Blending history and culture with majestic mountain views, Salt Lake City is an ideal destination for your next weekend getaway. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know how to plan a Salt Lake City weekend.
Below we’ve detailed many great locations worth visiting and tips for a weekend in Salt Lake City:
Day 1: Get to Know Salt Lake City
When you arrive on Friday evening, you will want to get familiar with the SLC landscape. If you have time to explore when you first get to the city, you should visit some of the most iconic spots.
Visit Historic Temple Square
Heralded as Salt Lake City's most popular attraction, it only makes sense to make Temple Square the first stop on your weekend tour of the city. The focal point of Temple Square is the historic temple, which serves as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often commonly referred to as the Mormon church.) Tours of the temple are free and it is open daily. However, Temple Square extends beyond the church itself, encompassing more than 35 acres where you can discover historic residences, visitor centers and more.
Dine at the Red Iguana
While there are Red Iguana locations scattered throughout SLC, you will want to visit the original location on West North Temple Street to enjoy the most authentic experience at the city's most famous Mexican restaurant. This restaurant has been serving its infamous Moles since 1985 and visitors and locals alike love to dine at the O.G. location to soak up the flavor and atmosphere of this beloved establishment.
If you do want to dine at the Red Iguana, you will want to make reservations in advance. Without a reservation, the wait for a table to enjoy the "Killer Mexican Food" at this restaurant can get quite long.
Day 2: Learn a Little More About SLC
When you wake up on Saturday, you will have an entire day to explore the city and learn more about its culture and history. As you consider the many Salt Lake City things to do on yourtrip, you will want to prioritize these popular attractions.
Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah
There are several museums located in Salt Lake City, but most locals will tell you that the best museum in the city is the Natural History Museum of Utah. With an extensive collection that focuses on the paleontological history of Utah and the American West, this museum is heralded as one of the best natural history museums in the United States.
The museum is located on the University of Utah Campus and its entire collection consists of more than 2 million objects, but most visitors come to see the reconstructed dinosaur skeletons that are on display. Many of these fossilized creatures were found in the local area, leaving people of all ages in awe of their sheer size and ferocity. Memorable examples include the Stegosaurus that was found in Utah's Dinosaur National Monument or the Utahraptor that was discovered in Moab.
Picnic at Liberty Park
Home to the Tracy Aviary and famously known as the oldest public park in Salt Lake City, Liberty Park is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. After a morning at the museum, a leisurely stroll through Liberty Park and a quiet picnic lunch will help you feel refreshed and recharged.
While enjoying your time in Liberty Park, you will discover idyllic streams winding through the park and plenty of shade trees for resting under. There's also a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as paddle boats, a playground, a small amusement park and more.
Soak Up the Views at the Utah State Capitol
If you want to make the best weekend plans for Salt Lake City, then another great stop to add would be the Utah State Capitol. The neoclassical structure of the mammoth building creates a formidable and distinguished atmosphere and the capitol grounds offer a natural escape from the busyness of the city.
The view of the structure is impressive, making for a great Salt Lake City photo spot. However, to get the full experience, we recommend taking a guided tour of the building. Free guided tours are available on the hour and along the way, you will learn more about the history of the Utah State Government and see the public art that is on display in this gorgeous, historic building.
Grab a Beer at Red Rock Brewery in Downtown SLC
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the Red Rock Brewery has been at the center of the local craft beer scene for more than 25 years. On any given day, you will find 10 different beers on tap, allowing you to sip and savor the flavors of Utah. In addition to frothy pints, this brewery also serves food, making it a great location to end your day in Salt Lake City.
Day 3: Appreciate the Natural Wonders of Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has plenty of things to see and do outside of its urban setting, as well. With the Rocky Mountains in the background, the valley offers spectacular views of streams, rock formations and wildlife.
Visit Antelope Island State Park to see the Great Salt Lake
Located on the largest of the 10 islands in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is the best place to wrap up your weekend in SLC. There are hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that wind through the island, allowing you to soak up the panoramic views of the lake and the local scenery as you enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure. Pack your own lunch and spend most of the day exploring this incredible park.
Hike Ensign's Peak to Watch the Sunset
The Ensign Peak trail is one of the most popular hiking experiences in Salt Lake City, largely because it is an easy, relatively short trail that most people can complete regardless of skill level. The best time to hike the Ensign Peak Trail is considered to be near sunset, so that you can enjoy the view of the sun slipping below the horizon from the summit. However, be sure to pack your headlamp for the hike back down. It gets dark quickly on the trail.
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