Salt Lake City United States 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Utah - Salt Lake City

Things to Know:

  • Altitude: Salt Lake City is at a high altitude (4,300 ft). Take it easy your first day to adjust. Drink plenty of water!
  • Weather: Summers are hot and dry, winters cold with snow. Check the forecast before you go.
  • Transportation: TRAX light rail system is great for getting around downtown and to the airport. Consider renting a car for day trips.

Where to Stay:

  • Downtown: Proximity to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife (The Grand America Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City)
  • Sugar House: Trendy neighborhood with boutiques, cafes, and breweries (Little America Hotel, The Inn on the Avenue)

Day 1: Downtown Delights

  • Morning: Arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Take TRAX to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Explore Temple Square, home of the iconic Salt Lake Temple and visitor centers.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Red Iguana for authentic Mexican cuisine. Stroll through City Creek Center, an open-air shopping mall with a retractable roof.

Day 2: History & Nature

  • Morning: Visit the Utah State Capitol Building for stunning views of the city and Wasatch Mountains.
  • Afternoon: Explore This Is The Place Heritage Park, a living history museum depicting pioneer life.
  • Evening: Hike to Ensign Peak for panoramic sunset views over the Salt Lake Valley.

Day 3: Artistic Adventures & Brewery Hopping

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts or the Salt Lake Art Center.
  • Afternoon: Discover local craft beers on a brewery tour in the Granary District (Epic Brewing Company, Wasatch Brewery).
  • Evening: Catch a Broadway show at Eccles Theater or enjoy live music at The Depot.

Day 4: Natural Wonders & Olympic History

  • Morning: Take a scenic drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon and hike to Donut Falls.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Utah Olympic Park, site of the 2002 Winter Games, and try bobsledding or ziplining.
  • Evening: Dine at The Copper Onion for farm-to-table American cuisine.

Day 5: Day Trip to Park City

  • Morning: Rent a car and drive to Park City, a charming mountain town known for its skiing and historic Main Street.
  • Afternoon: Explore the boutiques and art galleries on Main Street or take a gondola ride up Park City Mountain Resort for breathtaking views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Riverhorse on Main, a fine-dining restaurant in a historic building.

Day 6: Relaxation & Shopping

  • Morning: Relax and rejuvenate at The Grand America Hotel’s spa.
  • Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at the City Creek Center or explore the eclectic boutiques of Sugar House.
  • Evening: Savor Italian fare at Valter’s Osteria, known for its romantic ambiance.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and take one last stroll through Temple Square.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Transportation Tips:

  • TRAX light rail is efficient and affordable for downtown and airport travel.
  • UTA buses cover a wider area, including day trips.
  • Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available.

Other Things to Consider:

  • Great Salt Lake: Visit Antelope Island State Park for stunning views of the lake and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Natural History Museum of Utah: Explore Utah’s diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage.

  • Thanksgiving Point: A family-friendly destination with gardens, a dinosaur museum, and an interactive farm.