Salt Lake City
A capital city with ski canyons twenty minutes from downtown
Photo: Garrett · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Brigham Young’s pioneers laid out Salt Lake City in 1847 on a grid of famously wide blocks centered on Temple Square, and the street addresses still count outward from there. Temple Square is mid-way through a years-long renovation; the Salt Lake Temple opens to the public for an open house in 2027 before it is rededicated, and the square’s Christmas lights return each December.
Beyond the old core, the city has grown into a young, outdoorsy metro with a real restaurant scene, two big universities, NBA and NHL teams at the Delta Center and the airport ten minutes from downtown. It will host the Winter Olympics again in 2034.
The Wasatch rises right behind the east bench. Big and Little Cottonwood canyons hold four ski resorts within about 45 minutes, and Millcreek, Emigration and City Creek canyons offer hiking minutes from neighborhoods.
See and do
- Temple SquareThe historic heart of the city and of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with gardens, the Tabernacle and the newly renovated temple.
- Natural History Museum of UtahA striking building on the foothills above the University of Utah, with a dinosaur hall, Native American galleries and views across the valley.
- Utah State CapitolA 1916 granite capitol on Capitol Hill with free tours and the best sunset view of downtown.
- Red Butte GardenBotanical gardens and trails in the foothills, plus a summer outdoor concert series.
- This Is the Place Heritage ParkA recreated pioneer village at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, where Brigham Young first looked over the valley.
- Liberty Park and Tracy AviaryThe city’s central park, with a lake, playgrounds and one of the oldest aviaries in the country.
- Big and Little Cottonwood canyonsGranite canyons with Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude in winter and wildflower hikes in summer.
Eat and drink
- Red IguanaA family-run Mexican restaurant near downtown famous for its many house moles; expect a line, or try its second location nearby.
- Crown BurgersThe local chain credited with popularizing the pastrami burger, a charbroiled patty piled with hot pastrami.
- Ruth’s DinerA diner in Emigration Canyon dating to 1930, known for its big biscuits and creekside patio.
- Lion House rollsThe soft pull-apart rolls from the old Lion House kitchen are served again at the Garden Restaurant in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square.
Through the year
- Utah Arts FestivalJune: four days of art, music and food at Library Square downtown.
- Twilight Concert SeriesSummer into fall: touring bands at the Gallivan Center and Library Square.
- Pioneer Day (Days of ’47)July 24: a state holiday with a big downtown parade, rodeo and fireworks.
- Temple Square Christmas lightsLate November through New Year’s Day: free light displays around the square.
Day trips from Salt Lake City
- Antelope Island State ParkAbout an hour north on the Great Salt Lake, with bison, beaches and sunsets.
- Park CityAbout 40 minutes east up I-80.
- Lehi and American ForkAbout 30 to 40 minutes south: Thanksgiving Point and American Fork Canyon.
- OgdenAbout 45 minutes north: Historic 25th Street and Snowbasin.
Good to know
- Addresses follow a grid from Temple Square: 400 South 200 East means four blocks south and two east of the temple.
- TRAX light rail runs from the airport to downtown; ski buses run up the Cottonwood canyons in winter.
- Canyon roads often require snow tires or chains in storms; check UDOT before driving up.
- Liquor stores are state-run and close Sundays and holidays; plan ahead if you want wine with dinner at your rental.