Play The Hits: Exploring Salt Lake City's Iconic Sights

First time to Salt Lake City? This is SLC 101.

You’re a curious traveler, right? You like to understand the places you go. Well, have we got a story for you. Utah has one of the most remarkable histories in the United States. Unlike most of its neighbors — which were mainly founded by pioneers chasing mining booms, or timber and ranching opportunities — Utah was settled in 1847 by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (popularly known as Mormons). Church leader Brigham Young led more than 20,000 pioneer families on a harrowing trek to the Salt Lake Valley seeking a place where they could practice their religion in peace. It’s a true and uniquely American story that combines a struggle for freedom of conscience with an epic frontier journey and its legacy can be seen everywhere in Salt Lake City.

For the curious traveler, no trip is complete without a dive into this singular history and, of course, there is more to Utah than its founding story. There are rich tales of native peoples and earlier explorers — trappers and Catholic missionaries — to be understood. The Salt Lake Valley itself is a geologic treasure where you can literally see the high-water marks of an ancient Lake Bonneville (we call it the “bathtub ring”). And as Utah joined the United States, more settlers of all colors and creeds came with the railroad adding stories to this diverse tapestry.

Let this itinerary be your guide to an enlightening three-day tour of the highlights of Utah’s cultural, natural and historical landscapes. Salt Lake City is easy to explore on foot, by car, light rail, bus or with our easy-to-use GREENbike bike share system. (The Utah Transit Authority uses the Transit app for trip planning and fare payment.)

However you chose to explore, you’ll experience this great western city from its early beginnings to its modern-day state.

Day 1

Play The Hits

2 Miles

Salt Lake City’s grid system was laid shortly after the Mormon’s arrival. Thus, all roads lead to LDS Temple Square. Start here and witness the early industry of the settlers. Venturing uphill to the Utah State Capitol building, you’ll enjoy views of the city below (you can see the grid!) and then drop down into the protected natural area, City Creek Canyon, where you’ll walk along its rolling creek in the undeveloped foothills.

Note: Temple Square is undergoing major renovations. Visitors are still able to tour the Tabernacle, visit the Church History Museum and Library, or explore their geneology for free in the FamilySearch center.

Foodie picks: Three blocks southeast of Temple Square, you'll find Oquirrh Restaurant, a 2023 James Beard Award semi-finalist restaurant named for the mountain range bordering the west end of the Salt Lake Valley. MONARCA on State Street celebrates Mexican cuisine with their expressively decorated dishes, not to mention birria tacos to die for.

**Salt Lake City Public Library** | Downtown Alliance

Day 2

Art And Architecture

7 Miles

At the turn of the 19th Century, a silver boom created the Silver Barons. The mining magnates built beautiful mansions along South Temple, one of which, the Kearns Mansion, serves as Utah’s gubernatorial residence. On West Temple, you’ll find the center of Utah’s modern art scene, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA). Across the street you'll find excellent shopping at City Creek Center, and the chance to see a show at the gorgeous Eccles Theater. Venture further to visit what some consider to be the city’s secular heart, the beautiful Salt Lake City Library (pictured), designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie.

Foodie pick: Stoneground Kitchen, just to the north of Library Square, offers modern Italian fare and an excellent wine list. For great seafood, head north one more block to Current Fish and Oyster and cap the night with a drink at the neighboring coctail lounge Under Current.

Day 3

Head For the Hills

11 Miles

Salt Lake's eastern bench (aka "the foothills") was created by prehistoric Lake Bonneville. Discover this rich natural history (and dinosaurs!) at the Natural Museum of Utah. Next door, you can also vist Red Butte Garden and amphitheater, home to a popular summer concert series. Nearby, at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, where the Mormon pioneers entered the valley in 1847, marks the spot where LDS leader Brigham Young famously proclaimed, “This is the Place.” Learn more about Utah's cultural heritage at This is the Place Heritage Park.

Foodie pick: Ruth’s Diner and Emigration Brewing Co., located just two miles up Emigration Canyon, both provide picturesque and pleasant dining experiences on the banks of Emigration Creek. Don’t pass up the “mile-high” biscuits at Ruth's.