Utah’s capital city serves as a launching pad for high-alpine adventure and also offers a mix of urban delights, from farm-to-table restaurants to an energetic nightlife scene. Set against the exquisite background of the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, Salt Lake City’s high-altitude beauty draws millions of visitors every year.
And its rich Mormon culture and heritage — it was founded in the 1800s by Brigham Young and the first party of the Latter-Day Saints — make it an even more fascinating place to explore.Ready to go? Follow this three-day, multidimensional itinerary.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Get Your Shop On
We’re sending you to the Sugar House District to kick off your first day, named for the sugar beet fields and factory that once occupied the area. The area is known for its great restaurants, interesting boutiques and namesake park. Plus, it’s easily walkable, so you can park once and spend the rest of the day on foot.
To start your morning off right, dig in to a Scandinavian-inspired breakfast at Finn’s, a Utah mainstay tucked away in the heart of Sugar House. Enjoy your coffee and self-proclaimed “best SLC Benedict” in the light-filled interiors or, if weather permits, sit outside on the charming patio. And don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic neon sign.
Craving waffles instead? Get your fill at Bruges Belgian Bistro, where they have traditional-style waffles with loads of topping options.
Once you’re done, take a walk down 1100 E and along 2100 S to check out unique shops like Commerce & Craft (for handmade gifts and treasures), Awakening Heart (for books, jewelry, witchy things and maybe even a psychic or astrology reading), Unhinged (for vintage and upcycled apparel) and the American Rust Company, packed with oddities and antiques.
Drop off your new purchases and head to the renowned Sugar House Park, comprising 110 acres of rolling hills, bike trails, lakes and forest — not to mention a stellar view of the majestic Wasatch Mountains.
If you need a little fuel before your long, scenic walk, stop for lunch at the Dodo @ Sugar House Park, a community staple since 1981. You can’t go wrong with the famous smoked-turkey sandwich with housemade barbecue sauce.
Now that you’ve got your exercise in for the day, grab a drink at Campfire Lounge, a dog-friendly hangout with an enclosed patio and fire pits. Or for award-winning local beers, visit Wasatch Brewery. For a slightly classier vibe (think plush leather chairs) and amazing cocktails, try the Ruin.
If you’re not a drinker (or just prefer the stimulation of books), explore the independently owned Central Book Exchange for new and used titles and walk over to the Sugar House Monument (a historical landmark erected in 1930). A late-afternoon coffee and pastry at Sugar House Coffee is always a good idea. With a snack in hand, you can roam through the tree groves and wetlands at Hidden Hollow.
For dinner, Spitz is great for Mediterranean street food and has a lively, quirky vibe. For more of an upscale experience, Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House has fantastic oysters. Or opt for a big juicy plate of smoked goods at the SugarHouse Barbeque Company.
Saturday: Eat Your Way Through SLC
Hanging out in Salt Lake City’s energetic downtown is a great way to spend your Saturday. There’s just one rule: Come hungry. This neighborhood is known for its restaurant scene, so you’ll want to plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks in between.
Don’t worry, you can balance things out by biking, using Utah’s nonprofit bike-share program, GREENbike — that is, assuming the weather is nice. Otherwise, no balancing needed.
After getting a mouthwatering pastry at the famed Les Madeleines, head over to Temple Square, one of the most visited attractions in Utah. Take a free tour of the grounds and historic sites, including the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and the Deuel Pioneer Log Home, or just wander around the gardens.
Lunch break! Get a hearty wagyu beef stroganoff or another locally and sustainably sourced meal at the Copper Onion. Then bike over to the Farmers Market along Pioneer Park before it closes at 1 p.m. and peruse arts and crafts made by local artisans.
Next, the City Library, designed by renowned Moshe Safdie, will be a treat for architecture buffs with its sweeping arches, outdoor piazza and lawns, and six-story curving, walkable wall.
If shopping is more your thing, it’s hard to go wrong at the City Creek Center — just be sure to also visit the less-trafficked small businesses on Broadway (like the Green Ant and Ken Sanders Rare Books), as well as Atelier, a curated lifestyle shop with items from more than 30 independent artists, on Pierpont Avenue.
Get an early dinner at From Scratch, one of the best-kept secrets in the area — the name says it all — or dig in to some outstanding Mexican food at Red Iguana (just be prepared to wait for a table). If you feel like splurging, try Valter’s Osteria, a fine-dining Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown (though a margherita pizza at Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana is an equally good, more affordable, option).
With a full belly, it’s time to relax at one of the many performances the neighborhood has to offer, such as the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, Ballet West and musicals at the Eccles Theater. You can also catch a concert at one of the many music venues, such as the Depot, or a comedy show at Wiseguys Live Comedy club.
Okay, break’s over — let’s get back to the food. Go to Capo Gelateria Italiana for some of the yummiest, freshest gelato in Salt Lake City.
Close the night out with a craft cocktail at Alibi Bar & Place, a beer and some cornhole on the outdoor patio at Purgatory or old-school pinball at Quarters Arcade Bar.
Sunday: Explore the Great Outdoors
While known as the home of the University of Utah, the University-Foothill neighborhood is also a go-to destination for Salt Lake City locals and visitors alike. It’s not only a cultural hub with a classic college-town vibe, it’s also nestled at the foot of the mountains — offering popular hikes and sweeping views.
Wake up early and eat at one of the best breakfast joints in town, Eggs in the City, then head to the parking lot off Huntsman Way and begin your 2.3-mile, out-and-back hike on the famed Living Room Lookout Trail (just wear sunscreen, because there is barely any shade). For something a little more challenging, try Mount Van Cott via Red Butte Canyon Trail, a steep 4.3-mile loop.
Or ditch the hiking expedition altogether and visit the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Red Butte Garden or the 42-acre Hogle Zoo (all great options if you have kids with you).
Ready for some fuel? The historic Ruth’s Diner is one of the oldest restaurants in Utah, opened in 1949 by a cabaret singer. The atmosphere — an enchanting trolley car and giant outdoor patio with canyon views — is almost as good as the hot “Mile High Biscuits and Country Gravy” and “Grandma Claire’s Baked Mac and Cheese” (not to mention “Ruth’s Killer Bloody Mary”). Bonus: There’s often live music on Sundays.
For a little afternoon shopping, take a short drive to Central City and check out Trolley Square, a unique 1900s trolley barn turned mall with local boutiques and chains. And don’t miss the Normal Ice Cream truck inside the east entrance, which is anything but “normal” with flavors like cream cheese and cranberry.
If you didn’t make it to the zoo, the Tracy Aviary is a cool place to have up-close experiences with birds like flamingos, owls and more.
Grab a pre-dinner drink on the patio at the East Liberty Tap House and then go to Oquirrh for locally sourced American fare. To catch some live music and a late-night drink, stop at the Urban Lounge before turning in.
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