Salt Lake City United States 5 Day Itinerary

Salt Lake City, Utah 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown SLC

  • Morning: Start at Temple Square, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and visit the Salt Lake Temple.
  • Lunch: Head to The Pie Pizzeria for delicious pizza and a fun atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah to learn about the region’s natural history and see dinosaur fossils up close.
  • Evening: Check-in at the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. End the day with dinner at The Red Iguana, serving authentic Mexican cuisine.

Day 2: Nature Escapes

  • Morning: Drive to Ensign Peak (30 minutes) for a moderate hike with breathtaking views of the valley.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at The Park Cafe in nearby Sugarhouse.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Utah State Capitol building and take a tour of the historic landmark.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Log Haven, a rustic-chic restaurant nestled in the mountains. Try their famous prime rib!

Day 3: Cultural Delights

  • Morning: Explore the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) to see rotating exhibits and local artists’ work.
  • Lunch: Head to The Gateway, an outdoor shopping center with plenty of dining options.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Clark Planetarium for a show or explore the nearby Discovery Gateway children’s museum.
  • Evening: Catch a performance at the Utah Symphony or Opera at Abravanel Hall.

Day 4: Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island

  • Morning: Drive to Antelope Island State Park (45 minutes) and take a scenic drive around the island. Keep an eye out for bison, antelope, and birds!
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab food from the island’s snack bar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Great Salt Lake Marina and take a stroll along the shoreline.
  • Evening: Return to SLC and enjoy dinner at Finca, serving farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 5: Ski Resorts and Canyon Road

  • Morning: Drive to Snowbird Ski Resort (35 minutes) for a day of skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. In warmer months, hike the scenic trails.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at The Aerie, offering mountain-inspired cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the artistic community along Canyon Road, featuring numerous galleries and studios.
  • Evening: End your trip with dinner at Current Fish & Oyster, serving fresh seafood.

Transportation:

  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is 10 minutes from downtown. Rent a car or use public transportation (UTA) to get around.
  • Use ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft for shorter trips.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Weather: SLC experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Pack accordingly.
  • Altitude: Be mindful of the high elevation (4,300 ft.) and stay hydrated.
  • Sundays: Many attractions and restaurants are closed or have limited hours on Sundays.
  • LDS Church: Respect temple grounds and dress modestly when visiting.

Other Things to Know:

  • Utah ID: If you plan to enjoy Utah’s craft beer scene, bring a valid government-issued ID.
  • Outdoor Activities: SLC is surrounded by mountains and natural beauty. Take advantage of hiking, biking, or skiing opportunities.
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly: Salt Lake City has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and welcomes all visitors.

Enjoy your trip to Salt Lake City!