary, while the surrounding foothills offer hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails that locals use daily. It is one of the few places in the US where you can reasonably ski and golf in the same day during the spring shoulder season.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Located in the foothills, this architectural marvel houses extensive dinosaur fossils unearthed in Utah and exhibits on the region's indigenous peoples.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Drive
A stunning canyon drive offering access to hiking trails like Donut Falls and Lake Blanche, plus two ski resorts.
Temple Square Tour
The spiritual heart of the LDS Church featuring the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle, and immaculate gardens in the city center.
Red Iguana Dining Experience
A local institution famous for its killer moles and authentic Mexican cuisine that draws lines out the door daily.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Temple Square - The most visited attraction in Utah, this 10-acre complex features the Salt Lake Temple and the acoustically perfect Tabernacle. While the temple is undergoing a massive seismic renovation (expected completion 2026), the grounds and visitor centers remain open and free to the public.
Utah State Capitol - Perched on Capitol Hill, this Corinthian-style building offers one of the best views of the entire valley. Entrance is free, and the inside features beautiful rotundas and murals depicting Utah’s history (0.5 mi from downtown).
Red Butte Garden - Located near the University of Utah, this botanical garden offers themed gardens, hiking trails, and a popular outdoor concert series. It is a perfect spot for a picnic or a gentle walk (5 mi from downtown, $16 admission).
Antelope Island State Park - For a true “Salt Lake” experience, drive across the causeway to this island. You will see bison, antelope, and surreal views of the saline lake. It is the best place to float in the water due to high salinity (40 mi from downtown, $15 per vehicle).
Natural History Museum of Utah - Housed in the Rio Tinto Center, this museum is a masterpiece of copper and concrete. Inside, you will find massive dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits explaining the Great Basin’s geology (4 mi from downtown, $20 admission).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Salt Lake City is remarkably easy thanks to the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is a major Delta hub located just 10 minutes from downtown. Once you land, the TRAX light rail Green Line provides a direct, affordable link from the airport to the city center. While downtown is walkable and scooter-friendly, renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to visit the canyons, ski resorts, or Antelope Island.
When packing, think layers. The high desert climate means temperatures can swing 30 degrees between day and night. Even in summer, you will want a light jacket for the evenings. If you are visiting in winter for sports, bring high-quality gear, though rentals are plentiful. Also, remember the altitude; at over 4,200 feet, the air is thinner and drier, so staying hydrated is crucial to avoiding headaches and fatigue.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Winter (Dec-Mar)
Pros
- World-class skiing and snowboarding conditions
- Sundance Film Festival nearby in January
- Festive downtown holiday lights
- Cozy mountain lodge atmosphere
Cons
- Higher accommodation prices near ski resorts
- Winter inversion (smog) can trap pollutants in the valley
- Crowded canyon roads on powder days
- Cold temperatures for urban walking
Shoulder Season: Fall (Sept-Oct)
Pros
- Stunning fall foliage in the mountains
- Perfect hiking and mountain biking temperatures
- Fewer crowds at major attractions
- Lower hotel rates than ski season
Cons
- Early snow can close high-elevation roads
- Days get shorter rapidly
- Some summer attractions may have reduced hours
- Variable weather requires layered packing
Off-Peak: Summer (July-Aug)
Pros
- Accessible high-alpine hiking trails
- Vibrant farmers markets and outdoor concerts
- Ideal for visiting the Great Salt Lake
- Dry heat is more tolerable than humid climates
Cons
- Temperatures frequently exceed 95°F
- Risk of wildfire smoke affecting air quality
- Downtown can feel radiatingly hot midday
- Popular national parks nearby are overcrowded
Whether you are carving through champagne powder in Little Cottonwood Canyon or watching a sunset turn the Great Salt Lake into a mirror of the sky, Salt Lake City offers a grandeur that is accessible and welcoming. It is a city that invites you to look up at the mountains and then go climb them.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic Salt Lake Weekend
A balanced mix of downtown history, foothill nature, and iconic local dining perfect for first-time visitors.
Day 1: Pioneers and Palates
- Morning: Start your trip at Temple Square to see the Salt Lake Temple (exterior) and the Tabernacle, free of charge, before walking uphill to the Utah State Capitol (0.5 mi away) for incredible valley views.
- Afternoon: Take a 15-minute rideshare to the Natural History Museum of Utah ($20 entry) to see world-class dinosaur exhibits and enjoy the architecture built into the foothills.
- Evening: Head back downtown for dinner at The Copper Onion ($30-50 per person) followed by a craft cocktail at The red Door or Bar-X.
Day 2: Salt and Summits
- Morning: Drive 45 minutes north to Antelope Island State Park ($15 per vehicle) to see free-roaming bison and walk along the shores of the Great Salt Lake.
- Afternoon: Return to the city for lunch at Crown Burgers to try a pastrami burger with fry sauce ($15), then explore the Red Butte Garden ($16 entry) for a relaxing nature walk.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with the legendary mole sampler at Red Iguana ($25-40 per person), but arrive early to beat the inevitable wait time.
Wasatch Mountain Adventure
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the canyons and Olympic history of the region.
Day 1: Big Cottonwood Exploration
- Morning: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon and hike to Donut Falls, a moderate 3.5-mile roundtrip trail featuring a unique waterfall through a cave.
- Afternoon: Drive over the Guardsman Pass scenic byway (seasonal) to drop into Park City for lunch on Main Street at High West Distillery ($30-50 per person).
- Evening: Return to Salt Lake City via Parleys Canyon and grab casual dinner and beers at Squatters Pub Brewery ($20-30 per person).
Day 2: Olympic Legacy
- Morning: Visit the Utah Olympic Park in Park City ($15-20 for tours) to see the 2002 ski jumps and bobsled track, and maybe even take a ride on the summer bobsled.
- Afternoon: Head back to the Salt Lake Valley to hike the Living Room Trail near the University of Utah for sweeping city views (2.5 miles roundtrip).
- Evening: Relax your muscles with a casual dinner at the vibrant 9th and 9th district, perhaps grabbing pizza at Pizza Nono ($15-20).
Day 3: Canyon Cruising
- Morning: Drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to explore the Albion Basin (summer/fall) for wildflowers or take the tram to the top of Snowbird ($40 per person) for high-altitude views.
- Afternoon: Stop at the base of the canyon for a late lunch at the Porcupine Pub & Grille ($20-30), a local favorite for hikers and skiers.
- Evening: Wrap up your adventure with a sunset walk at Sugar House Park, enjoying the view of the mountains you just explored.
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