Salt Lake City Travel Guide (Wasatch Range/Utah/Southwest/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Salt Lake City
List of Places to Visit in Salt Lake City
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Salt Lake City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Salt Lake City
Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Salt Lake City
Food and Drink Scene of Salt Lake City
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Salt Lake City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Salt Lake City
Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City
Do’s and Don’ts of Salt Lake City
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Salt Lake City
- Health in Salt Lake City
Getting to Salt Lake City: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Salt Lake City
Where to Go Next from Salt Lake City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a beautiful city in Utah, located at the base of the Wasatch Range. The city is known for its numerous outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and scenic views. It’s highly recommended to take a visit to Salt Lake City, especially if you love exploring nature and learning about history.

List of Places to Visit in Salt Lake City

Here is a list of the top places to visit in Salt Lake City:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Temple Square: a landmark of Salt Lake City, it is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and features a visitor center, historical exhibits, and a genealogy center.
Utah State Capitol: an impressive building and home to the Governor’s office. It serves as the state’s legislative headquarters and boasts stunning architecture.
Natural History Museum of Utah: a fascinating museum that showcases Utah’s natural history. It houses various exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, Native American artifacts, and science experiments.

Natural Attractions of Salt Lake City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Big Cottonwood Canyon: a stunning canyon that offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives.
Antelope Island State Park: located in the Great Salt Lake, it is the largest island in the lake and is home to various animals such as bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. Activities include hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: a botanical garden that offers stunning scenic views and walks. It is also home to various musical and cultural events.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is known for its hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the top trails in and around the city:

Ensign Peak Trail: this is a short hike that only takes about 15 minutes but offers breathtaking views of Salt Lake City.
Mount Olympus Trail: this is a challenging hike that offers rewarding views of the Wasatch Range.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail: this is an easy trail that runs along the east bench of Salt Lake City and offers stunning views of the city and the valley.

Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City: Activities and Tours

Skiing and Snowboarding: Salt Lake City is well known for its skiing and snowboarding resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort, Alta, and Snowbird.
City Sightseeing Tour: take a guided tour around Salt Lake City to learn about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks.
Utah Olympic Park: a winter sports park that hosted various events during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Visitors can take part in various winter sports activities and tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Salt Lake City

Day 1: Visit Temple Square and the nearby historical landmarks such as the Utah State Capitol and the Governor’s mansion.

Day 2: Explore the outdoor beauty of Salt Lake City by hiking or biking the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Day 3: Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah and take a scenic drive through Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Day 4: Take a trip to Antelope Island State Park and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Day 5: Take a guided tour around Salt Lake City to learn about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks.

Day 6: Visit Red Butte Garden and Arboretum and enjoy a picnic or take part in one of the various events.

Day 7: Visit Utah Olympic Park and take part in various winter sports activities and tours.

Food and Drink Scene of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has a diverse range of culinary experiences to offer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Funeral Potatoes: a unique dish made of potatoes, cheese, and cream of chicken soup, often made for funeral receptions.
Fry Sauce: a popular condiment made of ketchup and mayonnaise.
Jell-O: a dessert that is a state favorite, and often served with whipped cream.

Local Beverages

Squatters: a popular local brewery that offers various craft beers.
High West Distillery: a local distillery that produces whiskey and other spirits.

Where to Stay in Salt Lake City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Salt Lake City offers various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some options:

Little America Hotel: a luxury hotel located in the heart of Salt Lake City’s downtown, offering world-class amenities.
The Grand America Hotel: another luxury hotel located in downtown Salt Lake City with excellent amenities.
Hostelling International Salt Lake City: a budget-friendly option for backpackers and travelers on a budget.

What to Buy in Salt Lake City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Salt Lake City has a range of unique and locally produced products for visitors to take home as souvenirs. Here are some recommendations:

Beehive Cheese: a local cheese maker that uses locally sourced ingredients to create unique flavors.
Salt Lake Roasting Co.: a local coffee roaster that produces high-quality coffee.
Gardner Village: a shopping destination that offers a range of locally produced gifts, crafts, and art.

Local Culture and Customs of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is known for its hospitality and friendly locals. However, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Utah has a strong Mormon influence, so be respectful of their beliefs and practices.
Salt Lake City is known for its conservative approach to alcohol, so remember to drink responsibly.

Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City

The best time to visit Salt Lake City is during the shoulder season (April to May and September to October) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, if you’re interested in winter sports, the best time to visit is during the winter months (December to February).

Do’s and Don’ts of Salt Lake City

Do:

Visit Temple Square and the nearby historical sites.
Take part in outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Enjoy the local food and beverages.

Don’t:

Disrespect local customs and traditions.
Drink and drive.
Leave valuables in your car.

Safety and Health

Safety in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a relatively safe city, but it is still important to take precautions. Here are some safety tips:

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
Lock your car doors and don’t leave valuable items visible.

Health in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has good healthcare facilities, including the University of Utah Health Care and Intermountain Healthcare hospitals.

Getting to Salt Lake City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake City International Airport is the main airport serving the city and is located just 4 miles west of downtown. It is served by several major airlines, including Delta, American, and Southwest.

Bus Stations Near Salt Lake City

The Greyhound Bus Station is located just west of downtown. Other bus services such as the Utah Transit Authority provide regional bus service within Salt Lake City.

Other Options

Salt Lake City also has an Amtrak train station and various car rental options.

How to Get Around in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has several transportation options, including buses, light rail, taxis, and rental cars.

Where to Go Next from Salt Lake City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Park City: located just 35 minutes east of downtown Salt Lake City, this charming mountain town offers a range of outdoor activities and winter sports.
Moab: a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Moab is located around 4 hours southeast of Salt Lake City and offers stunning landscapes and natural beauty.
Lake Powell: a beautiful reservoir that offers fishing, boating, and water sports activities, it’s located around 6 hours south of Salt Lake City.

Conclusion

Salt Lake City is a stunning destination that offers a mix of outdoor beauty, cultural landmarks, and scenic views. With this comprehensive tour guide, you are all set to explore the best of Salt Lake City. Enjoy your visit!