Utah's Capital City
Salt Lake City
A Beautiful Contemporary City at the Foothills of the Wasatch Mountain Front.
Elevation:
4,226 Feet
Population:
200,478
Salt Lake City is a beautiful city located in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah. It is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, world-class skiing, and plenty of outdoor activities. With its mix of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage, Salt Lake City has something for everyone.
The city's charming downtown district features an array of architectural styles, from classic Victorian-Era buildings to more modern skyscrapers. The renowned Salt Lake Temple stands as a beautiful reminder of the city's rich history and religious significance to its residents. The University of Utah is also located downtown, offering numerous educational opportunities for those interested in furthering their knowledge.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Salt Lake City has plenty to offer. The nearby Wasatch Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. Rock climbing is also popular in the area, with many challenging routes available for experienced climbers. For those looking for something less strenuous, there are numerous parks throughout the city that provide a great place to relax and enjoy some leisurely outdoor activities.
The city's charming downtown district features an array of architectural styles, from classic Victorian-Era buildings to more modern skyscrapers. The renowned Salt Lake Temple stands as a beautiful reminder of the city's rich history and religious significance to its residents. The University of Utah is also located downtown, offering numerous educational opportunities for those interested in furthering their knowledge.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Salt Lake City has plenty to offer. The nearby Wasatch Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. Rock climbing is also popular in the area, with many challenging routes available for experienced climbers. For those looking for something less strenuous, there are numerous parks throughout the city that provide a great place to relax and enjoy some leisurely outdoor activities.
History
Salt Lake City was settled in the late 1840s by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it quickly grew to become a major population center. It had been inhabited by Native Americans since ancient times, and they still make up a large portion of the city's population today. Utah became an official state in 1896, and Salt Lake City has since become the cultural, economic, and political hub of the state. The city is home to numerous historic sites, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and Liberty Park. Additionally, the city is known for its rich art scene featuring a plethora of galleries, performance venues, and film festivals. Salt Lake City continues to be a place of growth and progress today as it looks toward the future.
Places of Interest
CAPITOL BUILDING
The Utah State Capitol building is an impressive example of Neoclassical architecture and houses the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the state government. It stands atop a hill overlooking the entire city, offering stunning views from its observation deck. The building also features several exhibits that are open to the public.
TEMPLE SQUARE
The iconic Temple Square is the center of Mormonism in Salt Lake City. The area includes two historic churches, a visitors’ center, the famous Salt Lake Tabernacle, and many other monuments and attractions. It is frequented by thousands of people daily who come to learn more about the religion or just soak in its beauty.
THIS IS THE PLACE MONUMENT
This Is The Place Monument is a tribute to the Mormon settlers who first arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847. It stands as a reminder of the hardships they endured and their determination and courage to build a new life here. The monument features a bronze sculpture of Brigham Young, along with several plaques illustrating the history behind their journey and settlement.
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is a public research university and one of the top colleges in the nation. It offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as several professional programs. Home to more than 30,000 students, it has world-class academic facilities and is widely recognized for its research and technology.
The Utah State Capitol building is an impressive example of Neoclassical architecture and houses the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the state government. It stands atop a hill overlooking the entire city, offering stunning views from its observation deck. The building also features several exhibits that are open to the public.
TEMPLE SQUARE
The iconic Temple Square is the center of Mormonism in Salt Lake City. The area includes two historic churches, a visitors’ center, the famous Salt Lake Tabernacle, and many other monuments and attractions. It is frequented by thousands of people daily who come to learn more about the religion or just soak in its beauty.
THIS IS THE PLACE MONUMENT
This Is The Place Monument is a tribute to the Mormon settlers who first arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847. It stands as a reminder of the hardships they endured and their determination and courage to build a new life here. The monument features a bronze sculpture of Brigham Young, along with several plaques illustrating the history behind their journey and settlement.
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is a public research university and one of the top colleges in the nation. It offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as several professional programs. Home to more than 30,000 students, it has world-class academic facilities and is widely recognized for its research and technology.
Outdoor Attractions
SPIRAL JETTY
The Spiral Jetty is a 1,500 foot-long sculpture located in the Great Salt Lake. It’s an incredible work of art that was created by artist Robert Smithson in 1970 and is one of the most photographed sites in Utah. It’s a great place to experience nature, take in the views, and enjoy a picnic.
THE GREAT SALT LAKE
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It’s home to a variety of wildlife and offers some fantastic opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and bird-watching. There are also several nature preserves around the lake, where visitors can explore the unique landscape.
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS
The Bonneville Salt Flats are a surreal landscape of white salt flats stretching for miles in every direction. It’s an amazing place to explore and take pictures, and it’s also home to the world-famous Bonneville Speedway, where people come from all over the world to drive their cars at incredible speeds.
The Spiral Jetty is a 1,500 foot-long sculpture located in the Great Salt Lake. It’s an incredible work of art that was created by artist Robert Smithson in 1970 and is one of the most photographed sites in Utah. It’s a great place to experience nature, take in the views, and enjoy a picnic.
THE GREAT SALT LAKE
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It’s home to a variety of wildlife and offers some fantastic opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and bird-watching. There are also several nature preserves around the lake, where visitors can explore the unique landscape.
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS
The Bonneville Salt Flats are a surreal landscape of white salt flats stretching for miles in every direction. It’s an amazing place to explore and take pictures, and it’s also home to the world-famous Bonneville Speedway, where people come from all over the world to drive their cars at incredible speeds.
Photo gallery
Things to do
HOGLE ZOO
The Hogle Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Salt Lake City, featuring over 800 animals that represent more than 200 species. It’s also home to the Utah Hogle Zoo Education Center, which offers educational programs and camps for children of all ages.
UTAH JAZZ
The Utah Jazz is the city’s professional basketball team, and they play at the Vivint Arena. They have a storied history in Salt Lake City, and the arena is often filled with enthusiastic fans. It offers an exciting atmosphere for both home and away games and hosts a range of other events throughout the year.
RED BUTTE GARDEN
Red Butte Garden is a 100-acre botanical garden located in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. It features over 2,500 plant species from around the world and is open year-round for visitors to enjoy its beautiful gardens, trails, and sculptures.
GARDNER VILLAGE
Located in West Jordan Gardner Village is a historic flour mill transformed into a cozy shopping, dining and event location. Visitors of Gardner Village enjoy the tasty restaurants, unique classes, festivals, and events like the Woodland Fairy Festival and Halloween Witchfest.
WHEELER HISTORIC FARM
Wheeler Historic Farm is a part of the National Register of Historic Places and is run by Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation. Wheeler Farm is a free to all, 75 acre, working farm with animals, walking trails, a gift shop, museum, reception venue, and for purchase tours and tractor rides. Throughout the Summer and Fall Wheeler Historic Farm hosts a not to be missed Sunday farmers market.
SALT LAKE CITY LIBRARY
The Salt Lake City Public Library is an architectural masterpiece that offers a variety of activities for all ages. It houses over 500,000 books and other materials as well as many interactive exhibits, computers, and programs. It also hosts regular events, such as story time for children and book clubs for adults.
SNOWBIRD TRAM
The Snowbird Tram in Salt Lake City takes passengers up to the top of Hidden Peak and offers some of the most breathtaking views in town. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the Great Salt Lake. It’s a great way to explore the area without having to make a strenuous climb and a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast.
HIKING/MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Wasatch Mountains offer an abundance of lush forests, meadows, and canyons to explore. From easy trails for beginners to challenging climbs that will test experienced climbers, there’s something for everyone in this outdoor playground. Mountain biking is also a popular activity here, with several dedicated trails for all levels of riders.
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
Salt Lake City is located in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. With plenty of terrain for all levels, it’s an ideal spot for a winter getaway. The slopes provide a thrilling ride for snowboarders and downhill skiers, while those looking for a more leisurely experience can take in the majestic views from any of the cross-country ski trails.
The Hogle Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Salt Lake City, featuring over 800 animals that represent more than 200 species. It’s also home to the Utah Hogle Zoo Education Center, which offers educational programs and camps for children of all ages.
UTAH JAZZ
The Utah Jazz is the city’s professional basketball team, and they play at the Vivint Arena. They have a storied history in Salt Lake City, and the arena is often filled with enthusiastic fans. It offers an exciting atmosphere for both home and away games and hosts a range of other events throughout the year.
RED BUTTE GARDEN
Red Butte Garden is a 100-acre botanical garden located in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. It features over 2,500 plant species from around the world and is open year-round for visitors to enjoy its beautiful gardens, trails, and sculptures.
GARDNER VILLAGE
Located in West Jordan Gardner Village is a historic flour mill transformed into a cozy shopping, dining and event location. Visitors of Gardner Village enjoy the tasty restaurants, unique classes, festivals, and events like the Woodland Fairy Festival and Halloween Witchfest.
WHEELER HISTORIC FARM
Wheeler Historic Farm is a part of the National Register of Historic Places and is run by Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation. Wheeler Farm is a free to all, 75 acre, working farm with animals, walking trails, a gift shop, museum, reception venue, and for purchase tours and tractor rides. Throughout the Summer and Fall Wheeler Historic Farm hosts a not to be missed Sunday farmers market.
SALT LAKE CITY LIBRARY
The Salt Lake City Public Library is an architectural masterpiece that offers a variety of activities for all ages. It houses over 500,000 books and other materials as well as many interactive exhibits, computers, and programs. It also hosts regular events, such as story time for children and book clubs for adults.
SNOWBIRD TRAM
The Snowbird Tram in Salt Lake City takes passengers up to the top of Hidden Peak and offers some of the most breathtaking views in town. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the Great Salt Lake. It’s a great way to explore the area without having to make a strenuous climb and a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast.
HIKING/MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Wasatch Mountains offer an abundance of lush forests, meadows, and canyons to explore. From easy trails for beginners to challenging climbs that will test experienced climbers, there’s something for everyone in this outdoor playground. Mountain biking is also a popular activity here, with several dedicated trails for all levels of riders.
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
Salt Lake City is located in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. With plenty of terrain for all levels, it’s an ideal spot for a winter getaway. The slopes provide a thrilling ride for snowboarders and downhill skiers, while those looking for a more leisurely experience can take in the majestic views from any of the cross-country ski trails.
Planning your trip to Salt Lake City Utah
lodging
Salt Lake City offers a range of lodging options to suit any budget. From luxurious resorts to rustic bed and breakfasts, there are plenty of places to rest your head after a long day of exploring the city. For those looking for an all-inclusive experience, there are also several hotels with on-site restaurants and spa services. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, there’s a perfect place to stay waiting for you in Salt Lake City.
dining
From salty snacks to gourmet meals, Salt Lake City offers a variety of culinary options. Popular restaurants include Zest Kitchen & Bar for upscale vegan fare and Red Iguana for classic Mexican dishes. For more casual dining, there are plenty of food trucks and cafes around town, such as The Pie Hole and The Bayou.
Shopping
The Gateway
The Gateway is a one-stop shopping destination, featuring more than 100 retail stores and eateries. It’s located in downtown Salt Lake City, making it easy to get to from anywhere in the city. There is also an abundance of entertainment here, such as live music performances and movie screenings.
City Creek
City Creek is a mixed-use shopping and entertainment complex in downtown Salt Lake City. It features an array of retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as live music performances and special events throughout the year. The outdoor plaza here is perfect for people-watching or just relaxing on a sunny day.
Trolley Square
Trolley Square is a unique shopping experience located in the heart of Salt Lake City. It features an array of locally-owned and national stores, offering something for everyone. The historic trolley cars that once ran through the area still remain, adding to its charm. There is also a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars inside Trolley Square, as well as a variety of entertainment venues and art galleries.
The Gateway is a one-stop shopping destination, featuring more than 100 retail stores and eateries. It’s located in downtown Salt Lake City, making it easy to get to from anywhere in the city. There is also an abundance of entertainment here, such as live music performances and movie screenings.
City Creek
City Creek is a mixed-use shopping and entertainment complex in downtown Salt Lake City. It features an array of retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as live music performances and special events throughout the year. The outdoor plaza here is perfect for people-watching or just relaxing on a sunny day.
Trolley Square
Trolley Square is a unique shopping experience located in the heart of Salt Lake City. It features an array of locally-owned and national stores, offering something for everyone. The historic trolley cars that once ran through the area still remain, adding to its charm. There is also a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars inside Trolley Square, as well as a variety of entertainment venues and art galleries.
Transportation
Salt Lake City has a variety of transportation options, including public buses and light rail trains. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates the city’s public transit system, which makes it easy to get around the city. For visitors who prefer to have their own car, there are plenty of rental companies located in the downtown area.
Trax
The UTA Trax light rail is a convenient way to get around the city. It runs through downtown and has stops at many of the popular destinations, including Salt Lake City International Airport, University of Utah campus, and The Gateway shopping district. There are also buses that connect to the light rail system for added convenience.
FrontRunner
FrontRunner is a commuter rail line that connects Salt Lake City to Provo and Ogden. It’s great for those who need to get out of the city for work or leisure, as it makes stops at many of the surrounding towns. It is also popular among travelers because of its comfortable seating and fast travel time.
Trax
The UTA Trax light rail is a convenient way to get around the city. It runs through downtown and has stops at many of the popular destinations, including Salt Lake City International Airport, University of Utah campus, and The Gateway shopping district. There are also buses that connect to the light rail system for added convenience.
FrontRunner
FrontRunner is a commuter rail line that connects Salt Lake City to Provo and Ogden. It’s great for those who need to get out of the city for work or leisure, as it makes stops at many of the surrounding towns. It is also popular among travelers because of its comfortable seating and fast travel time.
Seasons
Salt Lake City experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures often reach into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (26-32°C). In winter, temperatures can dip to below freezing and may even drop into the single digits at times. Snow is common in Salt Lake City during the winter months, and the city is known for its beautiful white winters.