As a Utah resident, these are my insider ideas for great places around downtown Salt Lake City. Perfect for anyone here on business or a night before heading down to Southern Utah.
Sections
3
What to do
Where to eat
Where to stay
What to do
Located just a couple of blocks northeast of the city center, Memory Grove is a lovely place to stroll through a park, picnic on the grass or watch the creek bubble by. If you’re feeling energetic, take the path up the canyon into City Creek canyon. ...
Memory Grove | Public Lands Department
Take a lovely walk straight up the tree lined State Street and you’ll run right into the Capitol. It’s a steep hill, but it’s worth it! The State Capitol grounds include grassy lawns, a cherry tree lined path and the Capitol building itself. Enter th...
Utah State Capitol
If you’ve got even just an hour, City Creek canyon is a great way to spend it! Located just a few minutes north of downtown, you’ll be so surrounded by trees and nature, you’ll forget you’re still in the city!
City Creek Canyon | Public Utilities
Located right in the city center, Temple Square is a lovely way to spend an hour or two. My favorite time is the spring when all the tulips are in bloom!The grounds are cared for by expert gardeners, the buildings are historic and handcrafted. Take a...
Temple Square™
City Creek mall stretches across two blocks of downtown, so you can’t miss it! This indoor/outdoor mall has a retractable roof for cold or rainy days, a fountain with a pyrotechnics show at night, and a stream with brown trout.
City Creek Center
Spend an afternoon at the Clark Planetarium! It’s a favorite for kids and fun for everyone.
Clark Planetarium
Where to eat
It wouldn’t be a visit to Utah without something sugary! Ruby Snap cookies are the best in SLC. My favorites are the ginger snap, Mexican chocolate, and chocolate covered peanut butter. 🤤
RubySnap
If you’re into Thai food, this is one of my favorites! I love the sweet and sour chicken because it’s not sticky and syrupy like typical at other places.
Sawadee (Utah) Thai Restaurant
Caputo’s is a great little deli and market located on the west side of downtown. Get a delicious sandwich and stroll through their market for artisan chocolates, pastas and more.
Caputo's Market & Deli
A darling French bakery right on Main St, this place is great for breakfast and lunch. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Eva's Bakery
I love getting breakfast at this little bakery. My favorite is the French toast! It’s my most favorite thing to do for my birthday every year.
Tulie Bakery
Just tried this place recently and it’s so good! The staff were all so kind and the best part? Even with a completely packed restaurant I could actually hear my friends! I love not having to yell over the noise of a busy restaurant.
Matteo Ristorante Italiano | Salt Lake City, UT
A nice, quiet little place at the top of the Le Méridien with great views and food. The grilled cheese with honey is delicious! Plus, some nights they move the tables for a little country dancing.
Van Ryder, a Rooftop Bar
The Laurel at The Grand America is one of my favorites. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a coffee break. You’ll love the cute and relaxing atmosphere.
Laurel Brasserie & Bar
Lola is my very most favorite Mexican restaurant in SLC. It's located in the 9th and 9th neighborhood on the southeast side of downtown, which is just a few minutes from the city center. I can't resist their yam and poached pears. You have to try it!
Best Mexican food in Salt Lake City, UT | LOLA | Mexican food near me
Where to stay
Stay in a pretty old house right in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and historic district. Just a couple of blocks from the city center and located in a walkable community. You’ll love strolling by the charming, old houses, having easy access to downto...
Inn On the Hill
This elegant hotel is a favorite of business travelers, vacationers and skiers, alike. You’ll love the gorgeous rooms, plethora of crystal chandeliers and beautiful courtyard. You’ll especially want to stop by at Christmastime to see the giant ginger...
The Grand America Hotel
Are you Marriott loyal? This is my favorite downtown Marriott. Ten minutes from the airport, right by a Trax stop and across the street from the Delta Center arena, it’s a great location. It’s also clean and relatively new, plus it has a pool and par...
Courtyard Salt Lake City Downtown - Hotel Near SLC Int'l Airport