Salt Lake City Utah 5 Day Itinerary

July 12, 2024

5-Day Salt Lake City Itinerary: Exploring the “Crossroads of the West”

This 5-day itinerary explores the highlights of Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC), a city with stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Things to Know:

Altitude: Salt Lake City is located at a high elevation (4,226 feet). Be prepared for altitude sickness and drink plenty of water.
Weather: Weather can be unpredictable in Utah. Pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.
Transportation: The city has a good public transportation system with buses and light rail. Consider using TRAX (the local light rail) or the UTA bus system for getting around.

Day 1: Salt Lake City’s Historical Heart

Morning: Start your day by exploring Temple Square, the heart of Salt Lake City and home to the iconic Salt Lake Temple. Visit the Tabernacle, a stunning concert hall with impressive acoustics, and learn about its significance in Mormon history.
Afternoon: Wander through the historic buildings of downtown Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol Building and the historic Beehive House.
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at The Copper Onion for their delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
- Afterward, take a stroll through the charming 9th & 9th neighborhood for its unique restaurants and shops.

Day 2: Nature’s Playground

Morning: Hike up Ensign Peak, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Afternoon: Visit the Utah Museum of Natural History to learn about the state’s diverse natural history.
Evening: Indulge in a hearty meal at Red Iguana, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
Other options: Explore the Great Salt Lake Nature Center (located near the Great Salt Lake), visit the Utah State Historical Society to delve into the city’s past, or enjoy a performance at the Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
Day 2-5: Transportation
- Consider renting a car for day trips outside the city center.
- Public transportation is readily available within Salt Lake City. Utilize the UTA website and app to plan your routes on the TRAX light rail or bus routes.
Things to do in Salt Lake City:
- Day 2: Explore the beauty of the Great Salt Lake, hike ** Antelope Island State Park** for stunning views and wildlife viewing opportunities (buffalo, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep).
- Day 3: Take a scenic drive up the Wasatch Mountains to enjoy hiking, biking, or just taking in the majestic mountain vistas.
- Day 4: Visit Red Butte Garden, a beautiful botanical garden with various themed gardens and events.
Things to know for travel:
- Check for car rentals: If you plan on exploring outside Salt Lake City, it’s best to book a rental car in advance.
- Explore the local food scene:
Indulge in a hearty meal at Red Iguana, a renowned restaurant offering delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Visit Red Butte Garden: This botanical garden boasts stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains, beautiful trails, and diverse themed gardens.

Day 3:

Morning: Explore the vibrant 9th & 9th neighborhood for its unique restaurants, cafes, and bustling atmosphere.
- Things to do in 9th & 1st: Enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the charming cafes like The Daily Grind, visit the independent bookstore The King’s English, or wander through Liberty Park.
Afternoon: Visit the Red Butte Garden for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature. Explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Herb Garden.
- Enjoy the beauty: Wander through the diverse plant collections and admire the natural landscapes.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Copper Onion, known for its delicious and hearty Mexican cuisine.
Things to do in the evening:
- Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts: Explore a wide range of art from around the world and throughout history.
- Catch a show at the Eccles Theater: This state-of-the-art theatre hosts Broadway productions, musicals, plays, and concerts.
Enjoy a farm-to-table meal: For a unique culinary experience, try one of the restaurants in the 9th & 9th neighborhood known for its focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Enjoy the nightlife: Salt Lake City has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants offering live music and entertainment.

Day 4:

Explore Day 1-3 activities:
Catch a show at Eccles Theater: Check the schedule for “The Lion King” or other shows that might be playing.
Experience a Broadway show: Enjoy a performance in Salt Lake City’s bustling theater district.

Things to do:

Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah: Immerse yourself in the state’s natural history and geology.
Attend a concert at The Red Butte Garden: Enjoy live music under the stars while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 5: Salt Lake City History & Culture

Visit the Utah State Capitol Building: Explore the history of Utah and admire its stunning architecture.
Enjoy the scenic views: The building’s impressive design allows you to see breathtaking panoramas of the city and surrounding mountains.
Explore the Museum: Learn about Utah’s history, geology, and ecology.
Things to Consider:
- “The Lion King”: Check if it’s playing during your visit and book tickets in advance.
- Accessibility: Most of the attractions in Salt Lake City are accessible by public transportation.

Things to Eat:

Salt Lake City is known for:

Delicious local cuisine: Try the famous “fry sauce” (a mayo-ketchup mixture) or indulge in a delicious Utah pastrami sandwich on your trip.

Day 5 Options:

Breakfast: Enjoy a classic breakfast at a local diner with a Utah twist, like a “breakfast burrito” with eggs, potatoes, and cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Lunch: Grab a bite at one of the food trucks or cafes near Salt Lake City’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Dinner: Try a new-to-you cuisine for dinner. Salt Lake City offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional American comfort food to international flavors.

Other things you can do in Salt Lake City:

Explore the 9th & 9th area: This neighborhood is known for its unique and eclectic shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Visit the Red Butte Garden: Enjoy a picnic lunch or explore the gardens’ diverse plant collections. Enjoy the beauty of the “Japanese Garden” with its traditional architecture and serene pond setting.

Day 6-7:

Explore Temple Square: Immerse yourself in the history of the Mormon Church at its heart, the “Temple Square”.
Relax in a park: Visit one of Salt Lake City’s many parks for a relaxing afternoon.
Enjoy the nightlife: For a unique experience, visit the “Beehive House”, a historic home that showcases the architectural and design elements of the 19th century.

Things to see & do:

Visit the “Utah Museum of Fine Arts”
Explore other historical sites in Salt Lake City**:
Temple Square: Enjoy the beautiful gardens, fountains, and architecture of this historic landmark.

Day 7: Hike/Bike:

Enjoy the views: Hike a trail like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for stunning scenery.
Enjoy a bike ride: Explore the trails around Salt Lake City for exercise and scenic views.

Things to enjoy:

Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts: Explore their diverse collections and exhibits, showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.
Relax at Liberty Park: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors. This beautiful park is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

Day 8-10: Explore Beyond the City

Enjoy a scenic drive: Take a road trip through the majestic Wasatch Mountains, stopping at charming towns and enjoying the natural beauty along the way.

Beyond the city:

Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah: Learn about the fascinating history of the Earth and the life it has supported.
Explore the “Bonneville Salt Flats”: Experience the surreal landscape and unique history of this iconic location.
Enjoy a picnic: Relax in the peaceful setting of the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you have lunch.

Things to keep in mind:

Visit the Utah State Capitol Building: Explore its impressive architecture, take a tour of the dome, and visit the “Temple Square” itself.
Enjoy a picnic: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends and family.

Explore the wonders of nature: The Wasatch Mountains offer stunning views and hiking opportunities for all levels.

Dining:

Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants on “Temple Square”.
Try “The Red Butte Cafe”: Enjoy delicious food and drink options in a beautiful setting.
Visit Salt Lake City’s vibrant downtown area: Explore the shops and restaurants, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of a big city.

Other things to consider:

Enjoy the scenery: Visit Antelope Island State Park for breathtaking views and wildlife encounters.
Take advantage of the nearby “Utah Museum of Fine Arts” which offers a variety of exhibits on the history, art, and culture of Utah.
Enjoy the outdoors: Explore the beautiful “Great Salt Lake” by going on a hike or bike ride.

Enjoy the views:

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the “Great Salt Lake” from a distance.
Enjoy local food: Try the cafe’s famous “Utah breakfast burrito”.
Explore the area: Visit Red Butte Garden, a beautiful botanical garden in the 9th & 9th neighborhood.
Local Activities:
Enjoy the views of the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding beauty while visiting “Great Salt Lake”
Take a break from the city: Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Enjoy the unique experience:

Enjoy the scenic drive and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding Salt Lake City.
Explore the vibrant downtown area:

For a fun activity: Enjoy a relaxing picnic with friends or family.

Day 8-10:

Enjoy the “Great Salt Lake” views from a distance.

Remember that these are just suggestions, and you can customize this itinerary to fit your interests and travel style. This is a great starting point for exploring the history and culture of Salt Lake City. Enjoy!

Visit the “Great Salt Lake”: Enjoy the unique beauty of this natural wonder.
Enjoy the views, the fresh air, and the unique experiences.
Other attractions:
Explore the “Utah Museum of Fine Arts”:

For a truly unique experience: Visit the “Great Salt Lake”. Day 8: Hiking/Biking: Enjoy a scenic drive or hike through the mountains to explore the beauty beyond the city limits.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic by the lake at the end of a long day of exploring!

Day 11-14:

Enjoy the beauty of the “Great Salt Lake” and enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
Enjoy a break from the city:

Things to remember:

Remember that “Salt Lake City” is a city, not just a lake.

This is just a sample itinerary for a 14-day trip.

To explore the history of Salt Lake City: Visit the “Utah Museum of Fine Arts” or “Red Butte Garden”.

Things to remember:

Explore the mountains: Explore the beauty of the “Wasatch Mountains”
Enjoy the cultural offerings: Enjoy a variety

Things to Enjoy:

Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a scenic drive through the canyons, hike the trails in “Big Cottonwood Canyon”, and explore the city’s museums and attractions.
Salt Lake City: This is a great starting point for exploring the beauty of “Utah”.
“The Copper House”:

Enjoy the beautiful views at “The Great Salt Lake” and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Explore the outdoors:

Enjoy the unique landscape, perfect for a relaxing drive or a scenic hike.

Enjoy the natural beauty of “Utah’s” state parks.
Relax in the city: Enjoy the beautiful gardens and views of the Wasatch Mountains.
Enjoy local food: Enjoy a picnic with your family or friends.