Salt Lake City is a gorgeous Utah town nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains. Salt Lake City is a great place for a weekend trip because it offers all kinds of activities for visitors to enjoy. From skiing and hiking to festivals and concerts and beautiful architecture throughout, Salt Lake City has a wide variety of attractions. Keep reading for the perfect 3-day Salt Lake City itinerary.
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How do I get to Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City International Airport is conveniently located just a couple of miles outside of downtown Salt Lake City and is the most popular method for getting to the area.
The Utah Transit Authority does offer several options for public transportation throughout Salt Lake City, ranging from buses to light-rail lines. In the winter, some of these buses even shuttle skiers between Salt Lake City and surrounding ski resorts. Rideshare services are common in Salt Lake City as well, but having a rental car may be helpful. Salt Lake City is fairly spread out and if you want to explore the surrounding mountains and outdoor areas on your own time, a rental car will be necessary.
Tip!! Use the Discover Cars Search Engine to find the best deal on cars for your weekend in Salt Lake City.
What is the best time to visit Salt Lake City?
If you love skiing or snowboarding and film festivals, winter is the best time to visit. There are a number of world-class ski resorts located near Salt Lake City, such as Alta and Snowbird. The nearby town of Park City also hosts the famous Sundance Film Festival in the winter, and many people stay in Salt Lake City and drive into Park City for the duration of the event.
Spring and fall are also great times to visit Salt Lake City because you’ll miss the hottest months of the year and the largest crowds. A visit during spring or fall will give you the opportunity to explore some outdoor activities without being overwhelmed by tourists.
Where should I stay in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is home to several unique neighborhoods, but downtown and Central City are great options if you’re visiting for the first time. The downtown area of Salt Lake City is very walkable and will put you near some of the city’s best shopping and dining options. The Little America Hotel offers budget-friendly rooms in a simple hotel, while The Grand America Hotel is a more upscale option for those wanting a luxurious stay.
Central City is located near downtown, but has a more quirky and laid back feel. Central City is full of cafes, shops, and music venues, making it a fun place to wander around and explore. A great way to experience this neighborhood is by opting for an Airbnb.
Sample 3-Day Salt Lake City Weekend Itinerary
It’s time! Here’s the ultimate guide to a perfect Salt Lake City weekend trip!
Day 1 in Salt Lake City
Morning
Start your trip to Salt Lake City with a visit to one of the most well-known landmarks in town: Temple Square. Temple Square is a 10-acre property that serves as the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The church offers tours that will teach you about the history and architecture, or you can also opt to walk around the grounds which are beautiful in and of themselves. Even if you’re not a religious person, Temple Square is a great way to experience some of Salt Lake City’s history firsthand.
Afternoon
If you’re interested in doing some shopping, Trolley Square is a great spot to explore. A number of vendors are housed inside this historic building, and there are also some nearby food options for when you work up an appetite. Trolley Square also houses a museum that shares information about the building and the surrounding area’s history.
Another great shopping and dining area is City Creek Center, a massive pedestrian-friendly mall with over 100 shops and restaurants. City Creek Center is unique in that it brings the outdoors inside with a fully retractable glass roof and a creek that runs through the mall (+ it’s even dog-friendly!)
Evening
End your first day by catching a show at the impressive Eccles Theater. The Eccles Theater hosts all kinds of performances from concerts to comedy and Broadway shows. The facility was opened in 2016 and is a beautiful piece of architecture.
For a more intimate setting, The Depot is another great music venue to check out. Housed in a historic Union Pacific Depot, this venue frequently hosts bands and DJs.
Day 2 in Salt Lake City
Morning
Your second day is all about getting outside and doing some adventuring. If you visit during the winter, spend a day skiing or snowboarding at one of Utah’s many ski resorts. Alta and Snowbird are popular options, and offer a fantastic variety of routes for visitors of all ages and experience levels.
If you’re visiting during the summer, consider going on a hike in the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City. Living Room Lookout Trail is a moderately difficult 2.4 mile-long trail just outside of the city. This hike is very popular as it’s easily accessible and fairly short, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the entire city.
Afternoon
Once you work up an appetite from your morning adventures, consider grabbing lunch at HallPass. HallPass is a food hall that features a number of different food options for those who want a variety of options on where to eat. From seafood to Southern and craft brews, HallPass has a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Evening
You’ll probably be sore and tired from a long day of activities, so what better way to relax than by treating yourself to a spa visit. The Grand Spa, located inside The Grand America Hotel, is a popular option in town. From massages to facials, The Grand Spa has a number of luxurious options that will help you feel rejuvenated. Basalt Day Spa is another highly-rated option offering a variety of services to help you look and feel your best.
Day 3 in Salt Lake City
Morning
Doing some shopping at the Downtown Farmers Market is a great way to experience the culture of Salt Lake City. There are a number of farmers markets for visitors to enjoy that take place virtually year-round. These markets sell everything from local produce to handcrafted goods and homemade foods. There are also a number of food trucks that set up shop near the market, giving you a variety of breakfast options.
Afternoon
Salt Lake City is home to many museums that are worth visiting for the afternoon. One of the most unique museum experiences is The Leonardo which combines science, art, and technology through immersive experiences.
Other great options include the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Evening
A fun and spooky way to end your trip to Salt Lake City is with a ghost tour for your final evening. There are a number of companies that offer ghost tours throughout various parts of the city, and all are sure to excite.
Grimm Ghost Tours is a well-rated company that offers several tour options from abandoned factories to cemeteries. You’ll learn about the history of some of Salt Lake City’s most haunted landmarks, and get the chance to explore the city after dark.
Other things to do in Salt Lake City
- Visit nearby Park City for skiing, spas, shopping, and dining
- Spend a day exploring a national park: Bryce Canyon ($30/vehicle), Zion ($35/vehicle), and Arches ($30/vehicle) are all located within 4 hours of Salt Lake City
- Wander around one of Salt Lake City’s beautiful public parks, such as Sugar House Park
- Compete in a self-guided scavenger hunt around Salt Lake City.
- Check out the many nearby hiking trails!
Other tips to know before visiting Salt Lake City
Be prepared for your drinks to taste a little weaker! Salt Lake City has very strict liquor laws that regulate the alcohol content of drinks sold in bars and stores.
Keep Reading! Want to extend your Utah vacation? Check out this itinerary for visiting Zion and Bryce!
3-day Salt Lake City Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Temple Square, Trolley Square, Eccles Theater
- Day 2: Skiing/snowboarding (hiking if warm), lunch at HallPass, Spa Night
- Day 3: Farmers Market, Museums, Ghost Tour
One Weekend In Salt Lake City Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Salt Lake City that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Salt Lake City itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Salt Lake City!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Salt Lake City” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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