Salt Lake City Serenity & Spires
From Temple Square to the mountain air
Trip Overview
This three-day plan reveals Salt Lake City's unique character. You will walk the historic city center, surrounded by gleaming white granite temples and formal gardens. You will breathe the thin mountain air on a hike with valley views, and listen to families at a historic market. The schedule mixes quiet reflection with city adventure, from a modern art museum to downtown restaurants. It is a moderate introduction to the city's orderly grid and dramatic natural backdrop.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$120-180 per day
Best Seasons
Visit from May to October for hiking. Go in December for holiday displays.
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Outdoor enthusiasts, Couples, Solo travelers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Temples, Towers & Trolleys
Walk through Salt Lake City's historic core. See its famous landmark and modern cultural spots.
Morning
Temple Square and City Creek Center
Start at Temple Square. View the six-spire Salt Lake Temple. Its white granite shines in the morning sun. Listen to water features. Stroll through manicured rose gardens. Then cross to City Creek Center. This open-air mall has creek-like mists and live piano music under a retractable roof.
Free guided tours of Temple Square are available. Volunteer guides meet you at the main gates.
Lunch
The Garden Restaurant at Temple Square
Afternoon
Utah State Capitol and Memory Grove
Ride the free downtown trolley or walk up State Street to the Utah State Capitol. Inside, see the marble rotunda. Touch the smooth bronze statues. Walk down to Memory Grove Park. This canyon oasis feels cool. Hear City Creek rushing. Feel shade from tall pines.
null
Evening
Dinner and a stroll on Main Street
Eat dinner at Current Fish & Oyster for briny seafood. Then walk Main Street to see historic buildings lit at night.
Where to Stay Tonight
Downtown Salt Lake City (A mid-range hotel like the Hyatt Place or Kimpton Hotel Monaco)
A downtown hotel puts all today's sights within walking distance. You'll have many dinner choices.
See all Salt Lake City accommodation options →The Family History Library on Temple Square is free. It is a quiet, interesting place to visit. You don't need to research genealogy.
Day 1 Budget: 140
2
Peaks, Panoramas & Produce
The Avenues & University District
Enjoy Salt Lake City's natural setting with a morning hike. Follow it with local flavor and art.
Morning
Hike the Living Room Trail
Drive to the trailhead. The rocky path winds up the foothills. Views of the Salt Lake Valley expand. Feel the dry mountain air and sun. At the top, see the city grid below. Rest on flat sandstone 'furniture.' Listen for hawks overhead.
Park at the Natural History Museum of Utah lot. Arrive early on weekends. It fills up.
Lunch
Publik Kitchen
Afternoon
Natural History Museum of Utah and 9th & 9th District
Tour the copper-clad Natural History Museum of Utah. See dinosaur skeletons. Touch a rock wall. Next, go to the 9th & 9th neighborhood. Browse its bookstore and boutiques. Visit the 9th & 9th Farmers Market on Tuesday or Friday afternoons in season. Smell fresh basil. Taste local honey or tangy cheese.
Buy museum tickets at the door. Purchasing online ahead saves time.
Evening
Casual dinner and gelato
Eat at Mazza for smoky baba ghanoush. Then walk to Dolcetti Gelato for a sweet treat.
Where to Stay Tonight
Downtown Salt Lake City (Same downtown hotel)
Staying downtown gives you a central base. It allows easy access to different dining areas.
See all Salt Lake City accommodation options →Try the Ensign Peak trail for a less crowded hike. It has similar views. It is shorter but steeper. It ends at a historic monument.
Day 2 Budget: 160
3
Art, Ales & Urban Trails
Central City and Granary District
Explore Salt Lake City's creative side. See modern art, historic brews, and a converted railway.
Morning
Utah Museum of Fine Arts and University Campus
Spend the morning at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts on campus. Wander its quiet galleries. See ancient pottery and contemporary art. Feel the cool air. Then walk the leafy campus. Listen for distant clock tower bells.
Check the museum's schedule online, as it is closed on Mondays.
Lunch
Red Iguana
Afternoon
Gilgal Sculpture Garden and the S-Line Streetcar
Visit the strange Gilgal Sculpture Garden. This pocket park has odd stone sculptures. It feels contemplative. Next, take the S-Line streetcar in Sugar House. Ride to the 9-Line. This paved trail follows an old rail corridor. Walk or bike past murals and new buildings.
null
Evening
Brewery tour and dinner in the Granary District
Go to Fisher Brewing Company in a restored brewery. Taste their hoppy beers. Then eat at nearby Pretty Bird for hot chicken.
Where to Stay Tonight
Downtown Salt Lake City (Same downtown hotel)
A last night downtown makes departure easy. It is close to the airport TRAX line.
See all Salt Lake City accommodation options →Many breweries and Red Iguana do not take reservations. Go at off-peak times. Be ready for a wait.
Day 3 Budget: 175
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Downtown Salt Lake City is walkable. The free Fareless Square zone covers core buses and TRAX. For hikes and Sugar House, use a rental car or rideshare. The TRAX Green Line goes from downtown to the airport.
Book Ahead
Book your downtown hotel early. This is key for summer or conventions. Get reservations for popular restaurants like Red Iguana on weekend nights.
Packing Essentials
Pack sturdy walking shoes. Bring layers for mountain weather. Carry a refillable water bottle. Use sunscreen. Wear a hat for hikes.
Total Budget
475
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Save money with free activities: Temple Square, the State Capitol, hiking, and urban trails. Eat at the Public Market food hall for affordable meals. Buy picnic supplies from the 9th & 9th farmers market. Use public transit only.
Luxury Upgrade
Book a suite at the Grand America Hotel. Arrange a private guided tour of Temple Square or the art museum. For dinner, reserve a table at Valter's Osteria. The Italian food is refined. Hire a car service for the day. Use it to visit Park City's resorts. Have dinner in the mountains. It's a great plan.
Family-Friendly
Skip the Living Room Trail. Try the Bonneville Shoreline Trail instead. It's easier and paved. Devote a full afternoon to the Natural History Museum of Utah. Then visit the Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park. For dinner, pick a casual spot. The Pie Pizzeria near the university is a good choice.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Salt Lake City
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Salt Lake City.
See All Salt Lake City Tours on Viator