Salt Lake City is Mormon heritage + ski mecca + gateway to 5 national parks. 2-3 days SLC + 3-5 days national parks ideal.
Top Things to Do in Salt Lake City
1. Temple Square + Tabernacle Choir
Cost: Free.
Salt Lake Temple (exterior). Tabernacle Choir rehearsal free Thursdays.
2. Day trip Bonneville Salt Flats (2 hours)
Cost: Free.
Speed Week August. Otherworldly white salt landscape.
3. Antelope Island State Park (Great Salt Lake)
Cost: $15.
See wild bison. Sunset spot.
4. Ski at Alta or Snowbird (45 min)
Cost: $130-200 lift ticket.
Best powder snow in US.
5. Hike up to Ensign Peak
Cost: Free.
30-min hike. Views of Salt Lake City.
6. Eat at Red Iguana (Mexican mole)
Cost: $15-25.
Best mole sauce in US.
7. Day trip Arches National Park (4 hours)
Cost: $30 entry.
Best on day trip if 1-2 nights in Moab.
8. Walk Capitol Building + State Street
Cost: Free.
Free Capitol tours.
9. Hike Big Cottonwood Canyon (Donut Falls Trail)
Cost: Free.
30 min from SLC. 1. 5-hour family hike.
10. Eat at Pretty Bird Hot Chicken (Tracy Morgan favorite)
Cost: $10-20.
Nashville hot chicken Utah style.
11. Visit Family History Library (largest genealogy library)
Cost: Free.
World’s largest genealogy resource.
12. Catch a Jazz game
Cost: $30-200.
NBA basketball.
13. Day trip Zion National Park (4.5 hours)
Cost: $35 entry.
Better as 2-3 day trip from SLC.
14. Soak at Crystal Hot Springs (1 hour north)
Cost: $15.
Natural hot springs + cold pools.
15. Drink craft beer at Squatters or Wasatch
Cost: $5-12/beer.
Yes, Utah has good craft beer (4% ABV limit).
Practical Tips for Salt Lake City
Transport: Rent a car for flexibility. Downtown is walkable. Uber/Lyft for shorter trips.
Hotels: Stay near downtown for walkability. Suburb hotels are cheaper but require driving.
Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants. 15-20% rideshare. $1-2 per drink at bars.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
Stay near the downtown core for walkability to top attractions. Mid-range hotels offer the best value. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season.
FAQ
Is Salt Lake City expensive?
Salt Lake City is mid-priced for US cities. Budget travelers: $80-120/day; mid-range $150-250/day; luxury $400+/day.
How many days do I need in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City deserves 2-3 days for first-timers. Add 1-2 days for nearby attractions and day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Salt Lake City?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather. Winters can be cold; summers can be hot or humid depending on region.
Is Salt Lake City walkable?
Downtown Salt Lake City is walkable. For broader exploration, rent a car or use rideshare. Public transit varies by city.
What should I eat in Salt Lake City?
Try local specialties at neighborhood spots, not tourist zones. Read reviews for hidden gems. Hotel concierges often share locals’ favorites.
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