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Salt Lake City Itineraries

Salt Lake City Itineraries

Salt Lake City Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Time-Based Itineraries

24-hour Layover Highlights:

Morning (Arrival): TRAX Green Line from airport to downtown. Free guided tour of Temple Square (Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, visitor centers). Lunch: Quick meal at City Creek Center food court. Afternoon: Walk to Utah State Capitol for architecture and city views. Stroll through Memory Grove Park. Evening: Dinner downtown. Consider a performance at Eccles or Capitol Theatre, or walk through lit City Creek Center. Transportation: Rely on TRAX and the Free Fare Zone downtown.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

  • Day 1 (City Exploration): Downtown focus – Temple Square, City Creek Center, Utah State Capitol. Afternoon: Clark Planetarium or Natural History Museum of Utah. Evening: Dinner in Sugar House.
  • Day 2 (Outdoor/Culture): Morning hike (Ensign Peak or Living Room Trail). Afternoon: Discovery Gateway Children's Museum or Tracy Aviary. Evening: Local sporting event or concert.
  • Day 3 (Optional - Winter): Half-day/full-day skiing/snowboarding at Brighton or Solitude.

Longer Stay Experiences

For extended visits, immerse yourself into Salt Lake City and its surroundings, or embark on regional adventures.

One-Week Comprehensive

Days 1-2: Follow Weekend Getaway itinerary for city and nearby outdoor exploration. Day 3: Full day in Park City (skiing/snowboarding or Main Street/scenic lift/mountain biking). Day 4: Explore Wasatch Canyons (scenic drives, short hikes, lunch at resort). Day 5: Full day at Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park (floating, bison, hiking).

Additional Week Activities

  • Day 6: Explore neighborhoods beyond downtown: Sugar House (local shops/cafes/park), 9th & 9th district (boutiques/eateries). Consider cooking class or brewery tour.
  • Day 7: Relax, revisit a favorite spot, souvenir shopping, or spa treatment.
  • Find comprehensive tours on GetYourGuide for seamless planning.
  • Long-Term Stays: Rent an apartment/home via Airbnb/Vrbo in Sugar House, The Avenues, or near University of Utah for a local experience.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Combine the one-week Salt Lake City itinerary with multi-day extensions to Southern Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands) or the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area. This allows for dives into specific interests, like more extensive hiking, skiing at multiple resorts, exploring smaller towns, or attending local events.

Long-Term Immersion

  • For stays exceeding a week, consider renting an apartment or home via Airbnb or Vrbo in neighborhoods like Sugar House, The Avenues, or near the University of Utah.
  • This provides a more local experience and often includes kitchen facilities.
  • Purchase an UTA pass for daily commuting.

Customizing Your Journey

Immerse yourself in the local community by exploring local community centers, libraries, and farmers markets.

Tailor activities

Tailor activities to your pace and interests.

Explore Local Spots

Explore local community centers and libraries.

Discover Gems

Discover hidden gems in local farmers markets.

Flexible Planning

Flexible planning for longer trips allows for spontaneous discoveries and adapting to local events.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Salt Lake City itinerary to your specific interests, from history to adventure and culinary delights.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Dedicate ample time to Temple Square, taking multiple tours. Explore the Utah State Capitol and its grounds. Visit This Is The Place Heritage Park for a living history experience. Explore the Pioneer Memorial Museum and Fort Douglas Military Museum. Take a walking tour of The Avenues to admire historic architecture and visit the Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

Historical Sites

  • Temple Square tours.
  • Utah State Capitol.
  • This Is The Place Heritage Park.
  • Pioneer Memorial Museum.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Explore downtown dining options. Spend time in Sugar House for its diverse local restaurants. Visit the Downtown Farmers Market (seasonal). Try a 'dirty soda' from a local soda shop. Go on a brewery tour to sample local craft beers. Seek out local specialties like fry sauce and a pastrami burger.

Tasting Salt Lake

  • Diverse downtown dining.
  • Seasonal Downtown Farmers Market.
  • Local craft brewery tours.
  • Try fry sauce and pastrami burger.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Winter: Multiple days for skiing/snowboarding at resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude). Warmer Months: Hike or mountain bike in Wasatch canyons. Day at Antelope Island State Park (wildlife, hiking). Experience unique floating in Great Salt Lake. Consider rock climbing or cycling on Jordan River Parkway Trail or Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Outdoor Pursuits

  • World-class skiing & snowboarding.
  • Mountain biking & hiking.
  • Wildlife viewing on Antelope Island.
  • Great Salt Lake floating.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Visit Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. Explore Tracy Aviary within Liberty Park. Spend time at Natural History Museum of Utah (dinosaur exhibits). Enjoy hourly fountain show at City Creek Center. Learn about pioneer life at This Is The Place Heritage Park. In winter, enroll children in ski lessons.

Fun for All Ages

  • Discovery Gateway Children's Museum.
  • Tracy Aviary.
  • Natural History Museum of Utah (dinosaurs).
  • City Creek Center fountain show.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Admire the architecture of the Utah State Capitol. Explore the unique architecture and design of the buildings at Temple Square. Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) for its diverse collections. Explore various art galleries downtown and in the Sugar House neighborhood. Attend a performance at the historic Capitol Theatre. Discover the quirky art at Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

Creative Exploration

  • Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA).
  • Utah State Capitol architecture.
  • Performances at Capitol Theatre.
  • Quirky Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Focus on the spiritual aspects of Temple Square, attending Tabernacle Choir rehearsals or performances. Take meditation or yoga classes at local studios. Visit a hot spring like Homestead Crater for relaxation and natural therapy. Enjoy peaceful walks in Memory Grove Park or Red Butte Garden.

Inner Peace & Nature

  • Temple Square spiritual experiences.
  • Meditation or yoga classes.
  • Homestead Crater hot spring.
  • Peaceful walks in gardens/parks.

Personalized Adventure

Mix and match activities across interests for a personalized and memorable Salt Lake City adventure.

Budget-Based Plans

Plan your Salt Lake City trip according to your financial comfort level, from budget-friendly to luxury experiences.

Backpacker's Guide

Accommodation: Stay at a hostel like Avenues Hostel or budget motels slightly outside downtown. Transportation: Rely almost entirely on UTA public transit (TRAX and buses), utilizing the Free Fare Zone downtown. Walk or cycle for short distances. Food: Focus on free attractions like Temple Square, the Capitol, Liberty Park, and Ensign Peak hike. Eat at budget eateries, grocery store delis, or cook your own meals if your accommodation has kitchen facilities. Always carry a reusable water bottle.

Smart Savings

  • Hostels or budget motels.
  • UTA public transit.
  • Grocery store meals.
  • Free attractions.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Accommodation: Stay at comfortable mid-range hotels (e.g., Hampton Inn, Hyatt Place). Transportation: Use a mix of public transport and occasional ride-shares for convenience. Consider a shared rental car for a day trip. Food: Enjoy meals at casual to mid-range restaurants. Look for lunch specials or happy hour deals. Activities: Include paid attractions like museums and a day trip to Park City, exploring independently.

Balanced Travel

  • Comfortable mid-range hotels.
  • Mix of public transit & ride-shares.
  • Mid-range dining, specials.
  • Paid attractions & day trips.

Luxury Experience Plan

Accommodation: Stay at luxury hotels like The Grand America or Hyatt Regency. Transportation: Utilize private transfers from the airport or rent a premium car, potentially with a driver. Food: Indulge in fine dining experiences at acclaimed restaurants. Activities: Book guided private tours for attractions or outdoor activities. Purchase premium ski passes. Enjoy spa treatments and exclusive experiences.

Indulgent Journey

  • Luxury hotel stays.
  • Private transfers/premium rentals.
  • Fine dining experiences.
  • Private tours & spa treatments.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart Planning

  • Travel during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
  • Book accommodation and car rentals well in advance for better rates.
  • Look for package deals combining flights and hotels for savings.
  • Utilize public transportation whenever possible.

Travel Planning Tips

Budget Flexibility

Allocate funds for unexpected expenses or splurges.

Local Insights

Ask locals for recommendations on dining and activities.

Digital Tools

Use apps for navigation, reviews, and booking.

Budget Optimization

Careful planning helps optimize your budget without compromising on quality experiences.

Seasonal Specialties

Salt Lake City offers unique experiences depending on the time of year you visit.

Summer June-August

Highlights: Attend outdoor concerts (Twilight Concert Series). Extensive hiking, mountain biking, and water sports at nearby lakes or the Great Salt Lake. Ideal time for exploring national parks further afield.

Summer Fun

  • Outdoor concerts.
  • Hiking & mountain biking.
  • Water sports & lake activities.
  • National park explorations.

Winter December-February

Highlights: World-class skiing and snowboarding at resorts minutes from the city. Sundance Film Festival in Park City (January). Festive holiday lights and events downtown.

Winter Wonderland

  • World-class skiing & snowboarding.
  • Sundance Film Festival.
  • Holiday lights & events.
  • Enjoy the 'Greatest Snow on Earth'.

Autumn & Spring

Fall September-October

  • Stunning fall foliage drives.
  • Comfortable hiking weather.
  • Fewer crowds.

Spring April-May

  • Wildflower blooms.
  • Late-season skiing.
  • Early hiking access.

Spring Awakening

Highlights: Wildflowers begin to bloom in the mountains later in spring. Transition season, potentially offering late-season skiing and early hiking opportunities. Prices generally lower during this time.

  • Lower prices.

Festival & Event-Centered Visits

Plan your visit around specific festivals or events that align with your interests. For example, the Living Traditions Festival (May) or the Utah Arts Festival (June) offer unique cultural experiences.

  • Living Traditions Festival (May).
  • Utah Arts Festival (June).
  • Check local event calendars for specific dates.

Final Consideration

Road Conditions

Mountain road conditions can change rapidly in winter; always check before heading into canyons.

Peak Season Bookings

Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance during peak travel seasons.