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State capital and largest city of Utah, U.S.
Photo: Jkinsocal, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Salt Lake City is the capital of, and largest city in, the U.S. state of Utah. It is a destination for outdoor recreation, with nearby mountains full of hiking trails and ski resorts made famous by the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is also well known as the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon church). The city is set to host the Winter Olympics again in 2034.
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The grand state capitol building is prominently displayed on the mountainside, in a lovely park overlooking Downtown. The grounds include a reflecting pond and several memorials. Inside are large open areas and monumental architecture. On weekdays, guided tours are available at no charge on the hour.
Seat of the city government since the 1890s, and in times past was also the seat of county government and even the state capitol building for 20 years. The halls are lined with onyx on each of four lavishly decorated floors. A clock tower rises 256 feet (78 m) above ground level in the middle of the building and is topped by a statue of Columbia. Portraits of former mayors line the third floor corridor between the mayor's office in the south wing and the city council chamber in the north wing. On the fourth floor is an exhibit dedicated to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
One of Salt Lake City's most unique pieces of architecture, the library makes use of natural light and features a rooftop garden. The Rooftop Terrace is closed for renovations as of December 2024.
The zoo is a 42-acre complex, with the largest exhibits featuring primates and elephants. There is also an independent aviary (Tracy Aviary) in Liberty Park, and an aquarium (Loveland Living Planet Aquarium) in the south end of the county.
Has plenty of free exhibits, and paid admission to laser shows and IMAX movies.
Best known for Jurassic-era dinosaur skeletons; also features several exhibits related to Utah's landforms and earliest human inhabitants.
5,000 years worth of art history are on display at the UMFA, with over 18,000 works ranging from antiquity to more modern installations (though with little to no emphasis on abstract art). The museum runs a variety of public programs, such as artist talks, tours, films, and family art-making activities.
Home stadium of the University of Utah football team, and site of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2002 and 2034 Winter Olympics. The original location of the Olympic torch cauldron was covered over by a stadium expansion project. During this project, the cauldron was removed in 2020, refurbished, and reinstalled in a new plaza outside the southwest corner of the stadium in 2021.
The university's main indoor venue, home to men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, and women's gymnastics. Basketball history buffs may recognize it as the site of the 1979 NCAA men's basketball Final Four; the championship game was the first meeting between all-time greats Larry Bird and Magic Johnson (Magic was on the winning side that time).
High School Musical fans will get a kick out of seeing the real high school where the movie was filmed.
This museum has a permanent display outlining the history of the Mormon church from its East Coast origins up to the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. This portion takes about a half hour to walk through if you read the descriptions as you go. There is also a rotating display of religious artwork.
The genealogical research wing of the Mormon church, this is the largest library of its kind in the world. It is open to the general public and attracts multitudes of visitors looking to trace their family history. Research assistants are on duty to help patrons.
Marking the spot where Brigham Young is believed to have said "This is the place", the park's features include a monument to the Mormon settlers of the Salt Lake Valley and a re-creation of a Utah frontier village made of historical buildings that were transplanted from their original foundations. Demonstrations of frontier life take place here frequently.
Salt Lake City's "Central Park" with areas for several different activities, including a very small amusement park, a large pond with paddle boats available on some occasions, fountains to play in, swimming pools, barbecue areas, tennis courts, bike and running paths, and plenty of green space with tall shade trees. For many years warm Sunday afternoons have seen a drum circle congregate in the park.
Located on eight acres within Liberty Park, the aviary is home to about 300 total birds from over 100 different species, including many rare/endangered species. Offers year-round bird shows, bird-themed crafts, and a daily 1PM Avian Encounter show for $3 per person.
A 110-acre park with soccer fields, a baseball diamond, volleyball courts, picnic areas, rolling grassy hills, a garden center, and a small pond often inhabited by California Gull, the state bird. This park is popular with runners and joggers, who exercise on the 1.4 mile loop road's designated pedestrian lane.
Home to the popular Downtown Salt Lake City Farmer's Market on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings from June to October. The park is safe during the daytime, but is best avoided after dark due to the large homeless population and reputation for late-night drug transactions.
A small but unique collection of sculptures and stone engravings hidden between buildings in the center of a city block.
A somewhat laid-back park on the mountainside, featuring trailheads, a meditation chapel, several memorials, and off-leash dog areas.
A park next to a large cemetery in the city's first neighborhood, with a serene atmosphere and spectacular views of the valley.
The International Peace Gardens contain individual areas with contributions (e.g., sculptures) from different nations of the world, usually representing some aspect of their home culture or geography. There are approximately 15 individual national gardens contained within.
Within a 20-minute drive of downtown.
About 20 minutes away from downtown.
This scenic resort is within a half hour of Downtown. Mostly known for skiing and snowboarding, but there are also activities for non-skiers. A scenic tram ride to the top of 11,000 ft Hidden Peak operates year round, weather permitting, and the views from the peak are spectacular in all directions. Summer at Snowbird resembles a carnival, with an assortment of rides and activities.
allows the public to skate on the ice where Olympic champions have been crowned and numerous world records have fallen.
The amusingly named Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA) are one of four professional sports teams in Utah that compete at the highest level of their sport. The others are the NHL's Utah Hockey Club, MLS' Real Salt Lake, and the NWSL's Utah Royals. The Jazz used to be based in New Orleans. Jazz fans are known for being raucous during home games, giving Delta Center one of the league's best atmospheres and a reputation as one of the more difficult places to play a road game. The arena has a TRAX station right out front and the frequency of light rail service is increased for most games. The NBA regular season takes place from November through mid-April; the playoffs can last into June.
Salt Lake City became home to a hockey team in the 2024–25 season. After the Arizona Coyotes went through years of arena issues, the league brokered a deal in which the Coyotes were sold to the Jazz' current ownership. The team played as "Utah Hockey Club" for its first season before adopting the Mammoth name. The Mammoth plays in the Delta Center, with major renovations ongoing (mostly during the NBA and NHL offseasons) for the city's successful bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Pronounced rey-AL, an anglicized version of the Spanish word as in "Real Madrid", not like the English word real, it is a member of Major League Soccer (MLS). Home games are played at America First Field, in the nearby suburb of Sandy, which is also directly accessible from TRAX. The regular season lasts from March through October and the playoffs last into November. Established in 2005, Real Salt Lake is one of the newer additions to Major League Soccer, but won the MLS title in 2009.
Having returned to the National Women's Soccer League in 2024 after a three-year absence, the Royals are owned by Real Salt Lake and also play at America First Field. The original Royals played in the NWSL from 2018 through 2020, but were shut down due to the fallout from a racism controversy involving Real's owner. The new ownership of Real exercised an option to revive the NWSL team, and the reborn Royals inherited the original team's history.
Began play in Major League Rugby, a new attempt to launch a fully professional US league in rugby union, in 2018. Plays at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.
play in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA), formerly the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), the top men's professional league for the sport of ultimate. Home games are played at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.
play professional women's ultimate in the Western Ultimate League. Home games are held at Judge Memorial Stadium (650S 1100E) in Salt Lake City.
A Minor League Baseball team in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League that are affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels. The Bees opened The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan in 2025.
Minor-league hockey team competes in the ECHL and plays their home games at the Maverik Center in West Valley City.
Reserve side for Real Salt Lake, playing in the third-level MLS Next Pro alongside the reserve sides for most other MLS teams. The team also plays at Zions Bank Stadium.
Performs regularly at the downtown Capitol Theater.
Puts on contemporary dance performances at the Rose Wagner theater (also downtown).
Performs at both Abravanel Hall and Capitol Theater.
Operated by the International Rescue Committee, this market gives refugee farmers a chance to earn money and develop skills/comfort in their adopted home. It often includes more hard-to-find produce items.
Like Sunnyvale, this market is operated by the International Rescue Committee to give earning opportunities and experience to refugees. The selection is more eclectic than at most markets.
This casual business with a retro vibe has been serving popular burgers and shakes since 1959. It still offers carhop service.
Two locations around the corner from each other: one for take-out only and then a dine-in location in a dark but cozy basement with twenty years worth of graffiti covering the walls. Best known for their giant, thickly loaded pizzas, but they also serve salads, sub sandwiches, and beer.
Mexican restaurant with a menu based on old family recipes. Popular and crowded enough that they have a second location less than two blocks away (866 W South Temple, +1 801-214-6050) and an express version called Taste of Red Iguana a mile (2 km) east on the State Street side of the City Creek Center mall.
Open since 1930, Ruth's features a unique mountain setting and creekside patio seating. The diner is famous for its large "mile high" biscuits. Sunday brunch tends to be very busy.
First area brewpub of the modern era, with a nice patio.
Delicious vegan bakery and cafe, with friendly staff.
Serves excellent Chinese food. Instead of ordering individual meals, the entire party orders appetizers.
Sandwich joint specializing in Philly cheesesteaks and meatball subs.
Authentic German deli in the heart of downtown.
Afghan.
Venezuelan arepas, empanadas, and more.
Argentinian.
Tibet.
Afro-Caribbean
Strip-mall outpost offering classic Ethiopian fare (dining) & specialty grocery items in a laid-back setting.
Offers Swahili cuisine, dishes of East Africa and Kenya in particular.
Ethiopian.
Located in the Woodbine Food Hall, this spot offers a menu of Burmese dishes (in addition to the sushi.)
Somalian
Salvadoran
Peruvian
Cinema pub with two movie screens and a lineup of mostly recent releases. Menu consists of things like pizza, burgers, nachos, and chicken tenders; drinks are mostly beer, including many local brews. Food bought at Brewvies can be eaten in the theater areas.
Louisiana-inspired sauces with a West Coast Asian twist.
Pizza, flatbread, paninis, and pastas with cocktails and wine.
Delicious momos and Nepali/Indian curries.
Vietnamese cuisine.
Nepali and Indian cuisine.
New American cuisine.
Downtown brewpub popular for their seafood dishes from Almond Crusted Trout to simple fish and chips. More focus on the food than you might expect from a place that calls itself a brewery.
Bakery.
Rawtopia Living Cuisine and Beyond
This longstanding restaurant is halal, entirely gluten-free, and largely raw foods. Many dishes are innovative choices inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.
Zest
Upscale all-vegan and gluten-free cuisine. Has oil-free and raw options. Also a bar, so customers must be age 21+.
Offers a gluten-free menu.
Pizza, flatbread, paninis, and pastas with cocktails and wine. They can make many items gluten free, including flat bread.
Delicious vegan bakery and cafe, with friendly staff.
The Dodo
A Salt Lake staple since 1981; they can make many items GF.
Good GF breakfast options; breakfast served all day.
Popular apres-ski spot. They can make many items GF.
Acai bowls and other GF healthful options.
Chicken fast food.
Halal fast casual spot with Pakistani cuisine; has vegan options.
Offers Swahili cuisine, dishes of East Africa and Kenya in particular.
Rawtopia Living Cuisine and Beyond
This longstanding restaurant is halal, entirely gluten-free, and largely raw foods. Many dishes are innovative choices inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.
Small market with international foods, halal meats.
Vietnamese fare, including bahn mi and numerous plates.
Fast carry-out only subs and salads.
Delicious vegan bakery and cafe, with friendly staff.
Diner fare with a punk aesthetic.
Ice cream
Coffee shop and cafe; dishes are vegan by default but eggs/dairy can be added on request.
Passion Flour Patisserie
Baked treats and cafe options.
Fine dining; vegan gourmet and handcrafted foods.
Vegan versions of comfort fare; they make their own faux meats, which they also sell in packages from the premises.
Sushi menu plus an array of Asian (Chinese, Thai, Mongolian) plates.
The area's oldest vegan restaurant, offering vegan takes on diner fare.
Zest
Upscale all-vegan and gluten-free cuisine. Has oil-free and raw options. Also a bar, so customers must be age 21+.
Vegan baked goods and cafe/bistro, mostly offering salads and sandwiches.
Asian dishes, mostly Vietnamese.
Brazilian meat-on-a-stick joint; about 90% of the menu is GF.
Pizza in Neapolitan style; any pizza can be made gluten-free.
Mediterranean street food; excellent GF fries.
They can make most items gluten free.
A highly regarded downtown destination for sushi and elevated Asian fare.
Sushi
Serves American and Thai comfort food, breakfast and lunch, most of which is available in vegetarian and/or gluten-free varieties.
Cafeteria-style fast casual fare.
Upscale dining in the New American style, with eclectic décor and top-notch service. Has gluten-free menus for lunch and dinner hours.
An American restaurant. Food sourcing is local and sustainable whenever possible.
Long menu with an emphasis on seafood, but plenty of options for all times of day.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Fine eclectic dining built around a farm-to-table ethos. Make your reservation online.
Brazilian churrascaria.
Upscale steak restaurant. Voted "best steakhouse" by Salt Lake Magazine eight years in a row.
A highly regarded downtown destination for sushi and elevated Asian fare.
Local chain
This is a biergarten type place that opens at noon and is quiet during the day. They have Kombucha if you don't want to drink beer. Also brats and fries. Good wifi.
No wifi, so it has a more social feel to it. Service charge is included in all prices.
Locally owned café
A beer lover's paradise with over 300 different beers from all over the world, about 30 of them on tap. The food menu features Cajun and Creole dishes like Jambalaya Pizza, Alligator Cheesecake, and Blackened Catfish Salad. Live music after 9PM on most Friday and Saturday nights.
Sugar House sports bar that takes on a laid-back bar & grill atmosphere between games. Standard American food: burgers, pizza, etc. Brands itself as very LGBTQ+ friendly.
Stylish two-story gastropub popular with the younger crowd. Has a patio on each floor and beautiful views of both downtown and the mountains. Live music most nights, not just on weekends. Must be 21 or older.
An upscale bar serving high quality cocktails as well as a small food menu with items from the seafood restaurant nextdoor.
Cocktail bar with a full food menu. If this wasn't Utah it could probably be called a restaurant.
Themed rooms (e.g., train car, Phantom of the Opera, country garden) make this a unique, fun, and slightly offbeat option.
A landmark high-rise on the south end of downtown, intended to be "the best hotel ever built". The five-diamond hotel features a lovely courtyard and some of the most elaborate chandeliers and mirrors in the world.
An elegant Kimpton hotel in the historic Continental Bank Building high rise. The rooms aren't large, but they are luxurious and cozy. Can be a cheaper option on weekends when it isn't in high demand among business travelers.
Hotel adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake.
This 11,000-square-foot (1,000-square-meter), 1906 Renaissance Revival style mansion is one of the grandest on Salt Lake's Capitol Hill. The mansion was turned into a lovely boutique hotel in 1998 and restored to its original grandeur in 2004.
An upscale boutique hotel. Large windows offer nice views of the mountains, the valley, and the city vibe.
The dated exterior looks like Soviet architecture, but the rooms are pleasant, clean and smoke free. No airport shuttle is offered.
At Fort Douglas on the University of Utah campus.
Campground 14 blocks west from Temple Square and close to the UTA Trax Light Rail, which has sites for tents and RVs with 50 Max Amp full service hookups. They are open year round and have complimentary wi-fi, kitchen facilities you can use, and a pool/hot tub.
RV Park located minutes away from Downtown Salt Lake City that is open year round. Amenities include wi-fi access, a dog park, laundry facilities, bike rentals, and a swimming pool.
18 or older, no convicted felons.
focuses on new, used, and local vinyl and cassette tapes. Also carries refurbished record players, cassette players, merch, and miscellaneous music-related items.
boutique record store; hosts space for a rotating coterie of individual vendors (e.g., collectors, DJs) so the overall inventory is eclectic and turns over frequently. Has vinyl and cassettes, new and used.
New music and extensive collection of used CDs, organized by genres popular and obscure. Also carries games and merch.
A shop focused on the metal genre; offers music and a considerable amount of merch.
focuses on used vinyl.
Dedicated to all things Hip Hop. Sells vinyl records and CDs, plus to apparel, spray paint supplies. Sponsors MC and B-Boy battles monthly.
By car
Salt Lake City is served by two interstate freeways: Interstate 80 connects to eastern and western destinations all the way from coast to coast, and Interstate 15, though viewed as a commuter freeway…
By bus
By train
By car
Salt Lake's wide streets make it quite easy to navigate by car; one-way streets are rare.
By bus
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA), +1 801-743-3882, operates an extensive network of bus lines that collectively reach the entire Wasatch Front, with especially comprehensive service in and around…
By train
UTA's light rail system, TRAX, connects many of Salt Lake City's most popular tourist destinations, including Temple Square, Downtown, the University of Utah, and the airport.
By bicycle
Salt Lake City has routes and trails through and around the city for cyclists of any age.
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