Written by Justin Mewse
May 2024
Welcome to Salt Lake City, the perfect gateway to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the American West. Whether you’re beginning or winding down from a tailor-made exploration of the stunning national parks of Utah and Colorado, Salt Lake offers an ideal starting point or a relaxing finale to your journey.
In this 48-hour sample itinerary below, we invite you to delve into the cultural richness and natural beauty of Salt Lake. From iconic landmarks and historic sites to culinary delights and outdoor adventures, immerse yourself in the unique charm of the vibrant city before or after your exploration of the majestic landscapes beyond its borders. If you’d like to uncover some more itinerary ideas – featuring falls colours, summer outdoor adventures, LGBTQ-friendly, romantic getaways and more…have a read here.
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
Morning:
Arrival: Land at Salt Lake International Airport – or alternatively, head into the city from your days exploring the national parks.
Breakfast: Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at a local spot like Blue Plate Diner or Pig & a Jelly Jar.
Mid-Morning:
Temple Square: Immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture by visiting the Tabernacle. Drop in to hear the choir practice on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm for free. For those interested in family history and genealogy, spend some time exploring the FamilySearch Library (closed on Sundays).
Lunch:
Food Trucks at Gallivan Center: Enjoy a casual lunch from the food trucks parked at Gallivan Center. Indulge in a variety of cuisines while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Utah State Capitol: Take a tour of the Utah State Capitol Building and enjoy panoramic views of Salt Lake City from its grounds. On the top floor is an exhibit on the 100 Years of Film in Utah (The exhibition ends in December).
City Creek Center: Spend the afternoon shopping or strolling around City Creek Center, a premier shopping destination with a mix of upscale stores and eateries.
Evening:
Dinner: Treat yourself to dinner at one of Salt Lake’s renowned restaurants. Consider trying Red Iguana for authentic Mexican cuisine or the Copper Onion for a more upscale dining experience.
Entertainment: Catch a show at the Eccles Theater or take a leisurely walk around downtown to soak in the city’s nightlife and ambiance. If there’s a sports game happening (basketball, soccer or ice hockey), hopefully you’ve already pre-booked your tickets!
Day 2: Further Exploration and Departure
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy another delicious breakfast at a local cafe before starting your day.
Liberty Park: Spend the morning exploring Liberty Park, Salt Lake’s largest public park. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, visit the aviary, or relax in the shade of the trees.
Midday:
Museum visit: Dive into the city’s art and culture scene with a visit to one of its museums. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts or the Natural History Museum of Utah are excellent choices for a fascinating and educational experience. You can also visit Red Butte Garden – it’s just across the parking lot from the the Natural History Museum and close to the Fine Arts Museum.
Lunch:
Local eats: Have lunch at a local restaurant or cafe, sampling some of Salt Lake’s diverse culinary offerings.
Afternoon:
Hiking or outdoor activity: If you’re up for some outdoor adventure, consider hiking one of the nearby trails, such as the Bonneville Shoreline Trail or Ensign Peak Trail, for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Evening:
Departure preparation: Depending on your departure time, use the evening to pack, relax, or squeeze in any last-minute activities.
Departure: Head to Salt Lake International Airport for your onward journey or make your way by car to the next stop on your big parks adventure Make sure that you allow enough time at the airport to sample some of the local restaurant’s food offerings that can be found in the terminal. Vessel Kitchen, Gourmandise, Beans & Brew and White Horse come highly recommended! For a full list of restaurants and shops found at the airport, take a look here.
Explore the Best of Salt Lake And Its Surrounds With These Recommended Tour Itineraries
11-Day Experience the Utah Mighty Five® and Monument Valley
Enjoy some incredible scenic drives through magnificent canyons and breathtakingly beautiful national parks on this fabulous road trip.
** SAVE up to £200 **
From £1,799pp
Including flights
Operated by American Sky
- Explore the five national parks of Utah – Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches & Canyonlands plus iconic Monument Valley
- Make your way through the white and red sandstone pinnacles and buttes of the Colorado River Plateau
- Enjoy a couple of nights in Moab where you can experience all sorts of activities in Arches and Canyonlands
- Spend time in the Zion’s lesser visited Kolob Canyons where the adventurous can explore the amazing overlook trails
- Visit sacred sites and natural sandstone bridges
- Extend your stay at the beginning or end of the tour, with an extra night or two in Salt Lake City, to see the sights such as Temple Square and Tabernacle and the Natural History Museum of Utah
- 10 nights accommodation
- Vehicle rental with fully inclusive insurance
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected & award-winning tour operator
14-Day Scenic Yellowstone Loop
Natural wonders, breathtaking scenery, and incredible wildlife can all be witnessed on this deluxe 13-night fly-drive featuring upscale accommodations.
From £3,797pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Enjoy Salt Lake City’s dynamic nightlife, up-and coming food and brewery scene, remarkable history and warm hospitality
- Take a a zip line tour at the Utah Olympic Park and explore the eclectic shops and galleries of Park City
- Head to Dinosaurland at the Jurassic-style town of Vernal
- Delve into the western history of Wyoming’s Rock Springs
- Go wildlife watching for elk and deer in Jackson
- Visits the Old Faithful Geyser, Lower Yellowstone River Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring and Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
- Follow the picturesque Logan Canyon Scenic Byway to Garden City
- Spend two nights glamping at Conestoga Ranch
- Stay at upscale accommodations during most nights – including two of the best accommodations in Yellowstone and Jackson Hole
- 13 nights hotel accommodation
- Intermediate 4 door car hire including insurances
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
22-Day Gems of the American West
This self-drive adventure allows you more time to enjoy the stunning landscapes, scenic byways, and abundant outdoor recreation of the American Rockies.
Price available by request via the link below
Operated by AmeriCan & Worldwide Travel
- Immerse yourself in the captivating history and traditions of the Great American West
- Explore Black Hills Nation Forest and Badlands National Park before visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial
- Head to the towns of cowboy and outlaw folklore such as Sheridan, Buffalo and Cody
- Spend an amazing time witnessing the natural delights of Yellowstone National Park
- Check out the peaks of Grand Teton National Park
- Take a breather and relax in Salt Lake at the Red Butte Garden or Tracy Aviary and take in trivia night at one of the many craft breweries
- See the incredible landscape in Arches National Park and Grand Junction
- 21 nights hotel accommodation
- Fully insured compact car hire
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
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