Utah

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Why Visit Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City offers a dynamic mix of culture, history and outdoor adventure, all set against the striking backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. It’s far more than a gateway city; it’s a destination in its own right.

The city’s grid-like centre is anchored by Temple Square, home to the Salt Lake Temple and the heart of the Mormon faith. Nearby, you’ll find museums, galleries and a growing culinary scene with independent cafés, breweries and farm-to-table restaurants. The city’s creative energy is also on display in the Granary District, where former warehouses now house artisan shops and street art.

What truly sets Salt Lake apart is its access to the outdoors. Within 30 minutes, you can be hiking, mountain-biking or skiing in the nearby canyons. In winter, it’s the launchpad for the Greatest Snow on Earth, with world-class ski resorts like Alta, Snowbird and Park City close at hand.

Summer brings alpine wildflowers, lake kayaking and spectacular drives through Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Beyond the city, the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island and the Bonneville Salt Flats all offer unique natural experiences.

Ancient Seabeds

Salt Lake City sits atop the ancient bed of Lake Bonneville, a massive Ice Age lake. You can still see its shoreline etched into surrounding mountains – a visible reminder that this high desert city was once underwater.

Mormon Capital

Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young, who declared, ‘This is the place.’ The city was meticulously planned around Temple Square, which remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Mormonism today.

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Highlights of Salt Lake City

  • Temple Square – The spiritual heart of the city, home to the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle and beautifully landscaped grounds. A place of history, music and quiet reflection.

  • The Great Salt Lake – One of the largest saltwater lakes in the Western Hemisphere. Visit Antelope Island for wildlife-spotting, eerie beauty and vast, mirror-like views.

  • Bonneville Salt Flats – Just under two hours west, these shimmering, otherworldly flats are famous for land-speed records and surreal photography – best at sunrise or after rain.

  • Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons – A short drive from downtown leads to rugged trails, alpine lakes and world-class skiing. Ideal for hiking in summer, powder in winter.

  • Park City – A mountain town just 45 minutes away, known for its ski resorts, creative energy and the Sundance Film Festival. Perfect for a day trip or overnight.

  • The Natural History Museum of Utah – Perched above the city with panoramic views, this modern museum showcases dinosaur fossils, Indigenous history and the state’s diverse landscapes.

Good to know

Getting to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is one of the most accessible hubs in the American West. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major, well-connected airport just 15 minutes from downtown, with direct flights from across the US, as well as international routes from cities including London, Paris, Toronto and Mexico City.

For those arriving by road, Salt Lake City sits at the crossroads of Interstates 15 and 80, making it a natural stop on a wider road trip through the Rockies or the Southwest. It’s around 4.5 hours from Moab, 5 hours from Zion, and just under 8 hours from the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, ideal for combining city culture with Utah’s dramatic landscapes.

There’s also a scenic rail option: Amtrak’s California Zephyr line stops in Salt Lake City, connecting it with Denver, San Francisco and Chicago.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

There really isn’t a bad time to be in Salt Lake City, but if you happen to be there in August, then you may come across the Fringe Festival and discover a new talent making their way to the big time.

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