Salt Lake City, United States

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Salt Lake City, Utah

Introduction

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a hidden gem in the American West. Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, this vibrant city offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and urban excitement. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or adventure seeker, Salt Lake City has something for everyone.

Places to Go

National Parks and Natural Wonders

  • Ensign Peak: A moderate 3.5-mile hike with breathtaking views of the valley.
  • Big Cottonwood Canyon: A scenic canyon with hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas.
  • Great Salt Lake: The largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River, perfect for boating, birdwatching, or simply taking in the views.

Cultural Attractions

  • Utah State Capitol: Take a guided tour of the historic building and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
  • Natural History Museum of Utah: Explore exhibits on Utah’s natural history, including dinosaurs and ancient cultures.
  • Utah Museum of Contemporary Art: Discover local and international art in this modern museum.

Historic Landmarks

  • Temple Square: The headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, featuring beautiful gardens and architecture.
  • Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot: A historic train station turned event space and visitor center.
  • The Gateway: A vibrant shopping and dining complex built on the site of the old Union Pacific Railroad yards.

Neighborhoods to Explore

  • The Marmalade District: A charming neighborhood filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Sugar House: An upscale neighborhood with a mix of old and new homes, trendy restaurants, and boutiques.
  • Foothill Village: A scenic neighborhood with hiking trails, parks, and stunning views of the valley.

Activities

Outdoor Adventures

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at one of the four nearby resorts: Snowbird, Alta, Solitude, or Brighton.
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore over 200 miles of trails in the surrounding mountains and parks.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent equipment and explore the Great Salt Lake or nearby lakes.

Cultural Experiences

  • Utah Symphony: Catch a performance at the Abravanel Hall or outdoor concerts during the summer.
  • Salt Lake City Ballet: Enjoy a show at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre.
  • Festivals and Events: Check out the Utah Pride Festival, Salt Lake Comic Con, or the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Food and Drink Tours

  • Brewery Tours: Visit local breweries like Squatters, Wasatch, or Red Rock Brewing Co.
  • Food Truck Scene: Sample cuisine from around the world at one of the many food truck gatherings.
  • Farmers Markets: Shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food at the Downtown Farmers Market or other seasonal markets.

Where to Eat

Local Favorites

  • The Red Iguana: Savor Mexican cuisine in a colorful atmosphere.
  • Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana: Enjoy authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian dishes.
  • Finca: Treat yourself to farm-to-table dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

Foodie Hotspots

  • The Gateway: Explore the variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries in this vibrant complex.
  • 9th and 9th: Discover trendy eateries like The Copper Onion or Feldman’s Deli in this hip neighborhood.
  • Downtown SLC: Find everything from burgers to sushi to fine dining in the heart of the city.

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • The Grand America Hotel: Unwind in style at this AAA Five Diamond hotel with lavish amenities.
  • The Little America Hotel: Enjoy comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere in this downtown hotel.

Boutique Hotels

  • Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City: Experience luxurious accommodations and a lively lobby scene.
  • Kimpton Hotel Born: Discover modern design, a rooftop pool, and pet-friendly perks.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Airbnb Rentals: Choose from cozy apartments to entire homes in various neighborhoods.
  • Hostels and Guesthouses: Find affordable, social accommodations at places like the Salt Lake City Hostel or the Inn at Temple Square.

Things to Know

Weather

  • Summer: Enjoy warm weather with average highs around 90°F (32°C).
  • Winter: Be prepared for cold temperatures, snowfall, and potential road closures.
  • Spring and Fall: Experience mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities.

Transportation

  • Salt Lake City International Airport: Fly in from around the world and take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to your destination.
  • Public Transit: Use the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus system or TRAX light rail to navigate the city.
  • Ride-Sharing and Bike Rentals: Get around with services like Uber, Lyft, or bike-share programs like GREENbike.

Safety

  • Crime Rate: Salt Lake City has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major US cities.
  • Emergency Services: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Tips and Tricks

Discounts and Deals

  • Visit Salt Lake: Check the official tourism website for exclusive offers on attractions, accommodations, and more.
  • Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for deals on food, activities, and shopping at local websites or apps.

Insider Knowledge

  • Explore beyond Temple Square: While iconic, there’s much more to SLC than this single attraction.
  • Get outdoors: Take advantage of the city’s proximity to nature reserves, parks, and mountains.
  • Talk to locals: Salt Lake City residents are friendly and happy to share their favorite spots and tips.

Other Things of Interest

Day Trips

  • Park City: Visit this mountain resort town, home to three resorts: Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, and Canyons Village.
  • Snowbasin Resort: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or scenic gondola rides in nearby Huntsville.
  • Golden Spike National Historical Park: Learn about the Transcontinental Railroad at this national park in Promontory.

Unique Experiences

  • Take a stroll through the Utah State Capitol’s gardens.
  • Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah’s collections storage facility (by appointment only).
  • Attend a performance or event at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Salt Lake City!