How to fold Salt Lake City, Utah into your trip.
Use Salt Lake City as your mountain gateway, a base where adventure, culture, and calm come together effortlessly.
Start your morning downtown with a warm coffee and a view of the Wasatch rising like a painted backdrop. Wander Temple Square’s architecture, stroll through City Creek, or explore the surrounding neighborhoods where bakeries and indie shops add color to the quiet streets. Then point yourself toward the mountains: Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, or Millcreek Canyon, each one offering its own version of snow-dusted peaks, forest trails, wildflowers, and sweeping overlooks that feel far from urban life despite being minutes away. In the afternoon, drive out toward the Great Salt Lake, the air grows still, the landscape widens, and the horizon becomes a reflective haze of sky and water that feels almost spiritual. Return to the city for dinner at a spot known for slow-roasted western flavors or seasonal Rocky Mountain cuisine, then finish your night on a rooftop watching the city lights glow beneath the mountains. Salt Lake City rewards the traveler who slows down just enough to feel its rhythm, steady, grounded, and quietly extraordinary.
Three days you'll remember.
📍 Clear Skies, Clear Mind
Day 1: Boat the Lake
Boat the lake and feel the breeze whip through mountain-framed waters, calm, cool, unforgettable.
Day 1: Dinner @ Log Haven
Hides in the canyon like a fairytale, rustic romance and fine dining in one.
Day 2: Lunch @ Blue Iguana
Color splashed walls, margaritas that don’t apologize, and plates of enchiladas built for lingering a little too long.
Day 2: Salt Flats
The flats stretch out like another planet, drive fast, dream big.
Day 2: Dinner @ Bambara
Bambara plates elegance with ease, refined without the fuss.
Day 3: Brunch @ Squatters
Craft brews with heart. Sit back, sip, swap stories.
Day 3: Wildlife Discovery
Wildlife discovery means antelope, elk, and a close-up with Utah’s wild side.
Day 3: Olympic Park
Gives you that rush, zip lines, bobsleds, and a taste of glory.
Day 3: Dinner @ Caffe Molise
Ends it right, Italian soul, mountain backdrop, and that just-right glass of wine.
Salt Lake City Itinerary FAQ.
What are the best things to do in Salt Lake City for a weekend trip?
The best things to do in Salt Lake City include exploring Temple Square, hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon, visiting the Utah State Capitol, and discovering local eateries downtown.
When is the best time to visit Salt Lake City for a weekend getaway?
The best time to visit Salt Lake City is in spring (April, June) and fall (September, October) for mild weather and fewer crowds, or winter (December, March) if you’re hitting the ski slopes.
Where should I stay in Salt Lake City for a weekend trip?
The best places to stay in Salt Lake City are in downtown near Temple Square or in the Sugar House neighborhood for a more local vibe with access to parks, restaurants, and nightlife.
What food should I try in Salt Lake City during a weekend visit?
During your visit, try fry sauce (a local classic), funeral potatoes, pastrami burgers, and fresh takes on comfort food from SLC’s growing farm-to-table scene.
Is Salt Lake City walkable for a weekend trip?
Salt Lake City is walkable in its downtown core, especially around Temple Square and City Creek Center. However, a car or rideshare is helpful for exploring areas like Sugar House or the surrounding canyons.
How do I get around Salt Lake City for a weekend trip?
To get around Salt Lake City, you can use the TRAX light rail, rent a car, or use rideshare services. The city’s grid system makes it easy to navigate, and there’s plenty of parking downtown.
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