Salt Lake City Utah Travel Tips

Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Salt Lake City, Utah

Before You Go

  • Understand the Culture: Salt Lake City is home to a large population of Mormons (LDS Church). Be respectful of their beliefs and traditions.
  • Learn About Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with Utah’s unique cultural heritage, such as the importance of family values and community.

Getting Around

  • Rent a Car: Salt Lake City is sprawling, and public transportation is limited. Renting a car will give you more flexibility to explore.
  • Be Prepared for Altitude: Salt Lake City is at a high elevation (4,300 ft). Drink plenty of water, and be prepared for potential altitude sickness.

Visiting Attractions

  • Temple Square: Be respectful when visiting Temple Square, the headquarters of the LDS Church. Dress modestly, and avoid taking photos inside the temple.
  • Natural History Museum: Explore Utah’s rich natural history, but be mindful of sensitive exhibits and artifacts.
  • Ski Resorts: Enjoy Utah’s famous ski resorts, such as Park City Mountain or Snowbird. Follow local skiing etiquette: yield to skiers downhill, and respect closed trails.

Food and Drink

  • Try Local Cuisine: Sample Utah’s signature dishes like Jell-O (yes, it’s a thing!), funeral potatoes, and Mormon BBQ.
  • Respect Food Traditions: Avoid eating or drinking during fasts (e.g., Lent) if invited to share meals with locals.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to combat the dry Utah climate.

Social Etiquette

  • Be Friendly but Respectful: Utahns are known for their hospitality. Be open and friendly, but respect people’s boundaries and personal space.
  • Avoid Sensitive Topics: Steer clear of discussing sensitive topics like polygamy or religious differences.
  • Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches or attending cultural events.

Additional Tips

  • Respect the Environment: Utah is known for its natural beauty. Be mindful of your environmental impact, and take steps to reduce waste and respect public spaces.
  • Learn Some Basic Mormon Phrases: Show appreciation for the local culture by learning basic phrases like “Hello” (Heiloo) or “Thank you” (Mah-kah).

By following these travel and cultural etiquette tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a respectful and enjoyable trip in Salt Lake City, Utah!