Salt Lake City, Utah-3-day-itinerary

Salt Lake City, Utah 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown SLC

Morning

  • Temple Square: Start your day at Temple Square, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens and visit the Salt Lake Temple.
  • Utah State Capitol: Walk over to the Utah State Capitol building, located just north of Temple Square. Take a guided tour of the historic building and enjoy the views from the top floor.

Afternoon

  • The Gateway: Head to The Gateway, an outdoor shopping and dining complex located near Temple Square. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants, such as Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana or ** Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar**.
  • Natural History Museum of Utah: Spend the afternoon exploring the Natural History Museum of Utah, featuring exhibits on Utah’s natural history, including dinosaurs and ancient cultures.

Evening

  • The Red Iguana: Head to The Red Iguana, a popular Mexican restaurant with delicious food and a fun atmosphere.
  • Downtown SLC nightlife: End your night by exploring the downtown area, which offers a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City: This stylish hotel is located in the heart of downtown SLC, within walking distance to many attractions.
  • Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown: This all-suite hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a free breakfast buffet.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning

  • Ensign Peak Hike: Start your day with a hike up Ensign Peak, which offers stunning views of the valley. The trail is moderately difficult and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
  • Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve: After your hike, head to the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, where you can learn about the natural habitat of the Great Salt Lake.

Afternoon

  • Snowbird Ski Resort: If you’re visiting in the winter, spend the afternoon skiing or snowboarding at Snowbird Ski Resort, located about 20 miles southeast of SLC.
  • Liberty Park: In the summer, head to Liberty Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails, a pond, and plenty of picnic areas.

Evening

  • The Log Haven: Enjoy dinner at The Log Haven, a rustic restaurant located in a historic log cabin. Try their famous prime rib or one of their many seafood options.
  • Utah Symphony: Catch a performance by the Utah Symphony at the Abravanel Hall.

Day 3: Cultural Attractions

Morning

  • Utah Museum of Contemporary Art: Spend the morning exploring the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring exhibits on modern and contemporary art.
  • Salt Lake City Public Library: Visit the beautiful Salt Lake City Public Library, a unique architectural landmark with a rooftop garden offering stunning views.

Afternoon

  • Clark Planetarium: Head to the Clark Planetarium, where you can learn about astronomy and space exploration through interactive exhibits and shows.
  • The Leonardo: Spend the afternoon exploring The Leonardo, a museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Evening

  • Finca: Enjoy dinner at Finca, a popular restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • SLC Jazz Festival: If you’re visiting in July, catch a performance at the SLC Jazz Festival, featuring live jazz music from local and national artists.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
  • Transportation: The city has a public transportation system, including buses and light rail. You can also use ride-hailing services or taxis.
  • Tips:
    • Bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated in the dry Utah climate.
    • Take advantage of the free downtown area shuttle service, which runs every 10-15 minutes.
    • Be respectful of the LDS Church and its members when visiting Temple Square.

Other Attractions

  • Park City: If you have time, take a day trip to Park City, located about 30 miles east of SLC. This former mining town is now a popular resort destination with plenty of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
  • Antelope Island State Park: Take a ferry ride to Antelope Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the scenic trails.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Salt Lake City!