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Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Guide

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Why you should visit Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City was once known for being a conservative Mormon town, but in recent decades, it has evolved drastically from its conservative roots into an adventurous, craft-beer-loving city. Although SLC’s religious heritage still plays a big role in the city’s identity, Salt Lake City is now perhaps better known as the ‘Silicon Slopes’ because of its booming tech scene. It also boasts a young, diverse population, including a thriving LGBTQI community and a brewery scene that is only getting bigger and better each year.

You will find Salt Lake City to have a laid-back, folksy culture with a stunning backdrop of the towering Wasatch Mountain Range. Salt Lake City is reputable for some of the best skiing in the world, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

Outside the city boundaries, you will never run out of things to do as the city is in close proximity to the mountains, a myriad of outdoor recreation activities and five national parks boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City

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What to do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is home to a rich selection of museums and cultural attractions for those looking to stir away from the ski scene.

Embrace the city’s Mormon heritage at the Salt Lake Temple in the spiritual center of Temple Square where free walking tours are available in 40 languages. Enjoy shopping and a bustling nightlife scene, maybe even get spirited at a Utah Jazz basketball game in Downtown Salt Lake City.

See the top things to do in Salt Lake City .

Where to stay in Salt Lake City

When it comes down to deciding on where to stay in Salt Lake City, there are a lot of options to choose from. The downtown area is where the majority of people who are visiting will want to stay as it is where the most iconic sites are located.

Metropolitan Inn and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City are great options as they are both affordable, centrally located and about a 10-minute drive away from the airport. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience in the downtown area, check out the Grand America Hotel and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City . If you are traveling with your family Hyatt Place Salt Lake City and Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites are great lodging options as the rooms are spacious and often come with their own living areas.

A bed and breakfast is a unique option when you are visiting Salt Lake City. The Anniversary Inn is a fun and eclectic BnB with one-of-a-kind themed suites located in the vibrant residential neighborhood of Central City.

When you are looking for more of a local perspective of the city we recommend that you rent out an Airbnb, especially if you are traveling with a large group.

Where to eat in Salt Lake City

Over the years Salt Lake City has become a stomping ground for food enthusiasts. You can find cuisines from all over the world with exciting menus that cater to a variety of budgets.

If you are visiting Salt Lake City on the weekend do not miss Avenues Proper . It is a delicious Brunch spot in the Avenues serving up blueberry muffin fritters, bbq brisket hash, and challah french toast. Enjoy a unique twist to southern comfort food at Pig and a Jelly Jar , carrying out breakfast seven days a week. For lunch, choose from a diverse range of dining options from Indian at Saffron Valley to sandwiches at Feldman’s Deli. End your day at Stanza, a romantic restaurant serving up a contemporary twist to Italian dining before satisfying your sweet tooth with pie at The Dodo or shaved ice and puff waffles at Shiro Kuma .

Family-friendly activities in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City caters to families with a wide range of adventurous and cultural activities. For those that are looking to stay indoors, discover science at The Leonardo museum as you explore the ways technology, art, and creativity connect. Learn about Utah’s geology at the Natural History Museum of Utah which is located near the University of Utah. Next to the University of Utah you will find the Red Butte Botanical Garden , a great place to spend a sunny day wandering along walking paths through 11 themed gardens. For those that are on a budget visit the Clark Planetarium as kids are able to explore all of the exhibits free of charge. If you are visiting during Christmas time, make sure to experience zoo lights at the Hogle Zoo .

With Salt Lake City averaging about 62 inches of snow, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy snow tubing and sledding with the family. You can also try your hand at ice-skating or even curling at the indoor Olympic Oval ice-skating rink which was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics.