Why Go to Salt Lake City
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Salt Lake City has always had a touch of mystery. Early 19th-century pioneers heard tales of monsters and giants living in the Great Salt Lake. Those legends faded after Brigham Young and the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints settled here in 1847 and made it their home.
Today the city is much more than a center of faith. It's a vibrant cultural hub and an outstanding base for outdoor adventure. Many visitors spend time at Temple Square, exploring its beautiful historic buildings and gardens and learning about the church's history. Then the mountains call. The Wasatch and Oquirrh ranges rise right behind the skyline, with world-class skiing in winter and great hiking the rest of the year. And the Great Salt Lake itself, vast and shimmering, is an amazing sight.
Salt Lake City is easy to reach, with a major airport close to downtown and the slopes. I'll plan a trip that balances city sights with mountain days, and I can extend it to Utah's national parks if you want even more.
BEST FOR
Skiers, hikers, families, history fans and mountain-city travelers
BEST MONTHS
April–June and September–October for city sightseeing; winter for skiing
EXPLORE
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Salt Lake City
North America › Mountain West › USA › Utah
Urban discoveries beneath the Wasatch Mountains
Mountain & Alpine
Skiing
History
Outdoor
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Salt Lake City sits between the Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake, with museums, urban trails and ski areas in easy reach.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore the open visitor areas, but confirm current construction closures and event schedules.
Temple Square
Historic downtown religious and cultural campus featuring gardens, exhibits and distinctive architecture; renovations may affect individual buildings.
Check museum admission and exhibition hours before traveling uphill.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Explore dinosaur fossils, geology, ecology and cultural exhibits at the Rio Tinto Center in the foothills above Salt Lake City.
Check the garden’s seasonal hours and event closures.
Red Butte Garden
Botanical garden and arboretum with cultivated landscapes and paths on the University of Utah foothills.
Check public-tour access around legislative sessions and official events.
Utah State Capitol
Landmark government building above downtown with grand interior architecture and views toward the valley.
Review seasonal programs before making this the focus of your visit.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
Living-history site exploring pioneer-era Utah with heritage buildings and interpretive activities.
A luxury downtown property offering a polished base for Salt Lake City cultural attractions and business travel. Its central location also suits guests beginning regional mountain itineraries.
The Grand America Hotel
Downtown / Main Street
Hotel Tags
A longstanding downtown hotel offering a practical location near the central business district. Compare room buildings, parking and breakfast inclusions before booking.
Little America Hotel
Downtown / Main Street
Hotel Tags
A boutique downtown hotel in a central location convenient for dining, entertainment and city walks. Confirm pet policies and parking arrangements directly.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
Downtown / 200 South
Hotel Tags
A centrally located hotel useful for convention visitors and travelers accessing downtown restaurants. Confirm your preferred room category and parking costs.
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
Downtown / West Temple
Hotel Tags
A downtown hotel near City Creek shopping and convention facilities, suited to visitors who want to explore central sites on foot. Check current renovation notices or venue-related traffic.
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
Downtown / City Creek
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Salt Lake City
High 51°F · Low 33°F · Rain 1.4 in
Ski season opens at the nearby resorts.
April–June and September–October for city sightseeing; winter for skiing. Verify conditions, local schedules and reservation policies when arranging your trip.
Best Times to Visit Salt Lake City
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
06
Downtown Walking and Parking
Central blocks are easy to walk, while parking requirements vary by district. Plan for summer heat or winter ice.
05
Rental Cars and Canyon Trips
A car or authorized shuttle is useful for nearby canyons and ski destinations. Winter roads can require traction equipment.
04
FrontRunner Rail
Regional commuter rail links selected Wasatch Front communities. Verify the operating day and station connections.
03
UTA TRAX and Buses
TRAX light rail and local buses serve the airport, downtown and selected suburbs. Check route hours and transfer needs.
02
Local Transportation
TRAX and buses work for central sites; a car is useful for mountain canyons and state-park outings.
01
Arrival and Regional Access
Salt Lake City International Airport is connected to downtown by TRAX light rail.
TRAX and buses work for central sites; a car is useful for mountain canyons and state-park outings.
Getting Around Salt Lake City
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
You Might Also Like