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 around the beautiful gardens and admire the architecture.
  • Visit the Utah State Capitol building, just a few blocks away.

Afternoon

  • Head to The Gateway, an outdoor shopping and dining complex with a beautiful fountain show.
  • Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah, featuring exhibits on Utah’s natural history, dinosaurs, and ancient cultures.

Evening

  • Dine at The Red Iguana, a popular Mexican restaurant with delicious food and a fun atmosphere.
  • Stay at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, conveniently located in the heart of downtown.

Things to Know

  • Temple Square is open daily from 9am-9pm, but hours may vary depending on events and holidays.
  • The Natural History Museum of Utah offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation: UTA buses and TRAX light rail connect many popular attractions.
  • Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Day 2: Nature and Hiking

Morning

  • Drive to Ensign Peak, a moderate 3.5-mile hike with stunning views of the valley.
  • Alternatively, visit the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring rotating exhibits on modern art.

Afternoon

  • Explore Red Butte Garden, a beautiful botanical garden located at the University of Utah.
  • Hike to Donut Falls, a unique natural wonder with a waterfall and hiking trails.

Evening

  • Dine at Log Haven, a rustic restaurant nestled in the mountains, offering American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Stay at the Little America Hotel, a cozy hotel with comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks for your hike to Ensign Peak or Donut Falls.
  • Check the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art’s website for current exhibits and hours.

Transportation

  • Drive or use ride-hailing services to get to Ensign Peak, Red Butte Garden, and Log Haven.

Day 3: Culture and History

Morning

  • Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, located on the University of Utah campus, featuring a diverse collection of art.
  • Explore the Marmalade District, a charming neighborhood with unique shops, galleries, and eateries.

Afternoon

  • Tour the Salt Lake City Cemetery, a historic cemetery with graves dating back to the 1800s.
  • Learn about Utah’s rich history at the Utah State Historical Society Museum.

Evening

  • Dine at The Copper Onion, a contemporary American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • Stay at the Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, a stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and a lively atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • The Utah Museum of Fine Arts offers free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
  • The Marmalade District hosts various events throughout the year, including art walks and outdoor concerts.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation or ride-hailing services to get around.

Day 4: Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island

Morning

  • Drive to Great Salt Lake State Park, featuring scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Take a boat tour of the Great Salt Lake, offering unique insights into the lake’s ecosystem.

Afternoon

  • Visit Antelope Island State Park, accessible by a 7-mile causeway, with opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and photography.

Evening

  • Dine at The Roof Restaurant, located on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, offering stunning views of Temple Square.
  • Stay at the Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport, conveniently located near the airport.

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks for your outdoor adventures.
  • Check the Great Salt Lake State Park’s website for boat tour schedules and availability.

Transportation

  • Drive to Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park.
  • Alternatively, use ride-hailing services or book a guided tour that includes transportation.

Day 5: Park City and the Mountains

Morning

  • Drive to Park City, a former mining town turned luxury resort town, about 30 minutes east of Salt Lake City.
  • Ride the Park City Mountain Resort’s Alpine Slide, a thrilling ride through the mountains.

Afternoon

  • Explore Historic Main Street, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Visit the Utah Olympic Park, featuring a museum, zip lines, and a chance to try out winter sports.

Evening

  • Dine at Butcher’s Chop House & Bar, serving premium steaks and seafood in an elegant atmosphere.
  • Stay at the Montage Deer Valley, a luxurious resort with comfortable rooms and stunning mountain views.

Things to Know

  • Park City hosts various events throughout the year, including the Sundance Film Festival.
  • The Utah Olympic Park offers guided tours and activities, including zip lining and extreme tubing.

Transportation

  • Drive to Park City or use ride-hailing services.
  • Alternatively, book a guided tour that includes transportation.