Salt Lake City, United States 5 Day Itinerary

Salt Lake City 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Temple Square

  • Arrival: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the main airport. You can rent a car or use public transportation like UTA buses and TRAX trains to explore the city.

  • Morning: Check into your hotel (recommended: Grand America Hotel for luxury, or Little America Hotel for mid-range). Familiarize yourself with the surroundings.

  • Afternoon: Visit Temple Square, the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Take a free 90-minute guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.

  • Evening: Dine at Market Street Grill, offering contemporary American cuisine with local influences.

Day 2: City Parks & Hiking

  • Morning: Visit Liberty Park, the city’s oldest and largest urban park, featuring a tranquil lake, walking paths, and the Utah Museum of Natural History.

  • Afternoon: Head to Ensign Peak for a short but steep hike with stunning views of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.

  • Evening: Dine at Pig & a Jelly Jar, known for its Southern-inspired dishes and extensive cocktail menu.

Day 3: Antelope Island & Great Salt Lake

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. Explore the island’s wildlife, such as bison and antelope, and visit Bridger Bay Beach.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Fielding Garr Ranch Museum on the island to learn about its history.

  • Evening: Return to SLC for dinner at Sushi Kai, one of the city’s top sushi spots.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities & Red Butte Garden

  • Morning: Visit City Creek Canyon for a more challenging hike or drive up Emigration Canyon for scenic views and lunch at the Emigration Cafe.

  • Afternoon: Explore Red Butte Garden, a beautiful botanical garden with over 450 species of native and adapted plants.

  • Evening: Dine at Forage, offering contemporary American cuisine made from local ingredients.

Day 5: Day Trip to Park City

  • Morning: Take a scenic drive to Park City (approx. 30 minutes) and explore Historic Main Street with its unique shops and galleries.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Utah Olympic Park, where you can take a guided tour, see the Olympic Museum, and even try out some winter sports activities.

  • Evening: Return to SLC for a farewell dinner at Log Haven, a rustic dining room nestled in the mountains, offering exquisite American cuisine with a focus on game and seafood.

Things to Know:

  • Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and Mormon history.
  • The city’s elevation is approximately 4,300 feet above sea level, so be prepared for slightly thinner air than at sea level.
  • Many restaurants and businesses close early on Sundays due to religious observances.

Tips:

  • Purchase a Go Utah Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions, including Temple Square, the Natural History Museum, and Antelope Island.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out for outdoor activities as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
  • Don’t forget to tip! It’s customary to leave a 15-20% gratuity in restaurants and for service providers like taxi drivers and hotel staff.