Being born and raised in Salt Lake City, I’ve seen firsthand what makes Utah such a unique travel destination! While working as a flight attendant, I’ve been to many places, and there’s nothing quite like Utah.
Hopefully you’re going to visit Utah soon (or you should be 😉). I wrote this 3-day guide with a Friday / Saturday / Sunday in mind, because I did this same itinerary for a friend from Europe when he came to visit Salt Lake City. But feel free to alter it for your needs!
Day 1
Start the day early with a walk through Liberty Park to get breakfast at Pig and the Jelly Jar! My go-to order is the ham hash and mimosa!
Well-fed and energized, begin a walking tour of downtown Salt Lake! Historic Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol Building, and the Leonardo Museum all are within blocks of each other! You’ll easily be able to stop for lunch at local chains like Even Steven’s or Cafe Rio! If you want to splurge, the Roof is an all-you-can-eat buffet, and the only restaurant with sweeping front-seat views of the Salt Lake City Temple!
After spending the day learning of Utah’s Pioneer history, let loose with an evening session of indoor ice staking at the Kearns Olympic Oval! Built to host the 2002 Winter Olympics, it is still used as an official U.S. Olympic Training Site!
The fun isn’t over just yet! A quick 15 minute ride brings you to the charming Chocolate Dessert Cafe! Which, as it sounds, is a self-care central. Relax in the remodeled farmhouse while you indulge in a reward worth sharing, the famous Cazookie!
Day 2
Wind your way up to Park City to escape the city for a day! Main Street is scattered with cafes, art galleries, and wild west bars. The best “in theme” place for lunch is High West Distillery, complete with barrels to sit on! Sam and I chose to eat at No Name Saloon, also located on Main Street. No Name serves bison burgers, a first for Sam!
The rest of the day should be spent outside, enjoying all the outdoor activities Park City has to offer! In the summer, there is quite a bit of hiking available. And for the thrill-seekers, the Alpine Slide is a 3,000 foot luge-style slide down the face of the mountain.
For winter recreation, Sundance and Deer Valley ski resorts are both located near Park City. Via Salt Lake, visit Brighton, Alta, Snowbird, and Solitude resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
If you’re a nightlife person, now is your time to shine! Nestled in the heart of Main Street, Park City Live is a state-renown venue! DJs and entertainers from all over the world have performed at Park City Live, often during the Sundance Film Festival.
For those wanting to go out in Salt Lake, I recommend Twist, Keys on Main, Gracie’s, and Lake Effect! For my LGBT family, you’ll want to look into Sun Trapp or Tryangles. 😉
Day 3
Start the day off with a caffeine boost from Nostalgia Cafe in the Avenues neighborhood. With coffee in your veins and mountain air in your lungs, take in the view of Salt Lake from Ensign Peak! Don’t worry, it’s rated easy for even non-hikers! This trail will take you casually above the capitol building with a view that towers over downtown.
With an appetite worked up from the hike, stop at In-N-Out Burger for lunch on your way to Antelope Island! Traverse the Great Salt Lake by car on a man-made causeway to reach your destination! Antelope Island is part of the National Park system, so bring cash or card to pay a small entrance fee.
Be careful while exploring the island as the animals are free range! You’re in their backyard, so respecting the wildlife is key to enjoying your experience.
After your island adventures are over, drive back to Salt Lake to freshen up and get dressed for an evening out! Tonight’s dinner spot is my personal favorite, HSL! Having won the 2019 Salt Lake Magazine Dining Award, you won’t be disappointed to spend your final evening like a local.
Other Salt Lake City Highlights
Spring:
— Holi Festival of Colors
— Kennecott Copper Mine
Summer:
— Utah Gay Pride
— Pioneer Day Parade
— Tracy Aviary & Hogle Zoo
Fall:
— Alpine Loop Scenic Drive
— Snowbird & Brighton Oktoberfest
— Lagoon’s Frightmares
Winter:
— Temple Square Christmas Lights
— Sundance Film Festival
If you’re looking for family-friendly day trips from Salt Lake City, I suggest any of our National Parks! If you love hiking, consider these three hikes that can easily be done in a day!
Now get out there and start exploring the beautiful state that I call home!
P.S. I posted a highlight reel of this itinerary on my Instagram, and other local friends chimed in to share their favorite spots in the comments. You can find those suggestions by clicking on the picture below. 🙂
